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

[PhoenixStrength]

Hi -

Most of my WDW trips are done solo and I was just wondering how the Character CM'S feel about posing for photos with adult, solo guests.

Larry

I'm not a CM, but I did a solo trip in November 2010 and had no problems at all. I posed with the characters at the parks, as well as over 20 pictures during MVMCP and everyone was extremely gracious and I had several great conversations with the face characters. You shouldn't have any issues at all!

 

[bilj122]

One Suggestion after an experience I had yesterday while waiting in line to ride Expedition Everest.

"Do not deliberately take a picture of a child you do not know."

I noticed a young man, probably about 19 ish, taking a picture of my son while we waited in line to ride Expedition Everest. My initial thought was that he was attempting to snap a picture of something on the wall and that my son had walked in front of his camera. But I soon realized he was following him with the camera as he walked. I approached him and asked if he had taken the picture, he responded yes, I asked him why and he said because he wanted to. He and the rest of his party were flippant and pretty much disregarded my concern. I was absolutely livid. When we were close enough to the ride I approached a cast member and asked that they deal with the situation. I was passed from one CM to the next. The second CM approached the guy as he was boarding the ride and told him it was inappropriate. They pretty much laughed and the ride went on. I told the CM that I wanted them to ensure the photo was deleted and he responded they did not have the authority to make the guest delete the photo. He then passed me to a manager. The manager asked me to wait with her to identify the guy when the ride returned. When the ride returned I pointed him out, the guy headed toward me immediately and began apologizing. He said that they did it all the time to mess with people and that I was the only person who had ever said anything about it. The Manager explained the severity of the situation to the Guy and that security was on there way. She asked him to delete the photo and he said that it had already been deleted. I wanted to see for myself but he said it wasn't his camera and that it belonged to one of the girls in the party. He retrieved the camera and pulled up the pictures, sure enough the photo was still there. I deleted the photo myself and scrolled through a couple of the pictures to make sure there weren't any additional pictures. The girl pretty much said it was no big deal. The manager said that it was big enough of a deal that security was on there way. The manager asked me if I was satisfied with the resolution that the photo had been deleted and I said yes.

I felt that I may have over reacted and realized that they were probably just kidding or having fun. Had their initial response been to apologize I would have let it go.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

One Suggestion after an experience I had yesterday while waiting in line to ride Expedition Everest.

"Do not deliberately take a picture of a child you do not know."

I noticed a young man, probably about 19 ish, taking a picture of my son while we waited in line to ride Expedition Everest. My initial thought was that he was attempting to snap a picture of something on the wall and that my son had walked in front of his camera. But I soon realized he was following him with the camera as he walked. I approached him and asked if he had taken the picture, he responded yes, I asked him why and he said because he wanted to. He and the rest of his party were flippant and pretty much disregarded my concern. I was absolutely livid. When we were close enough to the ride I approached a cast member and asked that they deal with the situation. I was passed from one CM to the next. The second CM approached the guy as he was boarding the ride and told him it was inappropriate. They pretty much laughed and the ride went on. I told the CM that I wanted them to ensure the photo was deleted and he responded they did not have the authority to make the guest delete the photo. He then passed me to a manager. The manager asked me to wait with her to identify the guy when the ride returned. When the ride returned I pointed him out, the guy headed toward me immediately and began apologizing. He said that they did it all the time to mess with people and that I was the only person who had ever said anything about it. The Manager explained the severity of the situation to the Guy and that security was on there way. She asked him to delete the photo and he said that it had already been deleted. I wanted to see for myself but he said it wasn't his camera and that it belonged to one of the girls in the party. He retrieved the camera and pulled up the pictures, sure enough the photo was still there. I deleted the photo myself and scrolled through a couple of the pictures to make sure there weren't any additional pictures. The girl pretty much said it was no big deal. The manager said that it was big enough of a deal that security was on there way. The manager asked me if I was satisfied with the resolution that the photo had been deleted and I said yes.

I felt that I may have over reacted and realized that they were probably just kidding or having fun. Had their initial response been to apologize I would have let it go.

I agree with you because who knows what would have been done with that photo something I don't want to think about

 

[LindaBabe]

Hi -

Most of my WDW trips are done solo and I was just wondering how the Character CM'S feel about posing for photos with adult, solo guests.

Larry

My experience has been VERY positive. I've had great interaction with characters, handlers AND other people in line. I always offer to take photos for the next family if there's not a photo pass photographer - and sometimes even if there is. In turn, the other family usually offers to take mine. If not, the handler will. I always have something to say to the character too - in Minnie's case, we always 'chat' about shoes.

