What was your worst holiday working at Disney?

Cheshire Figment · Post by **Cheshire Figment** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:32 pm

So far - none.

Currently my availability is Wednesdays and Thursdays only.Because I was being "trained" for my new (temporary) position of Greeter at the Studios, I did not have "training" on Thanksgiving.

Last year my manager at TL asked me if I would be willing to work on Christmas Day, and I did accommodate her. If they ask me at the studio (which they have not done yet) I will probably turn down the offer.

And as a Guest I don't think I ever had a really bad holiday in the parks. One time we went to MK on the 4th of July, which tends to be a total zoo, but we were Grand Marshals at the 3:00 parade. We also were in Epcot on 12/31/99 which was worse than a total zoo, but I don't think we would have missed that for anything.

CMGUY89 · Post by **CMGUY89** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:46 pm

Cheshire Figment wrote:So far - none.

Currently my availability is Wednesdays and Thursdays only.Because I was being "trained" for my new (temporary) position of Greeter at the Studios, I did not have "training" on Thanksgiving.

Last year my manager at TL asked me if I would be willing to work on Christmas Day, and I did accommodate her. If they ask me at the studio (which they have not done yet) I will probably turn down the offer.

And as a Guest I don't think I ever had a really bad holiday in the parks. One time we went to MK on the 4th of July, which tends to be a total zoo, but we were Grand Marshals at the 3:00 parade. We also were in Epcot on 12/31/99 which was worse than a total zoo, but I don't think we would have missed that for anything.

I kinda enjoyed working the 4th. Although I was kinda sad to miss the illuminations tag. I certainly heard it back in boat storage! HEHE! Although getting back to Cast Services was difficult. I had to cross the river of people heading out of the park to get back over to the east side. I also enjoyed the holiday pay as well ;) . I am excited to work New Years, but that may all change...

Big Wallaby · Post by **Big Wallaby** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:57 pm

For Liz and me, it's just another day, but every day is special. We'll celebrate the holidays on different days, but that's okay. We can work the holidays.

dazyhill · Post by **dazyhill** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 12:59 am

I don't work at Disney,but I can relate to working the holidays. At Knott's,we are always closed Christmas Day (a tradition going way back to the time the park was in its infancy),but I have worked many Thanksgivings. Those are hard. I am away from my family,the free dinner at the employee cafeteria is awful,and to top it off,it is always crazy busy!
As for Christmas,my store usually has a potluck on Christmas Eve and we go all out. We always have tons of food-enough for the entire crew and the surrounding stores.Those that want to participate in a gift exchange and that has always been interesting. One lead had to participate in a scavenger hunt to find her gift last year.
I try to make sure everyone is included. All my crew members get a card with some candy from me. I also add many workers from other stores too. I would love to do more,but I can't afford it. :(
In the end,it's all about attitude. Being upset is not going to make things any better. You might as well buck up and make the best of it. :D:

CBeilby · Post by **CBeilby** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:55 am

dazyhill wrote:...the free dinner at the employee cafeteria is awful...

Let me guess. Lakeside Terrace?

dazyhill · Post by **dazyhill** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 8:37 am

CBeilby wrote:Let me guess. Lakeside Terrace?

No, Crew's Nest. :)

Randy B · Post by **Randy B** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 11:32 pm

GaTechGal wrote:Don't know if it will help much, but remember that there are LOTS of folks that have to work over the holidays. My brother the DR. is on call at least one of the major holiday days over the season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Now granted, he's making WAY more than the average CM (and me for that matter), but it doesn't make it any easier for him or his kids. So I'd take Dylan's advice and just look at the holiday itself as any other busy day and try and get into the SEASON on some other day.

As a guest, thanks for being there. :D:

Yep. In Radio we work 24/7/365 and a holiday is just a day you work but maybe get extra pay for. One thing that I had to do was convince my family that my work schedule is inflexable and no amount of begging will change that. So I have finally managed to get them used to the idea that if it is to include me, Christmas will be celebrated in Jan or even Feb when all the schedules of the family members align. As for almost all other holidays I have finally convinced them that as far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a holiday. And so if there is a family gathering planned, let me know, but don't count on me being there.

This is the first year in a long time that the holiday will actually fall on my day off! So there is a chance that I may actually be able to celebrate with the family on the actual calendar date.

Randy

Disney Debbie · Post by **Disney Debbie** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:45 pm

My worst holiday experience was Christmas 2002. The old NASA exhibit was under construction for Buzz Lightyear and there was those plywood walls that Disney put us. It was a really windy and rainy day and I was in Premiere Shop (now Little Green Men Store) getting ready for a Kid's Only Pin Talk, when I hear screams and crashing. I ran outside to see people picking up the walls. Luckily no one was hurt very bad, just more shaken up. I was soaked and the rest of my shift was spent writing up the details of what I saw. Luckily the next year I didn't work Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or New Years and I was very grateful.

GRUMPY PIRATE · Post by **GRUMPY PIRATE** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 9:57 pm

Disney Debbie wrote:My worst holiday experience was Christmas 2002. The old NASA exhibit was under construction for Buzz Lightyear and there was those plywood walls that Disney put us. It was a really windy and rainy day and I was in Premiere Shop (now Little Green Men Store) getting ready for a Kid's Only Pin Talk, when I hear screams and crashing. I ran outside to see people picking up the walls. Luckily no one was hurt very bad, just more shaken up. I was soaked and the rest of my shift was spent writing up the details of what I saw. Luckily the next year I didn't work Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or New Years and I was very grateful.

Did someone walk into them and cause them to fall? Or just cause by the wind and rain?

Either way it could have ruined someones day!

GuestJockey · Post by **GuestJockey** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:37 pm

Christmas day was not too good this year. I don't mind working holidays on principle - it's exactly as was said earlier, we work while others play. That said, this Christmas we got that lovely announcement:

...Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations...

The line at City Hall was out the door, around the corner, and almost to the side door of the Emporium with people who wanted refunds. One woman actually came in with her hand stuck out open-palmed in my face and said "So what are you people going to do about the fact that you canceled the fireworks and ruined my Christmas?" What do you say to that? I hate being in situations where I don't have a way of making it a little better, and Christmas Day this year was one of those.

Stupid Guest Tricks

What was your worst holiday working at Disney?

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