To the CM's on the board: what is the one "tip" you can give us?

[MrRomance]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in our society we go to the right because that is how we drive, not because we are right hand dominant. My understanding is in England, people automaticly turn left, because they drive on the left hand side of the road. The same applies with turning right more than left. If one turns left here, they have to cross a line of traffic. In a chase situation it could be quite hazzardous. So, since we are used to keeping to the right, thats what we do, whether driving, or lining up for lunch.

This is true! I am from the UK, my wife is from MI, we often find ourselves parting ways in different directions!

I cleaned our dorm daily (all the bathrooms and halls on all 3 floors ) in college for free room and board, and I can tell you that cleaning bathrooms and emptying trashcans are thankless jobs that happen all the time. Yes, it was my "job" to clean and I was getting something for it, but anytime you see someone doing something to help you, tell them thank you...It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I teach for a living!!!

Couldn't agree with this more... Custodians, mouse keeping, janitors etc. do a wonderful and thankless job. I always make a point of talking to them when I see them. For example, years ago, back when you could smoke anywhere in the park, I was sitting on a bench having a smoke and an older guy was sweeping trash up next to me. I told him he was doing a really under appreciated job keeping the park so tidy. He had actually worked at WDW for 20 years and gave me some great tips! I told him that I always put my cigarette out and put the butts in a bag in my pocket to save him a job (which was true) and he laughed, until I showed him the bag and he smiled and thanked me for helping out!

one other comment. I am so glad to see that so many people experience extra magic on their visits. We haven't on ours but you know what.....all our trips are magical. My wife, my two son's and I are in WDW...together.. that's magical to begin with. So....IF YOU don't get that upgrade, or a free ice cream, or whatever you see someone else get just be happy for them! then take your spouses hand in yours, your kids in the other and go have a great day

John

LOVE THIS! Too many people get wrapped up in "not missing out" and don't appreciate what they have. Being at WDW is pure magic, not getting the upgrade or freebie doesn't change that. Enjoy the magic and the joy you have, many people don't ever get to be at the world!

I have a question. Do CM's enjoy when people come up and start conversations or do they get to the point where they wish people would leave them alone. LOL I can just imagine one of them saying "If one more person says they have family in my hometown....." I guess you have to enjoy people to do these jobs but it has to get tiring day in and day out.

I've always wondered if CM get fed up with guests talking to them or answering the same questions! I love to chat with CM and hear their stories, tips and dreams. I will never forget the pixie dust "Jacinthe" from the Confectionary Store on Mainstreet gave our daughters in 2008, but more than what has stood out to me all these years later was hearing the story of how she came to work at WDW and why she loved her job. It gave me to know that she was living her dream.

We will be leaving for WDW in a few short days. Tomorrow I will be printing business size cards that I will be handing out to CM's each day. We started doing this a couple trips ago and I know how much they are appreciated! Our DD worked for WDW on the college program for a couple of years and she's the one that opened ours eyes to this. The CM's aren't the only ones that can brighten a day, we can do that for them as well!!!! And it warms our hearts to see that extra bright smile that little card can bring.

I also miss the bus drivers talking, especially late in the evenings. We've had some that have made the rides back to the resorts such fun. They would share trivia, get people singing, etc.

We started this too. We make little cards, that just say thank you from our family and stick on a hard candy it. It's not much, but it's our way of showing our appreciation to all the CM who make our day that little bit brighter!

Overall, with 1 exception, every CM we have spoken to at WDW has been wonderful! Because our daughters have disabilities, we sometimes need a little help or some quick advice and they're always on hand. Thank you to each and every CM who does their job with charm, pride and understanding!

The CM's at DLP could learn a lot from the CM's at WDW!

 

[GirlDreamer]

I haven't read through the whole thread so hope this hasn't been mentioned before...

If you buy a snack, food or drink and you're unlucky enough to drop it on the ground, contact a CM and you should get a new one for free.

I was also shocked to find out when I worked at Kringla bakery in Norway that if a guest tasted what they were having before paying and didn't like it, they could just give it back and not pay for it.

