What was your worst holiday working at Disney?

[Ms. Matterhorn]

The holidays bring back some not-so-fond memories of working at the park.

I have two! Once I had to work a Thanksgiving shift 11-7:30. After work I went to the family dinner at my sister's house. No one thought to save me any food so there was nothing left to eat!

One Christmas I worked 4-12:30. I ate a hot dog in the break area all by myself for my Christmas dinner. I quit shortly after that!:(

[ktulu]

The holidays bring back some not-so-fond memories of working at the park.

I have two! Once I had to work a Thanksgiving shift 11-7:30. After work I went to the family dinner at my sister's house. No one thought to save me any food so there was nothing left to eat!

One Christmas I worked 4-12:30. I ate a hot dog in the break area all by myself for my Christmas dinner. I quit shortly after that!:(

:( Now I want to actually BE IN the park on Christmas, just to bring some joy to the CM's.

[Driver_dylan]

Okay, not to be rude, but that is the life we live. Though it might seem really campy, the old adage is true. "We work while others play.":o: Most people don't get this, but working at a theme park is or for that matter can be very lonely around the holidays. Sorry to hear that your family didn't help matters, but I have found that there are things you can do to get through it. Though I know it's too late for you, but maybe I can help others.

:) Over the nearly fifteen years that I have worked in the theme park industry as a manager and rank and file, I have gone through several christmases, birthdays, and yes, even my sisters wedding. I have learned that many of us, myself included, can feel very lonely around this time of year. This is due to the fact that this is a very popular time of the year for tourists. Couple that with the fact that most parks are low on fully trained seasonal workers, which can put a strain on the full and part time workers who believe that they should have this time off around this time. :badmood:

Now for the things that you can do.

:) First, try not to let it get you down. I know this is hard, especially if you are new at this;(first year) far from family, friends, or loved ones; or feeling overwhelmed, but the first step is to decide that you will make it through because this is what you want to do.
:) Second, Go all out to immerse yourself in the smaller events that may be in your area. Spend some time by one of the larger than life christmas trees. What ever you need to put yourself in the holiday spirit. If there is a movie that makes you smile, watch it. Anything to put you in a festive mood.
:)Thirdly, seek out workers that have been there before or others who may also seem depressed. Find a group and help each of yourselves through the ruff spots.
:) Finally, and I believe that this is most important, plan for when it's over. Really, do yourself a favor and plan to do something with your family after the season is over.

[DLRFantasmic!Dan]

i think working New Years Eve is worst. It's is hella crowded with wall - to - wall people. People staking their territory for the fireworks at noon!!! It as fun for me though, time flew by fast!!

[CMGUY89]

Couple that with the fact that most parks are low on fully trained seasonal workers, which can put a strain on the full and part time workers who believe that they should have this time off around this time. :badmood:

While I'm from the other coast I know what you mean there. I am going back to WDW for the holiday season, but not until the 27th. This was my first semester at College so I kinda need this holiday at home. Plus I have to be careful my parents don't get pissed that I leave so quickly. ;)
The only holiday I've worked so far has been 4th of July. It was pretty crazy, I got assigned to crowd control, known in the Land as Swirl, because it basically turns the entire pavilion into a giant toilet bowl. I had to stand at the bottom of the stairs telling people they were down only. I got called lots of names, but I was only doing what I was told! LOL, people just don't understand.
As for fully-trained seasonal CMs, don't get me started!!! I have been begging my managers to give me more training so I can work more attractions to pick up the slack. They keep telling me no, but in the end have to drop carriages at Soarin' which really pisses people off. And where am I? Stuck at the land doing nothing...

[GaTechGal]

Okay, not to be rude, but that is the life we live. Though it might seem really campy, the old adage is true. "We work while others play.":o:

Don't know if it will help much, but remember that there are LOTS of folks that have to work over the holidays. My brother the DR. is on call at least one of the major holiday days over the season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Now granted, he's making WAY more than the average CM (and me for that matter), but it doesn't make it any easier for him or his kids. So I'd take Dylan's advice and just look at the holiday itself as any other busy day and try and get into the SEASON on some other day.

As a guest, thanks for being there. :D:

[pattimelt]

While I have only been a cm since Feb, I have worked EVERY holiday since I started, and I will continue to do so until I don't work there anymore.

I don't have kids, so the holidays are pretty much just another day for me. I would rather have those who have kids stay home with their families if they would like to do so. I can do dinner another night, like I did this year with Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving in my house was the WEDNESDAY after Thanksgiving, and we did it up just like it was the holiday, just with no football on tv--LOL!!

And, at least where I work, we make it as special as we can. We normally do some sort of pot-luck so that we can all eat while we work. Our managers give us some leeway to eat between phone calls or while we process mail, etc (as long as we're not in a window waiting on guests!!), and we usually have enough food to last for a couple days!! What gets me is that while I'm not with my "blood" family, I'm with my "work" family--and we are all friends and we are there for one another so that nobody is alone. I have seen the kindness of my fellow cm's just go BEYOND--not just with the guests, but with each other, too.

