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How did you know?

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:24 am
by EmptyCinema
For those of you who are CMs: how did you know you wanted to be a CM? I know it's not necessarily a "life calling", but those of you who are Lifers are clearly NOT doing it for the awesome pay (unless there's something I'm not being told).

Every time I return from the World, I wish I could be part of making the magic for others... I know it's not easy, but it looks as fun to work there as to be a guest there. On the other hand, I also enjoy what I'm working on my degree for (Computer Science).

I guess I'm beginning to wonder what would be more satisfying. Thoughts? :)

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:56 pm
by Zazu
EmptyCinema wrote:For those of you who are CMs: how did you know you wanted to be a CM?
That's not how it worked for me. I never did think, "I want to be a CM." But one day I realized, "I *need* to be a CM."

I don't know if it was when I realized after ten months that retirement and I were not made for one another, or if it was when a CM stopped me on Main Street to ask me where the nearest restroom was. :confused: Yeah, confused me too, but then I realized I could name the location and relative cleanliness of every restroom in the Park. (And this was *before* I discovered the web site for "The Happiest Potties on Earth"!)
Every time I return from the World, I wish I could be part of making the magic for others...
Believe it or not, this is *exactly* the attitude that makes for a great CM -- wanting to create magic for others. If you love doing that and are willing to sacrifice salary, comfort, maybe a little dignity, and to endure the sort of SGs you've read about here, then you're right for the role.
... it looks as fun to work there as to be a guest there. On the other hand, I also enjoy what I'm working on my degree for (Computer Science).

I guess I'm beginning to wonder what would be more satisfying. Thoughts?
Overall, you'd probably be more satisfied by finishing your degree and getting a good enough job you could afford to visit Disney as a guest frequently.

OTOH, if that urge to create magic is stronger than your instinct for self-preservation, then Come On Down! :flyingfai

(Tinkerbell was booked, so the Union sent her.)

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:09 am
by Floridian
Well my reasons are probably a little bit differnt than most of the people here. I don't think I count as a lifer because I know I probaly won't be a CM for more than another year or two...although I have every intention of staying in this industry. I am more excited about working for the Disney company than the being in the parks, first job wasn't even in the parks. I am young right now and not totally sure what I want to be doing with the rest of my life, working for Disney I have the opportunity to try many differnt things within the same company. Wow I think I sounded just like someone of one of those videos they have you watch during traditions lol. Actually as much as I love my current location I am once again considering a transfer. I don't think this makes me less of a magic making CM but I have differnt motivation than a lot of the people here.

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:33 am
by Big Wallaby
Zazu wrote:and are willing to sacrifice salary, comfort, maybe a little dignity
Pfffft. A little... Not on my bus!

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 1:36 am
by Cranbiz
I did not come to Fl to be a CM however being able to visit WDW did play a small part.

I became a CM based upon a suggestion of another bus driver while I was going from AKL to MK on an empty bus and we had time to chat. Now it's a matter of attempting to survive until a real job comes thru.

Now...... I love my job and the interaction I have with guests. I plan on keeping it when I find real full time employment.


Gee Wiz, the MiM's boxes were down on both of my buses ( No, I did not do anything to them) and I was back in my glory and I did not have to "work around" the box. The guests loved it, many commenting on what a great ride they had and how they wished more drivers would play with them.

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 2:36 am
by Big Wallaby
Cranbiz wrote:No, I did not do anything to them


Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 2:42 am
by Randy B
Originally Posted by Cranbiz
No, I did not do anything to them


Big Wallaby wrote:Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
The real trick is to learn how to make :wirecutr: marks look like (wild) rodent damage. :twisted:

Randy

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:12 am
by mechurchlady
I always wanted to be a CM but was too fat (size 14 limit) to work at parks and later my record too bad and health not so good.

Wallaby you need to learn how to short circuit mims with an accidental spilled guest drink.

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:59 am
by EmptyCinema
I sometimes wonder how satisfying it would be to work behind the scenes (off-stage or whatever) in the IT department or something similar... I really would regret the lack of guest interaction, but at least I'd be using my degree. I can't deny that the whole salary thing does play a role in my thoughts on the matter.

Re: How did you know?

Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:24 am
by BRWombat
Randy B wrote:The real trick is to learn how to make :wirecutr: marks look like (wild) rodent damage. :twisted:
Hey, there are mice loose in the parks!!! :mickey2: :minnie: :D: