Originally Posted By MPierce I didn't say the CM was perfect, and you are correct about one thing. I do not care if every CM knows the answer to every question I ask them. That CM has no influence on my vacation by their lack of knowledge about an on going construction project in their work area. If his/her job is to serve iceceam, and they do it in a friendly manner, than I would consider them an excellent employee. We can go back, and forth on this all day. I see your point, however you fail to see mine, that's OK. All CM can not, and will not live up to every guest expectations. I feel that as long as they are friendly, and perform their job in a professional manner that is enough for me. If they or a Disney Geek, all the better. Now if you want to consider that a slide in Disney standards, more power to you. You see what I feel is important, may not matter to you, that's OK also. However I would never consider a persons opinion on a subject an indication of a lack of concern about standards at WDW. It is only indicative of a difference of opinion from yours. I'm sure you will not change how you feel about it, and I'm sure I will not either.
Originally Posted By MPierce Back to the main topic. I'm sure if attention to detail, and a immersive theme to the ride will make it a hit. Disney rides or just regular rides most of the time. It's the the way they are themed that makes them stand out. I'm sure this will be a big hit if it's done right.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Well, Witches, I think it's clear to see that many don't really care if a Cast Member is knowledgeable about anything outside his immediate work responsibilities. If he can serve ice cream from a vending cart -- he's doing his job, and therefore, he's a perfect Disney cast member. It's no wonder the Disney standards continue to slide< not sure that is what was being said either -- and while I would like every CM to know everything I may ask - the realization is that over 40,000 of the 50,000+ CM's are part time employees. If they are going to work in the park for any length of time then I would like to think there might be a few meetings with CM's to update them on things that would be good to know - that would be good management. However, I do not know what the turnover rate is at WDW, but in the services industry a few years ago I know it was over 300%. Yep, as part of a study for Walgreens that I was involved with, that was the number. How do you maintain and train that workforce ? I don't know that you can. That doesn't mean I like the outcome, or that I want things to slide, but reality is reality. I have been at my company for 30 years. As part of a worldwide company of over 450,000 people I get asked questions all the time about things I have no idea about. Someone who's a software geek will hit me with a question about our latest acquisition and what it means to the future of this program or that. I have no idea, nor do I think I ever will....and yes it is easier to learn what's going on in the Studios than that - I would blame the mgmt more than the CM. If they don't provide that training where is the CM supposed to get it ? Now if the SM was a full time employee - then I would view this somewhat differently.
Originally Posted By SpectroWishes321 Since this will be a Pixar Themed Area, will the Ratatouilli coaster and Toy Story Mania be the only ride or will there be more?
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <We can go back, and forth on this all day. I see your point, however you fail to see mine, that's OK.> I see your point. I just disagree.
Originally Posted By Socrates Sorry to be OT, but you've just jogged my memory. I have a friend who is a professor of agriculture at a major university. They have an agricultural support function for the surrounding area. He says that when local farmers call seeking advice, they assume that whoever happens to answer the phone is automatically an expert in the field they're asking about. Makes for some interesting conversations. Such is our world.... Socrates "The unexamined life is not worth living."
Originally Posted By bean "Then why can't we have a TREASURE PLANET attraction?!?! (I think I am the only one who really *liked* that movie)" I also thought it was a fun movie. Past management made the mistake of neglecting these characters. They would have made a wonderful series. The walk around characters were also great. Speaking of walk around characters, Atlantis also had some great walk around characters. After several year sof neglecting these characters it might be a bit tough to get them to connect with its audience again. I also agree that Atlantis would have been the perfect movie for the subs.
Originally Posted By bean wait a minute, wasn't this attraction announced months ago? i think a CM should know exactly what is going on. Just out of curiosity, when did this encounter happen? was it early i construction or after the name was anounced and even added to guide maps. I wonder if the same CM is there and what her reply would be now. Wonder if she would notice the attraction posters
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Well, Witches, I think it's clear to see that many don't really care if a Cast Member is knowledgeable about anything outside his immediate work responsibilities. If he can serve ice cream from a vending cart -- he's doing his job, and therefore, he's a perfect Disney cast member. It's no wonder the Disney standards continue to slide.>> The WalMarting continues ... and 'fans' sadly justify it. I'm sorry, the example of a CM at the Studios knowing times for the Hoop Dee Doo is a great one. No. Most CMs shouldn't know that. But they should at least know what it is and they should be able to either get the information by picking up a phone ... or direct the guest to Guest Relations. But a new attraction? One that's announced? One that's been in all the CM newsletters etc ... EVERY CM at the Studios should know that. No excuses.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Oh, and WDW has built its reputation as providing great guest service ... that means you don't treat it the same as a job at Walgreen's, 7-11 or the Gap ... that's what Traditions is all about. I just don't accept the dumbing down of WDW or our society as something inevitable that can't be stopped. That's a very negative Spirit to possess.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> But a new attraction? One that's announced? One that's been in all the CM newsletters etc ... EVERY CM at the Studios should know that. << This means Management has taken the time to inform CM what's going on. So therefore the blame is with the CM? >> Oh, and WDW has built its reputation as providing great guest service ... that means you don't treat it the same as a job at Walgreen's, 7-11 or the Gap ... that's what Traditions is all about. << If I managed any of those other companys I would expect the same effort out of my employees as I would at Disney. All of those companys probably pay more, and their job would seem to be less demanding. Every Corporation's dream, minimum wage maximum effort. That person standing there, and selling ice-cream in the HOT Florida sun, could be in an air-condition building selling Jack Tacos, and making more money. There will come a day when people on this board will be complaing because the CM could not communicate in English. If Disney does not improve it's wage benefits, that day might be closer than you think. That's why I am happy with CM's who are friendly, and perform their job efficently. Anything else is a bonus. There are a lot of people on here that would make excellent CM. Some have even expressed a desire to do so when they retire. If you could stock WDW with people from this forum it would be fantastic, however in reality that is just not going to happen. It's time we left this fantasy world, and got back to reality. Now what were we discussing... Oh yeah, a Wild Mouse ride based on a Rat who wants to be a Chef.