Is it just me or are Disneyland CMs really mean and unpleasant?

[DisneyRegulars]

Geez. I'm just returning from a small trip to Disneyland in conjunction with a conference. I'm used to going to Disneyworld, and this was only my second time in Disneyland after a disastrous trip where we all got sick six years ago. I was shocked this trip by how mean the cast members were. It got to the point when I was actually surprised when they were friendly. There was a striking difference to me compared to the Florida parks and I was just wondering if I was being hyper sensitive or if other people have noticed this too.

Just some examples: We tried to use a fast pass about an hour late. We didn't try to hide it, just asked nicely if we could still use it because in WDW you used to be able to use them even hours late. Instead of saying something like "I'm sorry, you won't be able to use that." The cast member was wicked cold, and was like "no, get out of line". In Florida I've been allowed to use my DVC discount for my MIL when she travels with us. It's never been a problem when I've said "hey I'm a DVC member can she get my discount." Tried the same thing at Disneyland and the cashier went so far as to call her manager about it. Why does it matter who pays? You still get the money! So now you have our money and we think you are jerks. Grrrr.

The cast members running California Screamin looked so miserable that we were joking that they were looking miserable to make it an authentic boardwalk crappy carnival experience.

I'm really glad I got to see carsland because I certainly won't be rushing back to these parks.

So, was it just me? I'm feeling so disappointed.

 

[Sammie]

Fast passes are no longer given lead way, at either location. If you were given lead way for being late recently at WDW, it was the exception. By any chance in discussing this with the CM at Disneyland, did you mention your experience at Disney World. If so that could contribute to attitude on their part and honestly I understand that. No one wants to be compared to another location.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've often found the CM's at DL to be far more pleasant than WDW.

Just to mention - you were asking for things that aren't allowed. Using the FP's late (not done at WDW either even for a period prior to FP+) and if receiving a discount the owner who qualifies is the one that is supposed to pay. That's nothing new and just because it hasn't always been followed does not mean that a CM is mean for actually adhering to the rules. DL offers a lot more discounts and it's actually very normal for CM's there to ask if you have an AP or something for a discount unlike WDW. But they have always required ID's and I'd say have adhered to the rules more closely too.

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

I just came back this morning from my first trip to Disneyland and I agree with you. There were only three cast members I encountered who were nice. The rest ranged from mildly unfriendly/unhelpful to downright mean (not to me, but I witnessed an interaction with another guest while boarding Star Tours). Any time I asked a question, like where a fp distribution was or how to get a child swap, cast members were very short with me and seemed annoyed that I was bothering them. My step son was really upset when he was turned away from Minnie's line twice, both in an unnecessarily harsh manner. I didn't feel the same level of Disney magic that I have experienced in Disney World. I still enjoyed my trip and am very glad I experienced Disneyland, but I won't be rushing back.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I've often found the CM's at DL to be far more pleasant than WDW.

Just to mention - you were asking for things that aren't allowed. Using the FP's late (not done at WDW either even for a period prior to FP+) and if receiving a discount the owner who qualifies is the one that is supposed to pay. That's nothing new and just because it hasn't always been followed does not mean that a CM is mean for actually adhering to the rules.

I realize that two of my examples were things that were not allowed. I'm not at all upset that I didn't "get away" with anything, but more upset with how curt and nasty we were treated for even asking. I was never trying to be sneaky so there was no reason to be cold back since it is supposed to be the happiest place on earth after all.

I also asked to sit in the front of space mountain, even said please, and was just glared at and told "5 and 6".

 

[DisneyRegulars]

By any chance in discussing this with the CM at Disneyland, did you mention your experience at Disney World.

Absolutely not! I just said something like " I'm sorry, we missed our time and I was wondering if we could still use these."

 

[bwang123]

We went to DL last October and all of the CMs were pleasant. In regards to DVC discounts, we had our DVC slider on our magic band and almost every CM noticed it and applied our discount automatically even when we forgot to bring it up. Never even asked to see our member card.

 

[keishashadow]

I realize that two of my examples were things that were not allowed. I'm not at all upset that I didn't "get away" with anything, but more upset with how curt and nasty we were treated for even asking. I was never trying to be sneaky so there was no reason to be cold back since it is supposed to be the happiest place on earth after all.

I also asked to sit in the front of space mountain, even said please, and was just glared at and told "5 and 6".

never crossed my mind you could ask for front seats. wondering if this is a common request @ WDW. At local parks they have separate lines for those who want those seats. If anything I'd think it would delay overall boarding time seating on popular attractions if granted throughout the day.