I could go on and on but I'll stop here.

[SRT_GB]

To be honest, I have very few bad memories of working on holidays. When I first hired in 2000 and when I rehired in 2004, I knew full well that I'd be working on holidays. I think part of what made it easier to deal with was that my mom is a nurse and every year alternated between working on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

I agree that the people you work with make it a lot easier to deal with because they're all in the same boat as you are. No matter how many rude SGs there were, the mood was always so lighthearted that we never let it get to us. Even on crowded-as-all-hell New Year's Eve, the atmosphere around Main Street and the Stroller Shop was always lighthearted.

I'm just talking about the actual holidays here. Don't get me started on Black Friday, Candlelight weekend, or the week between Christmas and New Year's. THOSE were bad times.

[Princess Susi]

The holidays bring back some not-so-fond memories of working at the park.

I have two! Once I had to work a Thanksgiving shift 11-7:30. After work I went to the family dinner at my sister's house. No one thought to save me any food so there was nothing left to eat!

One Christmas I worked 4-12:30. I ate a hot dog in the break area all by myself for my Christmas dinner. I quit shortly after that!:(

That is sad...I want to cry now...I hope you will have a big ham and some razzleberry dressing this year! :D:
It is always sad to be alone on a holiday.
And I love what Dylan Driver had to say...
We as guests love to celebrate with CMs at the Parks and I hope that we can bring a smile to the CMs faces when we are there. I know it won't be after the Park closes, but if we can warm your holiday even just a little, then we as guests have done OUR job too!

As a guest, I had a sad Disney Christmas story, I have already told at SGT on another thread, we were at Disneyland last year for Christmas and I was sick 4 days in the DL Hotel with a stomach virus, VERY ill, so ill a doctor came and gave me a shot in the buttock!I am not a CM , but I thought it would be okay to share my Disney Christmas story too.
susi

[BRWombat]

i think working New Years Eve is worst. It's is hella crowded with wall - to - wall people. People staking their territory for the fireworks at noon!!! It as fun for me though, time flew by fast!!I read this and can't help but think, God bless the CM at WDW-PLAY who got the fireworks cruise ressie for my family this coming Dec. 31!!!!

[Cheshire Figment]

So far - none.

Currently my availability is Wednesdays and Thursdays only.Because I was being "trained" for my new (temporary) position of Greeter at the Studios, I did not have "training" on Thanksgiving.

Last year my manager at TL asked me if I would be willing to work on Christmas Day, and I did accommodate her. If they ask me at the studio (which they have not done yet) I will probably turn down the offer.

And as a Guest I don't think I ever had a really bad holiday in the parks. One time we went to MK on the 4th of July, which tends to be a total zoo, but we were Grand Marshals at the 3:00 parade. We also were in Epcot on 12/31/99 which was worse than a total zoo, but I don't think we would have missed that for anything.

[CMGUY89]

So far - none.

Currently my availability is Wednesdays and Thursdays only.Because I was being "trained" for my new (temporary) position of Greeter at the Studios, I did not have "training" on Thanksgiving.

Last year my manager at TL asked me if I would be willing to work on Christmas Day, and I did accommodate her. If they ask me at the studio (which they have not done yet) I will probably turn down the offer.

And as a Guest I don't think I ever had a really bad holiday in the parks. One time we went to MK on the 4th of July, which tends to be a total zoo, but we were Grand Marshals at the 3:00 parade. We also were in Epcot on 12/31/99 which was worse than a total zoo, but I don't think we would have missed that for anything.
I kinda enjoyed working the 4th. Although I was kinda sad to miss the illuminations tag. I certainly heard it back in boat storage! HEHE! Although getting back to Cast Services was difficult. I had to cross the river of people heading out of the park to get back over to the east side. I also enjoyed the holiday pay as well ;). I am excited to work New Years, but that may all change...

[Big Wallaby]

For Liz and me, it's just another day, but every day is special. We'll celebrate the holidays on different days, but that's okay. We can work the holidays.

[dazyhill]

I don't work at Disney,but I can relate to working the holidays. At Knott's,we are always closed Christmas Day (a tradition going way back to the time the park was in its infancy),but I have worked many Thanksgivings. Those are hard. I am away from my family,the free dinner at the employee cafeteria is awful,and to top it off,it is always crazy busy!
As for Christmas,my store usually has a potluck on Christmas Eve and we go all out. We always have tons of food-enough for the entire crew and the surrounding stores.Those that want to participate in a gift exchange and that has always been interesting. One lead had to participate in a scavenger hunt to find her gift last year.
I try to make sure everyone is included. All my crew members get a card with some candy from me. I also add many workers from other stores too. I would love to do more,but I can't afford it.:(
In the end,it's all about attitude. Being upset is not going to make things any better. You might as well buck up and make the best of it. :D:

[CBeilby]

...the free dinner at the employee cafeteria is awful...