The Akerhus princess storybook dining is actually a buffet style restaurant, meaning that not just the appetizer buffet is all you can eat. For breakfast you get a family style plate with bacon, eggs, sausage and potatoes, and you can get as much of that as you can manage in addition to what is on the buffet. If you want pancakes or waffles (Mickey ones), ask the server for it as the kitchen will make it for you. For lunch and dinner, you order your entree from the menu, but if one plate isn't enough you get more. Or you can get something else if you want. Same if you don't like what you ordered, just ask for something else, it doesn't cost you more. If you want one entree, you can order sides of other stuff if you want to try more, no extra charge as there is a set price for the whole meal. Dessert is also served family style and is also all you can eat. So either ask for one more plate or for something specific if you want just one or two of the things on the plate.

 

[westside8]

I loved that one too!! My grandmother had to have heart surgery a few months before our Disney wedding, and we weren't sure she was going to even be able to come (or that we were going to have to have a home wedding instead.) We were SO blessed that she recovered beautifully and was able to make it, but of course, had to use a wheelchair during our trip and take it easy. Here I was, so happy to have my grandma healthy and able to be a part of my dream Disney wedding, and I had to spend every day listening to people openly be MEAN about having to wait while we loaded her wheelchair. I am very happy that the above poster got to have such a great experience after having to deal with the negativity because we know how awful that feels!

Slowly reading through this thread and things like this irks me, a lot. Don't people realize how fortunate they are to be able to move around freely and I wish they can just appreciate how blessed they are.

 

[westside8]

The other is a PERFECT spot for viewing both MSEP and Wishes-- right between the Partners statue and the gateway to Tomorrowland. The parade will go right past you, and then you just have to turn around for a totally unblocked view of the castle and the fireworks!

Thanks!! Might just use this on my trip in 2 weeks!!

 

[Thee Incredibles]

After several hours and happy tears, I’ve finally finished reading this entire thread! So thankful to everyone for all the tips and stories. Here are a few things I want to share that may help…

1) When in Epcot, ask a CM of each country to sign their book, they often ask for your childs name and will write it how it would be spelled where they are from. This was really cool in Japan!
2) One CM already stated use at least a 3x5 or better still a 4x6 autograph book, but also use a BIG, fat, round pen. Mickey's and friends fingers are not as small as the princesses so it’s much easier for them to hold. Glue the pen to the book with a piece of yarn/string so it’s always handy.
3) Open your book and remove pen cap for the characters they really appreciate that, again fat fingers!

We took the kids out of school so when we visited Epcot they had to “learn” how to say Hello, Thank-you, Please, and Goodbye in the language of each country. When we were in Japan it was really fun listening to my little ones trying to say “Konnichiwa”! Even the CMs were giggling!

 

[DopeysGal82]

Awesome thread! I just read the whole thing. So much for getting work done today!

I have to tell you one of the most magical moments I had at Disney was on our first trip. At DHS somewhere near the HISTC playground a kid had just gotten an ice cream cone. it was HUGE and when he licked it, I watched in what seemed like slow motion as the ice cream fell off the cone and onto the ground. Without having said a WORD, within 15 seconds the ice cream was cleaned up from the floor and the kid had a new ice cream cone in his hand. Some people may feel like you shouldn't have to do that because it was the child's own fault, but I thought it was pure magic.

We're going on our Honeymoon in 6 days! I'm hoping for some magic. I am always rushing around. I'll try to remind myself to spend some extra time talking to CMs and asking about their days. I do always say thank you and have a nice day, but it's surprising how few people do that.

My best tip is to get a really nice dinner from WS to go and then take the boat over to DHS and enjoy your dinner while you wait for Fantasmic! to start. The wait is a lot more manageable with some delicious Japanese food. We've done this a few times and people around us have always been so jealous because the QS food in and near the amphitheatre can't compare.

 

[klmall]

I have just spent the past few hours reading this thread and noting things for our upcoming trip and wanted to share another wonderful CM story.

On our last trip, four years ago, it was our last park day and DH who is NOT a Disney fan at all and has severe scoliosis was scheduled to come to AK around lunchtime. But DH was not happy with the crowds at AK. There weren't even any FPs for rides by the time he met DS (21) and me there. I won't even bore you with why he took so long to get up and get ready that morning but it was about to be an adult meltdown on his part!

So we were standing next to the long line for Kilimanjaro Safaris and debating even bothering to get in line at all when a CM who must have been listening to our debate quietly walked over and handed the 3 of us FPs for use right then and there! He didn't even say anything, just handed us the passes and smiled!

That CM made my day!

After that ride, DH perked up a bit and we went on and did a couple more attractions even though the crowds were bad! And we left the park a whole lot happier than we could have!

Thank you anonymous CM! I will make an effort to notice name tags more this upcoming trip!

 

[ladyfoundhertramp]

I haven't read through the whole thread so hope this hasn't been mentioned before...

If you buy a snack, food or drink and you're unlucky enough to drop it on the ground, contact a CM and you should get a new one for free.

I was also shocked to find out when I worked at Kringla bakery in Norway that if a guest tasted what they were having before paying and didn't like it, they could just give it back and not pay for it.

The Akerhus princess storybook dining is actually a buffet style restaurant, meaning that not just the appetizer buffet is all you can eat. For breakfast you get a family style plate with bacon, eggs, sausage and potatoes, and you can get as much of that as you can manage in addition to what is on the buffet. If you want pancakes or waffles (Mickey ones), ask the server for it as the kitchen will make it for you. For lunch and dinner, you order your entree from the menu, but if one plate isn't enough you get more. Or you can get something else if you want. Same if you don't like what you ordered, just ask for something else, it doesn't cost you more. If you want one entree, you can order sides of other stuff if you want to try more, no extra charge as there is a set price for the whole meal. Dessert is also served family style and is also all you can eat. So either ask for one more plate or for something specific if you want just one or two of the things on the plate.

Great Tip!! It definitely reads like the app/cold bar is a buffet and then the meal is 1 entree. My picky DH will be glad to know he can change his mind and not be stuck with a plate of food he may not like

 

[Bonniec]

Awesome thread! I just read the whole thing. So much for getting work done today!

I have to tell you one of the most magical moments I had at Disney was on our first trip. At DHS somewhere near the HISTC playground a kid had just gotten an ice cream cone. it was HUGE and when he licked it, I watched in what seemed like slow motion as the ice cream fell off the cone and onto the ground. Without having said a WORD, within 15 seconds the ice cream was cleaned up from the floor and the kid had a new ice cream cone in his hand. Some people may feel like you shouldn't have to do that because it was the child's own fault, but I thought it was pure magic.

We're going on our Honeymoon in 6 days! I'm hoping for some magic. I am always rushing around. I'll try to remind myself to spend some extra time talking to CMs and asking about their days. I do always say thank you and Uhave a nice day, but it's surprising how few people do that.

My best tip is to get a really nice dinner from WS to go and then take the boat over to DHS and enjoy your dinner while you wait for Fantasmic! to start. The wait is a lot more manageable with some delicious Japanese food. We've done this a few times and people around us have always been so jealous because the QS food in and near the amphitheatre can't compare.

This happened to us. I bought my 5 year old son a Mickey bar in 90 degree weather and made him walk with it. Doh! Of course it dropped halfway though. He started balling and before I could even get out the words that I would buy him a new one, a random CM walked up and gave him a new one. I tried to pay, but he wouldn't let me. It really made my day.

 

[Jenny3]

Best.thread.ever!

It took me three days, but I read each and every post! Makes me super excited to go (11 days!!) and reminds me how sincerely appreciative I am of all the CMs that truly make the trip magical!

I complied an entire 5 page Word doc of many tips and surprises here, and also from friends that have been there numerous times. Here are a few I will share that haven't been mentioned:

Animal Kingdom: It's a Bugs Life and the Safari, there is a great Meet and Greet near the shops, but off on a hidden trail. The Fab Four are always there. Also, ask a cast member for Divine's schedule. Your children will find her fascinating. Get there about 10 minutes before and stand on the path near the tall wooden gates. It's an amazing site.

Ask a castmember for the schedule for "PUSH", the talking trashccan. He comes out of the big store behind the Stitch ride in Tomorrowland and he is certainly a fun sight.

Animal Kingdom, get on that safari ride (all the way to the back of the park) first thing in the morning, the lines are short.

At Hollywood Studios, if you take a right at the hat and go toward the Disney Playhouse section there is like a Disney Museum. You see a video and then they send you into a room that has a lot of hands on activities. Usually, there are few characters there and it is easy to get pictures.

If you have the time and money and can get the reservation I highly recommend getting a reservation for Nacroosee's at the Floridian Resort on the Disney property about 30 minutes before the fireworks are set to go off in the Magic Kingdom. You can go out on the porch or sit at your table and watch the fireworks. They pipe in the same music as they do in the Magic Kingdom. About the time you finish eating you can then go back outside and watch the barge parade. It is one of the more expensive places to eat on the property, but it is so worth it.

Don't forget to have the kids look under the map at the Muppet show entrance in DHS. The sign says key under mat and it really is.

