Is This Allowed?

[wilkeliza]

I don't disagree. It's stupid of her to attach a picture of herself to the fact that she's a CM, even with a fake name.

I'm rather annoyed that someone I know is blatantly ripping people off like this.

She looked familiar to me but then the name didn't add up. Now I'm thinking maybe it is the person I know who worked as a character attendant on my CP and was the oldest of the lot.

 

[Aurora0427]

I agree, BUT both you and I and all the rest on DIS are not in her situation and we don't know her story. Yes what she is doing is wrong, but people in desperate situations take risks that those outside their situation don't understand.

All I'm saying is judging a persons choices WITHOUT knowing the full story is not right.

Sorry, but no. It sounds like the Disney employee handbook is pretty clear that what she's doing is wrong. Being desperate doesn't give you the right to act this way.

 

[phillymummer]

What website? Did I miss a link or something? Or are you guys just that good at using google?

 

[yulilin3]

What website? Did I miss a link or something? Or are you guys just that good at using google?

google: gracie disney cast member tour company

 

[Boski]

I should email them and ask them how I go about applying for a position

 

[PoohsHunnyBee]

That Google search led to two different people. One with a touring company and one on LinkedIn. And it's possible that it was someone else entirely... Just a reminder not to be hasty to condemn any particular person.

Edited because OP has now stated that the Gracie listed on the touring company site is the one her mom saw, but it's good to be aware that there is apparently a different current CM named Gracie who does not deserve to receive any backlash from someone else's actions.

 

[bean]

So I found the website too and sent the picture to my mom. She said she's pretty sure that's her. Although when she meets with people she wears no makeup and has something tied over her hair. Maybe to disguise the fact that it's red?

 

[bean]

So these cast members must really not be smart. There's another person on the website who's a tour guide named "Jessika" ( a very odd spelling But on the "Elite Orlando VIP Tours" Facebook page you can find her real name under a review. Her real name is Jessica H. ( I won't put her full name here). Her Facebook page says that she works at this tour company as well as Hollywood Studios. The Facebook page for this company makes claims for the tour group getting you out of wait times etc. I'm guessing this tour guide is full of moonlighting cast members.

 

[wilkeliza]

So these cast members must really not be smart. There's another person on the website who's a tour guide named "Jessika" ( a very odd spelling But on the "Elite Orlando VIP Tours" Facebook page you can find her real name under a review. Her real name is Jessica H. ( I won't put her full name here). Her Facebook page says that she works at this tour company as well as Hollywood Studios. The Facebook page for this company makes claims for the tour group getting you out of wait times etc. I'm guessing this tour guide is full of moonlighting cast members.

Sounds that way. Seems they either fake that DAS system or issue readmit passes in an not okay way.

 

[fbb]

If Disney is reading this thread,

Fire Gracie!

FYI the Yeti is not working.

thx fbb

 

[bean]

So I just found "Gracie's" Facebook page as well. She actually likes one of her reviews on the Elite Orlando VIP Tours page! Her Facebook name is Grace Ann. Ugh. Just so disgusting. It's definitely her as my mom has looked at the Facebook page. She tries to disguise herself for sure during the tours.

 

[bean]

If Disney is reading this thread,

Fire Gracie!

FYI the Yeti is not working.

thx fbb

Ha!!! Saw that Yeti once Fix the Yeti! (not going to happen

 

[bumbershoot]

So....seeing how out in the open that website is, I think that the basic concept isn't a problem. It's the getting extra time b/c you know the CMs, etc etc, that's hinky. Also, for the OP's mom, it sounds like the guide just didn't do a very good job.

Seems like it would have been easier to do this sort of tour back before FP+, doesn't it?

 

[bean]

So....seeing how out in the open that website is, I think that the basic concept isn't a problem. It's the getting extra time b/c you know the CMs, etc etc, that's hinky. Also, for the OP's mom, it sounds like the guide just didn't do a very good job.

