QSFB and Custodial Reputation?

[simplyannie23]

Hey, friends! I was just wondering why QSFB and Custodial have the "bad reps" that they do? Are these jobs really as bad as everyone makes them seem?! I'm a CP hopefully, and want to know what I'm getting into before I apply(;

 

[jlg263]

I think a lot of it has to do with the stigma of working "fast food" or being a "janitor". Society and the media usually portrays those jobs as being at the bottom of the barrel, so people applying for the CP often see it that way as well. And while those roles at Disney World do have a lot of the same tasks as they would in the "real" world, the fact that you're doing that role at Disney World brings a lot of new elements into the role that you normally wouldn't be doing, and most people normally wouldn't think of.

I've known plenty of people who worked these jobs and LOVED them. On my second CP I actually applied for only merch and custodial, because so many of my friends had told me how great custodial is. Most of the time you basically just walk around and talk to guests, give directions, sweep up popcorn, etc. Of course you do have to do the dirty work like cleaning bathrooms and "protein spills" but that isn't your WHOLE job. I think some people just immediately think of those things when they think of "custodial". Which I guess is fair because in most custodial jobs you don't spend a lot of time walking around and talking to people, haha. Because most custodial jobs aren't at Disney World!

Quick service is basically the same way. You do things like take orders, fill drinks, clean tables, stock the condiment bar, etc. BUT you also get to create magic for guests by pin trading if your position allows it, replacing food that maybe you saw the guest drop, talking to guests about their vacation and what their favorite attractions are, and just making their dining experience magical and personal! But once again, people often forget that aspect of it when applying for the CP and so they think it's a bad role.

Of course, I haven't worked either role, so I'm sure someone who actually HAS could give you more insight, but that's the way I see it at least

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I haven't worked wither role yet either, but for me it doesn't have to do with social stigma, it just has to do with the requirements of the role. I've heard QSFB is hard work and I don't cook. I don't do it for myself, so I don't want to do it for hundreds of other people. I got QSFB and am going to do it anyway, but I'm just hoping I get a cart or somewhere like Aloha Isle or Auntie Gravity's where actual legit food preparation isn't part of it. I don't know how many people have a big aversion to kitchen work like I do, so maybe the ideas society has about the role are the main reason they have a bad rep.

 

[merfsko]

I worked Custodial and absolutely LOVED it. I'm planning on doing a PI next, but if I were to do ICP again I would totally do Custodial in the blink of an eye.

I won't lie, there is work involved. I like keeping busy, so I actually liked the cleaning, but I know some of my co-workers were less enthused. Yes, there are trash runs and bussing tables, restrooms and code Vs; but once you get through the first week it becomes second nature and you hardly even think about doing it. Besides, the "horror" stories you hear about Custodial are a lot more amusing when you're the one involved. You'll see some crazy things in restrooms and on streets, but through all the weird things I've dealt with, I always look back and laugh.

But what I really loved about Custodial was the freedom and the guest interaction. There is SO much guest interaction- I spent so much of my time just pin trading, giving directions, pre-parade games, making water mickeys, learning about where people came from and why they were here. I met a lot of really interesting people, and made a lot of people smile. I can't speak for anyone else, but seeing people smile and making a kid light up over something as small as asking for their autograph, or giving them a sticker is absolutely heartwarming.

If you have any specific questions about Custodial, feel free to ask here or PM me. I was really nervous when I applied, and had to know every detail about the role first, so I totally understand that!

Good Luck!

 

[courtthib]

I worked Custodial and absolutely LOVED it. I'm planning on doing a PI next, but if I were to do ICP again I would totally do Custodial in the blink of an eye.

I won't lie, there is work involved. I like keeping busy, so I actually liked the cleaning, but I know some of my co-workers were less enthused. Yes, there are trash runs and bussing tables, restrooms and code Vs; but once you get through the first week it becomes second nature and you hardly even think about doing it. Besides, the "horror" stories you hear about Custodial are a lot more amusing when you're the one involved. You'll see some crazy things in restrooms and on streets, but through all the weird things I've dealt with, I always look back and laugh.

But what I really loved about Custodial was the freedom and the guest interaction. There is SO much guest interaction- I spent so much of my time just pin trading, giving directions, pre-parade games, making water mickeys, learning about where people came from and why they were here. I met a lot of really interesting people, and made a lot of people smile. I can't speak for anyone else, but seeing people smile and making a kid light up over something as small as asking for their autograph, or giving them a sticker is absolutely heartwarming.

If you have any specific questions about Custodial, feel free to ask here or PM me. I was really nervous when I applied, and had to know every detail about the role first, so I totally understand that!

Good Luck!

I am so glad I read this! I just applied this week for CP Fall '11 and I have my phone interview tomorrow. I am expecting to get my bottom choices for roles since I am applying kind of late. I am relieved to know that you enjoyed it! I don't mind cleaning at all and the guest interaction sounds awesome! Is there a certain section of a park you were assigned to, or just the entire park in general? (i.e. MK or MK Fantasyland)

 

[merfsko]

I am so glad I read this! I just applied this week for CP Fall '11 and I have my phone interview tomorrow. I am expecting to get my bottom choices for roles since I am applying kind of late. I am relieved to know that you enjoyed it! I don't mind cleaning at all and the guest interaction sounds awesome! Is there a certain section of a park you were assigned to, or just the entire park in general? (i.e. MK or MK Fantasyland)

I worked MK-West, which covered Adventureland, Libery Square and Fronteirland. Within your park and lands are dozens of "zones" (basically an area within the land- you had a # of trash cans assigned to you, and that kind of marked out your zone). I know other parks were slightly different, but in Magic Kingdom, you changed zones every two hours or so.

But you have the oppurtunity to pick up shifts at other parks and areas. I worked a whole bunch of Main Street parade shifts in addition to the West shifts.

Best of Luck with your interview!

 

[beedj07]

I worked at main street north in QSFB and at times it sucked but it really wasnt as bad as everyone makes it out to be. We didnt have the A vac like everyone else so we had to keep these big garbage cans in the back where we put all our food waste and it usually smelled. The plus side of food service is that you shirt goes by pretty quickly because the rushes are around parades and firework shows.

 

[BadDad]

My S works QSFB at ESPN WWOS and Typhoon Lagoon and loves it as long as he is not in the kitchen.

QSFB gets paid $.31 more per hour. Not much but at 40 hours a week it adds up to $12.40 plus unlike the other roles it's easy to pick up extra hours.

Does anyone in Disney's top management look down at them? Well, consider that the COO (Chief Operating Officer) at disney was in a custodial role while attending the WDWCP!!!

 

[Dreamstuff]

My S works QSFB at ESPN WWOS and Typhoon Lagoon and loves it as long as he is not in the kitchen.

QSFB gets paid $.31 more per hour. Not much but at 40 hours a week it adds up to $12.40 plus unlike the other roles it's easy to pick up extra hours.

Does anyone in Disney's top management look down at them? Well, consider that the COO (Chief Operating Officer) at disney was in a custodial role while attending the WDWCP!!!

The above basically summed up my QSFB experience, it was all cool beans unless I was in the kitchen, I tended to burn myself a lot lol. Eventually they wised up and stopped putting me in there though.
Honestly the program itself is such a great experience what role you work almost doesn't matter.

 

[courtthib]

I worked MK-West, which covered Adventureland, Libery Square and Fronteirland. Within your park and lands are dozens of "zones" (basically an area within the land- you had a # of trash cans assigned to you, and that kind of marked out your zone). I know other parks were slightly different, but in Magic Kingdom, you changed zones every two hours or so.

But you have the oppurtunity to pick up shifts at other parks and areas. I worked a whole bunch of Main Street parade shifts in addition to the West shifts.

Best of Luck with your interview!

That sounds fun, I'm sure the freedom and guest interaction outweighs the cleaning part! Thank you so much!! I'm waiting for the phone call now..

 

[Duggan]

I worked Custodial a long time ago so much has probably changed. I was a little bummed at first as it didn't sound all that 'sexy'. All and all, I really enjoyed the work. Almost total freedom with a lot of customer interaction. On my most extreme day, I saw my lead once, 15 minutes before my shift ended, in a break room. I know at that time, the management also let us do some cool stuff like 3rd shift tours and manager shadowing as well that I didn't see other do.

 

[grlwonder]

Hearing negative things about QSFB makes basically everyone scared. I am planning on doing the spring 2012 program, and I am still unsure if I should say yes or no if they ask me if I would consider doing it. I don't mind being in the kitchen, I like cooking especially baking cookies. But I help when my mom cooks or when I'm at someones house I always like to help. But I know it's fast-pace so I don't know how I will handle that pressure. Maybe it's something to get used to. Should I still say yes? I think it sounds like fun, any job at Disney will make me happy.

 

[wittyheroine]

I am glad to hear good things about Custodial. I got accepted for the Disneyland College Program in Anaheim and thats the position I got. I was worried at first but it sounds like fun.

 

[t-ho]

Hearing negative things about QSFB makes basically everyone scared. I am planning on doing the spring 2012 program, and I am still unsure if I should say yes or no if they ask me if I would consider doing it. I don't mind being in the kitchen, I like cooking especially baking cookies. But I help when my mom cooks or when I'm at someones house I always like to help. But I know it's fast-pace so I don't know how I will handle that pressure. Maybe it's something to get used to. Should I still say yes? I think it sounds like fun, any job at Disney will make me happy.

First off, YOU'RE RIGHT, even people who hate their role love the experience, so if you are wanting this, do it regardless of the job you get. You can get pickier than second time around, like me
As for your cooking with mom, it wouldn't so much be cooking but more assembling and serving. Like the hot dog will be cooked already, but you put it in the bun and on a tray, etc... but there are lots of types of QSR food. Like Hamburgers are actually put on the grill but CP's ( real cooking, right?) but there's also the ice cream scoopers and stuff ( LOTS OF FUN). Also as part of your role there may be bussing of sorts. Wiping down tables, sweeping, emptying the trash. It's better than it sounds. The whole time you're surrounded by people having the time of their lives and it's infectious. It does get very busy, It's a learned skill to be that fast but everyone does get it eventually. It becomes second nature.

SAY YES.

 

[DisneySooner]

I just had my phone interview today and they asked me if I would be interested in doing Custodial. I told them I would do it but as a last priority but they still asked me a lot of questions related to Custodial....after reading some responses on here it doesn't seem so bad. I told them I would not do housekeeping though

 

[AliSW]

Custodial really isn't that bad. As long as you can tolerate some gross things it's fine. People that are stuck in one spot always comment on how you can go wherever you want. and how if you're on streets for the most part all you do is walk around sweep and give directions. and then if you're in restrooms you can still come out and walk around a bit too. plus it's usually really easy after you get used to it.