a peek inside the fishbowl

FYI – I’m transcribing this post almost entirely from notes taken during my recent trip.

I’ve been thinking a lot about why I enjoyed this trip so much. There are a few reasons – perfect weather being one of them – but the enjoyment factor was upped (for me) simply because of the great group of people I was with. Six of us were invited to explore what Disney had to offer: Nadine S., editor of SweetMama; Julie C. of Mabel’s Labels; Jennifer M. from Canadian Living; Jane M. from City Parent Magazine, Racheal M., from the Yummy Mummy Club, and me. As for our hosts, they were friendly, knowledgeable, professional, HILARIOUSLY FUN, and totally with it.

In this first of a series of five posts I wanted to write about an aspect of Disney that I really liked – the service, and the people behind the service.

Time and time and time again I met people who worked at Disney – at the front desk, in maintenance, wait staff, groundskeepers, shop staff, office admin, security staff  – everyone I met was absoloutely genuine. There was no retail fakery, no tired “may I help you” or sad and deflated “welcome to the magic kingdom.” Not one person smiled at me through gritted teeth.

The six of us got a whirlwind tour of different resorts and were introduced a lot of employees along the way. Our hosts always asked them about their favourite Disney character. After a couple of days of this I wondered if I’d meet anyone who’d roll their eyes at the question. No one did. Everyone answered the question very seriously, as if they were being asked whether or not they went to church. Or voted republican. It was clear that the people who work at Disney treasure their jobs. They sing it like gospel. They love it, they’re proud, and it shows. It’s postively infectious.

This pride manifests itself in many ways. Some people told us how hard they worked to get their jobs at Disney. One lady called about a job every month. Another got a job at a Disney store in her home town because she wanted to work her way up to working in the Magic Kingdom.  

And then there’s the garbage. I saw exactly four (yes, FOUR) pieces of garbage the entire time I was at the resort. I made a point of counting. Why only four? It’s not only because they have a small army of janitorial staff, but because everyone – all Disney staff, even admin people – have perfected “the sweep.” A bend-and-sweep motion to pick up stray bits of litter. It’s practically subconscious.

This is The Pride at its best. After I got over the initial shock – wondering how it is that people can be so gee dee friendly and NOT be criminally insane – I realized that the staff at Disney are ambassadors to the brand. And it’s nice. And it makes you want to come back.

I loved this beaming pride, I really did. It sure was a welcome change from regular life.