Let me guess. Lakeside Terrace?

[dazyhill]

Let me guess. Lakeside Terrace?

No, Crew's Nest. :)

[Randy B]

Don't know if it will help much, but remember that there are LOTS of folks that have to work over the holidays. My brother the DR. is on call at least one of the major holiday days over the season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Now granted, he's making WAY more than the average CM (and me for that matter), but it doesn't make it any easier for him or his kids. So I'd take Dylan's advice and just look at the holiday itself as any other busy day and try and get into the SEASON on some other day.

As a guest, thanks for being there. :D:

Yep. In Radio we work 24/7/365 and a holiday is just a day you work but maybe get extra pay for. One thing that I had to do was convince my family that my work schedule is inflexable and no amount of begging will change that. So I have finally managed to get them used to the idea that if it is to include me, Christmas will be celebrated in Jan or even Feb when all the schedules of the family members align. As for almost all other holidays I have finally convinced them that as far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a holiday. And so if there is a family gathering planned, let me know, but don't count on me being there.

This is the first year in a long time that the holiday will actually fall on my day off! So there is a chance that I may actually be able to celebrate with the family on the actual calendar date.:eek:

Randy

[Polar33]

You know...I've been trying to think of any holiday at work that has stood out as particularly bad, but after a while they all just blend together.

Now, bad holidays when not working...that I could talk about. :rolleyes:

[Disney Debbie]

My worst holiday experience was Christmas 2002. The old NASA exhibit was under construction for Buzz Lightyear and there was those plywood walls that Disney put us. It was a really windy and rainy day and I was in Premiere Shop (now Little Green Men Store) getting ready for a Kid's Only Pin Talk, when I hear screams and crashing. I ran outside to see people picking up the walls. Luckily no one was hurt very bad, just more shaken up. I was soaked and the rest of my shift was spent writing up the details of what I saw. Luckily the next year I didn't work Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or New Years and I was very grateful.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

My worst holiday experience was Christmas 2002. The old NASA exhibit was under construction for Buzz Lightyear and there was those plywood walls that Disney put us. It was a really windy and rainy day and I was in Premiere Shop (now Little Green Men Store) getting ready for a Kid's Only Pin Talk, when I hear screams and crashing. I ran outside to see people picking up the walls. Luckily no one was hurt very bad, just more shaken up. I was soaked and the rest of my shift was spent writing up the details of what I saw. Luckily the next year I didn't work Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas or New Years and I was very grateful.

Did someone walk into them and cause them to fall? Or just cause by the wind and rain?

Either way it could have ruined someones day!

[GuestJockey]

Christmas day was not too good this year. I don't mind working holidays on principle - it's exactly as was said earlier, we work while others play. That said, this Christmas we got that lovely announcement:

...Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations...

The line at City Hall was out the door, around the corner, and almost to the side door of the Emporium with people who wanted refunds. One woman actually came in with her hand stuck out open-palmed in my face and said "So what are you people going to do about the fact that you canceled the fireworks and ruined my Christmas?" What do you say to that? I hate being in situations where I don't have a way of making it a little better, and Christmas Day this year was one of those.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Christmas day was not too good this year. I don't mind working holidays on principle - it's exactly as was said earlier, we work while others play. That said, this Christmas we got that lovely announcement:

...Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations...

The line at City Hall was out the door, around the corner, and almost to the side door of the Emporium with people who wanted refunds. One woman actually came in with her hand stuck out open-palmed in my face and said "So what are you people going to do about the fact that you canceled the fireworks and ruined my Christmas?" What do you say to that? I hate being in situations where I don't have a way of making it a little better, and Christmas Day this year was one of those.

I know it would be frowned on, but I whould have asked her "You really NEED fireworks to make it Christmas?" Ya should have had a big basket of candy canes, and just hand them one with a "happy holidays" and send them to the exit!!

[Randy B]

I know it would be frowned on, but I whould have asked her "You really NEED fireworks to make it Christmas?" Ya should have had a big basket of candy canes, and just hand them one with a "happy holidays" and send them to the exit!!

I think it would be me who would make sure to have a nice poster sized print of a scan of the disclaimer on the back of every ticket. And maybe a poster stating that "Safety of our guests is important. So when winds have a potential to blow exploding fireworks into the crowds, safety comes first before entertainment. Thank you for your understanding." Then I would put these in standing frames that can be placed in the lobby next to the forming line. When the "you ruined my vacation" begins you can point to the fireworks poster and say "a burning firework on your head would ruin more than just one vacation". And if they persist, point to the ticket poster and say "did you look at the back of your ticket?"

Of course it wouldn't hurt to have two of the most burly security persons (or someone who looks the part) standing nearby. Sometimes an undeclaired, subtle signal that no foolishness will be tollerated can go a long way towards defusing a situation before it begins. And it makes it a lot easier to smile (or grit teeth while looking like a smile) if you don't feel physically threatened.