I also have a teddy bear with whom I often travel. She has princess dresses and a tink dress - which she wears if she's going to see them - she LOVES her some princesses - and they seem to love her right back.

 

[Bonniec]

Regarding the photo, I'm almost positive there isn't anything legally you can do about that. If it's in a public place people have a right to take a picture of anything they want, even other people. Then again, I would guess since Disney is private property they have the right to put a stop to it. But that would be very difficult to do. He can't sell the photos for money unless it's newsworthy, without your permission. I'm not 100% sure since it's been a while since I have looked up that info and it might vary state to state.

A lot of photographers, myself included, like to take pictures of people. They are interesting. Children at Disney would make some amazing photos.


That being said, the guy acted like an @ss. I would have inquired as well if it were my child. As a photographer, out of respect, I would never purposely go around shooting someone's kid without their parents permission because it's creepy. It's pretty stupid on his part really, because one day some father is going to lay his butt out!

 

[jensen]

One Suggestion after an experience I had yesterday while waiting in line to ride Expedition Everest.

"Do not deliberately take a picture of a child you do not know."

I noticed a young man, probably about 19 ish, taking a picture of my son while we waited in line to ride Expedition Everest. My initial thought was that he was attempting to snap a picture of something on the wall and that my son had walked in front of his camera. But I soon realized he was following him with the camera as he walked. I approached him and asked if he had taken the picture, he responded yes, I asked him why and he said because he wanted to. He and the rest of his party were flippant and pretty much disregarded my concern. I was absolutely livid. When we were close enough to the ride I approached a cast member and asked that they deal with the situation. I was passed from one CM to the next. The second CM approached the guy as he was boarding the ride and told him it was inappropriate. They pretty much laughed and the ride went on. I told the CM that I wanted them to ensure the photo was deleted and he responded they did not have the authority to make the guest delete the photo. He then passed me to a manager. The manager asked me to wait with her to identify the guy when the ride returned. When the ride returned I pointed him out, the guy headed toward me immediately and began apologizing. He said that they did it all the time to mess with people and that I was the only person who had ever said anything about it. The Manager explained the severity of the situation to the Guy and that security was on there way. She asked him to delete the photo and he said that it had already been deleted. I wanted to see for myself but he said it wasn't his camera and that it belonged to one of the girls in the party. He retrieved the camera and pulled up the pictures, sure enough the photo was still there. I deleted the photo myself and scrolled through a couple of the pictures to make sure there weren't any additional pictures. The girl pretty much said it was no big deal. The manager said that it was big enough of a deal that security was on there way. The manager asked me if I was satisfied with the resolution that the photo had been deleted and I said yes.

I felt that I may have over reacted and realized that they were probably just kidding or having fun. Had their initial response been to apologize I would have let it go.

I agree with you because who knows what would have been done with that photo something I don't want to think about

I'm really trying to stretch my brain and imagine what they would have done with the photo that you should be worried about.

I'm not at all saying there was an over-reaction here. But, I guess I'm just too small town/sheltered to be able to know what creeps out there might be doing. I really cannot figure out what there is to worry about.

PLEASE enlighten me...

Thank you!

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

I'm really trying to stretch my brain and imagine what they would have done with the photo that you should be worried about.

I'm not at all saying there was an over-reaction here. But, I guess I'm just too small town/sheltered to be able to know what creeps out there might be doing. I really cannot figure out what there is to worry about.

PLEASE enlighten me...

Thank you!

Okay I was over the top with my last comment but I can understand her not wanting strangers to have photos of her son some moms are like that and knowing my mom she would have acted the exact same way, but then again my mom was supper protective of me growing up

 

[Prock]

As a former CM the biggest tip there is: Listen, if a CM tells you to do something there is a very good reason for doing so, listening and following their announcements will always help you!

Now the best tip I can give: If you see a CM standing at their position while you're waiting for the next train or boat, just talk to them! A lot of CMs, especially the CP's, are shy but will talk all day if given the chance. Don't ever ask if we can get you on the boat or train faster because it won't happen, but if you just have a regular conversation with us, you just might get on that boat or train sooner than you think.

 

[jimmytammy]

As a former CM the biggest tip there is: Listen, if a CM tells you to do something there is a very good reason for doing so, listening and following their announcements will always help you!

Now the best tip I can give: If you see a CM standing at their position while you're waiting for the next train or boat, just talk to them! A lot of CMs, especially the CP's, are shy but will talk all day if given the chance. Don't ever ask if we can get you on the boat or train faster because it won't happen, but if you just have a regular conversation with us, you just might get on that boat or train sooner than you think.

Glad you mention this. I enjoy speaking with CMs. I like to find out where they are from, how long they have been with WDW, etc. We have gotten to be good friends with a few CMs over the yrs., including Ranger Stan who retired from WL a couple yrs ago.

I remember a specific conversation with a CM at CB. He told me how he used to be a CEO of a major bank in NYC, stayed stressed all the time. He retired, moved to FL and took PT job at WDW. His pay his less, but he says the job is so much more rewarding. He sees people with smiles all day, and those without a smile tend to eventually brighten up.

 

[DisCookie]

Hi -

Most of my WDW trips are done solo and I was just wondering how the Character CM'S feel about posing for photos with adult, solo guests.

Larry

I have wondered the same thing myself, the masked character probably don't mind as I take a picture and leave. Though some of the face characters, like the princesses and stuff, try to engage in conversation, and I always feel a little rude for trying to get out of there as quick as possible. (I get the photopass CD so I try to get all the pictures possible )

 

[t_daniels]

As a former CM the biggest tip there is: Listen, if a CM tells you to do something there is a very good reason for doing so, listening and following their announcements will always help you!

Now the best tip I can give: If you see a CM standing at their position while you're waiting for the next train or boat, just talk to them! A lot of CMs, especially the CP's, are shy but will talk all day if given the chance. Don't ever ask if we can get you on the boat or train faster because it won't happen, but if you just have a regular conversation with us, you just might get on that boat or train sooner than you think.

i have heard this! I always feel like a bit of a bother, have the mindset that everyone is "busy" and I might bother them if I stop and talk!

We did have a really sweet CM at AKL. I was a mess down in Mara. Couldn't find lids, found the wrong lid, spilled a drink.... sigh.

She was so sweet, talked to me, helped me find things (even got me things the next day I went down) ... I felt terrible, tried to help her clean the drink even, but she wouldn't let me.
I made my husband go with me the next day, and introduced him. Felt like a 5 year old introducing a playmate - but she was so sweet! I think she was only there for a year. Sad, would love to say hello again.

 

[Carrie772]

Glad you mention this. I enjoy speaking with CMs. I like to find out where they are from, how long they have been with WDW, etc. We have gotten to be good friends with a few CMs over the yrs., including Ranger Stan who retired from WL a couple yrs ago.

I remember a specific conversation with a CM at CB. He told me how he used to be a CEO of a major bank in NYC, stayed stressed all the time. He retired, moved to FL and took PT job at WDW. His pay his less, but he says the job is so much more rewarding. He sees people with smiles all day, and those without a smile tend to eventually brighten up.

Ranger Stan is gone? Oh no! He was our guide for raising the flags! Bummer.

 

[JeanetteK]

bump

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Ranger Stan is gone? Oh no! He was our guide for raising the flags! Bummer.

I'm not sure...but I think Ranger Stan at WL died. Don't trust me on that. BTW, what is CB? Caribbean Beach?

 

[safetymom]

Yes Ranger Stan passed away. He was an awesome cast member.

 

[mytripsandraces]

I have had some wonderful interactions with Scoop Sanderson. He is my favorite character at Magic Kingdom. I was looking all over for him on my most recent visit and the opera singer (I don't know her name) walked with me from the Hub back along Main Street to find him. She is also very funny and charming. The Main Street characters are lovely people!!

 

[KDilly]

I have wondered the same thing myself, the masked character probably don't mind as I take a picture and leave. Though some of the face characters, like the princesses and stuff, try to engage in conversation, and I always feel a little rude for trying to get out of there as quick as possible. (I get the photopass CD so I try to get all the pictures possible )

It can be weird to get an adult/solo pic but remember that's what they do. From my experience they enjoy taking pics w anyone and everyone

-KD

 

[rachelmarisa]

Hi -

Most of my WDW trips are done solo and I was just wondering how the Character CM'S feel about posing for photos with adult, solo guests.

Larry

In my opinion, I'd rather pose with an adult, solo guest as opposed to whining/snotty/grabby/restless/etc. children, haha

 

[denvergirl]

What a great thread. . .thanks for all of the fantastic ideas!

 

[litlpixie]

I was lucky enough a few years to be at WDW for a convention for work-hence my kids werent with me. It was the first time I got to enjoy the company of the CM's.

I was only able to hit Epcot that trip but I met the nicest CM's. One woman I met who ran an ice cream cart told me she and her husband both got jobs at WDW when they retired. We chatted for a while and I made it a point after that incident to engage the CM's when I thought it appropriate (I sure dont want to bother them when theyre busy).

I think when my kids were little and we would take them there, we'd just be so busy keeping up with them, and tending to them, I just didnt have the time. Now that the kids are grown, I talk to everyone,lol.