Merchandise Advice

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

Ive been accepted into Merchandise for the DLR program. I was wondering what all to expect both the good and the bad as well any advice you may have..from both the DLR and WDW past/present CP's

 

[abmagical]

Me too And I'd love to know the same!! I was accepted for Merchandise Hostess, how about you?

 

[dkmulder]

I LOVED being in merchentainment!! Hated it in real life, but seriously, Disney is so not real life. It was amazing. I don't even really remember 'selling' stuff, I just remember all the good times. I personally think merchandise is one of the best roles to have because you get to really talk to the guests more than most roles. I loved the guest interactions. You get to meet people from all over the world, and that is awesome. Take advantage of that. Take interest in your guests and where they are from, because they will all be happy you asked, and really, I really was interested. I met so many people from so many different countries.

Beyond that, you can have so much fun with merchandise. I used to put on a crown and grab a wand every day and act like a princess. Who doesn't want to be a princess everyday? The great part about that, you wouldn't believe the number of kids that asked for my autograph. I'm kinda famous And if it wasn't the princess get-up, I'd wear an apron and chefs hat, or Mickey gloves (sometimes all at the same time), and sometimes I'd grab a bear and pretend we were having adoptions and only the perfect little boy or girl could go home with that bear.

So much fun, best role out there. You'll love it if you remember to have fun with it. I worked at Main Street East in Magic Kingdom in WDW, time of my life!

 

[dkmulder]

Me too And I'd love to know the same!! I was accepted for Merchandise Hostess, how about you?

Are you going to be at WDW? If so, I'd think about what park you want to work at, although you could also get to be at a resort. I only say this because I really wanted to work at Magic Kingdom, and while I was standing in line waiting for a work assignment (on your first day or so where they decide where you will be working), the workers overheard me talking to someone in line with me and put me there. So, if there is someplace you really want to be, it doesn't hurt to mention it. And, I highly recommend Main Street East or West as it is a high traffic area. There were a couple of weeks where I was deployed to another land, and while it was fun and interesting, it wasn't as busy. I found that I would much rather the stores stay busy, as time will really fly that way, than work during slow times. Although I know everybody always ends up loving their home turf, so I'm sure you will love where ever you are assigned (but I'd still try for a high volume area).

 

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

Me too And I'd love to know the same!! I was accepted for Merchandise Hostess, how about you?

Im not sure..I was just told Merchandise?? This is for the DL program though so it maybe different than WDW. Im just glad its merchandise!!

 

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

I LOVED being in merchentainment!! Hated it in real life, but seriously, Disney is so not real life. It was amazing. I don't even really remember 'selling' stuff, I just remember all the good times. I personally think merchandise is one of the best roles to have because you get to really talk to the guests more than most roles. I loved the guest interactions. You get to meet people from all over the world, and that is awesome. Take advantage of that. Take interest in your guests and where they are from, because they will all be happy you asked, and really, I really was interested. I met so many people from so many different countries.

Beyond that, you can have so much fun with merchandise. I used to put on a crown and grab a wand every day and act like a princess. Who doesn't want to be a princess everyday? The great part about that, you wouldn't believe the number of kids that asked for my autograph. I'm kinda famous And if it wasn't the princess get-up, I'd wear an apron and chefs hat, or Mickey gloves (sometimes all at the same time), and sometimes I'd grab a bear and pretend we were having adoptions and only the perfect little boy or girl could go home with that bear.

So much fun, best role out there. You'll love it if you remember to have fun with it. I worked at Main Street East in Magic Kingdom in WDW, time of my life!

Guest interaction was one of the main reasons for wanting this role. Sounds like you really have no boundaries (within reason) in making the guests happy. I can't wait (85 days!), especially after hearing your experience!

 

[taigirl87]

I too am in merchantainment and it really is the best role! I work at Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom and it really is THE best location ever! And what can be a better costume than a chicken skirt? Ha ha! (i love my chicken skirts btw )

It isn't always play and fun like it seems like, you do get some guests who are very demanding and rude, especially when you dont have the size they want. But the smiles on kids and parents faces are priceless! My favorite thing to do is pixie dust the guests in tink's treasures (that stuff is the most amazing and perfect glitter ive ever seen!)