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I think it would be me who would make sure to have a nice poster sized print of a scan of the disclaimer on the back of every ticket. And maybe a poster stating that "Safety of our guests is important. So when winds have a potential to blow exploding fireworks into the crowds, safety comes first before entertainment. Thank you for your understanding." Then I would put these in standing frames that can be placed in the lobby next to the forming line. When the "you ruined my vacation" begins you can point to the fireworks poster and say "a burning firework on your head would ruin more than just one vacation". And if they persist, point to the ticket poster and say "did you look at the back of your ticket?"

Of course it wouldn't hurt to have two of the most burly security persons (or someone who looks the part) standing nearby. Sometimes an undeclaired, subtle signal that no foolishness will be tollerated can go a long way towards defusing a situation before it begins. And it makes it a lot easier to smile (or grit teeth while looking like a smile) if you don't feel physically threatened.

Randy

Good idea, put them on display right inside the town hall, but the problems is that most SG's wouldn't even bother to read it, let alone comprehend it.
They could just have the WDW fire company let a hose loose, spraying ice cold water!!

[Randy B]

Good idea, put them on display right inside the town hall, but the problems is that most SG's wouldn't even bother to read it, let alone comprehend it.
They could just have the WDW fire company let a hose loose, spraying ice cold water!!

Or maybe a "slippery when wet" sign, with an "inadvertant" spill of silicone oil that was spread all over the floor in a failed attempt to "clean" it up. Think of a greased ice rink. :twisted::eek::D:

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Or maybe a "slippery when wet" sign, with an "inadvertant" spill of silicone oil that was spread all over the floor in a failed attempt to "clean" it up. Think of a greased ice rink. :twisted::eek::D:

Randy

Or they could use the driving surface we had to drive in training, teflon coated driving surface, with a sheen of water!1 (simulated ice) Weeeeeee!!

[glendalais]

Christmas day was not too good this year. I don't mind working holidays on principle - it's exactly as was said earlier, we work while others play. That said, this Christmas we got that lovely announcement:

...Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations...

The line at City Hall was out the door, around the corner, and almost to the side door of the Emporium with people who wanted refunds. One woman actually came in with her hand stuck out open-palmed in my face and said "So what are you people going to do about the fact that you canceled the fireworks and ruined my Christmas?" What do you say to that? I hate being in situations where I don't have a way of making it a little better, and Christmas Day this year was one of those.

Yea, Christmas Day this year was TERRIBLE! The forces that be just didn't seem to like DL that day. And while people may be all riled up about it, this is one of those occasions where I can actually see why.

Even worse, the weather forecast for New Year's Eve is predicting Santa Ana Winds :eek:.

God help us all.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Yea, Christmas Day this year was TERRIBLE! The forces that be just didn't seem to like DL that day. And while people may be all riled up about it, this is one of those occasions where I can actually see why.

Even worse, the weather forecast for New Year's Eve is predicting Santa Ana Winds :eek:.

God help us all.

Does everyone miss the fact that like the PP said, the fireworks could cause injury or property damage. People need to get over the entitlement issues,

DW and I always use a cancelled show or fireworks as an excuse to come back!! (they cancelled the parade, darn! guess we come back tomorrow!!, I'll call the office, extend my time off!!)

Although I am sure you get the"this is the last time EVER we will get a chance to see______" (whatever, fill in the blank)

[Big Wallaby]

Although I am sure you get the"this is the last time EVER we will get a chance to see______" (whatever, fill in the blank)That, or the day I was working out front of KSR with another CM, she had some guy come up after it closed wanting to get on. When she told him it had closed almost an hour ago, he responded with an angry, "Well, then, you need to explain to my daughter why she can't go see the animals!"

Sorry, but the attraction closes before sundown so they can take care of the animals. If we don't have the trucks off the ride path by a certain time, there are literally animals that will not receive the care they need. And with some of the very endangered animals we have in there, it's rather important that we take care of them.

Now, if only someone could cut through the red tape so Disney could get some pandas, we'd have a huge panda population in the world in no time!

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

That, or the day I was working out front of KSR with another CM, she had some guy come up after it closed wanting to get on. When she told him it had closed almost an hour ago, he responded with an angry, "Well, then, you need to explain to my daughter why she can't go see the animals!"

Sorry, but the attraction closes before sundown so they can take care of the animals. If we don't have the trucks off the ride path by a certain time, there are literally animals that will not receive the care they need. And with some of the very endangered animals we have in there, it's rather important that we take care of them.

Now, if only someone could cut through the red tape so Disney could get some pandas, we'd have a huge panda population in the world in no time!


You would think that with all the publicity and good will that China is trying to generate for the Olympics, that they would consider something like that. We have some here in San Diego, and they have been making baby Pandas for quite some time, the only problem is that the agreement with China is that any Pandas born here, have to go there when they reach a cetrain age! (I think it's three)

Now if we could get some flying Bongos....

[Princess Susi]

Christmas day was not too good this year. I don't mind working holidays on principle - it's exactly as was said earlier, we work while others play. That said, this Christmas we got that lovely announcement:

...Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations...

The line at City Hall was out the door, around the corner, and almost to the side door of the Emporium with people who wanted refunds. One woman actually came in with her hand stuck out open-palmed in my face and said "So what are you people going to do about the fact that you canceled the fireworks and ruined my Christmas?" What do you say to that? I hate being in situations where I don't have a way of making it a little better, and Christmas Day this year was one of those.


Oh yeah, Fireworks got cancelled the whole week we were there, from 12/21-12/26! It was so freakin windy, it would have been too dangerous. I spoke with a concierge CM one night and asked if he had any interesting guests and he told me one lady got really pissed and said their vacation was ruined because there had been no fireworks. Geeze folks. SAFETY first! On 12/26, the wind was howling like a hurricane through the DL Hotel area and you could hear it whistling in the sliding glass doors to the small balcony area outside the room. It was fierce! On the news there in So Cal, it showed so many trees down and these idiots were complaining about no fireworks. I am not surprised, The sense of entitlement grows ever stronger with the Ssssss Geeeees. Even Nature has to bend to their needs. Hey, Disney could have put big dome up over the Park to protect it from the wind, right? :hysteria:
Self centered Morons! I fortunately have seen the Holiday fireworks and geeze, the colors look pretty much the same as the other fireworks during the year. I have seen fireworks every 4th of July too, so what is the big deal? I know it is nice to have the fabulous Disney firework show, but it is also nice to have the Park not burn down to the ground from stray burning embers.
susi

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Oh yeah, Fireworks got cancelled the whole week we were there, from 12/21-12/26! It was so freakin windy, it would have been too dangerous. I spoke with a concierge CM one night and asked if he had any interesting guests and he told me one lady got really pissed and said their vacation was ruined because there had been no fireworks. Geeze folks. SAFETY first! On 12/26, the wind was howling like a hurricane through the DL Hotel area and you could hear it whistling in the sliding glass doors to the small balcony area outside the room. It was fierce! On the news there in So Cal, it showed so many trees down and these idiots were complaining about no fireworks. I am not surprised, The sense of entitlement grows ever stronger with the Ssssss Geeeees. Even Nature has to bend to their needs. Hey, Disney could have put big dome up over the Park to protect it from the wind, right? :hysteria:
Self centered Morons! I fortunately have seen the Holiday fireworks and geeze, the colors look pretty much the same as the other fireworks during the year. I have seen fireworks every 4th of July too, so what is the big deal? I know it is nice to have the fabulous Disney firework show, but it is also nice to have the Park not burn down to the ground from stray burning embers.
susi

Welll...I have it on good authority that there IS a dome, but they only use it for special circumstances, like an invasion from space, or meteorites!!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd76/GRUMPY-PIRATE/MISC/Meteor_falls.gif

[hobie16]

Oh yeah, Fireworks got cancelled the whole week we were there, from 12/21-12/26!
I wonder if they're the Kona winds we got earlier in the month. It was blowing dogs off of chains. Along with the wind we got five inches of rain in 24 hours. Flooding here and there, the street to the beach was a raging torrent and a few house races in Upcountry. People who have been here for a long time said they'd never seen anything like it.

[drcorey]

I wonder if they're the Kona winds we got earlier in the month. It was blowing dogs off of chains. Along with the wind we got five inches of rain in 24 hours. Flooding here and there, the street to the beach was a raging torrent and a few house races in Upcountry. People who have been here for a long time said they'd never seen anything like it.

it was so windy, you could see birds going by, sideways?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I wonder if they're the Kona winds we got earlier in the month. It was blowing dogs off of chains. Along with the wind we got five inches of rain in 24 hours. Flooding here and there, the street to the beach was a raging torrent and a few house races in Upcountry. People who have been here for a long time said they'd never seen anything like it.

that almost sounds like a heavy duty tropical storm, verging on the beginning of a hurricane?

[hobie16]

it was so windy, you could see birds going by, sideways?
The birds hung out in the hotel bars snagging pupu scraps.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

The birds hung out in the hotel bars snagging pupu scraps.

Like the video of the seagull stealing the chip bag?

[drcorey]

Like the video of the seagull stealing the chip bag?

Seagulls love fast food too.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U7e0ONrE36Q

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Seagulls love fast food too.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U7e0ONrE36Q

You must be the Youtube King!

I still love the jibjab stuff!!

[Randy B]

That, or the day I was working out front of KSR with another CM, she had some guy come up after it closed wanting to get on. When she told him it had closed almost an hour ago, he responded with an angry, "Well, then, you need to explain to my daughter why she can't go see the animals!"

Sorry, but the attraction closes before sundown so they can take care of the animals. If we don't have the trucks off the ride path by a certain time, there are literally animals that will not receive the care they need. And with some of the very endangered animals we have in there, it's rather important that we take care of them.


It's dinner time for the animals. Elephants tend to stomp on anything in their way (note to SGT: kinda like some SGs at a buffet). Rhinos poke their nose into everything. And lions growl a lot if dinner is late. Of course if you want to volunteer to BE dinner I might be able to get you a front row seat. :D:

Randy

[Randy B]

Oh yeah, Fireworks got cancelled the whole week we were there, from 12/21-12/26! It was so freakin windy, it would have been too dangerous. I spoke with a concierge CM one night and asked if he had any interesting guests and he told me one lady got really pissed and said their vacation was ruined because there had been no fireworks. Geeze folks. SAFETY first! On 12/26, the wind was howling like a hurricane through the DL Hotel area and you could hear it whistling in the sliding glass doors to the small balcony area outside the room. It was fierce! On the news there in So Cal, it showed so many trees down and these idiots were complaining about no fireworks. I am not surprised, The sense of entitlement grows ever stronger with the Ssssss Geeeees. Even Nature has to bend to their needs. Hey, Disney could have put big dome up over the Park to protect it from the wind, right? :hysteria:
Self centered Morons! I fortunately have seen the Holiday fireworks and geeze, the colors look pretty much the same as the other fireworks during the year. I have seen fireworks every 4th of July too, so what is the big deal? I know it is nice to have the fabulous Disney firework show, but it is also nice to have the Park not burn down to the ground from stray burning embers.
susi

I got another one.

"the fireworks are canceled tonight because with all this wind we can't keep the match lit long enough to touch the fuse." :D:

Randy

[Randy B]

I wonder if they're the Kona winds we got earlier in the month. It was blowing dogs off of chains.

But what dogs were doing balancing on chains, nobody knows. :D:

Randy (in a silly mood tonight)

[pattimelt]

I'm positively dreading working at the park today. I know that SOMETIME today, a guest is going to come to me and scream because their little "darling" can't get in the park because it's at capacity, and it's "ALL YOUR FAULT". I'm normally very even tempered and perky but these last few days on the phone with guests who insist that I sell them tickets that I don't have (there's no will call during the xmas holidays, and I don't see UPS or FEDEX working over the weekend to come and do a pick up just so that THIS PACKAGE can be delivered to your house today!!), it's just overwhelming.

I actually kept a tally going on Saturday of the number of phone calls I answered and what their questions were. I had a total of less than 10 calls for tours or fantasmic seating. I had about 2 dozen dining calls that got transferred to DD. And close to 400 (yep, 400!!!) calls regarding tickets for New Years Eve at the parks.

So, PLEASE, I'm asking nicely--- DO NOT BLAME ME WHEN YOU CAN'T GET IN THE PARK TODAY. I have no control over how many people can get in.

[hobie16]

Elephants tend to stomp on anything in their way...
I saw a show on one of the Cute Animals Eating Other Cute Animals channels about a number of animals in Africa. The voice over asked who is the king of the jungle and showed three lions attacking an elephant. The elephant beat the snot out of the lions with his trunk and seemed to be laughing while doing it.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I got another one.

"the fireworks are canceled tonight because with all this wind we can't keep the match lit long enough to touch the fuse." :D:

Randy

I often pondered that very problem! (hehe)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

But what dogs were doing balancing on chains, nobody knows. :D:

Randy (in a silly mood tonight)

Maybe they were circus dogs doing tricks?

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I'm positively dreading working at the park today. I know that SOMETIME today, a guest is going to come to me and scream because their little "darling" can't get in the park because it's at capacity, and it's "ALL YOUR FAULT". I'm normally very even tempered and perky but these last few days on the phone with guests who insist that I sell them tickets that I don't have (there's no will call during the xmas holidays, and I don't see UPS or FEDEX working over the weekend to come and do a pick up just so that THIS PACKAGE can be delivered to your house today!!), it's just overwhelming.

I actually kept a tally going on Saturday of the number of phone calls I answered and what their questions were. I had a total of less than 10 calls for tours or fantasmic seating. I had about 2 dozen dining calls that got transferred to DD. And close to 400 (yep, 400!!!) calls regarding tickets for New Years Eve at the parks.

So, PLEASE, I'm asking nicely--- DO NOT BLAME ME WHEN YOU CAN'T GET IN THE PARK TODAY. I have no control over how many people can get in.

Thats when you need to tell them that Universal will let them in for free if they line up at 11:30 P.M.!! (Mmmwaa hah ha!!)

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I saw a show on one of the Cute Animals Eating Other Cute Animals channels about a number of animals in Africa. The voice over asked who is the king of the jungle and showed three lions attacking an elephant. The elephant beat the snot out of the lions with his trunk and seemed to be laughing while doing it.

Did you see the one where the lions made the mistake of attacking the baby elephant. AS the narrator said, most lions charges are not successful!

(could have been the same program!)

[glendalais]

It's New Year's Eve-day and just outside my window, only 5 miles from Disneyland, the winds are blowing and things are flying.

