As a guest I have a particular issue with people that cut through the standby line because 'their family member is up ahead'. That's just basically cheating the system and making every other family queuing normally wait longer. I can believe that occasionally someone might need to leave and rejoin the queue, but when groups of 8 or so people are just cutting through then it grates quite hard. Was super satisfying to see a group trying that on Rise OT Resistance last week, and then accidentally walk straight up to the Cast Member at the end of the queue who didn't swallow their BS and told them to go back to the start 😂.
Former cast member here and now mom of 3 little ones. I have the biggest love for vacationing at Disney. Now that I am a mom, our time at Disney looks much differently than it used to. But I very vividly remember being a stroller free park goer and feeling similar. I hope I can promote a bit more understanding because there are many respectful stroller families like mine out there who often feel like an inconvenience for bringing a stroller that suits our needs. We bring a large double wide jogging stroller with us. We are an on the go family, and the stroller we own accommodates that. We don’t prefer to go back to the hotel for naps because it takes such a large chunk of time from our day and by the time we get there, our kids have fallen asleep on the bus or monorail and have woken back up refreshed and ready for round 2. So we bring a stroller with 2 seats that fully recline and can accommodate the sizes of all 3 of our kids so that they can nap on the go. This reason alone is why we make the effort to trek our big jogging stroller with us. Parents have it hard, we have a lot of little people and things to carry to make these memories and experiences possible. Its disheartening when it is suggested that Disney should ban them and we should suck it up and not utilize a stroller that makes it easier and possible for us to partake in the Disney magic. I am totally with you that stroller families have responsibility to be respectful and come to the parks educated on the stroller policies. I know that is often not the case. I guess just trying to bring a little more understanding and perspective since Disney is a place for people of all ages and different needs!
And Walt Disney designed the parks specifically for children to share the day with their parents. (Learn Disney design and history if you didn’t know that.) Let us grown ups remember that when we get frustrated. We are not the focus of the parks.
Being respectful makes a huge difference. People with strollers who are polite and know the rules are not the problem; it's the oblivious and entitled parents who cause trouble. At the same time, I do think that Disney management is partly at fault for the stroller problem, due to park overcrowding. If they did a better job at managing crowds by limiting guest attendance, the parks would be more accomodating to wide strollers.
I was at the parks not to long ago. People in front of me had no idea that the line moved forward because they were so busy looking at their phones. It was not until a CM came by and told them to "Please move forward."
I agree with you about strollers. As a guest, I hate them. I walk fast and don't like people slowing me down when I'm walking through the park. Also, thank you for reminding people about being honest and saying please and thank you. Sometimes the little kids are more polite than their parents.
I’m Disneyland forever and about the rope jumping…we were going on Peter Pan and a young kid jumped the rope and fell knocking out her front teeth. Blood everywhere. I said to my friend well this is a vacation she will never forget. So yeah people don’t do that. ❤
I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and love the way both of you relay your personal experiences working at Disney during your college programs. My son is leaving in a couple of weeks to do his DCP and your open and honest assessment was very informative and helpful. I actually talked to him about not doing the DCP while he still had time to back out, but he wants to have the experience and try it. After watching your video and others and learning information from groups I'm on, I agree with you that there are a lot of things that need adjusting with this program. Looking forward to your next video!
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words! The college program has a lot of flaws, but it can certainly still be enjoyable. I hope your son has a great time!
What an odd item to get for your last thing - the "Coexist" thing! I'm sorry you had to deal with that, but I'm glad you were the bigger man and made it funny. :) Better to just laugh at something like that because it wasn't something you should take personally.
Oh, if you left a stroller out of zone I moved it to the furthest place I could get to, so for example, at the Land I would move it to The Seas stroller parking.
I worked pac for NYE for a few years and it was basically like being a bouncer. I have been hit, spit on, and cussed out. It is the only time I have cried in my car when I got off. I was also hit for telling a guest to park their stroller at the land.
Seriously cast members is one of the top 3 reasons I love being the parks now. I LOVE acknowledging cast members by their names. I am glad I am not the only one that has thought of giving cast members little thank you's. It's nice hearing the things that drive you crazy. We need to learn to respect that space, the space that all of you have so diligently kept for us. There's a reason it's Disney magic! All of these things you're talking about really take away from that for everyone. Thanks for this video!!
They was one time when I had finished my trip to Disneyland and I was on the bus going to the bank or something and there was a Cast member on the bus she was crying. It was early in the day so I was assuming she was on her way to work. I thought how hard it has to be to go to work at the happiest place on earth when you are feeling so bad. I went over to her and said I hope you have great day and all us crazy tourists don’t bug you to much. She gave me a little laugh and a smile.
This video should be mandatory viewing for anyone who visits Disney theme parks. As a former Cast Member and Guest, all of these things are reasonable and relatable. I worked crowd control a bit, so I can definitely agree that the rules are there for a reason. However, I do believe that Disneyland Park needs to have more shaded seating. Many people bring strollers and scooters because there's no place to rest mid-day. If there were shaded seating areas near each major attraction, then we could be a lot more firm with rejecting strollers and scooters. In regards to gifts from guests, I was forbidden from receiving anything from guests, but there was one time around Halloween when I led the lightsaber-building experience as a Gatherer at Savi's Workshop in Galaxy's Edge, and a young girl gave me a friendship bracelet made of orange-and-black paracord. My lead let me keep it, and it is one of my treasured possessions.
When I was a CM, 1 of the things that would def. get on my nerves is when Guests stop & ask you the STUPIDEST questions. I remember once I picked up a shift to work the PAC team for the parade in the DAK, & this family came up to me. The father practically yelled out angrily, "We just got off the "Kilimanjaro Safari" ride, & we haven't seen 1 single tiger there. Why is that?!?!?!?". And then I said, "Maybe b/c tigers are ASIAN animals!!!" I mean, where the hell were some of these idiots when they were handing out brains -- on a coffee break?!?!?
When we were at the zoo portion of Animal Kingdom a father asked the CM if they could make the tigers get up, come closer and play. The CM just said, with a puzzled look of disbelief, they are wild animals and we cannot make them do anything.
I always felt sorry for the cast members. I didn't always see what people did wrong, etc so I always made sure we would say please and thank you to all cast members we interacted with. And I preferred to go to managers/guest relations and give the compliments there. I don't like the limitations by the app (but I understand why). Thank you for working as cast members and thank you to all other cast members! You are the reason Disney is magical.
There are a few things that piss me off as a guest. Strollers on my heels. Any time I mention it, people tell me to w walk faster. I can't. If someone is going to say that, I'm going to assume they're one of the people who think it's okay to ram strollers in peoples' heels. Another thing - people who expect (how do I say it without sounding bad?) "plain" cast members ... (what I'm saying is that you're all stellar but there IS a hierarchy and special treatment often requires managerial authorization.) I'll bet at the jobs THEY work, they have management to get approval from, too. If a cast member doesn't have the authority, people have to understand ... that is THEIR job. If they go over managements' head - that is THEIR job that is on the line. Third, if you would like special permission (the one you mentioned, kid is too tired, can we use the lightning lane earlier), ask quietly and privately. If you shout, it does two things, first, it shows you're a jerk but second, 20 people will hear you, expect the same and the cast member has to say 'no' to everyone.
I was in the viewing area at MK, great spot with my niece her daughter and hubby. We had a great spot right behind the walking thru line. As it got busier the crowds kept putting themselves where ever and the cast member verbally told them to move behind line along. One man started in on her and my nieces hubby went into help her. As it got closer ther crowds became unruly and stood wherever they wanted. It got so bad that we decided to leave, my niece has severe anxiety and pushing her daughter in stroller with her husband trying to clear the way got too much. We spotted a security guy, very secret service looking type, he guided out of crowd. It was awful, the crowds standing in walk thru area created a dangerous situation in case there was a real emergency. This happened in may 2022.
Just stumbled across your channel, and enjoying the stories! Thanks for sharing. One comment though, even as a Disney World regular (DVC member) and a parent with kids who do legitimately need accommodations, it can be difficult to keep track of the changes to the disability program year to year, and that's coming from someone with somewhat regular experience using that system (e.g. we just discovered last week that you can sign up in advance now - I have no idea how long that's been available). I can totally understand how a first time guest could get there with absolutely no knowledge of how to get set up (or that there is such an option in the first place), and after one or two rides realize just how bad their day is shaping up to be if the kid is struggling with walking distances, waiting, etc. While I know the system is regularly abused (and as a family who needs it, we really resent those people that ruin it for everyone), it's also not always super obvious to those who need it what to do and what options are available ...
Of course, which is why my first response is always to ask if they have DAS, and direct them to the "Guest Experience" umbrella if they don't know what I'm talking about (so that Guest Experience team can get them set up with it). I definitely understand that not everyone is familiar with the system. The people I'm referring to are the ones who say "no," and then proceed to attempt guilt me into letting them through the Lightning Lane anyway.
@@backstagethoughts No I totally get it. And maybe that was just more for the general audience before they start piling on. :D But yeah, seems obvious that you are one of the good ones that gets it and helps families like mine have good experiences, which is very much appreciated.
I always had a great time at WDW and the cast members were the best. I can't say enough on how much they do to make your time at WDW magical, I only wish Disney did more for them. Great channel keep up the good work.
The two things that rattle my cage are : While if Florida referring to the Park as Disneyland, or the other way around. WhenI hear people refer to the parks by the wrong name, or people in places like Animal Kingdom, or EPCOT saying they are going to Walt Disney World next just makes me shake my head. You spent thousands of dollars to be there, you should know where you are 2. The other thing, and I give you guys credit for is what I call the Jibber Jab. I know people from all over the world come to visit. But it seems out of ten conversations,you only get a few out of them are in English. You guys are saints in communicating with these people. I don’t know how you do it.
also i wish you can pick which car you want to ride in on rides like mickey & minnie's runaway railway because each vehicle has a different path and therefore a different experience
From another potential guest perspective, that sounds like a recipe for horror. I visualize a mid-way’s scramble for the tilt-a-whirl car on steroids. Throw in those entitled kids/parents and that just ups the crazy. I do understand that it would be nice to try other cars but if the boarding system isn’t set up for that, oh my! However if it were a slow day, hopefully the ride cast member would be like this dude & be open to choosing the car you want to experience.
I came across your vlogs the other day and decided to watch them. I like your stories. As a former cast member(retail) I can relate to many things you talk about. I never handed out little gifts on any of my trips to WDW until the last one in May of 2022. The look on the cast members faces were priceless and made me want to do more. I made my first cast compliment that trip as well.
Kids ordering for themselves (at an appropriate age) is important for them Yes ppl not moving in the out line when watching the fireworks is so annoying my child couldn’t handle fireworks and I was trying to get out as the fireworks were starting and I got stuck behind ppl who would not move and the fireworks were starting and my kid started crying it was a nightmare
I'm sorry that you've had to experience some truly awful things from the public. I used to manage a restaurant, so totally understand hangry people. But please educate yourself about disabilities. Every child is different. Just because one child on the spectrum can wait in line, it does not mean another one can. Without DAS, we would never get on a ride- my son just randomly wanders off. Or worse starts obsessing about another guests shoes, etc. upsetting them- I need to get him through the ride for everyone's sake. Every time I have to explain this to a cast member and they make it difficult- it does make my child feel awful (when he hasn't already wandered away from hearing it). It certainly makes me feel demeaned. Because he looks like a normal, robust kid- you can't see it. Most cast members are understanding about it. But not always- there has been one that was really nasty about it- if I hadn't been super nice and patient I don't think it would have went well.
That's what I said, though. If there was a reason someone needed DAS, they would have been able to get it. If they don't have DAS, but are saying that they need to go through the lightning lane because of their child's autism, they are either lying, or they were denied DAS because they don't actually need it. In that case, they would be trying to guilt trip the cast member, while also conveying to their son or daughter that they think that he or she is incapable.
A quick comment on the fireworks thing as a guest: I was at Walt Disney World in May this year and found myself in the unfortunate situation in which both me and my mom wanted to get from one end of the Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland) the other (Adventureland). We had previously walked over earlier in the day in front of the castle to get over to Tomorrowland and noticed the bright yellow tape on the ground that clearly sectioned off the areas where guests were to stand/sit if they wanted to watch the firework show. We kept the walkway areas in mind for later when we'd inevitably want to get to the other side of the park. Well when the time came that we wanted to go over to Adventureland to ride Jungle Cruise and Pirates, we went to the front of the castle to find it *packed*. Those pieces of tape had been completely disregarded by guests and it was practically impossible to get to the other side. My mother and I looked at each other, took each others' hands, and went in headfirst. People rudely shoved us aside as we tried politely asking them to get out of the way and let us through, assuming we were there to steal their "perfect spot". At some point, my mom and I nearly got separated and lost. We ended up getting to the other side, but not quite where we wanted to be. We were trapped between the massive crowd and the handicapped section with no way of escaping. My mom and I weren't the only ones there either; there was also an adult man who like us, was trying to get to Adventureland while the lines were low and an exhausted mother with a stroller containing a young child who had also gotten trapped while trying to escape the crowd. We were eventually saved by a lovely female cast member who (after checking with her higher-ups if she was allowed to) let my mother and I, the man, and the mom with the stroller into the handicapped section and guided us to the other side. While I understand that you may want your "perfect fireworks spot", *please* do not use the sectioned off walkways. Getting through that angry crowd was probably one of the scariest moments of my life and if it hadn't been for the cast member that let us through, we would have been stuck there. *Please* don't stand in the walkways during fireworks. I beg you. Oh, and if you're trying to get to the other side of Magic Kingdom at night, try to see if you can go around the back of the castle. Maybe you'll have a bit more luck than me.
Just subscribed. I totally agree with the stopping in the middle of the road. I am in a scooter, and there have been many times at Disneyland where I almost run someone over because they stopped quickly. It can be quite a danger. Of course if I say something or accidently bump them, they get angry.
Those two or three extra lanes don't seem like a big deal until you add them on to the 3 miles and hours standing one has already done or may have ahead of them.
@@chrisfoxwell4128 It's a safety issue. Saving 10 steps isn't going to seem so important when you fall and break your nose, or get clotheslined while trying to duck under. And yeah, it is a situation of "play stupid games win stupid prizes" on the guest's part, but if a serious injury does occur it results in a plethora of issues for the cast members of that attraction as well as the other other guests trying to experience that attraction; the injured guest would not be the only one negatively impacted by their decision. And for the record, for every attraction there should be a cast member whose responsibilities include managing the ropes in the queue. If there are a lot of unnecessary ropes up, someone isn't doing their job. But that doesn't mean people have the right to act improperly. And of course there is the point that going under or over the ropes likely doesn't save you any energy at all. Does 10 small steps really use more energy than jumping over or ducking underneath? I'm not a physicist, but it seems like a wash to me. And it definitely doesn't save any time since you'll have to wait once you reach the end of the line anyway. (Even in the extremely rare case that there isn't a single other person in line, you'd still have to wait for the ride to cycle before you can board.) It the vast majority of cases it would definitely result in more time spent standing still, which, for people with a bad back like me, hurts more than walking does. So even if it wasn't a safety issue, I can't see how there is any benefit.
@@backstagethoughts , if it were only 10 steps you'd be correct. I've seen the cast members in charge of the line just looking at the people and the line like, what do you expect me to do.
Strange question, but are there any restaurants or stores that College Program CMs have good access to(or CMs in general) will be there soon & want to get some gift cards to hand out… was going to just do Starbucks but wanted to mix it up a bit! I’ve had so many great experiences that I wanted to do something a bit extra this time! I always go on the app to give compliments too! Need your opinion… thanks!!!!
Wow, that is so kind of you! There is a shopping center across the street from Flamingo Crossings Village (where the CPs live) that has bus transportation, and it is even close enough to walk to. When we were there it was brand new and there was only a Target, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Five Guys (and maybe a few other places), but it looks like now there is a Dunkin Donuts, Wendy's, and a couple of other stores and restaurants that have opened up. Any of these places would be great for CPs that don't have a car! A Grubhub, Doordash, or Uber Eats gift card would also be great for them. For CMs that don't live at Flamingo, and CPs that do have a car, pretty much everything exists in the area. We used to do our grocery shopping at Walmart and Publix. For restaurants, we used to eat at Applebee’s, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle. Honestly, any chain restaurant or store is a safe bet. Thank you so much for this! The gesture really goes a long way.
Great channel, guys! I just stumbled upon it, and I'm glad I did. I worked at Disneyland in 1990, I was in the short-lived, "Dick Tracy Show", I know you both work at WDW, but, if you have ever been to the Anaheim Park, the theater was near where ToonTown is now, I believe it's the Princess Show, now, I have not been in a awhile. The Park was very different then. Great work, and I look forward to more stories. John Martin.
With all due respect if your a family what are you supposed to do if you have children that need strollers? Leave them behind? Just because sone people are selfish doesn’t mean all people shouldn’t bring them.
Most strollers are fine. No issue with single strollers, or double strollers that are front and back. They are easy to maneuver and don't take up too much space in walkways. Strollers that are double wide, and those big carriage/wagon things are the issues. They are monstrosities that are a pain to relocate when guests leave them in the wrong places, difficult to move to unload when guests get wheelchair tags for them so they can bring them through the lines (and they slow the whole operation because we can only bring one at a time instead of two), and take up a tremendous amount of space in walkways, which can exacerbate traffic issues in busy areas of the parks.
That would be kind of annoying to see a plethora of strollers. That aren’t being used as intended & it’s unfortunate cause it’s clogging up the space for those of us that really do need one for children. In our case. We do have a side by side stroller for our twins & honestly the width of it. Is most practical for our twin babies. This style of strollers reclines further back than most of the double row strollers Should they fall asleep. It’s much easier to maneuver in the areas we frequent and It also makes it so both babies (or toddlers) have a view. However, for going to a place like DL. There is no denying the anxiety I get thinking about blocking crowds of people on narrow sidewalks or being in peoples way. I just don’t have the other type of stroller. Unfortunately 😕
Also. I Really do appreciate the video. I may see about borrowing a different style stroller from another twin mom, before we take a trip to DL Cali. You both seem very kind & I’m sorry that you have to deal with rude people. That’s not easy but sounds like you both handle it well.
The thing I hate the most as both guest and a current CM is the large strollers and ecv's. I understand the ecv's for the people that need them and those guest I have no problem with, they are very nice. It is the people that abuse them is where I have a problem. I got hit more times than I can count and they'll complain while they're running you over how people don't respect them, blah, blah, blah...
Quick question. I'm planning my first solo trip. I have vision issues that mean I lose depth perception in low light). Pirates is one of my favorite rides. Even though I won't be returning to the parks for several years yet, Pirates is already on my list of MUSTS. Every time I've gone previously, my parents have helped me get on and off the rides. How do I let the cast members know that I would like some help getting on and off the ride? Do I wait and let someone know at the loading dock? Or do I let someone know beforehand. I already know I'm likely going to end up with a disability pass (I'm Autistic), I prefer to also let people know just in case.
If you're able to make your way through the queue without assistance, I would wait and let the cast member at merge (where the standby line and lightning lane come together) know. I would tell them thay you have vision problems, and ask them if it would be possible for you to go to port side (the left side) so that one of the wheelchair cast members can help you get on the ride. (If you go to starboard side, there are fewer cast members over there and there's also a lot less room to move, so it would be more difficult for a cast member to help you.) When you get to the grouper and they ask how many, tell them 1, and let them know that you can't see well and need assistance getting into the boat. As you are getting into the boat, let the cast member that is helping you know that you will also need assistance getting out of the boat. Upon hearing this, they should (if they are smart) call down to unload and let them know what boat number you are on, so that the cast member at unload will know when you are there, ans they can help you.
If we were still living in Florida and were able to get our own photos and videos, we definitely would have more of that. But it's hard to find clips or images of exactly what I'm looking for online, and even harder to find royalty free clips and images. (I try to avoid "borrowing" other people's copyright-protected work.) I try to do what I can without violating copyright law (ex: the screenshot from Google Earth I've used in a few stories to show the wheelchair route), but I will see if I can find more ways to implement more visuals. Thank you for the feedback!
As a guest I have a particular issue with people that cut through the standby line because 'their family member is up ahead'. That's just basically cheating the system and making every other family queuing normally wait longer. I can believe that occasionally someone might need to leave and rejoin the queue, but when groups of 8 or so people are just cutting through then it grates quite hard. Was super satisfying to see a group trying that on Rise OT Resistance last week, and then accidentally walk straight up to the Cast Member at the end of the queue who didn't swallow their BS and told them to go back to the start 😂.
Honestly this channel is the most informative place about Disney .Most other creators don’t get into the details like you guys .Thank you
Thank you for the kind words!
