Flip side of rude CM's - Rude guests!

[Ladybugsy]

I think one of the other posters gave me a great idea! When I see rude behavior next month I'm just going to start videoing the whole thing and make sure the offender notices. When and if they ask me what I'm doing, I'm going to say, "Making a video for security"...heh, heh, heh.

 

[mandy200587]

I've seen some rude guests, can't remember all the stories but we were in line at Kilminijaro and as you get to get on the ride, they clearly say fill up all avaliable space and some couple in front of us said we were trying to cut them. I just bit my tongue and kept quiet, like I was taught to do by momma and I remember what she says. I got out of bed, felt my feet, I have a reason to be happy and not be down in the dumps.

 

[djblu883]

I know...the reply would be better when asked...just say its to teach my kids how NOT to behave in public!!!

 

[cherokeemamma]

I love your story djblu883.


I Love It!!!! That is wonderful. I know everyone got alot of "Joy" from that as well as many well deserved chuckles. Good for you.
I agree with the old saying...kill em' with kindness. When we go next month I am going to have to remember you and if someone is rude to me I will just burst into "Zipp a Dee Do Dah" along with a "have a magical day" and a big smile.

After reading all these rude stories of obnoxious guest my family will definately be going out of our way to be extra nice to CMs.

 

[kimberh]

If, I see some one being totally out of line with someone for no apparant reason, I have been known to say something. I agree with the poster that said, some think because they have paid money etc. Well, I have paid money too and the rude person is not going to ruin my trip. I am always nice to CM's. They are people that have a job to do and are trying to help us have a Magical Vacation! I do love having a Magical Vacation. That is why I go so much. My husband say's to much. After reading this, I am going really make myself compliment Cm ,where I may not would have before.

 

[Seahunt]

There is a funny website for CMs to vent about rude guests also - it's called "stupid guest tricks" :

http://stupidguesttricks.com/vb3/index.php

 

[deekaypee]

This is a little OT, in part because I can't think of any ONE time I've seen rude guests. Actually, having to say that makes me a little sad. Why treat someone as if they are your chattal or somehow less than you?

Anway, DH and I have started a little travel ritual when it comes to seeing the treatment service folks receive. To fully appreciate this, understand that I am, by nature, a bit of an Eeyore. You know how some people see the glass half full and some people see the glass as half empty? Well, I'm the person who's going around saying, "What flipping glass?" This dark outlook means I'm really sensitive to those people who are treated unfairly, even though I pretty much expect such things to happen. And it's really painful to see rude and inconsiderate behavior at Disney.

So, DH and I make it a point to fill out a a guest-services card (I can't remember what they're called officially) that praises a CM. We do one every day we're in Disney. Sometimes we pick someone we've interacted closely with, like when we've taken a really good tour or had a charismatic server. But we also keep an eye out for CMs who are being unfairly treated by other guests. When we choose the latter CM for praise, we first make sure to verbally commisserate with the CM at the time we see the offense. We will sometimes apologize on behalf of the larger Disney-guest community. Then, before we leave the park for the day, we take a couple of minutes to fill out the form and note how gracious the CM was under trying circumstances. To me, that's a real way of exceeding expectations because I've worked my fair share of guest-services/service positions and I know how hard it can be. And it always makes my day a little bit more magical to feel like I'm giving something back to those folks who work so hard for so little recognition and money.

There's also been more than once when I've attempted to diffuse a situation with my relatively odd sense of humor. Sometimes the strategy doesn't go over too well, though. It's funny how people who treat others as if they are personal servants don't like being asked to bus my tray. (They inevitably say, "I don't work here" and I inevitably respond "I know." )

 

[Timon_n_Pumba]

...who's rude to another guest?

My DW, DS and I were at California Adventure about three years ago, in line for one of the rides in the Bug's Land section (don't recall which one; it was the one where you ride in mock-ups of various food cartons that revolve around a center pole...VERY slow loading). Anywho, somebody was holding a space for the rest of their party, quite a few people if I remember, and the person behind them (a fellow of Middle Eastern origin) said something to him about having been waiting and that his family should have to wait their turn, too. The "cutter" goes off on him and ends up calling him a TERRORIST!

