CMs must really have it rough during December

[Christopher]

I had mentioned that when I visited Disneyland this December, I had brought along some paper and a pen so I could write down names of CMs to give compliments for excellent guest service at Guest Relations.

There was something I noticed when I did this. When I first started politely asking for a CMs name if I couldn't see their badge, they would literally do a sort of small jump or jolt, or a double take. And at least three had asked me, "Did I do something wrong?"

I would tell them, "No, not at all, I just wanted to take down your first name so I could give a compliment at Guest Relations." And then they would relax and be happy. But it made me realized how apparently used to getting complaints CMs apparently are. It was little details like that that was making me realize how much trash CMs have apparently gotten.

I had a pretty lengthy (but nice) conversation with a CM out in the shuttle area when it was raining that Sunday after asking him what time it was, and he was very talkative and friendly. When I had asked him for his name since I couldn't see it well under his poncho and he told me, I thanked him and he said, "Did I do something wrong?" I explained no, I was just going to give a compliment at GR as I had been doing with all the CMs I've met would had given me excellent guest service. He looked at me sort of nervously and then asked, "What happens when you meet a bad CM?" I laughed and said, "I haven't seen one yet."

When I got excellent service from three CMs at one of the DL gift shops and jotted down their names, one of them asked me, "Are you one of those secret shopper people?" :D

I think the one thing that really made me wonder how rough it must have been in December for CMs was when on the second night of my visit I went on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. When my turn came up and I was motioned to be seated by a smiling CM, I said, "Thank you very much," and sat down in my car. He was very polite and smiling but he said, "Say, you're the first happy face I've seen all day." Something in me felt sort of tugged, and I asked, "Really? Why is that?" He said, "I don't know, I just haven't seen any other happy smiling faces yet today for some reason" and all the while telling me with the same kindhearted politeness. I asked him, "What's your first name? I'm afraid I can't see your badge." "Paul." "Well, Paul, I'm going to give you a compliment at Guest Relations because I think it's wonderful that even with apparently a lot of non-happy faces you're still all smiling and cheerful." "Thank you very much."

So it was details like that that really made me think that there must be a lot of "unsung heroes", so to speak, in the magic kingdom, that a lot of CMs simply aren't getting the thank-yous and appreciation from guests they should. It made me realize that the one time I had visited before and a CM had confided to me that Disneyland got a lot of nonsensical complaints, she was not at all exaggerating.

[Christopher]

About 95% of the times that a guest asks a CM for their name it's so that they can "file a complaint". I use the quotation marks because I have been told more times than I can begin to count that someone would "file a complaint" and/or "get me fired" and I've yet to receive a single guest complaint. And it does happen sometimes when you least expect it.

WOW.
I had no idea. I don't know what to say. That's just... unreal. :?

I was once working a glow cart in Adventureland, and had finished up with a normal transaction with a guest when they commented that as a CM I shouldn't be leaning on anything. ...she left saying "well then, we'll just have to see what your boss says about this". :roll:

:!: :!: Now that was just uncalled for. I mean seriously, since when does a guest have the right to just bluntly criticize their hosts for any little thing as they see fit like that?

No, wait, I'd better not ask that question, I have the feeling I'd be horrified by the answer. :shock:

[Stduck]

Polar is right. Guests know about the Disney Look and our on stage responsiblitys. There is no other way to say it other then I believe they think they are our managers and its their responsibilty to the magic or something. What makes it worse in Polars case is that the Fantasmic! leads told him to make himself as out of the way as possible.

I have the problem with guests getting angry at me during Fantasmic! In the case of people trying to stand somewhere in the walkway that they can't or sit on a wall they cannot. Tell them its not a viewing area and tell them where they can watch the show. If they start to yell at me over it I tell them that the fire marshell has deemed how wide the walkway must be in case of emergencies. And if I am over new the stage manager during the show I ask them "If you'd like to take it up with the Fire Marshall he's right over there I am sure he'd be willing to tell you himself" (The DL fire marshell or a representive from the DL fire department is present through the entire show). That usually is enough to make the guest kind of shut up and walk away.

[Christopher]

For Pete's sake, that's ridiculous. :roll: Do guests like that tend to be locals who show up all the time or pretty much anyone?

I would find it hard to believe that someone who has only been there a few times would try that, unless you guys were to assure me otherwise of course. ;) But then, at this point after reading about various stunts on here pulled by guests I think I'm just about ready to believe anything.

[swingprincess]

For Pete's sake, that's ridiculous. :roll: Do guests like that tend to be locals who show up all the time or pretty much anyone?

I would find it hard to believe that someone who has only been there a few times would try that, unless you guys were to assure me otherwise of course.

truth be told, it's usually ap's or other cm's. like the older ones that have been there since walt was alive. they love to tell you what you're doing wrong.

[Freak]

As much as I went there (I did have a pass at one time). I never once ever complained about anything. I tried to stay out of the way as much as possible, and was always friendly to every CM that I met. I always gave everyone who worked there my utmost respect and I always followed directions.

I honestly can't understand why or how people complain when people are doing their jobs. Its ludacris.

I like Christopher's idea, giving people good remarks and such. That's awesome.

[Chabobo]

As much as I went there (I did have a pass at one time). I never once ever complained about anything. I tried to stay out of the way as much as possible, and was always friendly to every CM that I met. I always gave everyone who worked there my utmost respect and I always followed directions.

And I love people like you, and it sucks because after people ignoring you all day til you yell and scream when someone comes along and listens excactly to what you say, I want to be like, ya know what nevermind, YOU acctually can passs....

[Fantasmic_Freak]

I always treat Cms with the utmost respect when i am the guest in their park, and now having an Annual Pass for 4 years now, i have seen how rude some other guests can be and how idiotic behavior some people have, and the saying is true IQ goes down for some when your at the parks, Cms do know me and and always say the apreciate it when i come to visit, Plus i got about 39 Cms who will gladly sign my referral for getting the Job, good stuff! So, thank you Cms who put up with all the guests!