Just Back....Strange Observance

[SRUAlmn]

I did see it during parade times, but at least in those cases I understood the need a little more. These were other situations, not during parades. Thanks everyone for your responses. It's really interesting to hear from CMs about this

 

[littlewitch34]

I did see it during parade times, but at least in those cases I understood the need a little more. These were other situations, not during parades. Thanks everyone for your responses. It's really interesting to hear from CMs about this

You never know when someone might need to be in another area for whatever reason. My costume at DTD worked at most Disney-owned DTD locations, so it wasn't a big deal when I was sent to another area to get ice when our ice machine was broken, but sometimes emergencies happen. I don't think they should be standing there having a gossip session over anything.

 

[xipotec]

I am sure this is a result of hiring downward as many companies are doing. The fire anyone (or cut their hours till they quit) to hire a lower wage worker..

Well you get what you pay for. Ten years ago you could work at WDW as your only job. I wonder how many part timers vs full timers are on staff now.

 

[Hollywoodhaha]

We also witnessed a lot of gossiping and inappropriate conversations in front of guests. I feel like it makes me old to say this (and I'm only 34,) but I work a lot with young people, and the new college generation has a very different idea of professionalism and I think that's very evident in the College Program CMs. It's so unfortunate.

As a college programer, this offends me very much.

1) Utilidors they don't really care where you are in costume but the moment you step on stage if youre adventureland your costume better be adventureland. Same for other lands.

2) Yes, you do get lost. Especially main street, where I have gotten lost many times. You never really know where exactly you are going to pop out or what staircase to take.

 

[robinb]

I saw a CM in a Fantasyland costume shopping at the Publix on our last trip in April. It was very jarring to see a CM in full WDW costume minus her name tag outside the purple gates. I figured that they relaxed the rules and allowed CMs to wear their costumes home.

 

[thatguygreg]

I saw a CM in a Fantasyland costume shopping at the Publix on our last trip in April. It was very jarring to see a CM in full WDW costume minus her name tag outside the purple gates. I figured that they relaxed the rules and allowed CMs to wear their costumes home.

They've let that happen for a while, usually because the CM wants to wash the costume his/herself, for various reasons.

 

[MinnieJay]

They've let that happen for a while, usually because the CM wants to wash the costume his/herself, for various reasons.

Because once we found a pair of pants that fit pretty well even though they came well past our belly buttons, we would keep them to wash. Rare to find a good fitting costume lol


But on behalf of any CM who apparently ruined everyone's magical vacation by being in the wrong land onstage for whatever reason and shopping in grocery stores and doing normal things, I'm sorry. (by the way, in public like that, it's considered out of costume as long as the name tag isn't on) but there are so many great CMs who work hard to keep guests coming back and keep the magic alive. It's a job nonetheless, and people mess up sometimes. Not trying to make excuses, but maybe my rose colored glasses are darker than most

 

[robinb]

Because once we found a pair of pants that fit pretty well even though they came well past our belly buttons, we would keep them to wash. Rare to find a good fitting costume lol


But on behalf of any CM who apparently ruined everyone's magical vacation by being in the wrong land onstage for whatever reason and shopping in grocery stores and doing normal things, I'm sorry. (by the way, in public like that, it's considered out of costume as long as the name tag isn't on) but there are so many great CMs who work hard to keep guests coming back and keep the magic alive. It's a job nonetheless, and people mess up sometimes. Not trying to make excuses, but maybe my rose colored glasses are darker than most

I didn't say that it ruined my vacation. I assumed that the rules had changed because I had NEVER seen a CM in a "land" costume in 15 years of going to WDW 2-3 times a year. I would occasionally see one of the more generic ones (like bus drivers), but not one instantly recognizable as a Fantasyland costume. I really have no problem with CMs grabbing onto a costume that fits and taking it home to wash for whatever reason (allergies, etc), but how long does it really take to change into street clothes? Less than 5 minutes? I think that not taking a few minutes to change shows a lack of respect for the branding and I will continue to consider it "jarring" if I see a Pizzafri costume outside of the purple gates and I will continue to think less of the CM who won't take 5 minutes to change back into street clothes after their shift is over.

ETA: Now that I think about it this morning, it's not the CMs fault that they are allowed to wear their costumes home.

 

[elphie101]

IMO, the taboo of being seen "outside your area" really only exists at MK, because of it's connection to Walt. I knew a girl during my CP who worked merchandise at HS, and she was actually encouraged to walk around the park in costume if need be, because it is part of the show that guests are at a working movie backlot - I once bumped into the cowgirl who had taken over my Great Movie Ride earlier that same day.

When need be, safety comes before show, so if cast members are needed for crowd control for a parade or something similar, they will use whatever people are free. On New Years Eve (which I realize is an exception to the normal park day) I knew co-CMs in our Tomorrowland costumes working in the castle hub. Again I know that situation is an extreme case, but it's the same type of logic a PP referenced.