Needless to say the gentleman was NOT pleased about that comment, and replied with a barrage of profanity-laced invectives directed at the guy who'd said it. I was videotaping DS and turned the camera on them because I was just sure that I was going to be able to sell that tape for big bucks to CNN, since the situation seemed to be escalating. Finally a CM told them both to cool it, thankfully before they came to blows, but everyone in line was just like ***?

It's one thing to be rude, I guess, but another thing entirely to be so ethically irresponsible that one calls someone a terrorist strictly because of their appearance. Not to mention, dangerous as well, since I would imagine that a great many people would go directly to physical assault after having been so insulted.

Scott in MO

 

[Fitswimmer]

I stayed at Pop two years ago and made friends with one of the CM's that took care of the drink area. Most of the guests treated him like he was invisible, but we had a lovely conversation every morning. He would ask what park we were going to and what our favorite rides were, give us line hints-and we talked to him about what places he worked, where he lived-it was great!
I try to have conversations with as many CM's as I can, because while not every guest is outright rude-I think often the CM's are treated like objects or servants. They're human too and I don't think it takes that much time out of our day to be friendly.

 

[Simba's Mom]

So, DH and I make it a point to fill out a a guest-services card (I can't remember what they're called officially) that praises a CM. We do one every day we're in Disney. Sometimes we pick someone we've interacted closely with, like when we've taken a really good tour or had a charismatic server. But we also keep an eye out for CMs who are being unfairly treated by other guests. When we choose the latter CM for praise, we first make sure to verbally commisserate with the CM at the time we see the offense. We will sometimes apologize on behalf of the larger Disney-guest community. Then, before we leave the park for the day, we take a couple of minutes to fill out the form and note how gracious the CM was under trying circumstances. To me, that's a real way of exceeding expectations because I've worked my fair share of guest-services/service positions and I know how hard it can be. And it always makes my day a little bit more magical to feel like I'm giving something back to those folks who work so hard for so little recognition and money.

That's so cool about the guest-services card. Where/when do you get those?

 

[kalozois]

whats a DS? u were filming ur nintendo ds?... in fact on these boards theres TOO much abbreviation, makes the newby feel like what the 'HECK'!

 

[TikiGoddess]

We had an incident w/a rude to another guest situation. We went to MNSSHP last year and stood in line forever for the mystery characters. Turned out it was the Little Einsteins in one of their very first appearances. Our boys were thrilled because they loved them. We finally get up there to take our picture and the parents behind us send their little girl into the picture
My dh starts to take picture and says very goodnaturedly, "Whoops, looks like one of those doesn't belong to us!" Thinking maybe the rude parents were tell her to move over (it certainly wasn't the poor little girl's fault that her pushy parents couldn't wait their turn). What blew me away was the parents response. The mother said, "I wouldn't complain..we have two in our picture that don't belong to us!!"
Hello! You're in line behind us, if you waited 2 more seconds it would be your turn and your child wouldn't be in the picture with our kids. Unbelievable. We just took the picture w/her in it and went on. Sometimes people blow my mind. We'd all just been in a tremendously long line and you can't wait a minute or two more for your turn?

 

[deekaypee]

That's so cool about the guest-services card. Where/when do you get those?

City Hall on Main Street. They have a comments form just for interactions between guest and CMs, whether praise or criticism. It doesn't take very long to fill out and you'll feel soooooo glad you're doing it, really!

 

[bicker]

whats a DS? u were filming ur nintendo ds?... in fact on these boards theres TOO much abbreviation, makes the newby feel like what the 'HECK'!

Please refer to the Some Useful Information for Newbies thread (click on the underlined text to be brought directly to that thread) for your introduction to participating in our community (including a link to the list of abbreviations typically used), and welcome to the DIS!

