Q for CMs

[schlepsnort]

After reading about evil guests, rude cheerleading/brazillian tour groups, and all the like it left me wondering...

As guests, what can WE do to make YOUR day magical?

I mean, I know it's part of your job and all but it seems like since we are in the happiest place on earth then we should spread the love to include the workers.

Besides the common sense things (ok, common sense to most maybe not ALL) like follow the rules (whether they are specific or not ) Saying please, thank you, etc.

Is there anything a guest has done that just really made your day or at least helped you survive until the end of your shift?

Interested to hear from all of you!

 

[TSR6]

Just be the best guest that you can be, and enjoy your vacation.

 

[Syrreal]

My suggestion is just treat the CM like you would want someone to treat you.

 

[JRawkSteady]

Once, when I was working at Star Tours, I had a very short conversation about Star Wars with a very nice family. About 4 days later, I was in Animal Kingdom in my regular clothes (with my hair spiked) with my friends when a young lady said, "Hey Jarrid!" It was the mother of the group! I can't believe she recognized me. We started chatting and ended up touring Animal Kingdom for a couple hours or so together as I brought up some little known secrets along the way. That pretty much made my week. There's soooooo many wonderful stories I can tell, but that is just the quintessential wonderful guest.

 

[SimonY]

We had a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's. When Minnie Mouse came he/she (are the people in the suits the same sex as the characters - never thought about it before) saw the tears of joy and excitement from our 8 year old DD and made a special effort with her. He/she seemed to appreciate it when I said (a very heartfelt) thank you as well.

 

[exwdwcm]

Guests simply taking the time to look at my name tag and call me by name (instead of 'hey you') was really nice. it always made my day

 

[European]

I'll never forget a small boy taking my hand and hugging me because I chose him to participate in the parade. His mother said thank you, this means a lot to this little guy. This was my best cast member moment ever!

Apart from that, having a conversation like we are human beings that make efforts for guests. Not just expect our service and then run off (with or without saying thanks).

 

[KimWDW]

What a great idea for a thread!! Learning what CM's go through on a daily basis, I definitely want to go out of my way to show my appreciation. Looking forward to more ideas.

Also, a question: if I'm really impressed with a CM, is there anywhere in the parks I can fill out a little form praising him/her?

 

[Angelgirl13202]

yes get as much information name location time of day... that type of thing and go to guest relations on you way out tell them that the specific cast member made your day and youd like thier manager to know it... the message will get sent on and she or he will likely be priased for her or his good job.

 

[BankBunny]

Guests simply taking the time to look at my name tag and call me by name (instead of 'hey you') was really nice. it always made my day

Not only does my DH look at names tags to use people's names, but he often looks to see where they are from and asks about where they live.

 

[truebelievers]

What a great idea for a thread!

I'm not a cast member, but I know from talking to people who have worked in WDW that the CMs really appreciate guests who will actually stop to chat with them for several minutes or call them by name (as mentioned by an above poster). Sometimes CMs will have their hometowns on their name badge, which is an easy conversation starter if you've traveled thereabouts.

 

[CPer'sMom]

Not only does my DH look at names tags to use people's names, but he often looks to see where they are from and asks about where they live.

I hope they go back to adding that to the tags ~ The 'Celebration' nametags only have their name.

 

[brock]

Great thread.
Ohhhhh, I loved the towns on the nametags....bummer that they are gone.
It sure is a great conversation starter.

 

[Mickey1122]

We chat with them and use their names. If they are really cool CMs, we get their autograph, and they appreciate it. Anyone who signs next to Mickey and Minnie is pretty important!

 

[qtwns]

What a great thread! I'd like to hear more.

 

[KarenAylwood]

I'd also like to hear more. This is a great idea for a thread. So often people forget about how THEY can make a difference in a CM's day too!

I'll be thinking more about this when I'm at the World next month!

Any other stories from CM's?

 

[LUVMICKEY]

This thread definately gets my vote. Love to here more From CM and more of their best loved stories about guests.

 

[Joanna71985]

I love having people thank us for doing our job. Like today, I was with the Tweedles and a lady thanked me for being so patient. I have so many great guest stories- it's great.

 

[Mickey1122]

This is a very good thread.

 

[resol37]

This isn't really appropriate for all CMs (esp. on very technical rides where they have to keep a close eye on things so the ride runs correctly and nobody gets hurt). BUT, if you find yourself standing around - waiting for a member of your group to get out of the bathroom or off a ride, etc - strike up a conversation!

I used to work at the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground. The main job there is to keep an eye on the kids so they don't get hurt. There's really nothing to run - it's just standing in one position and keeping the kids from climbing on things they shoudn't. My best moments where when parents would come and talk to me and ask questions. I've had people ask me about my home town, what the internship was like, the best restaurant to go to. All sorts of stuff.

Also, saying thank you for things that most people take for granted. You won't believe how many guests are rude in the simplist ways. While I didn't have any guest yell at me or say rude things, it still seems like a thankless job sometimes (esp at only $6 an hour). If you can't find a bathroom, the CMs always now where the closest one is - I used to study the park map during my breaks in order to learn where they all were when I first got there. It doesn't hurt to thank a CM when they give you assistance.

Lastly, if a CM tells you something - shirts and shoes are required in the parks, smoking is only in designated areas, no alcohol in the Honey Playground - listen. They're not talking to keep themselves awake, they're doing their job.