Now assuming that there isn't a miracle today. You can pretty much guess what will happen come midnight tonight. I'll give you a hint, it starts with the phrase "ladies and gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations..." being broadcast to the tens of thousands of people camping out in the Hub and on Main Street USA :eek:.

Those of you who will be working Main Street Stores/Restaurants/ODV, Guest Relations, GSO, and Main Entrance this evening, we salute you.

May whatever higher power you believe in have mercy on your souls.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

It's New Year's Eve-day and just outside my window, only 5 miles from Disneyland, the winds are blowing and things are flying.

Now assuming that there isn't a miracle today. You can pretty much guess what will happen come midnight tonight. I'll give you a hint, it starts with the phrase "ladies and gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations..." being broadcast to the tens of thousands of people camping out in the Hub and on Main Street USA :eek:.

Those of you who will be working Main Street Stores/Restaurants/ODV, Guest Relations, GSO, and Main Entrance this evening, we salute you.

May whatever higher power you believe in have mercy on your souls.

Welllll It COULD start to drizzle!!!

[Cranbiz]

It's New Year's Eve-day and just outside my window, only 5 miles from Disneyland, the winds are blowing and things are flying.

Now assuming that there isn't a miracle today. You can pretty much guess what will happen come midnight tonight. I'll give you a hint, it starts with the phrase "ladies and gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations..." being broadcast to the tens of thousands of people camping out in the Hub and on Main Street USA :eek:.

Those of you who will be working Main Street Stores/Restaurants/ODV, Guest Relations, GSO, and Main Entrance this evening, we salute you.

May whatever higher power you believe in have mercy on your souls.

Point them in the direction of WDW. The conditions here are fine for all the fireworks.

Then again, the only place that you can probably get into now is DTD......... But there are fireworks there.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Point them in the direction of WDW. The conditions here are fine for all the fireworks.

Then again, the only place that you can probably get into now is DTD......... But there are fireworks there.

Do they close off DTD and sell tickets? or is it a free for all? (can be taken both ways!!)

[AlpineDL]

So, any main street folks have a story about how NYE went with the 2 seconds of loud noise?

[felinefan]

Like dazeyhill said, the food at Knott's is horrible--and they serve such large portions! My worst holiday working there was New Year's, when a whole parkfull of allegedly Christian kids were there and they were acting just as badly as the non-Christian kids. Worst, they were in line for Montezooma's Revenge, which is just over the fence from Camp Snoopy. They had those laser lights and were shining them down in my eyes, as well as everyone else's. I tried calling security, but of course nobody did anything. Not supposed to have them in the park anyway.

[Big Wallaby]

Do they close off DTD and sell tickets? or is it a free for all? (can be taken both ways!!)Yes, yes, and yes. I assume it's Pleasure Island that they block off only, but they do close it. And with that much alcohol flowing, it has to be a free-for-all.

[Princess Susi]

I got another one.

"the fireworks are canceled tonight because with all this wind we can't keep the match lit long enough to touch the fuse." :D:

Randy

LOL Randy!!!!!!

I'm positively dreading working at the park today. I know that SOMETIME today, a guest is going to come to me and scream because their little "darling" can't get in the park because it's at capacity, and it's "ALL YOUR FAULT". I'm normally very even tempered and perky but these last few days on the phone with guests who insist that I sell them tickets that I don't have (there's no will call during the xmas holidays, and I don't see UPS or FEDEX working over the weekend to come and do a pick up just so that THIS PACKAGE can be delivered to your house today!!), it's just overwhelming.

I actually kept a tally going on Saturday of the number of phone calls I answered and what their questions were. I had a total of less than 10 calls for tours or fantasmic seating. I had about 2 dozen dining calls that got transferred to DD. And close to 400 (yep, 400!!!) calls regarding tickets for New Years Eve at the parks.

So, PLEASE, I'm asking nicely--- DO NOT BLAME ME WHEN YOU CAN'T GET IN THE PARK TODAY. I have no control over how many people can get in.

Yep, that happened the week we were there. The gates slam shut every year at the holidays. I feel for you! THAT has to be the suckiest job those days. You must have nerves of steel to deal with that abuse! :eek: And I have seen threads at Boards X, Y and Z that tell people the Park will close so get there EARLY, so that everyone is aware of it that goes to boards anyway. Happens every year and still people don't get it. It is Christmas and NYE for crying out loud! Everywhere is crowded, ya think Disneyland is gonna be a deserted island that you can walk into at 11:55PM? THAT right there is why we leave before NYE. I would not want to be a part of that crowd. Yoikes! Talk about claustrophobia, I would have hydrophobia before the evening was out in that crowd crush. We have since decided no more Christmas at DL. We have done it twice and gotten ill twice and spent most of both trips in the hotel room and so, Christmas will now be spent somewhere warm and sandy, with a big ocean. WATCH OUT hobie one-six Kenobie, we are coming to Hawaii this Christmas. maybe...if I can talk Ralph into a Mele Kalikimaka! *sigh* THAT would be a very nice way to spend Christmas, swimming in the ocean and laying on the sand with the other million pasty white Americans in the Wintertime on the Hawaiian beaches.:eek:

No, we will try to find an out of the way place to go, I know there is a certain Hawaiian poster here who could help by giving me some places that we SHOULD go insteasd of the tourist destinations!:D:
Aloha Hobester!!!!!!:p:
susi-Q

It's New Year's Eve-day and just outside my window, only 5 miles from Disneyland, the winds are blowing and things are flying.

