any advice or helpful links? for moving to WDW

[mapo]

You have signed in far more then I have. I simply say no to most everyone. Best this way. Guest MUST be very special to me, have a great need, be an animal rescuer, or one I owe a huge favor. All same rules as to my comps. Ya have to be WELL liked & pass my test. ;) My family all have premiums & there are 3 of us who are CMs, so all are covered. Tell me abt the old contract turkey. I know a CM who claims a dependent son. He hasn't had custody of his son for yrs. The son is an adult & in a max security Ca. prison. Guess Disney doesn't check "under the old contract" CMs. :(

Yeah, I too sign in NO ONE. Saves time..saves my job too.

MAPO

[Main Streeter]

saves my job too.

MAPO

So few really know or understand this valid point.

[delsdad]

So few really know or understand this valid point.

Yeah, it works this way in the theatre business too. We are happy to assist you in purchasing some "house seats", the best seats in the house, kept aside for the use/purchase by members of the company. The only time we get them for free is if we are watching the show to take notes. All others pay for the seats.

It would be a breeze to walk you in the back door, and set you up beside my buddy the sound guy. But we just don't do it. If there is a problem, we cant have you underfoot as we troubleshoot. And if the producers rep catches you there, she will pleasantly ask about your ticket. Then take the cost out of my paycheck, my FINAL paycheck.

Free tickets are rare, usually just dress rehearsals and shows that are dogs. And in that case, I dont want to subject friends to a horrible show.

CMs' are very lucky to have those maingate passes. If I had something like that, I would deny its existence, its just too much hassle and risk!

[Main Streeter]

CMs' are very lucky to have those maingate passes. If I had something like that, I would deny its existence, its just too much hassle and risk!

Wish everyone could comprehend as you do dels. Would make a CMs life much easier. I so look forward to Black Out Dates.

[turkeyham]

I am on the "Grand Father" contract. That contract deals with us older folks. I was hired in as a CR. 3 years later I was asked to go full-time. I was ranked #5. Sandi Eckland was #1 on the rank list. Then a bunch of the upper crew left and I became #1 cashier. Scheduling calls me when they need me to cover another location if needed. I can go 6 to 7 days. But, I like to have freedom.

I learned once you have gone past 10 years with the company, you receive a silver pass. You are allowed 36 sign-ins. I only sign 3 dependants in each time.

My goal in life is to get my points to 0 and to retire when I am 60. :)

[Main Streeter]

I am on the "Grand Father" contract. That contract deals with us older folks. I was hired in as a CR. 3 years later I was asked to go full-time. I was ranked #5. Sandi Eckland was #1 on the rank list. Then a bunch of the upper crew left and I became #1 cashier. Scheduling calls me when they need me to cover another location if needed. I can go 6 to 7 days. But, I like to have freedom.

I learned once you have gone past 10 years with the company, you receive a silver pass. You are allowed 36 sign-ins. I only sign 3 dependants in each time.

My goal in life is to get my points to 0 and to retire when I am 60. :)

Have never heard "Grandfather" clause is for older, more like those who came in maybe 12 - 15 yrs. or more ago. Think it depends on your level. I know a manager can be hired & Grandfathered, or so I was told. I had to submitt app to go FT. None in my location are ever asked. Got my FT the first try. When Scheduling calls me I'll do 6, 7, 14 days if possible. I go all over so it's much more interesting. Thought Silver pass was 15 yrs.? Will look on Hub or ask Chuck :) Wish I knew how you were able to get dependends. Oh well. I had 0 points for 8 months. Was soooo great. Is Sandi still in ODV? Name rings a bell....maybe not. Thanks.

[DragonFox98]

I'm with you, dels....I would never ask for anything. It's imposing and rude. Even if I had a family member that worked for Disney, I wouldn't do it; it's just not right. And, like one CM said, the guests behavior reflects on them....I'd be afraid I would do something without meaning to.

