Just a Quick Question

[SmoothOperator]

Hello everyone, obviously I'm somewhat new here. I recently was hired into Disneyland after spending a little over a year working as a ride operator at Knott's Berry Farm. I was wondering what the main differences are between working at Knott's and working for Disney? I suppose this would be best answered by someone who used to work at KBF but now works at Disney.

Secondly, what do Disney cast members think of Knott's? I remember I once came to Disneyland with my Knott's blue staff jacket on and took flak from a guy at California Screamin.' He asked me if I'd like it if he came to my park with Disney stuff on. Funny thing is that at least 20 percent of all Knott's guests come with just that, so it was a very frequent sight for me. Is there any real anamoisity against Knott's employees at DLR?

[shorty1219]

Im a DL Trainer who just recently went to KBF as a guest. I can tell that there is a difference of work ethic between the 2 parks. I noticed at KBF there were employees on their cell phones "On Stage" (Im not sure what they call it.), eating on stage, having extensive personal conversations on stage as well. Now, I know that this happens with us, but not as much. CM's know that the guest comes first (and some guests know this...which is bad). With us at DL, we put a lot of emphasis on the guest's experience. I didn't feel anything like that as a guest at KBF except for the person on the mic at the Silver Bullet ride. I think it comes down to high standards for the show, and the ammount of effort it takes to preserve the show. I don't know, it sounds kinda like a Disney spiel, but I think that's what they try to get across.

[SmoothOperator]

Thanks for the reply, I'm sure I'll fit right in. If you don't mind, I was also curious just how hard it is to make CR-25? What are your thoughts about the merchanise department? Not my first choice, but its what I have to work with for six months to certain issues.

[shorty1219]

Making CR-25 can be tough because you need to work 25 hours a week, for 3 of the 4 weeks in a month during the off season. I have been there for just over 2 years, and I have yet to be CR-25. Being on the stock team helps you become CR-25 because there are so few people on stock (On Eastside at least) that it's really easy to pick up shifts. When you are eligible for it, they will mail you paperwork to fill out. Talk to the schedulers for more info.

As for working merch, it can be tedious at times because you feel like you're doing the same thing over and over, But the time usually goes by quickly during the on season because you're always doing something. It's also tough when the stock team rearranges the store and you find out that they have done this when you tell a guest to go look for an item that is no longer in that same spot. But the time usually goes quickly. It's a good gig.

[SmoothOperator]

Thanks again. I guess my last concern is that I was told by a friend that going to Disney is like going back to high school. She claims its drama city compared to KBF, where everyone is too concerned about how crappy their job is to get any deeper than that. Who knows, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.

[Main Streeter]

Thanks again. I guess my last concern is that I was told by a friend that going to Disney is like going back to high school. She claims its drama city compared to KBF, where everyone is too concerned about how crappy their job is to get any deeper than that. Who knows, I'm sure I'll find out soon enough.

Sure you'll "fit in." Remember your Disney Look, Disney Smile, give great guest service, show is everything, & safety is priority. 4 keys, you know em :)
Some depts. @ Disney have more drama than others. You can always walk away from drama.

[aliceindisguse]

Thanks for the reply, I'm sure I'll fit right in. If you don't mind, I was also curious just how hard it is to make CR-25? What are your thoughts about the merchanise department? Not my first choice, but its what I have to work with for six months to certain issues.

It really depends on your availibilty and when you hired in.... for instance I hired in, in the first week of Nov so I got my status right away in March. But if you don't hire in in the off season then it takes awhile...but as long as you work enough(knowing that it's what you want) its really easy to obtain

[murf]

When I worked at KBF I always felt like a temp! I worked there for 2 years and went from a ride op to working as an Engineer/Fireman on the railroad all that time I was promised more but I never had the chance to advance! Once I started here I was able to become a CR-25 within a year, I've had less stress and more fun! KBF used to do more for the employees but theres just no incentive to stay!
BTW the final straw was on a cold rainy November day I was working on Ghost rider doing rehab and thats when I realized that I would never make more than $8 an hour!
At the very least we get to go to the movies for free! When I worked for KBF I couldn't give away the tickets that I got, working here I'm always signing friends in!

[iusedtobeacm]

I left Knott's for the same reason and then some, when i used to work at Disney the ride ops did not help in the rehab of a ride, at knott's they do, hard manual labor for pennies, i did rehab at bigfoot rapids when i got hired in last year in feb and this year in jan i did rehab at log ride, really hated it, kept getting promises of becoming a shift leader but they never happend, all i got was to be a trainer and i was still getting min. wage, now i have a better job in vegas, but i would still love to work at disney again.