Merchandise

[AsianAmy]

Since other roles are doing this - why not us? LoL

To alumni: what are some of the jobs you've had doing the merchandise role? I've heard from people who worked in hotels to those who worked as pirates in the Pirates of the Caribbean Store (sounds like fun!).

To future CPers: When are you guys heading down? Where would your ideal workplace be? (And out of curiosity, what majors are everyone?)

 

[tinyt396]

Since other roles are doing this - why not us? LoL

To alumni: what are some of the jobs you've had doing the merchandise role? I've heard from people who worked in hotels to those who worked as pirates in the Pirates of the Caribbean Store (sounds like fun!).

To future CPers: When are you guys heading down? Where would your ideal workplace be? (And out of curiosity, what majors are everyone?)

I was a Merchandise Hostess at Toontown in Fall 2005. I literally had the time of my life!!! It is a fun work environment, the managers are the best, and overall it was just a great place to work. As far as being pirates at Pirates of the Caribbean, the costume is not fun to wear. Plus the pirates song gets old after a little while. But anywhere you get placed just go with an open mind! There are literally THOUSANDS of places you could be put so its hard to try to think about where you will be.

FYI: Before I did my program, I did not want to be in Magic Kingdom, because of the crowds and I thought it would be crazy with all the people. But I absolutely LOVED it. Now it is my favorite park, I love going back to visit, and it was just the best place to work (in my opinion!)

 

[AsianAmy]

That' s so interesting. Thanks so much for you post.

Out of curiosity, what was your schedule like - and did you take classes?

I guess I never realized how themed the merchandise position could be. I guess in my mind I thought the position was so static (for lack of a better term). I'm a Media & Communications and Theatre Double Major, so dressing up and being somewhat in character is always so appealing (but I actually missed the character audition!). Hearing about these fun merchandise positions is really exciting!

 

[Joanna71985]

Since other roles are doing this - why not us? LoL

To alumni: what are some of the jobs you've had doing the merchandise role? I've heard from people who worked in hotels to those who worked as pirates in the Pirates of the Caribbean Store (sounds like fun!).

To future CPers: When are you guys heading down? Where would your ideal workplace be? (And out of curiosity, what majors are everyone?)

I did merchandise Spring 2005 (and extended over the summer). I mostly was in Fantasyland, but also worked 2 weeks each in Liberty Square and Adventureland, and 1 day on Main Street. I just about always closed, which meant coming in to work around 3-5 pm, and working til park close (which could be anything like 10pm up until 3am- darn EMH). I mostly worked the registers, assisted the guests, and worked the floor. But I also did some stocking once in awhile. I loved working Adventureland (the costume was like PJs) and working Glow/Squeeze Breeze in Adventureland, but I did not like doing POTC (the costume was thick and hot). I also did not like working in Liberty Square (the dress was VERY heavy. I also almost killed myself climbing the stairs). Overall, it was a fun role.

 

[RyanS]

I'm in Merchandise too, arriving May 19th. I would love to work at POTC, I can't get enough of Pirates. Working at Mousegears seems like it would be fun too, or maybe Villains in Vogue at DHS or the ToT shop. Those would be my top choices, but I'm really looking forward to just being there and hopefully having a lot of guest interaction.

 

[browneyedgal]

I did merchandise Spring 2005 (and extended over the summer). I mostly was in Fantasyland, but also worked 2 weeks each in Liberty Square and Adventureland, and 1 day on Main Street. I just about always closed, which meant coming in to work around 3-5 pm, and working til park close (which could be anything like 10pm up until 3am- darn EMH). I mostly worked the registers, assisted the guests, and worked the floor. But I also did some stocking once in awhile. I loved working Adventureland (the costume was like PJs) and working Glow/Squeeze Breeze in Adventureland, but I did not like doing POTC (the costume was thick and hot). I also did not like working in Liberty Square (the dress was VERY heavy. I also almost killed myself climbing the stairs). Overall, it was a fun role.

I would love to be able to be able to work at various locations like you did! Should I mention this to someone when I arrive?