[HappyCamper]

My friend recently became a widow, and she wants to move to Disney and work at Disney... she has been checking apartment prices online, and is starting to get serious.... I'd like to give her advice, I remember a great poster from years ago that has a blog Delswife ie the love ya mean it ( http://delswife-stories.blogspot.com/) her and her husband moved from Maine to Disney, and recently left Disney and moved back -

but I cant find any relevant posts to send to my friend.

she also says that all she has to work is 40 hours a year and she will get 24 free tickets to the park.

she is a lovely woman, great people skills etc always looks on the bright side of life... She does live in the south, so she's not afraid of the heat in the summer...

The description of this widow/widower fits me almost exactly but here's a little more information for me. I have been widowed :( for one and a half years and it's time to move on. WDW has always been my dream. I'll miss my husband dearly but grieving forever isn't making me feel any better.

Yes. I am from the very deep south. Heat and humidity are common here and this summer we reached a 120 heat index already. I can't imagine what the rest of August and September holds for us. It's already unbreathable. YUK. I'd like an indoor job and would even drive a bus, (I drive a 36 foot RV).

My support system is not here. I am my basic support system and I have family scattered in the south. I would actually be moving closer to them and they have been very helpful during a very difficult time. They are the ones that I need most at the moment.

Working for WDW may prove difficult but I can always move on if it's not anything like I expect. WDW is a taskmaster with low wages. I get that. Try working for AT&T or one of the baby Bells. Now, those are inhuman and if I could do that for years on end, in both craft and managerial positions, I figure WDW will be no harder. It may even be easier. Explaining to someone why his telephone service has to be disconnected for non-payment with sick ones in the residence, etc., isn't a joy-walk, either. :D: Somebody has to do it. :(

Anyway, no nest egg but Florida rents and condo prices are so in the dumps right now, I can get by with my finances if I buy and then I wouldn't have to work. If I rent, that will take more monthly finances and I'd have to do part time. I want to work mostly for the joy of being at WDW. Whether it's daily, weekly, seasonally ~ it's all good for me. I'm too old to be much disappointed in seeing the backside of WDW. ROFL

If WDW doesn't work out, there's nothing to keep me from trying out my second best place: Gatlinburg, Tn. Yes, I'm a tourist at heart, and I'll keep doing it till I get it right.

Okay, so knowing all that, (I just found a condo in the heart of Celebration, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, for $85K !!), what can you recommend?

• I could live in my RV but what decent campgrounds are closest to WDW?
• While I think I want Celebration, where else could I go and be close to WDW?
• Safety is my largest concern. Where is it NOT safe?
• What, exactly, are the benefits for working PT? FT? (I really like the sound of the new monorail traffic controller but is it indoors?) If there's more you'd like to say than you can put in public, please PM me. I'm honest and don't gossip.
• And speaking of indoors, what jobs do I search for indoors? (Yes, working in the HM is indoors and cool, - oh, did I mention how much I absolutely hate the sun?, but I don't know how brave I am. Anyway, I don't know job titles. )

I really loved all of your answers. Whether for or against, all of these appeared to be so honest and helpful that I really do appreciate all that you've given of yourself so far to help another person. Would you please dig a little deeper and see if you can help me, too?

Well, I guess you've got a glimpse of me talking your ear off.

Oh, and no, I'm not looking for a husband. (I get asked that a lot.) :p: Just want to be closer to what makes me happy.

Y'all are just the greatest and I thank you if there's anything you can do to help me.

HC

[luckyprincess]

Hi Happy camper! I'm new to this forum too, and a guest, not a CM. Just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. :( You have a great attitude and I think you'll probably be okay no matter where you go.
I work in the hospitality industry and so many people always tell me they would love to work in the arena I do. It's hard to be 'on' all of the time and harder still to deal with difficult people while staying pleasant and helpful. But as you said, you're old enough to realize that and old enough to realize it may not be what you thought. :p:
I always tell people that want to work in places that are near and dear to them to first remember that it may make them jaded or at the least may change the way they see that place forever. good luck with whatever you do! :D:

[darph nader]

Welcome happycamper, have a beverage. :coke: :pepsi: