Lili's Tidbit #3 and a Note about Service

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

Me and the Hubby during our Disney College Program Internship.

Tidbit # 3 about me is this: My husband (then fiancé) and I worked at Walt Disney World for a semester in the Disney College Program.  We enjoyed it very much.  I worked in the Animal Kingdom Outdoor Foods department (treat kiosks and such), and my husband worked in the Magic Kingdom Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe (the fourth, I think, busiest restaurant in the WORLD).

One of the top things I learned while working at Disney, and has thus spoiled me as a customer to almost all other companies, is the high standard of service to which the employees are held.  Yes, you may have met a cast member who was not friendly.  Trust me, it is not always easy to keep up that “fresh, happy, magical” appearance for 8-12 hours straight.  However, most are very kind and friendly for two reasons: it is expected, and they want to provide you, the guest, with the happiest experience they can.  That being said, I know it is possible for capable human beings to give top notch, kind, attentive, friendly, helpful, and magical service to many people, one-at-a-time, day after day, month after month, and even longer.  I cannot fathom the nerve of any capable employee of any company who will not give such high quality service to all their customers on a regular basis.  It is, in my mind, inexcusable, rude, and downright ridiculous.

Ok, so what about when someone has a bad day and cannot seem to reach such heights of perfection?  Even Disney employees have those days!  In such a case, one must still strive to do one’s best to treat others with respect, even if helpfulness is less forthcoming.  As a guest, one of the best things you can do when you receive unfriendly service is NOT to treat a cast member (or an employee of another company) with contempt and abhorrence.  You should show the same attention and respect you hope to receive, even if you are tired, hot, busy, or unhappy because you waited in line for half an hour to get a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar.  Often times, cast members efforts at being helpful and magical are overlooked by guests who “expect it, but do not appreciate it.”  Try looking the cast member/employee in the eye, smiling, taking a deep breath to calm your excitement and need for hurrying, and thank them by name for their service.  It felt so great when someone seemed to appreciate the service I was offering and genuinely thanked me!  That’s how you get better service.

Now, I am sure you all want to come work for me.   I have more tips on Making the Most of Your Disney Vacation, if anyone is interested.  If you would be, leave me a comment.  I may post some great tips if there is enough interest.

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