MiMs

[Big Wallaby]

I hope I don't sound like I am tooting my own horn, as that is never my intent here. I tell stories like that because I am in the company of other Cast Members and guests who care about safety, show and the Guest Experience. If by my actions you are calling me God's gift to Disney parks, then I don't deserve the title. But if it's because of my attitude which those of us who stay around here a while (even the lurkers) have, then I'll accept that title because I have to share it with you all both as Cast Members and guests who also care about and take action about the same thing.

Tag line of SGT: Came for the venting, stayed for the Disney spirit!

[Big Wallaby]

This news struck me like a blow in the chest and brought my whole morning down several notches...

I'm very sorry for that, it certainly wasn't my intent.

As I get myself recast, whatever that takes, I will, of course, keep you updated. I want everyone to come visit me here in my new position.

But sleep did me very well. I woke up looking forward to making a move to whatever I am going to do next. It was so neat, yesterday at KS someone asked for a certain safari guide and was taken out of line to make sure they could and would get on his/her truck. That could and would never happen in buses. Now, I'll be able to give you my name and you will always know the proper spot to go and ask for me.

So again, please don't be sad for me. I wanted to get out of buses eventually anyway. I've been doing it enough years that I am kinda tired of it and the only thing that makes it fun for me is the interaction. That, I can get anywhere else. Why, one of the things I enjoyed about the Basics class was a video they had where people in Custodial (and again, I salute anyone in Custodial) were having fun with guests with their tools of the trade. Where else in the world could you have fun with your guests while working Custodial?

[mechurchlady]

The best thing for me was to get out of driving for a living. It is stressful and you can do so much more good in the parks than outside the parks. I really wanted to ride with you one time but life sucks and management does too. I will be mad at you if you do not think things out and check out everything about your new position.

You are acting like an SG right now Wallaby. People thing driving a boat, monorail or bus is easy. Tram drivers have it easy. It looks fun to work the Mansion or Pirates. I can do that says the SG. STOP and ask questions of CMs in those jobs. What problems do they face daily? Talk to the drivers and explain that you want to change jobs. You can pretend to be a SG and ask them about their job or say openly you want to change locations.

THINK IT THOROUGHLY.

Remember that you will be supported by most of the people here and at home and are loved as a dear friend. Hugs and chin up.

[BRWombat]

BW, your post made me sad -- sad for what your guests will be missing, and sad for a company that doesn't know what it's letting slip away. For an organization that does customer service like no other, compelling you not to spiel seems like the ultimate in stupid. I can't help but think that somewhere Walt is shedding a (frozen? :rolleyes :) tear.

I'll let Churchy handle the hugs, but here's to your finding a place in the World where your spirit and your abilities are given the fullest opportunity to do what you do so well -- make true Disney magic. That's something no computer or prerecorded voice will ever do.

[Big Wallaby]

THINK IT THOROUGHLY.

As you said, I would be an SG to do it any other way and I agree with you, so of course.

One of the reasons the things I have mentioned are of interest to me is the fact that I've talked with the people that do them. As far as JC, I don't think I would be a proper fit. Monorails I've been talking about for months and even years (I sometimes get a one-tracked mind) and I've talked to the people that do it; at the Mansion I would never make it because I smile too much; I haven't talked to enough people at Tower to really know what happens on a daily basis. With KS I've done a bit of research talked to five people who work or have worked it over the years....interesting to see how it's changed. There was one SG on it yesterday who wouldn't sit the **** down, so the driver "accidentally" hit a curb or a rock or something.

Moving out of buses is something I have wanted to do anyway and move around the company, so I have been researching quite a bit (well, as much as I can with only one day off a week) much of the time I've been here.

Just as (most of) my posts are not thoughtless, neither are (most of) my life decisions. But thank you for watching out for me , even if you did take off all my fur :rufus:

[ktulu]

Well, that's a pisser. Let's see is it more fun to listen to the automated spiel say the same thing you're already heard, or a human do it in such a manner that makes you laugh and give you that much more energy to get you back to your room.

Please, PLEASE, keep us updated on your location. I already had it set in my mind to keep an eye out for you and Cranbiz (although I did mis-place your names, so if you could PM them, I'm too lazy to search!), although I am not adverse to meeting up for lunch/dinner if the planets align correctly. My wife thinks I am crazy, but SGT has been a better "home" on the Intarwebs for me than the years I was a member at Board X. I was hoping to meet up with Lady Ulrike at DLR but things didn't work out (although next time I'm making plans in advance!).

If I'm not happy with my experience when I'm at WDW, I will become the squeaky wheel! Automated spiels is not something Walt would have wanted, and if he was still around today, I bet he'd be riding on Big Wallaby's bus over and over, just to enjoy his entertainment. See, that is what Walt was, an entertainer at heart. I'm reading a biography on Walt by Neal Gabler called "Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" and the first chapter talks about Walt's childhood and his love of entertaining. CM's like Wallaby are what Walt wanted. It's sad that corporate Disney has lost sight of Walt's dream. Disney needs a CDO, or a Chief Dream Officer, who is charged with keeping Walt's Dream alive. Lasseter would be a good choice, but so would CM's like Wallaby.

Wallaby, keep your chin up and find the position that will let you do what you love! Disney needs CM's like you.

darren

[Big Wallaby]

"Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination"

Isn't that an awesome book? I love when the author talks about the time that Walt first meets his hero, Charlie Chaplain. It was really his first measurable moment of great success.

Meet and Greet, eh? Sure, sounds like fun! I'd love to do dinner/lunch/breakfast/drinks/whatever with anyone here.

PM flying your way!

[Shorty82]

What is the email/snail mail address of Guest Services or whoever it is I shold contact to complain about the new system? I think that automated speils on the busses are a bad idea and against Walt's dreams and would like to let them know. If enough people complain then hopefully Disney will see how automated speils are a bad idea and get rid of them.

Good luck, Big Wallaby, with whatever you decide to do.

Edit: Oh, yeah. Thanks, ktulu for the book idea. I'll have to get that book sometime, it sounds interesting.

[ktulu]

First naked mole rats, now naked wallaby's.

Please, there is no need to expose your superstructure!

[tacoboy]

Just wait till they don't even need the driver any more.

I was watching a video of the Monorail in Tokyo and there is no driver.

Cars can now park them self, soon they will drive them self. and then it'll be bye bye drivers.

Don't forget: Tokyo disney is run by the Oriental Land Company which puts forth a bigger budget for its attractions/transport rides than the US parks do. (i.e. TDR Pooh ride: trackless, stops and turns on a dime magnetic control system] any attraction where Cast Member spiels are a vital part of the experience... my favorite right now being the Kilimanjaro Safari. [/QUOTE]

Go there and you will be my hero. I LOVE that ride.
Hopefully the recasting works in your favor. Whatever keeps the Disney magic inside you works well for everyone involved.