Saying hello

ashoutinthedark · Post by **ashoutinthedark** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 6:48 am

So, looks like this would be the best place to introduce myself. I'm actually debating making the transition to a career (yes career) as a Disney CM. Currently, I am active duty military, and have a few years left on my enlistment, but I'm starting my planning now. I currently work as a Navy IT (Basically, computers, radios and all things related), and have no interest in remaining sitting behind a desk staring at a computer screen. I know what everyone says..."It pays really well", "You're killing a lucrative career", so on and so forth...really, I don't care. It takes a special personality to be Military, and while I have loved my time in, it just doesn't work out well with a family. At least not for me.

I know I could come into Disney and apply to be a Server Administrator, Network Administrator, so on and so forth, I even have all the civilian certifications to back it up. Really though, the thought of spending the rest of my days staring at a computer screen is enough to drive me nuts.

A few things I'm thinking about. What type of "Supervisory" positions are still public facing, and have the potential to move up into management where I can still take the time to put my feet on the pavement in the park, and put smiles on people's faces? Heck, I'd work security, although I would have to be one of the ones in uniform, I couldn't stand being a "plain clothes" guy who can't interact with everyone around me. Who says even the security guards have to be serious every time they talk to people...the difference is I've seen enough of the rougher side of people, I would love to swap to the other side and spend my life making someone's day just a little bit better.

Or a lot a-bit better, that would work too :)

The other question is the feasability of supporting a family on the Disney income. I'm sure it's not well known knowledge how little the military gets paid (even if our pay-charts are public), but it is true. We can make it by on morsels and tidbits, but I'd rather not if I didn't have too.

Anyone have any advice?

ktulu · Post by **ktulu** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:29 am

I know a Marine who retired and went to work for Disney as a uniformed security officer. He also does flag retreat and brings smiles everyday to guests. I can't speak for pay, only that he seems to mostly enjoy his job :)

BRWombat · Post by **BRWombat** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 10:04 am

I'm not a CM, so I can't speak to the pay, but I love your attitude and desire to bring magic to others. And thank you for your service!

:sgthello:

Others will be along shortly to answer your questions and continue the SGT welcome, including a Hawaiian, a member of the beverage committee, and a dragon. If you are wearing anything flammable, you might want to save the beverage until after the dragon.

hobie16 · Post by **hobie16** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 10:09 am

ashoutinthedark

Zazu · Post by **Zazu** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 3:52 pm

ashoutinthedark wrote:What type of "Supervisory" positions are still public facing, and have the potential to move up into management where I can still take the time to put my feet on the pavement in the park, and put smiles on people's faces?

Nearly all of them. Front line management is out in the crowd about half the time (most of the rest is spent staring at a computer screen). Guest interaction is part of the job description. Disney is also unusual in that all management above these posts are also expected to spend serious pavement time, right up to the Vice Presidents of each Park.

True, many roles are backstage, and those positions don't get as much contact. In some areas, like Parking, you have mostly negative encounters. But if you don't want to deal with people, there are essentially no management jobs at Disney!

Being military, you'll find the pay scale about the same -- so low as to be a bit embarrassing. That said, the benefits are substantial, and if you and your family are inclined to use them, the discounts can be substantial. (I think I got more in discounts last year than I did in salary.)

But much like the military, Disney requires a special personality type. If you have it, it can be the best job in the world, and the Company provides the same high level of training and the same clear expectations as the military. OTOH, if you don't come in bringing the right attitude, the job will chew you up and spit you out.

Disney also has some managers who are terrible -- all companies do, and you can probably think of some officers that fit this description. In both organizations they are the rare exceptions. You can never know when a transfer will put you under such a person. If that happens, and you decide you have to leave, know that Universal Florida has hired so many ex-Disney folks that there really isn't much cultural difference any more, and you may get a raise just for walking down the street. Thus this isn't necessarily a one-company career path.

Got questions you don't want to ask in an open forum? PM me.

Zazu
WDW Casting Scout

ashoutinthedark · Post by **ashoutinthedark** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:35 pm

First of all, thanks to all the replies, and I'm starting to feel a bit welcome already.

The management pavement time is, imho, outstanding. I don't mind adhering to a strict code of rules and regulations...heck, I'm the one chewing out the little E-nothings about hair too long, shave missed a spot, and your boots aren't shined up to spec. Yeah, I can be a dick-tator if I need to be, but I'd really rather not be. My plan is to get to the point of being one of these managers, in time that is, maybe higher up. The big thing is to make people's day. I can deal with hundreds of irate people, and yet it's all worth it if I can light up one kid's face, or even get a snicker out of Mom and Dad because the joke just flew right over Junior's head.

Right now I'm in that limbo of whether I should finish out my current enlistment, and move on, or finish out to retirement. I do believe I am leaning more towards the retirement edge (only another 8 years after my current enlistment), even if it's just to have a bit of extra income. Disney would have to make me a pretty good offer to pull my chocks and move their way, and I doubt it will happen with what I'm looking at doing. I mean, I could imagine them pulling me in with a nice enough paycheck for continuing what I'm doing now...but like I said before, staring at a computer screen (I'm currently a Server/Network Administrator/Security Analyst/Help Desk/there's-only-three-guys-running-the-whole-darn-network-on-my-ship-and-oh-my-god-the-server-is-on-fire....you get the point.) would likely be the last thing I want to do when I get out. Unless they let me moonlight as a character's escort or some random person running around the park...

I digress.

I have no interest in Universal, don't ask me why, I just don't. Not my style, I guess.

I'd like to think I've got the right attitude for the job. I've seen some of the worst the world has to offer, but I've also worked for some of the best chiefs and officers in the fleet (again, imho). I've tried to pull the best from them and implement them into my own shops as I run them.

I think I've rambled enough...I can always post more when it hits me :)

hobie16 · Post by **hobie16** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 10:05 am

Eight to go for a fully funded retirement at 40 (+/- a couple of years)? Dude, stick it out. You'll get a few promotions which will increase your retirement payout. That'll enable you to take just about any job and still live comfortably. Remember, those chiefs will retire at some point and someone will have to fill their shoes. Would you like to be COB?

avengador1 · Post by **avengador1** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 10:12 am

I have had friendly interactions with many of the security personnel checking the bags at the entrance to the parks every time I visit. The job is what you make out of it. Their interactions are short, but friendly, because of the nature of their job. If you want a deeper interaction with the guests, you may want to consider a different cast member position, fortunately there are many to choose from. To increase your chances of getting hired you need to apply at the right time. This is just before the peak season begins, around the months of April to May. You will need to pass the online screening interview and an in person interview, after those you will need to pass a background check and drug screening. Orientation follows that. The whole process can take a couple of months from start to finish.

CBeilby · Post by **CBeilby** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:09 pm

Welcome to SGT, ashoutinthedark. I see the Marsupials have been by, as has Hobie with the Hawaiian Hi. The Beverage Committee should have your complementary beverage soon. I suggest that you save it until after your Safety Spiel, though, as it can get a little bit warm.

*stands by with fire extinguisher, dustpan, and broom.*

Zazu · Post by **Zazu** » Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:58 pm

avengador1 wrote:The whole process can take a couple of months from start to finish.

Or as in my case, two weeks flat, first phone call to end of training.

Stupid Guest Tricks

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