And don't blame all the college programers - I knew plenty on my CP that had far more pixie dust than those who had been with Disney for 10+ years. It's all in the attitude

 

[tralin]

I read in a trade magazine that Disney was loosening up on the rule about CM's having to remain in their own area's while in specific costumes. I can't remember the reason why. I'll have to see if I can find the article. They also are loosening up on office attire and women can now wear sleevless blouses and go without pantihose. I guess even Disney needs to come into the 21st century.

 

[kaligal]

I didn't say that it ruined my vacation. I assumed that the rules had changed because I had NEVER seen a CM in a "land" costume in 15 years of going to WDW 2-3 times a year. I would occasionally see one of the more generic ones (like bus drivers), but not one instantly recognizable as a Fantasyland costume. I really have no problem with CMs grabbing onto a costume that fits and taking it home to wash for whatever reason (allergies, etc), but how long does it really take to change into street clothes? Less than 5 minutes? I think that not taking a few minutes to change shows a lack of respect for the branding and I will continue to consider it "jarring" if I see a Pizzafri costume outside of the purple gates and I will continue to think less of the CM who won't take 5 minutes to change back into street clothes after their shift is over.

Managers do it, too.

The rules were changed. Disney was reminded that if they want people to do things, they have to pay them for their time. Disney then decided that it wasn't so very important, after all.

If you don't want to see people wearing their work uniforms at the gas station or in Publix, you may want to consider staying on the Disney property.

 

[Traveliz]

I didn't say that it ruined my vacation. I assumed that the rules had changed because I had NEVER seen a CM in a "land" costume in 15 years of going to WDW 2-3 times a year. I would occasionally see one of the more generic ones (like bus drivers), but not one instantly recognizable as a Fantasyland costume. I really have no problem with CMs grabbing onto a costume that fits and taking it home to wash for whatever reason (allergies, etc), but how long does it really take to change into street clothes? Less than 5 minutes? I think that not taking a few minutes to change shows a lack of respect for the branding and I will continue to consider it "jarring" if I see a Pizzafri costume outside of the purple gates and I will continue to think less of the CM who won't take 5 minutes to change back into street clothes after their shift is over.

You really feel that way? Apparently Disney (yes for real) is ok with the wearing of the costumes (without the name tag) away from the World. I think it's a little much to expect a CM to change in and out of their costume before and after work before heading home and maybe doing an errand or two. There would be no extra pay for that time in and out of the costume. I mean really they probably don't want to wear them for hours on end -just an errand here and there.

I often see people at the store in Speed Lube uniforms, scrubs, all sorts of people wearing nametags, McDonald's uniforms, Steak n Shake, etc and I never consider them showing a lack of respect for the branding. I think, "oh they must be on their way to or from work!"

I find it odd to set such a high standard for a likely minimum wage worker (or just a bit over) that they can't even drive home in costume without jarring the general public and being considered rude to the branding.

Liz

 

[littlewitch34]

IMO, the taboo of being seen "outside your area" really only exists at MK, because of it's connection to Walt. I knew a girl during my CP who worked merchandise at HS, and she was actually encouraged to walk around the park in costume if need be, because it is part of the show that guests are at a working movie backlot - I once bumped into the cowgirl who had taken over my Great Movie Ride earlier that same day.

When need be, safety comes before show, so if cast members are needed for crowd control for a parade or something similar, they will use whatever people are free. On New Years Eve (which I realize is an exception to the normal park day) I knew co-CMs in our Tomorrowland costumes working in the castle hub. Again I know that situation is an extreme case, but it's the same type of logic a PP referenced.

And don't blame all the college programers - I knew plenty on my CP that had far more pixie dust than those who had been with Disney for 10+ years. It's all in the attitude

When I was deployed to DHS, I was told I was permitted to carry my tote bag ONSTAGE to enter/exit the park from backstage to get to my work location. I was shocked.

 

[mickeyonasticky]

For me personally, when I'm in the generic stock costume (sometimes we call them "blues") and I'm sent on an errand somewhere in the park, and I'm allowed to go on stage, it's extremely weird. I'm so used to staying not only in my land, but in my store. Walking out onto the sidewalk is weird, let alone going across the street or anywhere else.

I do have a friend who is a transportation CM, and a couple times a day to and from his breaks, he walks that path in front of Tony's to go backstage.

It's all perspective and where you're used to working, I suppose.

 

[robinb]

You really feel that way? Apparently Disney (yes for real) is ok with the wearing of the costumes (without the name tag) away from the World. I think it's a little much to expect a CM to change in and out of their costume before and after work before heading home and maybe doing an errand or two. There would be no extra pay for that time in and out of the costume. I mean really they probably don't want to wear them for hours on end -just an errand here and there.

I often see people at the store in Speed Lube uniforms, scrubs, all sorts of people wearing nametags, McDonald's uniforms, Steak n Shake, etc and I never consider them showing a lack of respect for the branding. I think, "oh they must be on their way to or from work!"

I find it odd to set such a high standard for a likely minimum wage worker (or just a bit over) that they can't even drive home in costume without jarring the general public and being considered rude to the branding.

Liz

I admit that my feelings are from when the previous rules were in place. Just look at the words that Disney uses to describe their workers: Cast Members instead of Employees, Costumes instead of Uniforms, Onstage/Offstage instead of Working and Breaktime and Off the Clock.

I read reports here again and again about CMs who are rude or no longer go that extra bit to make something "magical". Honestly, I don't care about a CM who is not perfect and I certainly don't need pixie dust blown up my butt, so I attributed that to "CMs are human and everyone has bad days.". However, now I think it may be associated with the blurring of onstage vs offstage. It used to be that a person would come into work and transform themselves into a CM persona by changing into a special costume and then would step onstage like an actor. If they are no longer making that physical transformation I could see that they are also not making the mental transformation from minimum wage employee in a uniform to "Cast Member actor" and it's that mental attitude that sets Disney CMs apart.

Now that I think about it this morning, it's not the CMs fault that they are allowed to wear their costumes home. It was a change in the rules and I don't blame them for doing what is now OK. I don't think it is a good idea because of the erosion between onstage and offstage.

 

[origin62]

You really feel that way? Apparently Disney (yes for real) is ok with the wearing of the costumes (without the name tag) away from the World. I think it's a little much to expect a CM to change in and out of their costume before and after work before heading home and maybe doing an errand or two. There would be no extra pay for that time in and out of the costume. I mean really they probably don't want to wear them for hours on end -just an errand here and there.

I often see people at the store in Speed Lube uniforms, scrubs, all sorts of people wearing nametags, McDonald's uniforms, Steak n Shake, etc and I never consider them showing a lack of respect for the branding. I think, "oh they must be on their way to or from work!"

I find it odd to set such a high standard for a likely minimum wage worker (or just a bit over) that they can't even drive home in costume without jarring the general public and being considered rude to the branding.

Liz

I agree in part with you, and appreciate your consideration for the CMs and their situation. I too see people in their workwear around town, and don't give it a second thought.

However, Disney holds itself to a higher standard (or at least they used to.) I think this is the reason the PP and some others are bothered by the costume issue.

For the first 30 years WDW existed, with few exceptions, CM costumes were never permitted off the property, either worn or still on hangers. CMs wore street clothes to work, went to Wardrobe to obtain a clean costume for the day, and changed into it. At the end of the day, they returned the costume to Wardrobe, changed back into street clothes, and went home (or to Publix, the package store, or the gas station, etc.) This was considered a special, uniquely Disney practice. It protected the show by preventing guests from seeing CMs in costume outside of their themed environment.

Then, someone, (probably an MBA intern in a cubicle) said, why are we doing this? This is expensive. So, the entire process was scrapped, and CMs were, for the first time, allowed to take costumes home. Apparently after thirty years of being so important, overnight, it wasn't anymore.

Incidentally, CMs were (and some still are) paid for the last few minutes of their workday, specifically to allow them to change clothes and get to their car by the end of their shift.

 

[disnut8]

I guess I find myself thinking about a heck of a lot of other things at Disney World than clothing. Just doesn't bother me.

And Walt is dead, sorry to everyone. No one knows what he would be doing or saying because he's been dead since before Disney World opened up. He died in 1966 - before Vietnam was settled, before an energy crisis (twice), before the economy crashing, before the wars in the Middle East, before the Iranian Hostage crisis. Heck, he died before 60 Minutes was even on the air. What would Walt do? Do you ever think he would have even more radical ideas than what is going on now? He was a thinker ahead of his time.

 

[SRUAlmn]

As a college programer, this offends me very much.

And don't blame all the college programers - I knew plenty on my CP that had far more pixie dust than those who had been with Disney for 10+ years. It's all in the attitude

I just wanted to apologize for over generalizing. In my experience, it was normally the CPs that were standing around socializing, but I know not ALL CPs are like that. I felt the same way when I was an overly responsible college student and people acted like all college students were crazy partiers, so I'm sorry if I offended you

 

[WaDiWo]

I just wanted to apologize for over generalizing. In my experience, it was normally the CPs that were standing around socializing, but I know not ALL CPs are like that. I felt the same way when I was an overly responsible college student and people acted like all college students were crazy partiers, so I'm sorry if I offended you

I don't think you were over-generalizing, and I don't think you meant to offend anyone. You were simply making an observation, and a fair one at that. I agree with you and others, we hold Disney to a higher standard. Just like we would not want to see our kids' schoolteachers "out of line" when out of school, same goes for the behavior of Cast Members both on and offstage. We respect CM's and know they work hard to keep the magic alive!

Why do we hold Disney to a higher standard? Because Walt himself did.

 

[Cookie55]

When I was in DL in May a CM told me that their costumes are now RFID tagged. He said it was being done so that they "could keep track of 'them.'" Any one know if this in place in WDW?