So how do CMs WANT to be treated?

Willy · Post by **Willy** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:06 pm

I've been lurking on this board for quite some time, and I finally have something to ask.

I distinctly remember one time talking with one CM in the armor shop in the castle for a good 15 minutes about our different family coats of armor. She seemed to appreciate a break in the monotany that is retail.

I always enjoy the parks and hope I've treated every CM with the respect any one working with the public deserves (I work at the Mall of America in Minnesota, so I have a vague idea of what life at a tourist destination is like).

My question(s) is this:

When someone is visiting the park, what sorts of interactions would you appreciate from guests?

I'm looking for answers beyond the general, say "Thank You" or "Tell me the correct number of people in your party."

Let's also set a scenario for everyone:

You're working guest control for Fantasmic, and I'm such a nerd that I've staked out my place (in a proper area) an hour before the show. So now, I'm hanging out with you for the next hour.

What would you like to talk about?

I hope this isn't coming off as rude or anything . . . I'm just genuinely curious as to what cast members would like to talk to a regular guest about.

BirdMom · Post by **BirdMom** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:37 pm

Jeeze, I just realized it's been officially 10 years since I quit... heh...anyway.

In answer to your question Willy, I was always curious about the guests themselves - where they came from, what they did, how many times they'd ventured to California before, where else they were going while they were on vacation.

Honestly, the people who want to tell CM's that they are *the* biggest Disney fan on Earth, and then try to prove it by spouting endless trivia make my eyes glaze over. Especially when they get the information wrong...guess what...a lot of the CM's know a lot of useless info about the movies, t.v. shows and parks too. Not necessarilly because they're into it - it's just that CM's are innundated by all the company history, and it is helpful to have genuine information when needed. I just liked normal people. I loved talking to the little kids, especially the under-5's before they got too sophisticated for their own good. Everything was so real to them, and they took it all so seriously, yet were quite spontaneous at having fun. Little kids didn't stress about sitting in just the right place, or seeing the latest character, or sitting in a certain seat on a ride - they just took it all in and enjoyed themselves.

I guess I wanted to be treated as an acquaitance, albeit respectfully - treat me like dirt, and I would be a jerk right back. If someone was nice to me, I'd bend over backwards to make sure their time around my attraction or shop went well...go figure.

lady ulrike · Post by **lady ulrike** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:27 am

I think BirdMom pretty much nailed it. There are lots of times when we have a slow boat on the canal or for whatever reason there's a lull (sp?) in the speed of loading and unloading at any attraction and then I want someone I can just have a conversation with, about pretty much anything really. When those times happen and I try to start a conversation and all I get is a blank stare or just simple one or two word answers it just makes the time waiting go by much slower for both me and the guest.

Stduck · Post by **Stduck** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:43 pm

Some of my most memorable converstations with guests have been as Birbmom put it of the 5 and under variety. I had one kid all excited about Fantasmic because he happened to be a Peter Pan fan. Other then that I love learning about the guest and where they are from. It's also cool if you ask us about ourselves (within reason). I've talked a lot of my college. Different attractions, shows and what not at the park as well. Most of all....Be yourself and friendly!

Sweetums · Post by **Sweetums** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:46 pm

Okay, okay, okay,...I may be opening a huge can of worms for saying this, but I would just like the guests to be able to speak and understand the English language. I know Americans are the worst when it comes to learning a second language, but If I were to go overseas to a foreign country, I would make damn sure I could communicate in their native toungue before venturing out my front door! Yes, America is very lax in their rules and social behavior, but that doesn't mean they can take advantage of our hospitality by doing whatever they want just because they don't speak a word of English. Can you imagine what would happen to me if I went to Egypt and did whatever I wanted? If my only defense was "Your rules don't apply to me, I don't speak Egyptian." -I'd be dead before nightfall.

CujoSR · Post by **CujoSR** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:26 pm

All I want to say is "BIBLE THUMPERS STAY AWAY!" I've had too many of those "recuiters" try and talk me into finding Jesus. I am sick of it.

hhsrat · Post by **hhsrat** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:34 pm

Be able to make conversation, but know the time and place for it, and don't try to get me to break character. When I'm in the middle of driving a safari, I'm in Africa, and I work for the Kilimanjaro Safaris company ... At that moment in time, don't ask me about my favorite Disney attraction, or how I liked living in FL during hurricane season.

CBeilby · Post by **CBeilby** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:07 pm

CujoSR wrote:All I want to say is "BIBLE THUMPERS STAY AWAY!" I've had too many of those "recuiters" try and talk me into finding Jesus. I am sick of it.

For me, this one applies everywhere, not just at work at the park (no matter which park I'm working at at the time...) For example, last year, Anime Expo took place at the same time as the Kenneth Copland crusade at the Convention Center. They were constantly trying to prozletyze the AX members, and it was honestly getting on my nerves.

hobie16 · Post by **hobie16** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:50 pm

Whenever I get trapped by Bible thumpers, I tell them that I belong to the First Church of Frisbeetarianism. When they question that I tell them that our only belief is when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and no one can get it down.

Works every time. :D:

Willy · Post by **Willy** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:04 pm

Though I come from a Christian background . . . well, actually, I am a Christian, though of a slightly more liberal bent. . . that is about the funniest thing I've read in quite sometime.

Try this one sometime as well . . . "Well, sir/ma'am, Jesus was my copilot, but then we crashed in the Andes so I had to eat him."

Disneyland is not the place for preaching . . . I don't think people would appreciate someone wandering into their workplace and handing out Chick Tracts *shudder*

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So how do CMs WANT to be treated?

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