No speak English

stinoi · Post by **stinoi** » Feb Tue 19, 2008 8:05 pm

How well you need to speak English will of course vary according to the position you're hired to fill. Any position with high customer interaction would be expected to speak the language well, whereas kitchen and janitorial workers (for example) would not need the same level. That's why I'm rather surprised about the "double shot" problem.

ghostelias · Post by **ghostelias** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 1:13 pm

I've been to WDW many times but have never ran into anyone that couldn't speak fluent English. This is all new to me.

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 5:26 pm

packwingfn makes a good point...as long as the workers are friendly and helpful, I'd rather deal with them than some grumpy employee who treats me more like a Wal-Mart customer than a Disney customer.

I should point out of that of the recent Disney employees I ran into who did not speak English, they were all very nice and quickly found an English speaker for me, if I needed one (or tolerated my limited Spanish skillz when asking them questions).

The quality of the employees who answer the phones is another matter entirely. I'm not sure if they're farmed out to India or what, but while they are reasonably civil, they don't seem to know much of anything about WDW.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 5:28 pm

I am for anyone who at least trys to communicate with me in English. I don't remember ever having a problem but that was hundred years ago before it was as big of a problem. I flunked HS Spanish...LOL so I am at the mercy of someone who can speak English

and I don't dare try to even pretend to speak any other language, cause I sure am not very good at it

jeremyleo · Post by **jeremyleo** » Feb Wed 20, 2008 8:56 pm

On our most recent trip, our tour guide on the Great Movie Ride did not speak fluent English. Although still entertaining it was certainly a different experience. Especially the character interaction bits.

Although it was more noticeable on my most recent trip, these broken English language experiences are, to me, a sign of the times. Especially beneficial, as another poster mentioned, when there seemed to be more and more guests from other countries speaking other languages at WDW.

On the other hand if Disney wanted to offer multiple language versions of attractions with live cast members, they are well positioned.

Post by **rdeacon** » Feb Thu 21, 2008 7:41 am

I have run into many cast members during my trip, while some may not speak perfect english I've never had a major issue communicating with them.

I will agree that even if the person does speak fraenglish or spenglish, etc.. Its the attitude that counts. Some times its even funny trying to figure out how to communicate, and can lead to a positive experience.

And when in doubt point to what you want.... and of course a 2 finger point

Rich

luv2cthemouse · Post by **luv2cthemouse** » Mar Fri 21, 2008 11:30 am

ericpabear wrote:Every time I go to WDW I run across at least a few Cast Members that do not speak any English at all. Some how we can still manage to communicate, sometimes not. One of the "not" times I ended up with two espressos, instead of a double shot of espresso. That cost me double, instead of an extra .75 cents. I am glad I did'nt order a tripple shot. I wasn't mad. Bless her heart, she was trying her best. Even the other cast member in the booth could not speak English either.

I experienced a similar situation in Animal Kingdom. Oh well.

cccmouse · Post by **cccmouse** » Mar Sun 30, 2008 4:06 pm

The worst experiences that I have had have been on the Disney buses. I have traveled from a park back to the hotel while the driver talked the whole trip and I got off at my stop and couldn't tell you a single word that he said.

rodders · Post by **rodders** » Apr Thu 10, 2008 3:34 am

You might have a fun time trying to figure out what I am saying if you met me especially as I live in the north west of England. If anyone remembers the WWE wrestler called The British Bulldog then you may know what I sound like. Lancashire accents can be strange to some people. Not as much as the accents in the north east though. It's practically dutch

As for language issues in the parks, I have personally never come across someone who doesn't have a good grasp of English except for the mousekeepers. I look forward to this experience

Croaker · Post by **Croaker** » Apr Thu 10, 2008 10:37 am

Ironically last time i was at WDW i was standing by the information booth in MG...er Disney Hollywood Studios, and a spanish speaking couple were trying to find out where exactly the Fantasmic Show was pulling what few Spanish words i know together i helped them but the lady in the information booth was totally lost.

abrcrmbegrl20 · Post by **abrcrmbegrl20** » Apr Thu 10, 2008 10:50 am

Wow. This is interesting. I've been to Disney World numerous times and I don't think I've ever had an encounter with someone who didn't speak enough English for me to understand. Or maybe if I did have an encounter I just simply forgot about it. I can see and understand it being a problem and it would aggravate me if it was more than one person in one trip.

tmptnr · Post by **tmptnr** » Apr Fri 11, 2008 9:47 pm

I think under the situation of one language not understaning another there must be some understanding... I would never get upset over somthing like that. I think the situation with the espresso was handled well

ericpabear · Post by **ericpabear** » Apr Sat 12, 2008 9:39 am

tmptnr wrote:I think under the situation of one language not understaning another there must be some understanding... I would never get upset over somthing like that. I think the situation with the espresso was handled well

I hope my post didn't come across as mad, just trying to tell what happened.
I love the fact that people from all over the world want to come to my country, the United States Of America. I love the fact that Walt Disney World gives them a chance to be here. If it wasn't for WDW, I would never get to experience the different cultures that these people bring from their home land.
(and thanks for the compliment)

luv2cthemouse · Post by **luv2cthemouse** » Apr Tue 15, 2008 5:23 pm

You know, I get the "no speakedy English" more from guests who do not want to follow the rules.

RREng77 · Post by **RREng77** » Apr Wed 16, 2008 6:56 pm

Since the love of Disney can be just as strong in nearly any country world-wide, I can't say I disagree with WDW bringing in CM's from nearly every corner of the world. I do have to agree with Croaker and luv2themouse in that the guests are often less fluent in English than the CM's. Thankfully, though, I've never had to test my high school German education with other guests to this point (it wouldn't be pretty).

I welcome the foreign guests. With as weathly a nation as we (the USA) are, we spend so little time (per captita) outside the country, that these experiences should serve as a really good chance to interact with our friends from around the world. At that point, at least we know we share the love of Disney!!

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No speak English

Re: No speak English