Ever have CM's take the Magic out of it?

[Dis_Fan]

Because then you have people heading up front because whatever they want "won't take too long". Now maybe it is just to hand them a plate of fries, or hand them a cookie. "It won't take too long". And then when they are busy again you would still have people trying to walk up for pop refills. Now you have 2 lines instead of the 1 you should have, and many annoyed people.

I can understand your point if there is no backup in the line and people were just running up front because they felt entitled.

Just curious, would your opinion differ in this hypothetical scenerio, which is similar to the one being discussed? I've encountered this situation many times.

Let's say you're at a restaurant where things are served cafeteria style, and you want a refill on your soda. You start proceeding down the line and there is a hold up by the pizza station, because they are out of pizza. The people by that station are waiting for another pizza to finish cooking. Other then that, there is no one in line.

Would you stand behind them and wait for the pizza to continue cooking or would you politely ask them if they are waiting on pizza, and if they confirm move ahead to the beverage station?

Let's go a step further, let's say the people in front of you actually told you to move ahead in the line since they are waiting, would you move ahead then?

For the record, I would have handled it in the same manner darkwing's husband did. I would have also been ok if I was waiting on an item to cook, and someone else went ahead of me and re-filled their drink.

 

[darkwingeeyore]

Because then you have people heading up front because whatever they want "won't take too long". Now maybe it is just to hand them a plate of fries, or hand them a cookie. "It won't take too long". And then when they are busy again you would still have people trying to walk up for pop refills. Now you have 2 lines instead of the 1 you should have, and many annoyed people.

If people had been paying for food, instead of just waiting for it, my husband would have happily stood in line waiting. It is really just a bad set up. You place your order, wait for your food, then pay for it, and the cashier gets the drinks. If the person taking orders could get the drinks, it wouldn't have been an issue at all, because then the people ordering refills are standing in the order line, but by having the cashier get the drinks and thus refills? At a fast food restaurant, if people had ordered and were waiting for their food, then usually the cashier is available to help the next person in line. Maybe it was wrong of my husband to wait, then ask if people were just waiting for food to come out and then try and bypass them, but being called names certainly takes the magic out of anywhere...

And for the never go back to someplace, that's not exactly what I meant. But certainly if I went to a place that treated me like crap, I'd not return. I'd tell other people as well. (In fact, a bakery treated us really badly about a tasting for our wedding cake, also 5 years ago - we've never been back, and told all our friends who have been getting married to avoid that bakery.) And we haven't been back to DisneyQuest because we weren't interested, not because of one CM. As far as what I meant about that, was I didn't know if in the 5 years since we'd been, the queue at FoodQuest had changed (or even if FoodQuest was still there).

 

[maxiesmom]

Let's say you're at a restaurant where things are served cafeteria style, and you want a refill on your soda. You start proceeding down the line and there is a hold up by the pizza station, because they are out of pizza. The people by that station are waiting for another pizza to finish cooking. Other than that, there is no one in line.

Would you stand behind them and wait for the pizza to continue cooking or would you politely ask them if they are waiting on pizza, and if they confirm move ahead to the beverage station?

Let's go a step further, let's say the people in front of you actually told you to move ahead in the line since they are waiting, would you move ahead then?

Would I ask in the above situation. Yes. However in that case I would be getting my own pop (it sounds like). And it sounds like different people would be handing out the pizza and pop. However if the pop was at the front of the line and I would have to bypass everyone else in line to get to it, no I wouldn't. Which is what it sounds like happened at WDW. That poster's husband cruised by everyone else in line to ask for a refill. Also note he probably didn't ask everyone else in line if it was ok to do so.

 

[Dis_Fan]

The CM that yelled at him was just standing at the cash register doing nothing, which is why my husband asked the 3 or 4 people there if they were waiting for food, they said , "yeah" and he went to the cash register to get a refill. He didn't just go up to the cashier and start acting entitled.

Would I ask in the above situation. Yes. However in that case I would be getting my own pop (it sounds like). And it sounds like different people would be handing out the pizza and pop. However if the pop was at the front of the line and I would have to bypass everyone else in line to get to it, no I wouldn't. Which is what it sounds like happened at WDW. That poster's husband cruised by everyone else in line to ask for a refill. Also note he probably didn't ask everyone else in line if it was ok to do so.

Based on darkwing's post, the CM was standing at the cash register doing nothing, and her husband checked with the 3-4 people in front of him, so it sounds like he did check with everyone, and no one else was ready to pay for their order.

I don't think her husband did anything wrong.

 

[maxiesmom]

Based on darkwing's post, the CM was standing at the cash register doing nothing, and her husband checked with the 3-4 people in front of him, so it sounds like he did check with everyone, and no one else was ready to pay for their order.

I don't think her husband did anything wrong.

He asked if they were waiting for food, he didn't ask if they minded if he went ahead of them. That is the difference. Not that he committed some heinous crime, but I still think he should have waited his turn, or at the very least ask everyone in line if they minded if he cut in front of them for a refill.

