How do YOU see them?

[Otimon]

Would be interested in how you folks feel about the Greeters you come across in the parks. I'm on a committee looking for new ideas for the role of Greeters and would like your input, as guests, to bring to that committee.

Please let me know your experiences with Greeters in general, whether good, bad, or indifferent. What do you expect of a Greeter and was that expectation met?
How do you, as a guest, feel the Greeter role could be improved or changed to help you as an individual or family?

Your ideas and suggestions will be brought to that committe.

Many thanks.

 

[Otimon]

Moderator - could you possibly move this to the Community Board. Put here byl mistake.

Thank you.

 

[Otimon]

Moderator - I have already posted this on the Community Board .

Sorry to have caused you this inconvenience.

 

[Poly Pal]

I don't think we have seen them (the Park Greeters). What do they do? Are they inside the turnstiles or outside? We made park opening 4 out of 5 days lon our vacation last month and I don't recall seeeing greeters (maybe they got stampeded by the Easter crowds!) Perhaps we are always too focused on geting to our first attraction?

Whatever the roaming photographers do, they always seem to get our attention (and Disney gets our dollars!).

Whatever your committee decides to do, remember to differentiate Disney from the product its competitors provide. Build on the franchise which otherwise seems to be being wasted these days on lesser attractions (Alladins Carpets, Triceratops Spin, etc.) while the old 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea site sits vacant for more than 10 years.

Keep in mind that many folks LOVE everything Disney and expect near perfection (and we are appreciative when Disney delivers and horribly disappointed and critical when Disney falls short of the highest standards).

Keep up the good work and good luck!

 

[KristaTX]

Otimon - I'm glad you are asking us, but exactly who are the greeters? All I can picture are the people who stand at the ticket scanning machines, and they seem like they have too much to watch for to be the greeters. I'm heading to WDW Wednesday and will try to notice the greeters and what they do (or might do better), if you will tell me who I am looking for.

 

[Otimon]

Many thanks for your replies. I appreciate your taking the time.

My apology for not being more specific re Greeters. The Greeters I was referring to are the Cast Members who stand in front of the Attractions line greeting you, answering your questions, measuring youngsters, giving out information They are the first ones you come upon as you enter an Attraction or perhaps visit a store or exhibit. I am so used to this that I sometimes forget guests do not realize how we are referred to. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Poly - thank you for your advice. It was most appreciated an I certainly will keep in mind what you said.

Skporter - thank you, also. Would appreciate any input regarding your next visit.
Have a wonderful vacation and perhaps I'll have the pleasure of greeting you.

Best wishes.

 

[Shells9]

We arrived at MK early a few weekends ago for a PS before the park opened. We had to wait at the turnstyles for about 15 minutes. There were 5 or 6 greeters there, and they were great! They all asked the kids what they planned to do that day, and were very enthusiastic. One guy even had the crowd yelling at another CM to let us in (in a friendly way!) when he was waiting for the all clear or whatever you call it, to let everyone in. They were just a great welcome and wonderful to chat with in the morning. Answered a plethora of quetions and were wonderful.

I do not recall any specific interaction with any of the other greeters. I do recall the guy at Pirates was in a big hurry for nothing, there was no line. And the greeters at Ice Station Cool were nice -- I made them pose for a photo, lol! I think it might be kind of neat if the greeters worked in some facts -- For example, at Splash Mountain, they could say, "Are you ready for that 25 foot (or whetever it is) drop?" Or, at Cinderella's Courousel they could say, "We have (x number)of horses here -- be sure to pick your favorite!" At Ice Station Cool they could say, "Bundle up -- it's (however many) degrees in there!"

Just a thought.

 

[Kitten516]

For my DH and I the greeters at the rides are the best thing disney has. DH is quite pooh sized and gets very worried about not fitting on a ride. The greeters are able to tell him how he would be most comfortable, and if he will fit. I think the best greeter we have run into was at Test Track. She said I do not know. That was a great answer cause she went and got a supervisor, whom took us to see a non moving half car, and all our worries were addressed. Waiting in a 2 hour line to find out that you can not ride because you do not fit is horrible. It is the main reason we will NEVER return to Busch Gardens. Their greeters were very uninformed, and made our experience there horrible. We appreciate the greeters at disney and hope disney does not decide ever to get rid of them. I think having them if they are not sure ask someone else is very important. I think the greeters should be very educated on the statistics of the ride, and how scary it may be for little kids etc.