I have a few questions as well, sorry .....
1.) Are we allowed a break during our work shift? If so, how long is it for?
2.) Are we allowed to bring a camera with us while at work? I would like a pic of myself in a silly dress hehe (Unless we change in our apartment before we head off to work.....? Though I'm assuming that Disney wouldn't want us traveling around in our costume.....)
3.) Silly question, but if we come in contact with a celebrity, what are we allowed to do? Can we ask for a pic/autograph or something? Not that I want to bother the celebrity while they're vacationing, or make customers wait as I stand there all star-struck lol, but I'm just wondering what the rules are.....
4.) Is there a guidance counselor type person that is available for me to talk to if I have questions/concerns during the program?

Thanks!

 

[Joanna71985]

I would love to be able to be able to work at various locations like you did! Should I mention this to someone when I arrive?

I have a few questions as well, sorry .....
1.) Are we allowed a break during our work shift? If so, how long is it for?
2.) Are we allowed to bring a camera with us while at work? I would like a pic of myself in a silly dress hehe (Unless we change in our apartment before we head off to work.....? Though I'm assuming that Disney wouldn't want us traveling around in our costume.....)
3.) Silly question, but if we come in contact with a celebrity, what are we allowed to do? Can we ask for a pic/autograph or something? Not that I want to bother the celebrity while they're vacationing, or make customers wait as I stand there all star-struck lol, but I'm just wondering what the rules are.....

Thanks!

The reason I was moved around because I was pulled from my location (I am assuming the other places were shorthanded).

1) Yes. The amount of breaks you get depends on the length of the shift. For example- 6 hours or less was one break (20 minutes, I believe), 6.5-7 hours was a lunch and a 20 minute break, and 8+ was a lunch and 2 breaks.

2. Pictures are technically not allowed backstage. But you can bring your costume home.

3. Nothing. CMs are not allowed to ask the celebrity for pic/autograph.

 

[browneyedgal]

The reason I was moved around because I was pulled from my location (I am assuming the other places were shorthanded).

1) Yes. The amount of breaks you get depends on the length of the shift. For example- 6 hours or less was one break (20 minutes, I believe), 6.5-7 hours was a lunch and a 20 minute break, and 8+ was a lunch and 2 breaks.

2. Pictures are technically not allowed backstage. But you can bring your costume home.

3. Nothing. CMs are not allowed to ask the celebrity for pic/autograph.

Thanks for the speedy response, Joanna! It's a shame that we can't move from location to location- it would certainly break up the monotony of the job.....

I have one more question that I would appreciate if someone could answer.....
Is there a guidance counselor type person that is available for me to talk to if I have questions/concerns with my job (or anything else) during the program?

Thanks!

 

[AsianAmy]

Hey BrowneyedGal!

Thanks so much for asking these questions because I've had the same ones.

A friend of mine had a Disney College recruiter email her - but I haven't had anyone contact me. She saw her recruiter as like a guidance counselor type person...We didn't go to a presentation so we didn't meet any recruiters...so I guess I'm confused too. Hahaha

 

[tinyt396]

If you would like the opportunity to work at different places then when it slows down (September) look into picking up shifts in different areas and parks. As long as you are trained in "Merchantainment" which you will be then you can work in lots of differents places. I hope that helps.

Also as far as guidance counselor I don't remember if there is one, but my managers were awesome and if I was ever having a problem they always offered to listen to me and help me in any way they could.

My shifts in Toontown weren't too bad. If I worked an 8 hour shift then I would come in at 2 and work til 10. The nice thing about Toontown is that it is not open for extra magic hours. I think the latest I ever had to work was midnight, possibly 1am. I worked POTC on Night of Joy (which is Disney's biggest night of theft and it was a little crazy but fun. My biggest problem with Pirates was the costume. It was EXTREMELY uncomfortable and did not fit well.

Good luck to everyone going down, just enjoy yourself. It really can be a magical place to work, if you keep your mind open. I am starting my PI in June and am ecstatic to be getting a chance to go back. Hopefully I see some of you down there!!!

 

[Joanna71985]

Thanks for the speedy response, Joanna! It's a shame that we can't move from location to location- it would certainly break up the monotony of the job.....

I have one more question that I would appreciate if someone could answer.....
Is there a guidance counselor type person that is available for me to talk to if I have questions/concerns with my job (or anything else) during the program?

Thanks!

Even if you aren't moved, you can still pick up shifts for extra hours. You can get some good ones that way.

If you have questions/concerns, your managers should be able to help. If not, I believe there are CP people you can talk to.

 

[browneyedgal]

Hey BrowneyedGal!

Thanks so much for asking these questions because I've had the same ones.

A friend of mine had a Disney College recruiter email her - but I haven't had anyone contact me. She saw her recruiter as like a guidance counselor type person...We didn't go to a presentation so we didn't meet any recruiters...so I guess I'm confused too. Hahaha

No problem! But gosh, I do feel bad that I'm always asking questions lol.....
Also, I didn't attend a presentation and haven't had anyone contact me, either.

If you would like the opportunity to work at different places then when it slows down (September) look into picking up shifts in different areas and parks. As long as you are trained in "Merchantainment" which you will be then you can work in lots of differents places. I hope that helps.

Also as far as guidance counselor I don't remember if there is one, but my managers were awesome and if I was ever having a problem they always offered to listen to me and help me in any way they could.

My shifts in Toontown weren't too bad. If I worked an 8 hour shift then I would come in at 2 and work til 10. The nice thing about Toontown is that it is not open for extra magic hours. I think the latest I ever had to work was midnight, possibly 1am. I worked POTC on Night of Joy (which is Disney's biggest night of theft and it was a little crazy but fun. My biggest problem with Pirates was the costume. It was EXTREMELY uncomfortable and did not fit well.

Good luck to everyone going down, just enjoy yourself. It really can be a magical place to work, if you keep your mind open. I am starting my PI in June and am ecstatic to be getting a chance to go back. Hopefully I see some of you down there!!!

Thanks for answering my questions!!! Yes, hopefully we will see everyone down there

Even if you aren't moved, you can still pick up shifts for extra hours. You can get some good ones that way.

If you have questions/concerns, your managers should be able to help. If not, I believe there are CP people you can talk to.

Thanks so much for the info!

 

[Fairyprincess316]

opps messed up my post. lol

 

[Fairyprincess316]

Hey BrowneyedGal!

Thanks so much for asking these questions because I've had the same ones.

A friend of mine had a Disney College recruiter email her - but I haven't had anyone contact me. She saw her recruiter as like a guidance counselor type person...We didn't go to a presentation so we didn't meet any recruiters...so I guess I'm confused too. Hahaha

Hi Amy! I had a recruiter contact me after my interview and i have been speaking with her about questions that i have had. I thought that everyone had someone contact them, i mean i never went to a presentation either, i watched the e-presentation. so who knows.

Glad to see people are asking questions i am also getting some of my answers from here. Thanks to all who helps us who are new and clueless. lol

 

[Nikki Mouse]

My last CP was in Merch at the big Epcot store, Mouse Gear. It was a great location because it was small enough to not go crazy in (like working World of Disney!) but large enough that new stuff came in often, and there'd be different areas to have shifts (register, stock, pin trading boards/princess days for the kids, etc).

My schedule tended to be five days, six-hour shifts a day from around 6pm-midnight. I also did some OT at the Caribbean Beach Resort store as well as MK Main Street parade control, which I enjoyed because they are my favorite hotel and park, respectively. Everything was mostly a great experience; I miss many of the people I worked with and just the overall feeling of the CP.

I'll second the counseling issue. I probably had a bit of luck, but my manager was incredibly sweet and I always talked to her about any problems.

 

[AsianAmy]

Thanks Nikki! That is so helpful!

BECKY!!!! Yeah, my friend Becca also had someone contact her...weird...I'm not sure. I've been hearing mixed comments to having people contact them.

 

[AsianAmy]

P.S. I've been hearing that the Managers are really great and extremely helpful. So excited!

 

[Joanna71985]

P.S. I've been hearing that the Managers are really great and extremely helpful. So excited!

They really are!

 

[Nikki Mouse]

Thanks Nikki! That is so helpful!

You're welcome! Hope you really enjoy it!