My advice is to just make the most of it and have fun, but work hard! Don't slack off cuz we got some people that do that sometimes and it sucks!

 

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

I too am in merchantainment and it really is the best role! I work at Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom and it really is THE best location ever! And what can be a better costume than a chicken skirt? Ha ha! (i love my chicken skirts btw )

It isn't always play and fun like it seems like, you do get some guests who are very demanding and rude, especially when you dont have the size they want. But the smiles on kids and parents faces are priceless! My favorite thing to do is pixie dust the guests in tink's treasures (that stuff is the most amazing and perfect glitter ive ever seen!)

My advice is to just make the most of it and have fun, but work hard! Don't slack off cuz we got some people that do that sometimes and it sucks!

A chicken skirt?? Wow, I'll have to see that one. Im hoping I get to work in "off the page"-I think that's what they call the store because I hear they have the nicest costumes, but hey the chicken skirts could be good too..only in Disney!

 

[MaryPoppins86]

A chicken skirt?? Wow, I'll have to see that one. Im hoping I get to work in "off the page"-I think that's what they call the store because I hear they have the nicest costumes, but hey the chicken skirts could be good too..only in Disney!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbBf99d8k3Q <===== i believe the is the chicken skirt taigirl87 is referring to.

 

[taigirl87]

that sure is my chicken skirt

 

[abmagical]

Nope, I am doing the program in Disneyland and I can't wait!!! How did you already find out what store youre in?!?! I mean I'll be excited for any of the ridiculous costumes....but I want to know!! haha

 

[glendalais]

Ive been accepted into Merchandise for the DLR program. I was wondering what all to expect both the good and the bad as well any advice you may have..from both the DLR and WDW past/present CP's

As a Disneyland Resort Store Operations Host or Hostess, you'll have the opportunity to work in one of the many Walt Disney World Company-owned and operated shops in Disneyland Park, Disney's California Adventure Park, the Downtown Disney District, and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

Though this is decreasing with the implementation of the One Disney concept, it should still be noted that DLR Store Operations still operates slightly differently than it's counterparts at Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise Operations.

Most noticeable is that DLR uses a much softer sale. For those of you who know what it means, DLR does not use Merchantainment - they do not require, expect, or really want Cast Members to walk around wearing or really playing with the Merchandise.

 

[wannabefreeee]

I was just accepted for merchandise in WDW. I really hope to get one of the parks. Reading this thread has only made me more excited and am so glad I get to dress up with the items on the job! haha. Since I won't come back to a job here at home in May do you think that we would have a better chance maybe working at the disney store after the CP?

 

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

Nope, I am doing the program in Disneyland and I can't wait!!! How did you already find out what store youre in?!?! I mean I'll be excited for any of the ridiculous costumes....but I want to know!! haha

I don't know where I'll be working I'm just hoping for now, but I wish I knew too!

 

[jewjubean]

Just so you know..Downtown Disney merchandise is awesome!!! I love my Huge store!

 

[mare07]

My best friend does Merchandise for WDW right now. She's worked in 3 completely different places and had 3 completely different experiences. During her first CP she worked in ToonTown. Wasn't a big fan at first (never a fan of the costume, which isn't all that bad considering), but grew to love the crew she worked with and the managers. She recently went back for an Alumni program and was placed in World of Disney (WoD). I'm pretty sure it almost ruined Disney for her. 39 managers and over 700 employees. She loved stock at TT, but it was completely different at WoD. Once she finished at WoD, she applied and got PT at the Poly. She's originally from Hawaii and has had more than one kid ask her if she was Lilo so it's a perfect fit. She likes it a lot. Only drawback is there aren't too many people working with her. Merchandise can mean a lot of things, so be prepared for anything, even those glow carts and things.

 

[Blessed Gurlie 07]

I'll have to remember Downtown Disney because I do want to work in a big store.

During the interview I requested to work indoors so HOPEFULLY I won't have to work at the carts, but who knows. DLR doesn't have as many CP's as WDW so that's a relief that I won't have that problem, thanks for the advice though!