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 ^^^Good one!! Maybe a CM shouldn't be required to know all the answers, but I think they should know where to find out the answer, and to do it with a smile.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <Every Corporation's dream, minimum wage maximum effort. That person standing there, and selling ice-cream in the HOT Florida sun, could be in an air-condition building selling Jack Tacos, and making more money.> That's always been the case, MPierce. Working in the service industry isn't for everybody. And you can argue that it doesn't matter to you, or 'every other company does it,' or you can't demand it because In and Out Burger exists. The point is, there was a time when the expectations were higher for Disney Cast Members working at Walt Disney World. I worked as a Disney Traditions instructor in 1987-1990 and back then, the expectations were explained to each new hire in detail. When I was involved at The Disney University, each Cast Member was told 'We Make People Happy' and 'Every Guest is a VIP' We discussed that it wasn't enough to just 'sell ice cream' -- that each Cast Member was part of a bigger show, and were required to know information above and beyond just their particular task. - When you're in your work location, keep in mind where the closest restrooms are, know basic park information like opening and closing hours. - You see a piece of paper on the ground, pick it up. - You notice a guest who looks confused, you see if you can assist. - If you don't know the answer to a question, see if someone in your area knows. It had nothing to do with being a 'well versed Disney nerd.' It was about exceeding the guest's expectations. MPierce, if it's okay with you that current Cast Members don't have to exert themselves beyond 'selling ice cream,' then, that's fine for you. And perhaps others. I'm just telling you that the expectations were different. I taught the Disney Traditions program in Florida 20 years ago. I was a Disneyland Cast Member in 1996 and it was the same mantra. I have heard that the Disney new hire program at Walt Disney World is mere shell of what it used to be. Shorter, less 'human' interaction, not as detailed. Which brings us back to the point here -- it seems that the expectations for Cast Members are different now than what they once were. A Cast Member working in front of a new attraction that is under construction doesn't know that they're standing in front of a new attraction under construction. And somehow that's okay. To me, if those cast member standards are eroding, why not let 'attention to detail' or 'The Finest in Family Entertainment' or 'Exceeding Guest Expectations' also slide? [doing my current Cast Member impersonation] *shrug* 'I dunno'
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 But do the newer generations have the same work ethic as yours? I'm not excusing Disney, but I see it all around, nobody cares. The attitude is to just do your job then go party. So many in the workforce aren't "committed" to their jobs, and it is just a job now, not a career. They bounce from job to job. But at least they are working and not on welfare. And I'm not knocking people who do need welfare, just the ones who abuse it.
Originally Posted By MPierce I am familar with your background. However equating the actions of a few cast members to allowing guest services to slide is just not correct. You have probally 20,000 more employees at WDW now than when you worked at DL. I bet the wages haven't gone up that much since then either. You can expect all you want out of a CM, sometimes you might get it too. Realisticly you are not able to get that many good employees from such a small labor pool to work for that little amout of money. Things change in time, not always for the better. WDW is just barely keeping it's head above water with it's lack of CM's now. It's always a treat when you run into a really knowledgeable CM, but it's just a bonus. I agree with you, it would be great if every CM was still wrapped up in the Disney tradition, but I'm afraid those days are over unless they want to have full time jobs with better wages. I'll settle for a friendly CM intent on doing their job, because the CM of yesteryear are far, and few between now. I can really think of only a very few CM's that I felt could have done a better job, over the years I've gone to WDW. Why should I complain about that after all of the really friendly, and efficent CM's I've met over the years. It has always amazed me how WDW kept coming up with such good employees, for such a little amount of money. They did loose a jewel when they lost TDLFAN though.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Very well put, Jim. I can't add much to that because you nailed it. But I will say that I don't care how small the CM pool is these days (gee, if they raised pay another $1-2 I wonder if they'd get better candidates) ... they should be properly trained and schooled in the Disney traditions and guest service ... and if they don't, well the blame is squarely on management. There is no acceptable excuse for a Disney MGM CM not knowing what is being built behind her. None.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome You do realize there are many cast members at DRC who don't know that Yak and Yeti is being built? I have read a number of posts where guests recently asked about it, and the agents had NO idea what they were talking about. Last of knowledgeable CM's is everywhere. And I agree on that extra dollar or two. The Photopass photographers make closer to $10 an hour. That is a much better wage! (much easier to try to live on)
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <The Photopass photographers make closer to $10 an hour. That is a much better wage! (much easier to try to live on)> But are they really any better than any other cast members? I remember working on the Jungle Cruise, and the guys crabbing about not making enough. If they had received a wage hike of a $1 an hour, would they suddenly improve their game, and be better Jungle Cruise skippers? Maybe. But for how long until they start crabbing again.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <But do the newer generations have the same work ethic as yours? I'm not excusing Disney, but I see it all around, nobody cares. The attitude is to just do your job then go party.> Disneyland seemed to do very well during the late 60s -- that was when the Hippie movement was in full swing, and 'young people' didn't care. And yet, Disneyland had this clean cut, All-American looking group of people working in the parks.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << Disneyland seemed to do very well during the late 60s -- that was when the Hippie movement was in full swing, and 'young people' didn't care. >> Despite the hype, the hippie movement was only a small niche of the American population in the late 60s.