 

[Magpie]

He asked if they were waiting for food, he didn't ask if they minded if he went ahead of them. That is the difference. Not that he committed some heinous crime, but I still think he should have waited his turn, or at the very least ask everyone in line if they minded if he cut in front of them for a refill.

I agree!

Except, knowing me, I probably wouldn't ask. I'd just wait. But if he'd asked everyone for permission to cut the line and they all agreed, that'd be fine.

 

[dizneyjill]

First I would like to say I know this was my fault...but I've done stupid things at Disney before and always found helpful,friendly CMs to help me out. My sister and I were taking a segway tour at Fort Wilderness campground. We missed the turn and ended up at FWL.We had to take a bus from there to get to the tour....We got bad info and got on the wrong bus...when I realized it..( we were not to far away) the bus driver would not let us off..we had to go to the mk and then back.When we finally got there...no one at the campground knew anything about the tour. We were so frustrated and when we finally found the place..of course we were late..one of the instructors was great, he understood our plight, but the other made sure we had an uncomfortable experience....he was very rude and grouchy to us the whole time.(2 hours) ..now for a good story..the first time we rode a Disney bus, we got on the wrong bus when we were leaving HS..we got on were we were let off that morning and for some reason the morning bus driver dropped us off at the cs stop...the busdriver that night was so sweet and called in to ask if he could take us to POP instead of back to Hollywood Studios... I will always remember Paul..our Angel bus driver and I will always remember Forrest the grouch.. like I said ..our fault, but did he have to make us feel like dirt.

 

[LovinPooh]

I will say that for every 1 CM that has been a nerd, there has been a dozen that have been awesome. So many of them make it seem like you have known them forever.
We have had a couple though. The one that sticks out the most is the handler for Marie at Epcot. DD got in line and patiently we waited. I had my camera ready, and she had her book and pen ready. I always like to have that stuff ready to move along quicker. The handler for Marie blew up at us and started yelling 'hurry up now, lets go, move along here'. That was a bit crazy. Then the maid at POFQ taking the towel animal back. DD loves those things. She put it on a shelf by the rest of her stuffed animals, and the maid took it back. Saw it on her cart. I guess she must have needed it more lol.

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

I haven't come across any CMs who have taken the magic away, but I have come across several who weren't in character, per se?

Back in May, 2009, when it was pouring everyday non stop, the Dream Along With Mickey had been rained out. The dancers came to walk around amongst the crowd, while the characters did the meet and greets in front of the stage. One of the dancers chewed gum quite noisily and messily while she was interacting with the visitors. I don't mind them chewing gum, but I don't want to see it or hear it.

Another was during the afternoon parade in May, 2010. One of the uniformed/crowd control CMs, started to do what I think must have been inside joke/dance, as one of the dancers completely broke character, called out to her and started doing the same thing, as well as having a brief conversation. It went so silent, you could hear a pin drop.

ETA: One more - I was staying at POFQ and I went to order a pizza. My buzzer went off and I went to go get my pizza. The lady basically threw the box at me. It is the only time my mouth has quite literally just dropped open.

 

[Magpie]

I will say that for every 1 CM that has been a nerd, there has been a dozen that have been awesome. So many of them make it seem like you have known them forever.
We have had a couple though. The one that sticks out the most is the handler for Marie at Epcot. DD got in line and patiently we waited. I had my camera ready, and she had her book and pen ready. I always like to have that stuff ready to move along quicker. The handler for Marie blew up at us and started yelling 'hurry up now, lets go, move along here'. That was a bit crazy. Then the maid at POFQ taking the towel animal back. DD loves those things. She put it on a shelf by the rest of her stuffed animals, and the maid took it back. Saw it on her cart. I guess she must have needed it more lol.

Since when is "nerd" a bad thing?

I hardly think high intelligence and mild social awkwardness would be a bad thing in a CM, as long as they're friendly and helpful.

 

[snowcupid]

We had two CMs yelling at each other at the Snow White ride in Oct of 2010. An older gentleman and a younger girl. It was surprising to us because everything else had been really calm.

 

[minnie mum]

Since when is "nerd" a bad thing?

I hardly think high intelligence and mild social awkwardness would be a bad thing in a CM, as long as they're friendly and helpful.

I wondered the same thing when I read that. I've known a lot of nerds in my life. Heck one of my daughters is a nerd (and darn proud to wear the Tshirt). My DH is a nerd (and has the pocket protector to prove it). That doesn't mean they aren't fine, nice people.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Card carrying nerd (you have to fill out the forms in triplicate, with a number 3 pencil) I think I can speak for most nerds that we object to the use of that term as negative!

 

[kimmer1850]

Card carrying nerd (you have to fill out the forms in triplicate, with a number 3 pencil) I think I can speak for most nerds that we object to the use of that term as negative!

Wow. All these years I've been using a #2 pencil! It's a wonder they've never revoke MY nerd card! J/K. I've been to WDW over 20 times in the past 18 years and can't remember ever having a cast member "ruin" the magic for me. That being said I have run across some that have been: a) grumpy, b) snippy and c) simply human. But, I'm a waitress and more willing than most to cut some slack. That is until...

 

[Caseheidi]

The only experience that I can remember was at MVMCP in 2007. We were in line waiting to meet Donald. The CM with him gave the very long line a warning that Donald would be leaving in 5 minutes due to business, and another character would take his place. When the CM returned with Scrooge McDuck a guest who had not heard her message stomped up from the back of a very long line and verbally accosted her. I really felt bad for her, but she got quite snippy with the guy. To be honest, I blame the guy, and when DH and I got up there, we had a great chat with her. She was able to blow it off quickly. And my DH was thrilled at the change to Scrooge! After all, we had already met Donald before!

Another quick story - only sort of related. My DH has a short sleeved dark blue shirt with a Disney crest on the pocket. He usually pairs it with a pair of Kakis. I cannot even begin to tell you the number of times we have been stopped by guests who think he works there. And so many of them just jump into the reason they stopped him (note that most the time he is carting his camera, and holding my hand) not giving him a chance to say anything. He always politely tells them that he does not work there, but will help if he can. We have given directions or helped people read maps many times, but some have looked horrified and stomped away. I am sure some of these thought he was lying and that he just didn't want to help. After experiencing some of these rude, unobservant and demanding guests, it really is kind of shocking that we all don't see more CM's losing it. I say they do a great job.

 

[ClareH37]

Unfortunately yes I have

I was in MK solo and saw the fairies had just opened - one of my young relatives is tinkerbell mad so I though it would be nice to get a photo for her. I went in and was 3rd in line, an older lady cm basically came up to me and asked if I was solo, she then went onto say "oh, we don't get many of those here" and gave me a not so friendly look.

I was so taken aback as in all my years of visiting Disney either with friends, family or just myself I've always encountered wonderful CMs - that's one of the things that makes Disney what it is.

Anyway, I got some great pictures of Tinkerbell and my young relative had one enlarged and put on her bedroom wall, she's so happy and it was a job well done, despite the miserable cm.

 

[Bonnie151]

We once had a CM shout at us at Test Track. We were just at the bit where you are split into large groups to queue outside the preshow bit. The CM had counted parties and told us and the group behind us to go forward into the larger group and then cut off after the couple behind us. There wasn't enough room to immediately enter the wider area and we had to wait maybe 30 seconds or so. Once the people in front of us had moved to give us room, we started to go through only to have the CM yell at us to GET BACK!!!! because he hadn't told us to go through. We said that he had and he stuck his arm out in front of me and shouted at us again. It was so out of place that I was just completely gobsmacked and couldn't say a word after that. The couple behind us who had also originally been told to go through as well were equally bemused.

I know they have a lot to keep track of to make sure they allow the correct number through but he was completely over the top (not to mention mistaken!). Fortunately that's the only "off" CM we've ever encountered.

 

[Disney_Princess83]

We only had now bad experience with a CM. It was at EPCOT Character Spot. We had lined up for about 20 minutes to meet the Fab 5 but there was hardly anyone in the line behind us, we got to the front and met Mickey and then lined up to meet Minnie but there were still 5 people in front of us so we jumped ahead to Donald who had no one waiting. We then went to go back to Mickey and this CM reached out, grabbed my arm and started to literally yell that we couldn't back track, I was startled that she had touched me but apologized and said that I hadn't realized (no one was really behind us) I said that was fine, we would move on but then the photographer started to tell us off too that we were backtracking. It was so rude, people were looking at us as thought we had actually done something wrong.

We just left and didn't even bother meeting Pluto or Goofy, we just wanted to get out of there.

 

[Beep]

We've only ever had two 'unmagical' experiences.

The first one was the server at the French Pattisserie, so rude. I ordered something an she got it wrong, so when I asked to change it she literally threw it at me. You should have seen the look I got when I asked for it to be warmed.

The other was the year before we got married at Disney. We went to check out the GF and the guy opening the door was really rude to us. He looked us up and down, snorted, and sneered 'let me open the door madam'. Absolutely no need at all. When we left he sneered at us again with 'hurry back now madam, won't you?' Funnily enough, when we did 'hurry back' the following year in full wedding gear he fell over himself to be nice.

Obviously we didn't look like the calibre of guest he thought should have been at the GF when he first saw us

 

[k5thbeatle]

Because then you have people heading up front because whatever they want "won't take too long". Now maybe it is just to hand them a plate of fries, or hand them a cookie. "It won't take too long". And then when they are busy again you would still have people trying to walk up for pop refills. Now you have 2 lines instead of the 1 you should have, and many annoyed people.

My bad, I see I was not literal enough in my wording... I completely agree with what you have posted above. You can't have people just jumping the line without knowing what is happening as that would be chaos!

I see people waiting and a cashier waiting (not doing anything). "Excuse me, have you people already been waited on and just waiting for food to be cooked? Yes, well would you then mind at all if I just had the cashier refill my soda? Well, thank you very much I appreciate that."

I then proceed to go ahead and get a refill. What's wrong with this?