Now assuming that there isn't a miracle today. You can pretty much guess what will happen come midnight tonight. I'll give you a hint, it starts with the phrase "ladies and gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations..." being broadcast to the tens of thousands of people camping out in the Hub and on Main Street USA :eek:.

Those of you who will be working Main Street Stores/Restaurants/ODV, Guest Relations, GSO, and Main Entrance this evening, we salute you.

May whatever higher power you believe in have mercy on your souls.

Gad, I hope everything went well, that is to say no homicides and assaults that night. Fireworks WERE cancelled right? How did that go over? :eek:

[Big Wallaby]

Hey! I've done Christmas in Hawai'i, and I can't tell you how nice it is.

[hobie16]

Christmas will now be spent somewhere warm and sandy, with a big ocean. WATCH OUT hobie one-six Kenobie, we are coming to Hawaii this Christmas. maybe...if I can talk Ralph into a Mele Kalikimaka! *sigh* THAT would be a very nice way to spend Christmas, swimming in the ocean and laying on the sand with the other million pasty white Americans in the Wintertime on the Hawaiian beaches.:eek:

No, we will try to find an out of the way place to go, I know there is a certain Hawaiian poster here who could help by giving me some places that we SHOULD go insteasd of the tourist destinations!:D:
Aloha Hobester!!!!!!:p:
If you do want to come during the Christmas/New Year time period BOOK EARLY. It's the high season and the islands get packed. You can get places that run from fairly cheap that have minimal services to full on hedonistic. I can make some recommendations if you'd like.

As far as stuff to do there's a lot. The whales are starting to show up around Christmas so a whale watch boat is always something to do. There's a book titled Maui Revealed that reveals a little too much. It's gotten people into situations they weren't prepared for. Maui is not a Disney property. Those cliffs/waves/fast moving streams/flash floods/sharks are the real deal brah.

Anyway, lemme know and I'll help get you started. We'll do some pupu and boat drinks too.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Yes, yes, and yes. I assume it's Pleasure Island that they block off only, but they do close it. And with that much alcohol flowing, it has to be a free-for-all.

I can imagine that the security and police must be..VERY busy! At least they have mass transportation. but I can also believe that it would be a bus drivers heck for THAT night!

[Randy B]

I can imagine that the security and police must be..VERY busy! At least they have mass transportation. but I can also believe that it would be a bus drivers heck for THAT night!

Sometimes the best solution is to be blatant. Park a Dept of Corrections bus right at the entrance with a banner "Get out of control and you WILL be taking a ride with us". Then a very visible security/police presence can make a big difference. It's amazing how a little bit of advance influence (read brainwashing or threatening) can make a big difference by the end of the night.

BTW, for the Bus Drivers, do you have a default drop off location designated for those who get on your bus who either don't know where they are going, or unable to verbalize their destination? Or do you just drive them around all night? Maybe a short visit to the STOL port to "clean house" a couple times each night. Just imagine the confusion when a pile of drunks wake up the next morning with no idea where they are or how to get anywhere they recognize. And all with a wicked hangover! :twisted::D:

Randy

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Sometimes the best solution is to be blatant. Park a Dept of Corrections bus right at the entrance with a banner "Get out of control and you WILL be taking a ride with us". Then a very visible security/police presence can make a big difference. It's amazing how a little bit of advance influence (read brainwashing or threatening) can make a big difference by the end of the night.

BTW, for the Bus Drivers, do you have a default drop off location designated for those who get on your bus who either don't know where they are going, or unable to verbalize their destination? Or do you just drive them around all night? Maybe a short visit to the STOL port to "clean house" a couple times each night. Just imagine the confusion when a pile of drunks wake up the next morning with no idea where they are or how to get anywhere they recognize. And all with a wicked hangover! :twisted::D:

Randy

For some, it probably wouldn't be the first time thats happened!!!

[Cranbiz]

BTW, for the Bus Drivers, do you have a default drop off location designated for those who get on your bus who either don't know where they are going, or unable to verbalize their destination? Or do you just drive them around all night? Maybe a short visit to the STOL port to "clean house" a couple times each night. Just imagine the confusion when a pile of drunks wake up the next morning with no idea where they are or how to get anywhere they recognize. And all with a wicked hangover! :twisted::D:

Randy

We drop them off at the lobby of the resort on which bus the "guest" got on. I'm not their babysitter. If they are making trouble, they get dropped off at the security hut.