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

[Cinderpamela]

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.

I have been to both parks... but since I am a west coaster I have been to DLR much more so. I have asked for special things at both DLR and WDW and it has often been granted and sometimes not granted.... such as on my most recent trip to DLR asking to ride in the front of the monorail (which was granted whenever they had the room) or one time on this last trip they wouldn't grant me my DVC discount because I had grabbed my DH's card instead of mine (it was pretty clear that it was a new CM and she was following the letter of the law as in other shops it wasn't a problem). Did the cast member always grant it with flair and pixie dust? not always. I have experienced great service at both parks.... and then on a few occasions had not so great at both parks. But over all most of the CM's I have encountered have been trying to do a great job on either coast. It's really too bad that those particular CM made you feel "ashamed" for asking but I don't know if I would chalk that up to an east coast vs west coast "culture" sort of thing.

 

[TagsMissy]

You must really like wearing your Magic Bands?

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

I was wondering the same thing... why in the world would someone wear an uncomfortable MB in DL when they don't even use them?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We spend 3 nights in DL, 3 years ago, our experience was excellent. DH and I were walking through the lobby and I was telling my DH that even though I had rented an ECV in the park, it was still a long way to our room. I wish there was the opportunity to rent an ECV that stayed with me, not just in the park. A Bell service person came over and told us about what they could offer me. I was so pleased. We were passing right in front of him, my walking was very strained, so maybe he just noticed us. We were able to rent an ECV right then and there!

Also the breakfast with characters at whatever the venue is in the Grand Californian was one of the best meals I've ever had.

We liked the CMs at DL just fine!

 

[supersnoop]

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

It doesn't have to be one or the other. Looks like it's not just you, but, no, they aren't all mean and unpleasant.

 

[JimC]

Our trip to DL this April was very pleasant. CMs seemed to enjoy talking about operational and physical differences coast to coast. Several were planning their first trip to WDW and looking forward to it. Had three CMs who provided exceptional service. One in particular saw us reading a plaque at the entrance into Frontierland and stopped to chat. Showed us the architectural timeline and purposeful visual orientation as you looked from that spot down to the Mark Twain Riverboat. Clearly he was enthused with what he was doing and proud of the exceptional detail and legacy they enjoy in DL.

I do not like drawing service level comparisons between the parks. Have had over the years a range of CM interactions on both coasts. But when asked why we go so often - top of the list is we enjoy the cast members.

 

[ScubaCat]

It's completely random. They work tough hours, dealing with a LOT of people, and generally aren't paid a lot. I had two pretty awful interactions at DL this past March, but many more perfectly fine and pleasant ones. Everyone is different in so many ways.

 

[moericus]

OP, I know you acknowledged it yourself but try not to judge CM's on letting you bend the rules.

I'm sure you asked nicely and didn't hide your intentions, but you don't know how many jerks they dealt with that day who expect to be treated like royalty because they bought a park ticket. Customer service just beats you down sometimes.

 

[ScubaCat]

I'm sure you asked nicely and didn't hide your intentions, but you don't know how many jerks they dealt with that day who expect to be treated like royalty because they bought a park ticket. Customer service just beats you down sometimes.

And, after dealing with all those lovely people all day, your manager would then scold you for saying "Customer", because Disney doesn't serve customers; it serves GUESTS. My first job, when I was 17, was at a Disney Store in a mall, and even there it was constant stress. I'm sure the parks are 500x worse.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I was wondering the same thing... why in the world would someone wear an uncomfortable MB in DL when they don't even use them?

I don't find them uncomfortable and I brought my green one, decorated with the aliens from Toy Story, to Tokyo Disneyland two weeks ago. I liked showing off something the locals hadn't seen! I also brought pins to trade, only to not see a single lanyard, and no pin trading at all.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I don't find them uncomfortable and I brought my green one, decorated with the aliens from Toy Story, to Tokyo Disneyland two weeks ago. I liked showing off something the locals hadn't seen! I also brought pins to trade, only to not see a single lanyard, and no pin trading at all.

Odd. I saw tons of people trading pins! Even had to wait in line to purchase things behind people that were just there to trade pins. Do they use Magic Bands at Tokyo Disney? Or do they sell magic band accessories at Tokyo Disney? We are planning a trip to all the Asian Disneys next year, so I'm just curious.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

And, after dealing with all those lovely people all day, your manager would then scold you for saying "Customer", because Disney doesn't serve customers; it serves GUESTS. My first job, when I was 17, was at a Disney Store in a mall, and even there it was constant stress. I'm sure the parks are 500x worse.

This is a very interesting perspective. I never thought about their job being stressful.

 

[CarolynK]

We're going to DLR this December (have been many times, but not since Carsland) so I'm soaking up everything DLR right now. One question I had was about FP, and whether or not they're allowing "latecomers" to get on rides. So, that question's been answered! Good to know.

