What can I do, as a CM, to improve your experience?

[CollegeProgramCM]

Hey everyone,

I was recently accepted to the WDW College Program for this coming Spring semester. It looks like I will be doing main gate operations, pending an audition for a performance role.

The other day I was thinking about how I have a chance to make some really magical experiences for guests like so many cast members have done for me, and I decided I would come here and ask this.

What can I do, as a CM, to improve your visit, or to add some magic to your day?

 

[DSNY4ever]

How exciting for you! I really regret not doing that in college.

I always like when the main gate CMs strike up conversations with you as you are waiting in line before the park is open. It is nice to hear them talk to the kids around us and ask them about what they are excited to see and offer tips for park touring, stuff like that. Maybe you could try to memorize some of the hidden mickeys and give people hints to look for them on certain rides/attractions.

Good luck, I hope you enjoy it!

 

[CollegeProgramCM]

Thats a great idea! I am a Music Education major in college, and I've been working with Kindergarteners alot recently, so i know i can hold a conversation with the kids. And ive been to Disney tons of times, so ive got alot of useless CM trivia i could throw around.

 

[junebugTN]

+1 to DSNY4ever's suggestion about talking with the guests in line. My daughter and I are both pretty shy, but we have really enjoyed meeting cast members from different places at Disney. And the kids always feel so special when a CM takes the time to talk to them or point out hidden Mickeys.

Congrats on the job and good luck on the audition!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you don't already have one, develop a weird sense of humor. Be willing to "harass" the Guests, but with a big smile.

For example, if a Guest is wearing a clothing item marked from Universal or Sea World I will tell them they should have been stopped by Security as we don't allow items from competing parks. Tends to get fun reactions (but do not do this with age ranges up to about 12, as they may really believe you.

 

[Cherinva]

First off, congrats to you !!!! What I like so much about the CMs at WDW is that for the most part they are happy to be there...and it shows via the smiles they wear and the wonderful way they treat the guests. I just love it when a CM looks me right in the eye and says Good Morning (or evening) and they mean it !!! Just be yourself and love what you do....that will make my day.

 

[loriandmatt]

What I like so much about the CMs at WDW is that for the most part they are happy to be there...and it shows via the smiles they wear and the wonderful way they treat the guests. I just love it when a CM looks me right in the eye and says Good Morning (or evening) and they mean it !!! Just be yourself and love what you do....that will make my day.

THIS! we have been to WDW more than a few times and one of the reasons we return are the interactions with CMs who really love their jobs. i know that can be hard on a day when you have been on your feet for 8 hours in the heat or the rain or both. I also get that some (hopefully not most, but on any given day, it may be most) guests don't consider CMs as a valuable part in their vacation experinece and dealing with them can make it hard to put on that smile for the next folks in line, but please try. Talk to us. Smile. Joke around. We notice and we appreicate it very much. it makes us come back over and over and over and over again.

 

[BayouMickey]

Only thing i could suggest is remember that people go to Disney expecting a certain standard. Live up to Walt's standard and you'll be fine.

 

[OKW Lover]

Really good question - and the fact that you asked it means you're going to work out great! It indicates that you are looking to make the guest feel special. Exactly what we look for.

For us, sometimes its just a nice smile and hello. Sometimes its offering to take a picture of us together. Other times (especially at the main gate) its moving those guests through faster so we can get in the parks with less hassle.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Personally a big smile and "Have a Magical Day!" goes a long way for me. I love when CM's say that and you can tell they mean it. Or "Have a Disney Day!" is good too. One time with my niece the CM at the gate said to her
"Oh good your here! Mickey is waiting for you!" For some reason she just loved that and when we met Mickey later she ran up to him and said "Here I am!" it was too cute!

 

[SamSam]

Congratulations! I love that you're asking this question, for me that says you will be a great CM. I love talking and joking with CM's; as others have said 'Have a Magical Day', just makes me feel so good.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Personally a big smile and "Have a Magical Day!" goes a long way for me. I love when CM's say that and you can tell they mean it. Or "Have a Disney Day!" is good too. One time with my niece the CM at the gate said to her
"Oh good your here! Mickey is waiting for you!" For some reason she just loved that and when we met Mickey later she ran up to him and said "Here I am!" it was too cute!

This one!! Even as an adult I would tear up to have this happen to me But if you enjoy your job (as I'm sure you will!), guests will sense it and will enjoy meeting you and interacting with you. Have a fantastic time!

 

[lugnut33]

Handing me a free lifetime pass to the parks when I walk in.

Or the real keys to the Kingdom.

 

[HollyMac71]

For us, sometimes its just a nice smile and hello. Sometimes its offering to take a picture of us together. Other times (especially at the main gate) its moving those guests through faster so we can get in the parks with less hassle.

I agree with Jeff. Right on point!!

 

[dvcterry]

see what happens when you lay down the welcome mat, these suggestions just multiply.... good luck & enjoy your job.

 

[disneydad78]

Dont do what a CM who was in the college program did to us. She complained and told us every complaint she had. Hours for work, etc. I can handle one or two, I get that its work. Everyone is going to have on complaint. She went on and on. We had a great spot for a parade in MK so we didnt want to move. Lucky for me, the kids where busy playing with another CM so they didnt hear her.

SO BE HAPPY , NO MATTER WHAT WITH GUESTS.

 

[mommyceratops]

Remember bigger kids like stickers too. My 2DS have gone to Disney since they were babies. They are now 9 & 12 and this past trip no one gave them Mickey stickers. I finally asked and the woman implied she didn't give them to them because she thought they would not want them, they were to old. It was the opposite the stickers are a fave thing.
So even if they look older, they still want the magic.

 

[jeanigor]

Remember bigger kids like stickers too. My 2DS have gone to Disney since they were babies. They are now 9 & 12 and this past trip no one gave them Mickey stickers. I finally asked and the woman implied she didn't give them to them because she thought they would not want them, they were to old. It was the opposite the stickers are a fave thing.
So even if they look older, they still want the magic.

Even nearing 32, I like to get stickers.

I agree with Jeff (OKW Lover) as well. Smile and be happy, your College Program will be a great time (even if you don't think so at the moment) spread the magic and joy that made you sign up for the program and want to be a part of it all.

 

[BayouMickey]

I'd like to add a caveat to my earlier suggestion.
Go there thinking about the EXPERIENCE, not the money. Most complaints I've heard were about the pay. The college program isn't about the pay it's about the experience. Enjoy it it only happens once in a lifetime and only to a lucky few.

 

[DarthMama]

Love that "Mickey is waiting for you" line -- I know my kids would be thrilled to hear something like that! (Although my daughter would probably respond, "Tell him he has to wait until after I see Cinderella").

And seconding the "bigger kids like stickers too" thought.