Small world much different for workers - Chicago Tribune 4/29/05

[dramaqueen]

The full text of the article can be found here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/n...ationworld-hed

With Hong Kong Disneyland set to open in September, the new CM's are getting an accelerated course in Disney Magic. About 500 CM's are spending time in Orlando learning the A-z's of Disney and what it means to work there.

International employees routinely work at Disney World, many as cultural representatives at the Epcot theme park, and managers and other leaders were brought to the U.S. Disney parks for training before opening Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. But Disney has never invited so many international trainees for schooling at one time.

Many of the things we take for granted, such as a familiarity with the names of Disney characters, isn't ingrained into the culture, so some of these employees almost have to start from scratch.

"You greet a guest, and when they wear their mouse ears, you say, `Oh Mickey, how are you today?"' said Jenny Yip, 24, who previously worked for Hong Kong's tourism board and is being trained as a front desk clerk at a hotel. "Or when they dress like a princess, you say, `Oh princess, how was your day?"'

I am sure it is a whole new world for many of them. It appears they will be there until the end of May.

Is this a good way to train? These 500 trainees are expected to take the experience back with them and share it with thousands of their co-workers.

Intrigued? Here is a link to discussion regarding this topic:

http://www.micechat.com/showthread.p...0317#post80317