Phone booth numbers in Epcot-UK.
Right booth- 407-827-9861
Left booth- 407-827-9862
Center booth- 407-827-9863
Call the numbers from your cell phone and have your kids answer.

Magic Kingdom: The Princess and Fairy lines are HORRIBLE. I'd pass. Go to the Judges Tent to get great "Meet and Greets" with Minnie and Mickey and you won't have to wait forever.


I also wanted to share my own special CM story... we went to WDW when I was in 8th grade and stayed in the Fort Wilderness Cabins. They had an outdoor movie night where you sat on the ground to watch Disney films. I got bit on the leg by the spider and had a terrible allergic reaction to it. My thigh swelled to the size of an orange and was itchy. My mom and I went to first aid; the CM took us on a golf cart to the infirmary - but took the long way I got to see all sorts of things behind the scenes, I specifically remember behind the Jungle Cruise and seeing where they kept the parade floats. That CM made what would have been a miserable trip to the infirmary a wonderful memory I will never forget!

Thank you to all CMs here!

 

[Bangerang]

We started this too. We make little cards, that just say thank you from our family and stick on a hard candy it. It's not much, but it's our way of showing our appreciation to all the CM who make our day that little bit brighter!

One of our first trips was shortly after Halloween and we had a ton of candy left over, which we brought with us. Rather than eat it ourselves, we left bowls out (along with our tip) for the Mousekeeping Staff to help themselves. One CM was so excited she left us a great thank you note. It was fun to be a bright spot in someone else's day.

 

[mebbradley]

Best.thread.ever!


Magic Kingdom: The Princess and Fairy lines are HORRIBLE. I'd pass. Go to the Judges Tent to get great "Meet and Greets" with Minnie and Mickey and you won't have to wait forever.


Thank you to all CMs here!

Just so you know, the judges tent is no longer there. That was closed as a part of toontown in Feb. 2011.

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Best.thread.ever!

It took me three days, but I read each and every post! Makes me super excited to go (11 days!!) and reminds me how sincerely appreciative I am of all the CMs that truly make the trip magical!

I complied an entire 5 page Word doc of many tips and surprises here, and also from friends that have been there numerous times. Here are a few I will share that haven't been mentioned:

Animal Kingdom: It's a Bugs Life and the Safari, there is a great Meet and Greet near the shops, but off on a hidden trail. The Fab Four are always there. Also, ask a cast member for Divine's schedule. Your children will find her fascinating. Get there about 10 minutes before and stand on the path near the tall wooden gates. It's an amazing site.

Ask a castmember for the schedule for "PUSH", the talking trashccan. He comes out of the big store behind the Stitch ride in Tomorrowland and he is certainly a fun sight.

Animal Kingdom, get on that safari ride (all the way to the back of the park) first thing in the morning, the lines are short.

At Hollywood Studios, if you take a right at the hat and go toward the Disney Playhouse section there is like a Disney Museum. You see a video and then they send you into a room that has a lot of hands on activities. Usually, there are few characters there and it is easy to get pictures.

If you have the time and money and can get the reservation I highly recommend getting a reservation for Nacroosee's at the Floridian Resort on the Disney property about 30 minutes before the fireworks are set to go off in the Magic Kingdom. You can go out on the porch or sit at your table and watch the fireworks. They pipe in the same music as they do in the Magic Kingdom. About the time you finish eating you can then go back outside and watch the barge parade. It is one of the more expensive places to eat on the property, but it is so worth it.

Don't forget to have the kids look under the map at the Muppet show entrance in DHS. The sign says key under mat and it really is.

Phone booth numbers in Epcot-UK.
Right booth- 407-827-9861
Left booth- 407-827-9862
Center booth- 407-827-9863
Call the numbers from your cell phone and have your kids answer.

Magic Kingdom: The Princess and Fairy lines are HORRIBLE. I'd pass. Go to the Judges Tent to get great "Meet and Greets" with Minnie and Mickey and you won't have to wait forever.


I also wanted to share my own special CM story... we went to WDW when I was in 8th grade and stayed in the Fort Wilderness Cabins. They had an outdoor movie night where you sat on the ground to watch Disney films. I got bit on the leg by the spider and had a terrible allergic reaction to it. My thigh swelled to the size of an orange and was itchy. My mom and I went to first aid; the CM took us on a golf cart to the infirmary - but took the long way I got to see all sorts of things behind the scenes, I specifically remember behind the Jungle Cruise and seeing where they kept the parade floats. That CM made what would have been a miserable trip to the infirmary a wonderful memory I will never forget!

