Question regarding code word/password for the kids' clubs

[goofymama]

Just to reassure everyone, before the guest arrive, actually while you are having your safety drill, we have a staff meeting letting all counselors know if there are children with peanut allergies, severe ones, just so we don't eat these things in our cabins before coming to work. We also go over any special needs or kids having birthdays. This way we are prepared for the upcoming cruise.

Thanks for this info! I talked some friends into going with us next January and one of her twins has severe allergies to peanuts. I know this information will make her feel much better!

How long will you be staying on the ship? Any chance you'll still be around next January?

 

[Luckysas]

Hi NeedaLatte,

I'm a cappuchino girl myself, just to make the search for a yellow shirt a little easier

I will definately be on the Magic in July.

T.T.F.N

 

[TiggerInNY]

Luckysas or Shoevg - what would you suggest for gifts to give CMs that work in the lab or kids' groups? Some people are saying phone cards, Wal-Mart or Target gift cards. What are your suggestions and what was a big hit when you were on board? Thanks for the insight. Will either one of you be on the Magic next May? Who knows, right? That's when we're cruising.

Thanks for your suggestions. Look forward to hearing back from you guys.

TTFN,
TiggerInNY
Maria

 

[CACruisin']

OK, dumb ? for the CM's reading this thread. We signed the kids up with the online system the first night it came online. For the life of me, I can't remember what I used as the password now. Can we use a new password when we get on board?

 

[Luckysas]

To answer your questions; In my days on the Magic, we weren't allowed to accept tips, but later on we could accept the phone cards, gift cards etc...I'm sure any of those are greatly appreciated! And we LOVE the candy we get, you should see us at our meetings, it's hilarious. And don't forget the comment 'Guest Service Fanatic' cards, I remember when your name was mentioned in positive feedback on the cards you could receive a prize.

As for the 'forgotten password' Just have a counselor at the desk change it for you. Change it before you sign your kids in, otherwise you will be quizzed to be able to get them back out.

Hope this helps!

Happy cruising

 

[kcashner]

The key is to make your code word something that you can remember but NOT something "Disneyish". We've always used the name of our dog......

 

[liliagm]

This is not related to the passwords itself, but since we have a couple of CM's over here I just had to ask, what about non-english speaking kids?? We are going on the 10/2 sailing aboard the Wonder and we are thinking of bringing my SIL with her daughter but she barely speaks any english, will she be OK in the Lab? (by the way, she is 8 and speaks spanish) How are those matters handled?

Thanks!!

 

[CM_Mom]

I'm not the CM but DD used to work in the club. Some of the Counselors in the Club/Lab speak Spanish and many of the others (like my DD) took Spanish in school and can understand some Spanish and speak enough to communicate basic information. I'll bet you niece understands a lot more English than she speaks.

Looking at the Kids Navigators from our cruise a year ago, out of 42 counselors for the club and lab combined, there was one from Argentina, one from Mexico and one from the Phillipines and three from Brazil so that's 6 our of 42 who have a great chance of communicating with your niece in at least a somewhat familiar language. And that doesn't count any of the others who speak Spanish or Portugese but are from the US, Canada, UK and other places.

My guess is that she'll do fine. Just be sure they understand that her English is very limited. It's amazing what a smile and a hug can do.

 

[Shoevg]

Regarding kids that speak another language. I speak spanish, and we also had forms and navigators that were in spanish as well. They will do everything possible to make sure that there is a counselor that can either speak it or understand your child. And believe it or not it's amazing how a lot of the children just fit right in even when they may not speak the language.
I remember right before I got of we had an 6 yr old german girl come on board, and none of the counselors spoke german, on girl had taken german in school, but couldn't really speak it. It was hard at first, but by the time that little girl left, she had not only made a lot of friends, but also proved to us how resilant kids are, just followed all the other kids and was very happy and participated in all the activities. For someone on the outside you would of never known that she did not speak english.

 

[Luckysas]

Usually Disney looks for multilingual applicants during their hiring process. I speak Dutch, German, a bit of Spanish and understand un petit peu French.

Besides that, kids are very quick on the uptake..I worked on another cruise line with mostly Italian kids, my Italian doesn't reach further than Pizza, Macaroni, Spaghetti, if you know what I mean. Everything worked out fine, the kids understood what we meant 90% of the time.

I always tell non-English speaking kids which counselor can speak their language, so they know who they can turn to. Also ask the counselors if there are other Spanish speaking kids in her age-group so they can be introduced to each other.

 

[liliagm]

Thank you for all that great info! Now we just need to go over the budget (one more time) and see if we add them to our room or get one for them!!