Seems like it would have been easier to do this sort of tour back before FP+, doesn't it?

For sure it must have worked very well before FP+ The website though makes the claim that you won't wait in lines. Which I'm guessing makes newbies think that they can just ride anything if they book these tour guides (not true I know with this group they thought they could go back to all of the rides they'd missed on the trip because Gracie would get them in. But yes, the worst part for me is when they do actually mix their Disney perks with this job....merch discounts/character time.

 

[wilkeliza]

So....seeing how out in the open that website is, I think that the basic concept isn't a problem. It's the getting extra time b/c you know the CMs, etc etc, that's hinky. Also, for the OP's mom, it sounds like the guide just didn't do a very good job.

Seems like it would have been easier to do this sort of tour back before FP+, doesn't it?

Disney technically has no rules against paying someone to guide you through the park. A certain someone who can't be named makes a killing off of it. The issue becomes when you are a cast member and make money off of something that Disney offers. They cover it pretty clearly in training. You also can't use your cast admission to make money so the fact they don't need you to pay for them to get in would mean they are probably using their cast ID.

 

[kandb]

What a crock! They act like they are going to be able to get on rides without waiting in lines. Yeah, anyone can look at the Disney app and see where there are no lines.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

If this person is definitely violating the terms of her employment with Disney, I can't condone it for any reason. So she doesn't get paid much at Disney. I can believe that. Can't pay the rent? Cut back on expenses. Get an additional roommate to share expenses. Get a less expensive apartment. Ditch the apartment and rent a room somewhere. Get a second job. Wait tables. Make lattes. Sell greeting cards. Scoop ice cream. Still can't make ends meet? Does she really have to work at Disney? Maybe she likes it, but if they can't pay her enough to live then she needs to quit. Find a full time job with another company. I heard Universal is hiring. Seriously, there is no acceptable reason that is forcing her to violate company policy. She's doing it because she's making a ton of money and no one has stopped her yet.

 

[Feralpeg]

ok, I know this is wrong on so many levels and I agree with everyone who has posted BUT there is another side to the story.

Being a CM is not a well paid job, it is basically on the same pay grade as restaurants in the real world (outside the Disney bubble) Many CMs are on short term contracts or have had their hours reduced. Most CM's live in rented multi person house shares.

MAYBE this CM is doing these unofficial tours as the only way to pay her rent , as her hours at Disney dont pay enough to cover her rent and bills. Maybe she knows what she is doing is wrong and knows she risks but the risk (to her) is worth it , if these unofficial tours give enough money to pay the rent and continue living in Florida and working at Disney.

Yes we all know she is violating her contract with Disney, but who are we to judge the decisions someone makes when they are doing whatever they can to pay the rent?

I'm sorry, but I'm really getting tired of hearing people justify behavior that is wrong because the person's life is hard. Life is hard for many. That doesn't excuse breaking the rules or doing the wrong thing. Personally, I hope Gracie is found out sooner than later. There are too many hard working CMs doing the right thing. This person is not in their league!

 

[LilyWDW]

I'm sorry, but I'm really getting tired of hearing people justify behavior that is wrong because the person's life is hard. Life is hard for many. That doesn't excuse breaking the rules or doing the wrong thing. Personally, I hope Gracie is found out sooner than later. There are too many hard working CMs doing the right thing. This person is not in their league!

I agree 100%. I work 4, yes 4 jobs so I can pay my rent. All of which are real jobs. If she can't make ends meet, then she can get another real job or cut back on expenses. Hopefully Disney does find out and fires her. Then she wouldn't be able to afford anything.

 

[grnflash]

I think Gracie's double-dipping. It doesn't sound like she was booked through the tour company and their rates do not match Gracie's $50/head fee (they charge $125 by the hour.) Perhaps she needs to be reported to Elite Orlando Tours too - maybe that's who she's hiding from!