 

[Otimon]

Kitten and Shells: Thank you both so much for your replies and positive thoughts regarding Greeters. I will bring your information and suggestions to our meeting.

Greeters carrying on the theme of the ride, while speaking with guests, is something we try to do and can always be improved. I appreciate your calling attention to it.

Your comments on Test Track were especially appreciated as that is the Attraction where I work and it is very special to me. We have a wonderful Cast there.

Greeters will certainly remain at Disney but the purpose of our meeting will be to see how their role may be enhanced to further help the guest.

Thank you all again.

 

[jeannej]

Are teh Greeters the employees that are talking to other employees complaining loudly about their jobs?

jeannej

 

[vicb]

I love the greeters who can spot a totally confused guest and immediately come to my... I mean their aide!

I really appreciate the ones who seem to understand and convey the importance of making each ride or show magical for your family. They may put people on Dumbo or Speedway thousands of times but that extra effort to make it personal for your child is wonderful. Sometimes they use the name on a GOH badge or a comment on something your child is wearing or asking if they've met a certain character yet. Please let these greeters know that guests really appreciate this and kids really remember those interactions!

I too like the idea of greeters sharing more facts about the attraction.

 

[KristaTX]

Otimon - I'll be with my mom and we usually take the single-rider line. We plan to come to Epcot Weds. after we arrive, but we'll also be there several other times during our week-long stay. How might we recognize you so we can say "hi"? Can you tell me the name on your nametag or something?

 

[KittieKat]

i love the greeters. They really make the experience..i love it when they are friendly and play the part. My favorite greeter is the ooolllldd lady who works at the haunted mansion ride. Because shes really old, and cool. hmm..maybe on some of the different rides they could be a bit more animated..you know and talk with the people. But thats just my 2 cents.

 

[Memph1s]

One thing I would like to see the fast pass return line greater do is keep the entrance clear of people waiting for their time to come up. It seems like we always have to fight our way through a bunch of people blocking the entrance. I know we as guest should stand aside and wait but a lot of people seem to need some direction.

 

[InstImpres]

I find them to be knowledgable and friendly but more importantly my DD loves them.

A quick story. When we there she was 4 (oh the fun of recently potty trained and Disney). The line at Test Track was very long so needless to say we left and rejoined my DH several times for bathroom breaks. The greeter was so pleasant and talked with my DD at length that she still talks about the women and looks for her each time. Her PK graduatiuon book lists this person as one of her favorite people in the whole world.

Guess you truly never know where that magical moment will be

 

[XStAnt]

Otimon,

The fact that most people on these boards did not know what a greeter was until you explained it should be interesting. For the most part it seems to mean they do their job very well and unobtrusively (which is good). But I'm not sure if they stand out (with a few exceptions).

Obviously, a number of people have posted positive experiences with greeters. I personally have never had in intereseting experience with one, nor have I met a rude or obnoxious greeter. All seem to have competently done their job.

If they are just supposed to keep the line moving, check height requirements are met and answer questions when asked, they are doing a terrific job.

But if you want them to be/do more, here are a few suggestions: Hire people that interact and talk to guests constantly (not just when approached or when they see something amusing); have greeters dedicated to entertaining people waiting in long lines (a magician, mime, or balloon animal guy could really make long waits more tolerable); provide info or tips before being asked (such as when a good time to return if the line is too long, what to look for during the ride, etc.).

These are just my suggestions, but it would seem the most important advice is to make sure they are friendly to everyone.

good luck.

 

[Otimon]

Thanks so much again for all your input regarding Greeters.

JEANNEJ: So sorry. That is something that shouldn't have happened. I hope your next visit will be "complaint free".
VICB: I certainly will pass your comments on to the others. We try to give special attention to the youngsters when we can and we always like to help confused dads?....I mean guests .
SKPORTER: Linda is on my nametag at Test Track and I would be delighted to have you and your mom stop by to say "hello". Won't be working Wed. but will be Fri. through Mon. (Fri. PM will be at the meeting the above refers to). Have a safe journey to Orlando and looking forward to your visit.
KITTIE: Your "2 cents worth" is most important. The lady at the HM sounds special and should be noted.
MEMPHIS: You are right about the Fastpass Line staying clear. Can be a constant chore at times when we're very busy.
INST: Thank you for relaying that info.
XSTANT: Your suggestions are excellent and I will pass them on to management. I share your sentiments.