 

[Linzybrooke]

When DH and I were at Magic Kindgom in June we had Fastpasses for Peter Pan. As we waited in the fastpass line for our turn a gentleman in the regular line spotted us, pointed at us and loudly proclaimed to everyone within earshot that it was "absolutely ridiculous that they allow adults without children to use fastpass." He then proceeded to go on and on about adults like us taking up time from his kids vacation because we were using all the fast passes, getting all the adr's and getting good parade, fireworks spots. I'm sorry, but when did WDW become families only? It was bizarre...I have one word for this man..."PLANNING"!

 

[pezheadmeg]

I was working in Dillards one Christmas season, one Sunday a "Lady" dressed like she had just come from Church came in to shop and get boxes for her purchases...rule was one box per shirt...she wanted 5 more...I told her I could only give her the 3 she had made purchases for....SHe then began to loudly cuss me in front of all the other holiday shoppers...

At least you were just working X-mas.

Us that due it as a professional living have adapted what I like to refer Perky & y mentality. When they get really in your face, you do what is neccessary to get the job done. Once they realize you're not a newbie to the whole retail concept, they tend to give you a lot less of an attitude. That or maybe I just have become immune to it!

 

[aterriq]

I'm sorry, but when did WDW become families only?

Disney has always been for families, that is why I go. From your picture, you look like a family to me. There are people who consider a family to be parents and non adult children only. No other family counts.

Seen a few good hints to behave better and make each day at WDW better for everyone to include the CMs.

 

[bicker]

WDW is for families, couples (which is a specific type of family), individuals (a family of one?), and groups (social, competitive, and business). None of these sectors have any priority, on the ground, over any of the others. The guest who projected his opinion about the use of FastPass by people other than those he felt should be using FastPass was unequivocally wrong.

 

[BeckWhy]

When DH and I were at Magic Kindgom in June we had Fastpasses for Peter Pan. As we waited in the fastpass line for our turn a gentleman in the regular line spotted us, pointed at us and loudly proclaimed to everyone within earshot that it was "absolutely ridiculous that they allow adults without children to use fastpass." He then proceeded to go on and on about adults like us taking up time from his kids vacation because we were using all the fast passes, getting all the adr's and getting good parade, fireworks spots. I'm sorry, but when did WDW become families only? It was bizarre...I have one word for this man..."PLANNING"!

I don't care what anyone says or how old I am (23)! I AM STILL A KID!

 

[deekaypee]

When DH and I were at Magic Kindgom in June we had Fastpasses for Peter Pan. As we waited in the fastpass line for our turn a gentleman in the regular line spotted us, pointed at us and loudly proclaimed to everyone within earshot that it was "absolutely ridiculous that they allow adults without children to use fastpass." He then proceeded to go on and on about adults like us taking up time from his kids vacation because we were using all the fast passes, getting all the adr's and getting good parade, fireworks spots. I'm sorry, but when did WDW become families only? It was bizarre...I have one word for this man..."PLANNING"!

Seriously???? How hilarious. What a warped sense of privilege, let alone a warped sense of family.

Besides, not to be too cynical about it since this thread is about guests and not the corporation, but money is the great equalizer for Disney (or inequalizer, as is generally more accurate). Disney is "for" guests who can afford and are willing to pay to visit the theme parks (with a few exception when the corporation will deny select individuals entrance). The corporation actively promotes the resorts to families with small children, as this is a very profitable demographic to pursue. But Disney also pursues every time of consumer possible, to other families of every shape and size, various conference attendees, tour groups, spring-breakers, dating couples, etc. I don't see how anyone who's been to theme parks could sustain a serious argument that they're for a narrow definition of family, any more than anyone who has seen animated films can make a serious argument that they're solely for children.

Then again, that really wasn't his point, was it, let alone a serious discussion? His comments were all me, me, me. *sigh* I feel sorry for his kids, for the kind of example he's setting for them.