Thank you to all CMs here!

FYI: Since Toontown is now closed there is no Judges Tent. Mickey, Minnie and the Princesses meet in Town Hall on Main St until the Fantasyland Expansion is done in 2013.

Have a great trip!

 

[Jenny3]

Good to know, thank you!

 

[Clochette nordique]

bump!

 

[Finally08]

This happened to us. I bought my 5 year old son a Mickey bar in 90 degree weather and made him walk with it. Doh! Of course it dropped halfway though. He started balling and before I could even get out the words that I would buy him a new one, a random CM walked up and gave him a new one. I tried to pay, but he wouldn't let me. It really made my day.

Dang...wish I was so lucky. I remember dropping my newly opened Mickey bar to the ground while I was still standing right there next to the cart! DD needed help opening hers so I was leaning over to push her wrapper down, when the stick of mine (which I had wedged into the wrapper) just slid right out. A lady walking up to the cart looked at the ground, then looked at me, and said "I'd just pick that right back up and eat it....it's too expensive to waste!"
But uh no...wasn't going there.

 

[GillieRose]

 

[piratejaclyn]

Well this is the advice i can think of
1. Don't go the week after Christmas. Wait Times triple for everything it's not worth it. I really like September, the park is empty, the weather is beautiful, and you can attend MNSSHP
2. MNSSHP is 10x better than MVMCP
3. If you are ever by an attraction and the host/hostess tells you to do something. Listen. We are doing it to make your ride more enjoyable. So many people wait in useless lines because they don't listen
4. Just talk with the CMs when we are not busy, we will often do things to make your day more magical- I sword fight with children, tell them stories, give people free items, etc.
5. Use EMH. I send so many dead boats at night because no one is there
6. You can see the fireworks perfectly from Adventureland. The castle is way too crowded during firework time
7. Diamond Horseshoe is the best parade viewing spot.
8. Go on Jungle Cruise at night, everyone thinks they are closed
9. Sometimes we are working 14hour days after working a 10hr day. Please don't yell at us
10.Of all the flying rides, Aladdin is the smallest wait.
11. Animation Building is a character hunters best friend
12. Go see the different shows during the day- like Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial, Dream Along With Mickey, the Dapper Dans, etc- the rides are busiest during mid day
13. If you have a great CM please go to guest relations. It makes our day
14.If you want to know if a ride is back up, just ask custodial.
15. If you are a Princess and the Frog fan, go to night meet and greets. That is when Prince Naveen shows up
16. The Wave at the Contemporary isn't too well known and has really good food

 

[bjakmom]

Well this is the advice i can think of
1. Don't go the week after Christmas. Wait Times triple for everything it's not worth it. I really like September, the park is empty, the weather is beautiful, and you can attend MNSSHP
2. MNSSHP is 10x better than MVMCP
3. If you are ever by an attraction and the host/hostess tells you to do something. Listen. We are doing it to make your ride more enjoyable. So many people wait in useless lines because they don't listen
4. Just talk with the CMs when we are not busy, we will often do things to make your day more magical- I sword fight with children, tell them stories, give people free items, etc.
5. Use EMH. I send so many dead boats at night because no one is there
6. You can see the fireworks perfectly from Adventureland. The castle is way too crowded during firework time
7. Diamond Horseshoe is the best parade viewing spot.
8. Go on Jungle Cruise at night, everyone thinks they are closed
9. Sometimes we are working 14hour days after working a 10hr day. Please don't yell at us
10.Of all the flying rides, Aladdin is the smallest wait.
11. Animation Building is a character hunters best friend
12. Go see the different shows during the day- like Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial, Dream Along With Mickey, the Dapper Dans, etc- the rides are busiest during mid day
13. If you have a great CM please go to guest relations. It makes our day
14.If you want to know if a ride is back up, just ask custodial.
15. If you are a Princess and the Frog fan, go to night meet and greets. That is when Prince Naveen shows up
16. The Wave at the Contemporary isn't too well known and has really good food

Great list, piratejaclyn Welcome to the DIS!
I have a question about #14 - how do I ask custodial about the status of a ride? is that someone near the ride? how would I identify them? that is something that would be helpful to find out some days.

 

[GirlDreamer]

Custiodial is the people who clean the park and is wearing white costumes They're anywhere.