Former cast member here and now mom of 3 little ones. I have the biggest love for vacationing at Disney. Now that I am a mom, our time at Disney looks much differently than it used to. But I very vividly remember being a stroller free park goer and feeling similar. I hope I can promote a bit more understanding because there are many respectful stroller families like mine out there who often feel like an inconvenience for bringing a stroller that suits our needs. We bring a large double wide jogging stroller with us. We are an on the go family, and the stroller we own accommodates that. We don’t prefer to go back to the hotel for naps because it takes such a large chunk of time from our day and by the time we get there, our kids have fallen asleep on the bus or monorail and have woken back up refreshed and ready for round 2. So we bring a stroller with 2 seats that fully recline and can accommodate the sizes of all 3 of our kids so that they can nap on the go. This reason alone is why we make the effort to trek our big jogging stroller with us. Parents have it hard, we have a lot of little people and things to carry to make these memories and experiences possible. Its disheartening when it is suggested that Disney should ban them and we should suck it up and not utilize a stroller that makes it easier and possible for us to partake in the Disney magic. I am totally with you that stroller families have responsibility to be respectful and come to the parks educated on the stroller policies. I know that is often not the case. I guess just trying to bring a little more understanding and perspective since Disney is a place for people of all ages and different needs!
And Walt Disney designed the parks specifically for children to share the day with their parents. (Learn Disney design and history if you didn’t know that.) Let us grown ups remember that when we get frustrated. We are not the focus of the parks.
Being respectful makes a huge difference. People with strollers who are polite and know the rules are not the problem; it's the oblivious and entitled parents who cause trouble. At the same time, I do think that Disney management is partly at fault for the stroller problem, due to park overcrowding. If they did a better job at managing crowds by limiting guest attendance, the parks would be more accomodating to wide strollers.
I was at the parks not to long ago. People in front of me had no idea that the line moved forward because they were so busy looking at their phones. It was not until a CM came by and told them to "Please move forward."
I agree with you about strollers. As a guest, I hate them. I walk fast and don't like people slowing me down when I'm walking through the park. Also, thank you for reminding people about being honest and saying please and thank you. Sometimes the little kids are more polite than their parents.
I'm the type that apologizes for rude people when it has nothing to do with me. I never knew whether it made any difference, now I do.
This video hit home.❤ I’ve seen so many people doing these things. You deserve the respect, just for putting up with some of these fools.
I’m Disneyland forever and about the rope jumping…we were going on Peter Pan and a young kid jumped the rope and fell knocking out her front teeth. Blood everywhere. I said to my friend well this is a vacation she will never forget. So yeah people don’t do that. ❤
The designated stroller areas are not always obvious.
I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and love the way both of you relay your personal experiences working at Disney during your college programs. My son is leaving in a couple of weeks to do his DCP and your open and honest assessment was very informative and helpful. I actually talked to him about not doing the DCP while he still had time to back out, but he wants to have the experience and try it. After watching your video and others and learning information from groups I'm on, I agree with you that there are a lot of things that need adjusting with this program. Looking forward to your next video!
Thanks for the feedback and the kind words! The college program has a lot of flaws, but it can certainly still be enjoyable. I hope your son has a great time!
What an odd item to get for your last thing - the "Coexist" thing! I'm sorry you had to deal with that, but I'm glad you were the bigger man and made it funny. :) Better to just laugh at something like that because it wasn't something you should take personally.
Oh, if you left a stroller out of zone I moved it to the furthest place I could get to, so for example, at the Land I would move it to The Seas stroller parking.
I worked pac for NYE for a few years and it was basically like being a bouncer. I have been hit, spit on, and cussed out. It is the only time I have cried in my car when I got off. I was also hit for telling a guest to park their stroller at the land.
Wow, that is awful, I'm sorry. Seems like they need to increase actual security on days like that.
Seriously cast members is one of the top 3 reasons I love being the parks now. I LOVE acknowledging cast members by their names. I am glad I am not the only one that has thought of giving cast members little thank you's. It's nice hearing the things that drive you crazy. We need to learn to respect that space, the space that all of you have so diligently kept for us. There's a reason it's Disney magic! All of these things you're talking about really take away from that for everyone. Thanks for this video!!
They was one time when I had finished my trip to Disneyland and I was on the bus going to the bank or something and there was a Cast member on the bus she was crying. It was early in the day so I was assuming she was on her way to work. I thought how hard it has to be to go to work at the happiest place on earth when you are feeling so bad. I went over to her and said I hope you have great day and all us crazy tourists don’t bug you to much. She gave me a little laugh and a smile.
This video should be mandatory viewing for anyone who visits Disney theme parks.
As a former Cast Member and Guest, all of these things are reasonable and relatable. I worked crowd control a bit, so I can definitely agree that the rules are there for a reason. However, I do believe that Disneyland Park needs to have more shaded seating. Many people bring strollers and scooters because there's no place to rest mid-day. If there were shaded seating areas near each major attraction, then we could be a lot more firm with rejecting strollers and scooters.
In regards to gifts from guests, I was forbidden from receiving anything from guests, but there was one time around Halloween when I led the lightsaber-building experience as a Gatherer at Savi's Workshop in Galaxy's Edge, and a young girl gave me a friendship bracelet made of orange-and-black paracord. My lead let me keep it, and it is one of my treasured possessions.
When I was a CM, 1 of the things that would def. get on my nerves is when Guests stop & ask you the STUPIDEST questions. I remember once I picked up a shift to work the PAC team for the parade in the DAK, & this family came up to me. The father practically yelled out angrily, "We just got off the "Kilimanjaro Safari" ride, & we haven't seen 1 single tiger there. Why is that?!?!?!?". And then I said, "Maybe b/c tigers are ASIAN animals!!!" I mean, where the hell were some of these idiots when they were handing out brains -- on a coffee break?!?!?
When we were at the zoo portion of Animal Kingdom a father asked the CM if they could make the tigers get up, come closer and play. The CM just said, with a puzzled look of disbelief, they are wild animals and we cannot make them do anything.
@@MrWookie1981 Of course, b/c it's a WILD ANIMAL PARK, not a circus
I always felt sorry for the cast members. I didn't always see what people did wrong, etc so I always made sure we would say please and thank you to all cast members we interacted with. And I preferred to go to managers/guest relations and give the compliments there. I don't like the limitations by the app (but I understand why). Thank you for working as cast members and thank you to all other cast members! You are the reason Disney is magical.
There are a few things that piss me off as a guest. Strollers on my heels. Any time I mention it, people tell me to w
walk faster. I can't. If someone is going to say that, I'm going to assume they're one of the people who think it's okay to ram strollers in peoples' heels. Another thing - people who expect (how do I say it without sounding bad?) "plain" cast members ... (what I'm saying is that you're all stellar but there IS a hierarchy and special treatment often requires managerial authorization.) I'll bet at the jobs THEY work, they have management to get approval from, too. If a cast member doesn't have the authority, people have to understand ... that is THEIR job. If they go over managements' head - that is THEIR job that is on the line. Third, if you would like special permission (the one you mentioned, kid is too tired, can we use the lightning lane earlier), ask quietly and privately. If you shout, it does two things, first, it shows you're a jerk but second, 20 people will hear you, expect the same and the cast member has to say 'no' to everyone.
The worst part of Walt Disney World are the guests. For sure.
It should be required for guests to watch this video before their first day in the parks
i have autism and i had no problem waiting in the virtual queue line for guardians of the galaxy: cosmic rewind in my august 2022 disney world trip
I was in the viewing area at MK, great spot with my niece her daughter and hubby. We had a great spot right behind the walking thru line. As it got busier the crowds kept putting themselves where ever and the cast member verbally told them to move behind line along. One man started in on her and my nieces hubby went into help her. As it got closer ther crowds became unruly and stood wherever they wanted. It got so bad that we decided to leave, my niece has severe anxiety and pushing her daughter in stroller with her husband trying to clear the way got too much. We spotted a security guy, very secret service looking type, he guided out of crowd. It was awful, the crowds standing in walk thru area created a dangerous situation in case there was a real emergency. This happened in may 2022.
I'm sorry you had to experience that
Just stumbled across your channel, and enjoying the stories! Thanks for sharing. One comment though, even as a Disney World regular (DVC member) and a parent with kids who do legitimately need accommodations, it can be difficult to keep track of the changes to the disability program year to year, and that's coming from someone with somewhat regular experience using that system (e.g. we just discovered last week that you can sign up in advance now - I have no idea how long that's been available). I can totally understand how a first time guest could get there with absolutely no knowledge of how to get set up (or that there is such an option in the first place), and after one or two rides realize just how bad their day is shaping up to be if the kid is struggling with walking distances, waiting, etc. While I know the system is regularly abused (and as a family who needs it, we really resent those people that ruin it for everyone), it's also not always super obvious to those who need it what to do and what options are available ...
Of course, which is why my first response is always to ask if they have DAS, and direct them to the "Guest Experience" umbrella if they don't know what I'm talking about (so that Guest Experience team can get them set up with it). I definitely understand that not everyone is familiar with the system. The people I'm referring to are the ones who say "no," and then proceed to attempt guilt me into letting them through the Lightning Lane anyway.
@@backstagethoughts No I totally get it. And maybe that was just more for the general audience before they start piling on. :D But yeah, seems obvious that you are one of the good ones that gets it and helps families like mine have good experiences, which is very much appreciated.
I always had a great time at WDW and the cast members were the best. I can't say enough on how much they do to make your time at WDW magical, I only wish Disney did more for them. Great channel keep up the good work.
Thank you!
The two things that rattle my cage are :
While if Florida referring to the Park as Disneyland, or the other way around. WhenI hear people refer to the parks by the wrong name, or people in places like Animal Kingdom, or EPCOT saying they are going to Walt Disney World next just makes me shake my head. You spent thousands of dollars to be there, you should know where you are
2. The other thing, and I give you guys credit for is what I call the Jibber Jab. I know people from all over the world come to visit. But it seems out of ten conversations,you only get a few out of them are in English. You guys are saints in communicating with these people. I don’t know how you do it.
Only just found your channel but i love it amazing interesting content about my favourite place , it is nice to hear from a cast members view :)
Thanks! :)
also i wish you can pick which car you want to ride in on rides like mickey & minnie's runaway railway because each vehicle has a different path and therefore a different experience
From another potential guest perspective, that sounds like a recipe for horror. I visualize a mid-way’s scramble for the tilt-a-whirl car on steroids. Throw in those entitled kids/parents and that just ups the crazy. I do understand that it would be nice to try other cars but if the boarding system isn’t set up for that, oh my! However if it were a slow day, hopefully the ride cast member would be like this dude & be open to choosing the car you want to experience.
@@Elizabeth-rq1vigood point :(
There should be postings at all monorail indicating the type of banned strollers
I came across your vlogs the other day and decided to watch them. I like your stories. As a former cast member(retail) I can relate to many things you talk about. I never handed out little gifts on any of my trips to WDW until the last one in May of 2022. The look on the cast members faces were priceless and made me want to do more. I made my first cast compliment that trip as well.
Thanks!
It makes me happy to hear that, I'm sure the gesture made their days!
Kids ordering for themselves (at an appropriate age) is important for them
Yes ppl not moving in the out line when watching the fireworks is so annoying my child couldn’t handle fireworks and I was trying to get out as the fireworks were starting and I got stuck behind ppl who would not move and the fireworks were starting and my kid started crying it was a nightmare
I hate to see big kids, way beyond toddler years, riding in Wdw double-wide strollers.
I'm sorry that you've had to experience some truly awful things from the public. I used to manage a restaurant, so totally understand hangry people. But please educate yourself about disabilities. Every child is different. Just because one child on the spectrum can wait in line, it does not mean another one can. Without DAS, we would never get on a ride- my son just randomly wanders off. Or worse starts obsessing about another guests shoes, etc. upsetting them- I need to get him through the ride for everyone's sake. Every time I have to explain this to a cast member and they make it difficult- it does make my child feel awful (when he hasn't already wandered away from hearing it). It certainly makes me feel demeaned. Because he looks like a normal, robust kid- you can't see it. Most cast members are understanding about it. But not always- there has been one that was really nasty about it- if I hadn't been super nice and patient I don't think it would have went well.
That's what I said, though. If there was a reason someone needed DAS, they would have been able to get it. If they don't have DAS, but are saying that they need to go through the lightning lane because of their child's autism, they are either lying, or they were denied DAS because they don't actually need it. In that case, they would be trying to guilt trip the cast member, while also conveying to their son or daughter that they think that he or she is incapable.
A quick comment on the fireworks thing as a guest:
I was at Walt Disney World in May this year and found myself in the unfortunate situation in which both me and my mom wanted to get from one end of the Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland) the other (Adventureland). We had previously walked over earlier in the day in front of the castle to get over to Tomorrowland and noticed the bright yellow tape on the ground that clearly sectioned off the areas where guests were to stand/sit if they wanted to watch the firework show. We kept the walkway areas in mind for later when we'd inevitably want to get to the other side of the park. Well when the time came that we wanted to go over to Adventureland to ride Jungle Cruise and Pirates, we went to the front of the castle to find it *packed*. Those pieces of tape had been completely disregarded by guests and it was practically impossible to get to the other side. My mother and I looked at each other, took each others' hands, and went in headfirst. People rudely shoved us aside as we tried politely asking them to get out of the way and let us through, assuming we were there to steal their "perfect spot". At some point, my mom and I nearly got separated and lost. We ended up getting to the other side, but not quite where we wanted to be. We were trapped between the massive crowd and the handicapped section with no way of escaping. My mom and I weren't the only ones there either; there was also an adult man who like us, was trying to get to Adventureland while the lines were low and an exhausted mother with a stroller containing a young child who had also gotten trapped while trying to escape the crowd. We were eventually saved by a lovely female cast member who (after checking with her higher-ups if she was allowed to) let my mother and I, the man, and the mom with the stroller into the handicapped section and guided us to the other side.
While I understand that you may want your "perfect fireworks spot", *please* do not use the sectioned off walkways. Getting through that angry crowd was probably one of the scariest moments of my life and if it hadn't been for the cast member that let us through, we would have been stuck there.
*Please* don't stand in the walkways during fireworks. I beg you.
Oh, and if you're trying to get to the other side of Magic Kingdom at night, try to see if you can go around the back of the castle. Maybe you'll have a bit more luck than me.
There is an easy pathway around/through the back of the castle for fireworks and parades.
Just subscribed. I totally agree with the stopping in the middle of the road. I am in a scooter, and there have been many times at Disneyland where I almost run someone over because they stopped quickly. It can be quite a danger. Of course if I say something or accidently bump them, they get angry.
Ya people are the same way in casinos. Worse than preschoolers. I just never gave up and got in their face. Lol
Those two or three extra lanes don't seem like a big deal until you add them on to the 3 miles and hours standing one has already done or may have ahead of them.
@@chrisfoxwell4128 I'm not sure what this is in reference to
@@backstagethoughts, going over or under the ropes in empty lines.
@@chrisfoxwell4128 It's a safety issue. Saving 10 steps isn't going to seem so important when you fall and break your nose, or get clotheslined while trying to duck under. And yeah, it is a situation of "play stupid games win stupid prizes" on the guest's part, but if a serious injury does occur it results in a plethora of issues for the cast members of that attraction as well as the other other guests trying to experience that attraction; the injured guest would not be the only one negatively impacted by their decision.
And for the record, for every attraction there should be a cast member whose responsibilities include managing the ropes in the queue. If there are a lot of unnecessary ropes up, someone isn't doing their job. But that doesn't mean people have the right to act improperly.
And of course there is the point that going under or over the ropes likely doesn't save you any energy at all. Does 10 small steps really use more energy than jumping over or ducking underneath? I'm not a physicist, but it seems like a wash to me. And it definitely doesn't save any time since you'll have to wait once you reach the end of the line anyway. (Even in the extremely rare case that there isn't a single other person in line, you'd still have to wait for the ride to cycle before you can board.) It the vast majority of cases it would definitely result in more time spent standing still, which, for people with a bad back like me, hurts more than walking does. So even if it wasn't a safety issue, I can't see how there is any benefit.
@@backstagethoughts , if it were only 10 steps you'd be correct. I've seen the cast members in charge of the line just looking at the people and the line like, what do you expect me to do.
Strange question, but are there any restaurants or stores that College Program CMs have good access to(or CMs in general) will be there soon & want to get some gift cards to hand out… was going to just do Starbucks but wanted to mix it up a bit! I’ve had so many great experiences that I wanted to do something a bit extra this time! I always go on the app to give compliments too! Need your opinion… thanks!!!!
Wow, that is so kind of you! There is a shopping center across the street from Flamingo Crossings Village (where the CPs live) that has bus transportation, and it is even close enough to walk to. When we were there it was brand new and there was only a Target, Walgreens, Starbucks, and Five Guys (and maybe a few other places), but it looks like now there is a Dunkin Donuts, Wendy's, and a couple of other stores and restaurants that have opened up. Any of these places would be great for CPs that don't have a car! A Grubhub, Doordash, or Uber Eats gift card would also be great for them. For CMs that don't live at Flamingo, and CPs that do have a car, pretty much everything exists in the area. We used to do our grocery shopping at Walmart and Publix. For restaurants, we used to eat at Applebee’s, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle. Honestly, any chain restaurant or store is a safe bet.
Thank you so much for this! The gesture really goes a long way.
Thanks for the feedback… Really appreciate it!!!
Great channel, guys! I just stumbled upon it, and I'm glad I did. I worked at Disneyland in 1990, I was in the short-lived, "Dick Tracy Show", I know you both work at WDW, but, if you have ever been to the Anaheim Park, the theater was near where ToonTown is now, I believe it's the Princess Show, now, I have not been in a awhile. The Park was very different then. Great work, and I look forward to more stories. John Martin.
Thanks John!
With all due respect if your a family what are you supposed to do if you have children that need strollers? Leave them behind? Just because sone people are selfish doesn’t mean all people shouldn’t bring them.
Most strollers are fine. No issue with single strollers, or double strollers that are front and back. They are easy to maneuver and don't take up too much space in walkways. Strollers that are double wide, and those big carriage/wagon things are the issues. They are monstrosities that are a pain to relocate when guests leave them in the wrong places, difficult to move to unload when guests get wheelchair tags for them so they can bring them through the lines (and they slow the whole operation because we can only bring one at a time instead of two), and take up a tremendous amount of space in walkways, which can exacerbate traffic issues in busy areas of the parks.
That would be kind of annoying to see a plethora of strollers. That aren’t being used as intended & it’s unfortunate cause it’s clogging up the space for those of us that really do need one for children.
In our case. We do have a side by side stroller for our twins & honestly the width of it. Is most practical for our twin babies. This style of strollers reclines further back than most of the double row strollers Should they fall asleep. It’s much easier to maneuver in the areas we frequent and It also makes it so both babies (or toddlers) have a view.
However, for going to a place like DL. There is no denying the anxiety I get thinking about blocking crowds of people on narrow sidewalks or being in peoples way.
I just don’t have the other type of stroller. Unfortunately 😕
Also. I Really do appreciate the video.
I may see about borrowing a different style stroller from another twin mom, before we take a trip to DL Cali.
You both seem very kind & I’m sorry that you have to deal with rude people. That’s not easy but sounds like you both handle it well.
I have seen families using a stroller but the kid is pre-teen.
The thing I hate the most as both guest and a current CM is the large strollers and ecv's. I understand the ecv's for the people that need them and those guest I have no problem with, they are very nice. It is the people that abuse them is where I have a problem. I got hit more times than I can count and they'll complain while they're running you over how people don't respect them, blah, blah, blah...
True, definitely not a fan of the people that can walk fine, but rent ECVs because they simply don't want to walk.
Quick question. I'm planning my first solo trip. I have vision issues that mean I lose depth perception in low light). Pirates is one of my favorite rides. Even though I won't be returning to the parks for several years yet, Pirates is already on my list of MUSTS. Every time I've gone previously, my parents have helped me get on and off the rides. How do I let the cast members know that I would like some help getting on and off the ride?
Do I wait and let someone know at the loading dock? Or do I let someone know beforehand. I already know I'm likely going to end up with a disability pass (I'm Autistic), I prefer to also let people know just in case.
If you're able to make your way through the queue without assistance, I would wait and let the cast member at merge (where the standby line and lightning lane come together) know. I would tell them thay you have vision problems, and ask them if it would be possible for you to go to port side (the left side) so that one of the wheelchair cast members can help you get on the ride. (If you go to starboard side, there are fewer cast members over there and there's also a lot less room to move, so it would be more difficult for a cast member to help you.) When you get to the grouper and they ask how many, tell them 1, and let them know that you can't see well and need assistance getting into the boat. As you are getting into the boat, let the cast member that is helping you know that you will also need assistance getting out of the boat. Upon hearing this, they should (if they are smart) call down to unload and let them know what boat number you are on, so that the cast member at unload will know when you are there, ans they can help you.
@@backstagethoughtsThank you so much!
The mobile order thing is not intuitive. It is not clear there is another step. Once you know you know but it's not obvious.
@@chrisfoxwell4128 That's fair that it's not intuitive, but the app does give you direction about what to do next after you place the order.
Your stories are great, but I'd love to see some images or video clips to go with your narration to help fill them out.
If we were still living in Florida and were able to get our own photos and videos, we definitely would have more of that. But it's hard to find clips or images of exactly what I'm looking for online, and even harder to find royalty free clips and images. (I try to avoid "borrowing" other people's copyright-protected work.) I try to do what I can without violating copyright law (ex: the screenshot from Google Earth I've used in a few stories to show the wheelchair route), but I will see if I can find more ways to implement more visuals. Thank you for the feedback!