Since you were asking for special accommodations in the instances you quote IMO you need to be prepared to hear no. I can imagine a CM being asked for the same thing the 100th time in a day giving an automatic "no".

DL is primarily a locals' park, not a stretch for the CMs to expect the majority of the guests to know the rules and perhaps be a bit off-put by special requests.

We love DL, it has a totally different vibe. If anything we find the CM there to be wonderful ambassadors for the brand.

Hopefully, your next DVC trip to WDW will be more magical.

 

[Nicole N.]

We were in DL in March, they were all very nice, a few went above and beyond to help with a few things too

 

[wilkeliza]

I've had mixed at both parks. However, instead of complaining about it online I make a quick stop by Guest Relations on my way out or during some down time if it was incredibly nasty. Only have done that 2 or 3 times total for both WDW and DL. I also make sure to give shout outs to awesome CMs as well. After our last trip to DL I did write an email because the whole crew at GCH were down right rude. In no way did it ruin our trip or make us not want to go to DL again but next time we are trying another DL hotel. I would say 90% of the CMs we met were great and even had many lovely magical moments including a "made with magic" tag game before and after paint the night.

 

[suebeelin]

Absolutely not! I just said something like " I'm sorry, we missed our time and I was wondering if we could still use these."

Sorry the cm's at DL didn't say no nicely. There are ways to say no... And you can be nice about it.

I've had not very nice CMs at DW, but most are pleasant. I've yet to go to DL recently, and the last time I was 15, so no memories of that (30 yrs ago! Lol).

 

[disneynutz]

I think it's just the luck of the draw. When you are dealing with CM's who are under paid, have to deal with millions of different people from all over the world, are told to put on a fake happy face, you are bound to find some CM's who won't make you happy.

Bill

 

[rocketriter]

...Since you were asking for special accommodations in the instances you quote IMO you need to be prepared to hear no. I can imagine a CM being asked for the same thing the 100th time in a day giving an automatic "no"...

Disney parks have for years been exemplars of fine customer service, and have been paid high fees for training other companies in better ways to treat guests. That training includes answering a question politely and with a friendly smile even if it's the 100th time it's been asked that day. The OP's story represents a customer service failure that should require retraining.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney parks have for years been exemplars of fine customer service, and have been paid high fees for training other companies in better ways to treat guests. That training includes answering a question politely and with a friendly smile even if it's the 100th time it's been asked that day. The OP's story represents a customer service failure that should require retraining.

Maybe so but if you spend any time talking to CM's and they step off stage, the Disney of today is far different than the Disney of yesterday. Today's CM's are often kept as part-time, with many being short term temp college hires. Disney continues to outsource CM roles and functions. We bought a funnel cake and had an issue with the CM's attitude, turns out the don't work for Disney, they work for an outside company who sells funnel cakes. We tried to find out who to contact about the poor service and not one Disney employee could help us.

Bill

 

[bwvBound]

We went to DL last October and all of the CMs were pleasant. In regards to DVC discounts, we had our DVC slider on our magic band and almost every CM noticed it and applied our discount automatically even when we forgot to bring it up. Never even asked to see our member card.

You must really like wearing your Magic Bands?

My understanding is that Magic Bands have no active role, yet, at DL ... right?

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

You must really like wearing your Magic Bands?

My understanding is that Magic Bands have no active role, yet, at DL ... right?

Their annual pass would be linked to the magic band and be their ticket into the park.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I'm glad to hear many of you don't feel the same way. It would make me really sad if you did. I imagine my experience would have been different if I just hadn't asked for anything. It has to be a cultural difference between the parks. The only reason why I asked for things is because the answer has always been yes at WDW or a polite no. I've never before been made to feel ashamed for asking for things at WDW, so I assumed the level of service would be the same as Disneyland.

 

[wilkeliza]

Their annual pass would be linked to the magic band and be their ticket into the park.

Not at Disneyland as they don't use RFID tickets at Disneyland. If you have a premiere annual pass you get a hard ticket to use for DL and a MB for WDW. A MB does nothing at Disneyland and has no point.

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

Not at Disneyland as they don't use RFID tickets at Disneyland. If you have a premiere annual pass you get a hard ticket to use for DL and a MB for WDW. A MB does nothing at Disneyland and has no point.

I stand corrected then. I assumed wrong.

 

[gmboy95]

I can only draw from my own experience...was just in Disneyland in february....found it to be just as pleasant as orlando