BTW, at both WDW and DLR, we've asked many times to be in the first car on a ride (willing to wait for it, of course), and have never been denied.... This is not an unreasonable request, and it's sad that your request wasn't honored.

 

[DLgal]

I find DL CMs to be FAR nicer, on the whole, than WDW ones.

I go to DL all the time. I ask for front seats on many rides and I have NEVER been told no. I always say "I would like to wait for the front," and they always oblige, nicely.

OP, I think you just got unlucky with the grumpy CMs.

They ARE super strict about FP windows and discounts. I'm glad they are. I hate it when CMs let people get away with stuff they shouldn't.

 

[ScubaCat]

BTW, at both WDW and DLR, we've asked many times to be in the first car on a ride (willing to wait for it, of course), and have never been denied.... This is not an unreasonable request, and it's sad that your request wasn't honored

It happened to me once years ago at WDW. Although in my case I countered and said we'd stand there until we could have it, and I made it happen myself. The CM was rather annoyed--I guess I threw off his rhythm or something--but I'm sure he's over it by now.

 

[AllyBri]

I did not find them mean at DL but found them to be unfriendly.
We had a big discussion about that today with friends that spend most of their time at WDW and they said they could not believe they work for the same company, so OP you are not alone.
The part that I really found odd was 2 different nights we were walking around the DL hotel and management looked the other way when they saw us. Maybe just me but I have never seen that happen at WDW.
Went into Guest Services today at Epcot to ask a question and she noticed my 60th Alex and Ani from DL and we got to talking and I mentioned to her that I found the CMs at DL not so friendly, she said they hear that all the time, she also said they get many guests telling them (here) how much nicer they are here. She said she has no idea why, everyone gets the same training.
DH says it's California, they are very laid back.

 

[ScubaCat]

Keep in mind, you actually encounter less than .001% of all the cast members on any particular visit. It's a bit unfair to deem them ALL like the ones you meet just based on the few encounters you have.

Nevertheless, perception is reality, and I realize how it can seem the way it is. (I'm looking at YOU, "Paul from West Covina, CA"!! )

 

[jeepnjudy]

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.

Sadly since Disney does not typically make a separate line for the front row on their coasters, you can ask to ride in the front seat and I have not yet in my 30+ years going to WDW, DL, and Disney Paris been denied that request. It does not delay boarding as you still wait in line and are moved aside until they can queue you in the next available sequence for the front seat. And yes, from what I have seen, this is a common request for those who know to ask... so go ride the front, it's the BEST!!

 

[Maddysdaddy]

My family seems to split our annual (sometimes semi-annual) trips between the two parks, so I closely follow the forums for both. Quite often I see posts about DL regulars visiting WDW and noting the bad attitudes of the WDW Cast Members and vice versa.

Since we started visiting the parks in 2008, we have done approximately 5 trips to each of DL and WDW, and I can't say that I have noticed any particular differences between the attitudes and behavior of Cast Members at either, and generally have had positive experiences at both.

The only real difference I've found is that CM's at DL are much more likely to ask if I'm entitled to an AP or DVC discount than at WDW, where I find that most times, I'm the one who has to ask - I've always assumed it's because DL is so local (and therefore AP-heavy) that a good percentage of park visitors are likely eligible.

 

[Chuck S]

I grew up in California. Many people say Disneyland CMs are not friendly. Basically there is a difference in culture between Florida and California. Californians are not naturally chatty people, they are not unfriendly, but they get to the point of conversations quickly without a lot of small talk and chit chat. The American Southern culture is quite different, you can spend an afternoon discussing the weather. WHen I first moved to Texas, I constantly wanted to finish other people's sentences for them, as they were taking forever to get to the point. My Great Aunt once said, you Californians always talk faster then we Texans can hear. Californians are always "in a hurry." for lack of a better term.

 

[bwvBound]

I grew up in California. Many people say Disneyland CMs are not friendly. Basically there is a difference in culture between Florida and California. Californians are not naturally chatty people, they are not unfriendly, but they get to the point of conversations quickly without a lot of small talk and chit chat. The American Southern culture is quite different, you can spend an afternoon discussing the weather. WHen I first moved to Texas, I constantly wanted to finish other people's sentences for them, as they were taking forever to get to the point. My Great Aunt once said, you Californians always talk faster then we Texans can hear. Californians are always "in a hurry." for lack of a better term.

I was thinking of the OPs comments in much a similar line. My brother, raised in CA, recently moved to a GA office w/in the same employer. He tells us that the difference is incredible: every meeting gathers on time but starts several minutes late as "chit chat" is always first. He was quite surprised that the chit-chat is personal: "how was your son's game Saturday?" and the like. One doesn't particularly bring their personal life into the office in CA except for limited conversation between close work friends -- not for discussion at the beginning of a meeting.