How do I go about changing locations/parks?

[mentomori1119]

I have asked this question before and I did not receive any helpful answers. The only answer I received was "you cannot change location unless you have a medical illness"

Well guess what? I do.

I have spherocytosis. I get tired easily and I can't be in the heat for too long. I am in a location where there is no air-conditioning. I am in merchandise.

In my previous post about this question, I said that the area's hours were not very conducive to the classes I would like to take for the college program.

I would like/ need to work in the Magic Kingdom. I know the shops along Main Street and in Fantasyland (like Castle Couture) have aircondiioning. The hours are also better for me.

How do I go about changing locations? Should I talk to someone? Should I get a doctors note?

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

I know that during the application phase, several people have mentioned filling out a form regarding any medical accommodations they would need. I don't know what happens if you realize that you need the accommodations after you arrive. I'd recommend talking to one of your leaders, and also go talk to someone at Health Services (located in the Epcot Cast Parking lot, across the driveway from the Center for Living Well). The folks at Health Services are the experts, and will know exactly what needs to be done. (as opposed to random people on a message board)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I have spherocytosis. I get tired easily and I can't be in the heat for too long.

Was this known to you at application time?

 

[Berlioz70]

Go to a personal doctor to get documentation about your restrictions, then take paperwork to Health Service to be placed on file. Once you are on file, then your Leadership will receive information about your restrictions and will determine if they can work within your limits. If they cannot fulfill your restrictions, then they send your information to Casting and casting will take it from there. You will not get a say or preference on where you are transferred, it'll be based on where the open head count is at the time, so there is no guarantee it'll even be in Merchandise.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

You will not get a say or preference on where you are transferred,

1) This is major.
. . . for medical re-assignment, you seldom have a choice
. . . WDW can, and does, move you anywhere
2) You *might* be able to request a preference, but in such a transfer they put you
. . . where the restriction can be eased
. . . where they need assistance


"Employees whom the Company determines are not able to perform the essential functions of a position, with or without reasonable accommodation, or who pose a direct threat that cannot be reasonably accommodated will be considered to reassignment to vacant positions for which they meet the minimum qualifications. The Company shall not be required to create "light duty" positions for permanently disabled employees."

 

[HM2012Butler]

It is also partially up to disney to decide if the position you were given will make it tough for you to work to the standards expected of you. They will provide a seat (usually a stool) if you get too tired, most QS food cart will have an umbrella available if needed. Light duty is also an option but those jobs seem brutal (ie: stroller parking, checking IDs in cast connection, main gate, etc). I know this isnt the answer youre looking for but I hope there is some helpful information

The hours at MK especially the emporium have the worst hours on property. Not sure what hours you're looking at. Those shops usually stay open an hour after park close. They are also the busiest shops in any park (WOD is the busiest) so I'm not sure how great that will be for your fatigue. DAK gift shops are probably your best bet but youve said you dont like it there. That park has the shortest hours. Resorts will usually have early and late shifts for inventory and stocking.

As for your class schedule, if you have DCP classes, you will never be scheduled to work during those time periods. If you are being scheduled during those classes, talk to the scheduling manager (and get on their good side). They may not be aware The running joke is that CP stands for "Close Park". CPs usually get the closing shifts that full time doesnt want

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Those shops usually stay open an hour after park close . . . CP stands for "Close Park". CPs usually get the closing shifts that full time doesnt want


1) Plus, CM's at shops can be scheduled up to 2-hrs after shop closing to re-stock the shelves.
. . . this means when MK park is open until 1:00am, store CM's frequently are schedule to work until 4:00am
. . . 1:00am park close, 2:00am shop close, 4:00am stocking (2-hrs restock duties)
2) CP's don't always get the terrible hours, but usually they do.
. . . it would be unfair to make permanent employees work hours while temp employees (CP's) get better shifts

 

[adl22]

I was on the college program when I had to be moved from Kilimanjaro due to the development of vocal polyps (in other words I lost my voice very easily). When moved I had no say or asked a preference they looked at the restrictions the doctor stated and then moved me to a different location that happened to be in the same park (dinoland attractions). I was moved immediately after my information was given to my leadership team from the health services. My situation was a little different since my problem didn't start until after I started working at Disney so Disney paid and sent me to a doctor they chose and was involved the whole paper work process. Also I would again say DAK has MUCH better hours then any other park..my roommates worked at other parks and often were worked until 6am during peak time. Some at DTD had overnight restocking shifts. So if hours are a concern for you and if they let you make any request I would request DAK.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

DAK has MUCH better hours then any other park

1) Whenever people ask me, I recommend AK as a workplace.
. . . there are good and bad locations
. . . but, if you are more-or-less out of the heat (eg. NOT working a food cart), you have it made
2 I do not like the park as an attraction, particularly, but due to the hours, it is a plum assignment for an employee.
. . . no early-early day hours
. . . no late or late-late night hours
3) Compared to 4:00am quit times at MK or 2:00am quit times at Epcot, this is heavenly.
4) Of course, there will some later hours when Avatarland gets built and they have nighttime park hours.
5) But, for now, employees actually get reasonable family hours, which can be tough at WDW without LOTS of seniority.

NOTE: I know eatery employees whom I recommended to transfer to AK, and they LOVE the hours.