Tony was discussing Sea World CMs (although I guess technically they're not cast members, but you know what I mean) and he suggested we start a thread about the various CMs at the parks.
My experience is that at Universal it's basically kids with summer jobs, very reminiscent of a Six Flags park. I haven't been to most of the other parks though.
I wonder how much more magical Universal would be if they swapped CMs with Disney.
As mentioned on the other thread, we've always found Seaworld crew members to be very helpful and knowledgable, while Universal staff members are often just doing the job.
Disney CM's always seem to be a cut above the rest.
Generally speaking, the standard of service in the US is often higher than we usually get in the UK and I suspect this is due to a large part of income being made up from tips in the US. Some places in the uk are catching up fast though.
I can only please one person per day. Today isn't your day... tomorrow doesn't look good either.
The friendliest and most helpful I have encountered outside the World are at Dollywood. I'd have to think about it, but they may even be better. High praise, I know, but that has been my experience. Furthermore, I can't recall any bad experience with a staff member at DW while I have had a few at WDW.
The friendliest and most helpful I have encountered outside the World are at Dollywood. I'd have to think about it, but they may even be better. High praise, I know, but that has been my experience. Furthermore, I can't recall any bad experience with a staff member at DW while I have had a few at WDW.
That's a good point, WDW does occasionally have a bad apple. Although honestly I've been to WDW so many times I was bound to hit a bad one sooner or later. It's always jarring though because you're so used to the opposite.
I concur cdub. It's bound to happen anywhere, if you go there enough. Bears noting though, that I've been to Dollywood more than I have WDW and have yet to have a bad experience. They have a lot of older employees there (read retirees), who really love their job. That is the biggest factor; you can tell they are treated very well there and it is reciprocated to the guests.
I concur cdub. It's bound to happen anywhere, if you go there enough. Bears noting though, that I've been to Dollywood more than I have WDW and have yet to have a bad experience. They have a lot of older employees there (read retirees), who really love their job. That is the biggest factor; you can tell they are treated very well there and it is reciprocated to the guests.
I think retirees are really ideal for theme park jobs. Most of the best experiences I've had with CMs at WDW are with older folks who are almost assuredly just doing this because they like people. Interestingly the bad experiences are usually with middle aged range of ages. I think those are people who think they're too good to be doing the job they're doing. The kids are all on good behavior because they're all going to be famous actors one day!
I think retirees are really ideal for theme park jobs. Most of the best experiences I've had with CMs at WDW are with older folks who are almost assuredly just doing this because they like people. Interestingly the bad experiences are usually with middle aged range of ages. I think those are people who think they're too good to be doing the job they're doing. The kids are all on good behavior because they're all going to be famous actors one day!
Looking back, I think all of my bad experiences have indeed been with middle-aged or young CM's. I have had a couple young CM's that seems like they had better things to do than help a guest. For example, I've asked where something was at Epcot (one of the first times I had been) and was given a very complex answer. When I clearly did not understand the directions, I was offered no further assistance. Another time, the CM literally told me they didn't know. That's all...not "I'm not sure, let me call someone who may know", just "I'm not sure where that is". That latter of those, maybe both, were young CM's. By contrast, I've asked similar questions at Dollywood and had the staff member take me all the way to my destination if it was too far to give simple directions - even if it was on the other end of the park. I've even had the staff member temporarily close the shop they were manning, to make sure I got to where I was going. Should be that way at the World, consistently.
Brad wrote:I think retirees are really ideal for theme park jobs. Most of the best experiences I've had with CMs at WDW are with older folks who are almost assuredly just doing this because they like people. Interestingly the bad experiences are usually with middle aged range of ages. I think those are people who think they're too good to be doing the job they're doing. The kids are all on good behavior because they're all going to be famous actors one day!Looking back, I think all of my bad experiences have indeed been with middle-aged or young CM's. I have had a couple young CM's that seems like they had better things to do than help a guest. For example, I've asked where something was at Epcot (one of the first times I had been) and was given a very complex answer. When I clearly did not understand the directions, I was offered no further assistance. Another time, the CM literally told me they didn't know. That's all...not "I'm not sure, let me call someone who may know", just "I'm not sure where that is". That latter of those, maybe both, were young CM's. By contrast, I've asked similar questions at Dollywood and had the staff member take me all the way to my destination if it was too far to give simple directions - even if it was on the other end of the park. I've even had the staff member temporarily close the shop they were manning, to make sure I got to where I was going. Should be that way at the World, consistently.
I wonder if Dollywood has lower turnover in staff. It would seem reasonable in a smaller community.
I would think it's much, much lower. They are by far the largest employer in the area and are a major reason for the financial well-being of the region.
I would think it's much, much lower. They are by far the largest employer in the area and are a major reason for the financial well-being of the region.
Aren't they all Dolly's relatives? 
I laugh, because it's absurd, but I remember watching a documentary on Dollywood where Dolly mentioned that one of her main reasons for starting the park was to make sure people in her family and friends circle had stable jobs...
Tony -- Do you think the UK is catching up in service because they're instituting more tipping, or just better management overall?
Tony -- Do you think the UK is catching up in service because they're instituting more tipping, or just better management overall?
I can only please one person per day. Today isn't your day... tomorrow doesn't look good either.
LifeIsForLiving wrote:I would think it's much, much lower. They are by far the largest employer in the area and are a major reason for the financial well-being of the region.Aren't they all Dolly's relatives?
Wasn't that absurd in the beginning; when you consider how much smaller it was and the fact that she likely knew most every family in the area at least vicariously. She grew up there, and still has strong ties to the area. Remember, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are still very small towns.
Wasn't that absurd in the beginning; when you consider how much smaller it was and the fact that she likely knew most every family in the area at least vicariously. She grew up there, and still has strong ties to the area. Remember, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are still very small towns.
If I had Dolly Parton kind of money I'd consider doing the same thing. Much better than making a posse.