My Plan

[elementalfey]

Ok so I'm going to WDW in December and wanted to do something sort of special for the really wonderful CMs out there who don't get nearly enough appreciation for their hard work. Now, I know that turning compliments into managment is a good thing, and I fully intend to do that as well, but I wanted to do something a little more face to face and direct.

I've made up little Disnyfied certificates for several diffrent occasions (teaching us something, making a magical moment for us, making our honeymoon a little more romantic etc.) That says "Disney Should be Proud" at the top and will write what they did to make my day magical on the back to make it specific to that CM.

My question is - is this a stupid idea? Or do you think CMs would like it? Because the last thing I want to do is look like a dork.

[Main Streeter]

Ok so I'm going to WDW in December and wanted to do something sort of special for the really wonderful CMs>My question is - is this a stupid idea?

Would love to be CM at WDW in Dec. when you visit. YOU ROCK!!!! :)

[BRWombat]

Ok so I'm going to WDW in December and wanted to do something sort of special for the really wonderful CMs out there who don't get nearly enough appreciation for their hard work. Now, I know that turning compliments into managment is a good thing, and I fully intend to do that as well, but I wanted to do something a little more face to face and direct.

I've made up little Disnyfied certificates for several diffrent occasions (teaching us something, making a magical moment for us, making our honeymoon a little more romantic etc.) That says "Disney Should be Proud" at the top and will write what they did to make my day magical on the back to make it specific to that CM.

My question is - is this a stupid idea? Or do you think CMs would like it? Because the last thing I want to do is look like a dork.

On my last trip, I actually had printed business cards with our names and the message "Thanks for making our visit magical - Walt would be proud," intending to give them out to the many CMs I knew would do that very thing.

In practice, however, it never worked out. The CMs were usually busy enough that I didn't want to intrude further on them to give them the card, and in other cases it just didn't seem to flow with the interaction we were having. So I settled on verbal thanks and turning in compliments to GR later.

Hope your idea works better -- come back and post to let us know!

[EpcotGolfer]

The one thing I've gotten from a guest for being "Extra Magical" was a button that said something like "Thanks for providing a magical experience from [Guests' names]". It was cool and made me feel good for the rest of the night, but I couldn't wear it on my costume, and I look kinda stupid wearing it in regular clothes.

That being said, something as big as a certificate might prove cumbersome to some cast members (if they aren't able to get backstage easily and right away). It'd probably get folded up and put in the pocket, and washed in the next laundry cycle. But the sentiment would be appreciated. :D:

But a compliment to GR is definetly useful. It always comes back to the cast member, and to the CM's manager, which is a definite plus if a CM is looking to be promoted in the near or far future.

[WLStephanie]

The certificate idea does rate a 10 on the sweetness scale, but if you are REALLY impressed with a cast member, I'd suggest jotting down a little note with the CMs name and location and dropping it at guest services or town hall. This will likely actually get the CM a positive notation on their record card. Most people will take the time to hunt down a manager to complain (as you can tell by reading these boards), but nobody seems to when they are really happy. If you are in a restaurant, it should be even easier. WDW has a manager touch a table policy. This means that our F & B managers try very hard to stop by every table to check on things. If you see someone exceptional, tell the manager or ask for a great service fanatic card.

[Zazu]

There's a wonderful program run by a family of fans that addresses just this problem. It's called "What Would Walt Do", and it consists of pins with the legend "WWWD" and a website where reports of great cast members can be posted.

:wwwd: Pins are 3 for $16, and they accept PayPal. I've purchased several sets (and handed them out as appropriate), and can vouch for the folks.

The web site's in a bit of disarray at the moment due to a major hacking attack a while back, but the pins are still available and the nomination reports will be back online soon.

Depending on your management, some cast have been permitted to wear them on stage, though you should be aware that doing so is technically in violation of The Disney Look.

[leftcoaster]

The certificate idea does rate a 10 on the sweetness scale, but if you are REALLY impressed with a cast member, I'd suggest jotting down a little note with the CMs name and location and dropping it at guest services or town hall. This will likely actually get the CM a positive notation on their record card. Most people will take the time to hunt down a manager to complain (as you can tell by reading these boards), but nobody seems to when they are really happy. If you are in a restaurant, it should be even easier. WDW has a manager touch a table policy. This means that our F & B managers try very hard to stop by every table to check on things. If you see someone exceptional, tell the manager or ask for a great service fanatic card.

I've done that before. We ate dinner at Potabello Yacht Club in DTD (WDW), and our waiter was fantastic. It seemed he was out of sight until he was needed, did what he needed to do, and was out of sight again. He never lingered, or anything. So, when we were leaving, I specifically asked for the manager to say that the waiter was great, our dinner was perfect, and that he (forget his name now) is a compliment to the restaurant and Disney.

I don't know how those restaurants at DTD work. I know they are not Disney owned, but yet they are staffed with people that have Disney nametags. So are they still considered CMs?

[WLStephanie]

I've done that before. We ate dinner at Potabello Yacht Club in DTD (WDW), and our waiter was fantastic. It seemed he was out of sight until he was needed, did what he needed to do, and was out of sight again. He never lingered, or anything. So, when we were leaving, I specifically asked for the manager to say that the waiter was great, our dinner was perfect, and that he (forget his name now) is a compliment to the restaurant and Disney.

I don't know how those restaurants at DTD work. I know they are not Disney owned, but yet they are staffed with people that have Disney nametags. So are they still considered CMs?

They are operating participant CMs. They get many of the same benefits that we do, but I'm not sure if they do "Great Service Fanatic" cards or anything. I am sure that his supervisor let him know how pleased you were, though.