Canadian pavilion - Merch.

I will be heading out March 8 2011 and I will be doing Merch in the Canadian pavilion, but I was wondering a few things:
1) where do you start out?
2) what are the hours like, can merch get 12 hour shifts.
3) what is it like actually working in the merch section.

I have worked at best buy and sears so I know what retail is like but I'm just wondering what it is like to work in Disney's merch.
I have been reading blogs but they all end up being for F&B.

 

Sorry one more question, anybody know what type of shoes I would need for merch. I have size 3 (kids) feet and so it takes me a while to find shoes so if I could have a heads up I would be very grateful.

 

Sailorsm, I'm not accepted yet... will have my F2F interview this October the 2nd, will be in the Mexican Pavilion but I think it will be the same standards... I've heard that they give all those details during the Traditions and the first couple of days.

I hope I helped a little bit... if everything goes well, I should be in Orlando around January 2011.

Looking forward to work for THE Mouse.

 

Diegozapien I know that they will more then likely tell me that then but that is 5 months away and I was just hoping that someone who has done Canadian merch can give me some insight. As right now people ask what I will sell and all I can think of is moose. And for the shoes I just wanted to get a heads up for I have very strange feet for a 26 year old and if they tell me the type of shoe and want me to have it for the very next day I might be screwed.
Thanks for the attempt though, I appreciate it.

 

Hey there, I did Canadian Merch June 09-July 10 (yay for extension!) and here are answers to your questions
1) The majority of the time, there are 4 open positions (three cash registers and one leather lengraver) plus one person on break for most of the day. When there are more people on duty, a "Task" comes up, and basically you do what your task tells you, whether it's making people smile, cleaning, or stocking the shelves. You rotate between those positions over the course of the day.
2) you choose whether you want 2 or 3 days off. People who work what we call 4-3's (4 days work, 3 days off) generally work open until close, which is like 10:15/30/45 until 9/9:30. People with 5 days work schedule generally work 8 hours or so. By law according to your Q1, you are required to work 30 hours per week minimum. Busy times like Christmas and Spring break, expect to be scheduled anywhere from 40-50 hours per week.
3) I absolutely loved working merch. Though you would make wayyyy more money in Le Cellier, I think the experience in merch is a million times better. It is so laid back and you probably get the most guest interaction out of all the roles. I loved meeting people from around the world, and of course meeting adorable princesses and pirates! Yes, most of the merchandise is tacky and stereotypical but we are a nation that is able to look at it and not be offended but actually laugh and joke that we miss our pet moose back home and we can't watch the hockey game because we are working. You will see, people in the restaurant when they get to foodrunning are always stressed out. We merchies and attractions have it soo much easier.
4) you have to wear hiking/construction boots that are either beige or brown. No big logos or anything like that. Invest in a good pair because you will be wearing them A LOT so you want them to be comfortable. Oh and WATERPROOF!!!! It rains every single day during the summer. Actually it doesn't rain... it POURS. Here is an example:
http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4208177&c=1106592 you can get similar ones at like Wal Mart and stuff.

Have a great time! It is amaaazing

 

Sailorsm: I will be going over for a Feb. 1 start date to work at the Cdn. pavillion MERCH first I'm told. It was great to see that you are 26 too! I thought I might be too old for this and wondered if everyone was going to be so much younger but I feel better knowing that there will be someone my age.
I'm worried about the uniform (costume) with the smallest only being size 2. Have you done anything about that yet? I figure if you have small feet you must also need a small costume.

Emily

 

dont worry too much about the sizing of the costumes (for canada and everywhere else!) the costume department are great and have can make changes to your costume to make it fit just right not matter how small/large/tall/short you are!!!

 

Debatable, I waited near 3 months for shirts that in the end were 2 sizes to big. Also waited a month for shorts. They can be a hassel at times. THough when it comes to shoes its are your own discretion. Being tiny isnt ap roblem from what i saw as they ahve stuff that goes to super tiny xxxxxxxxs. Though if your even a smidge past xxl (thank you wide shoulders!) Your going to get the run about. Ah well, everyone just thought I was a manager...no biggie.

 

I want to thank forloveofmusic for the info.
Emilyrat: it is nice to know that I won't feel to much like the mother of the group, now that I know someone else my age will be there. As for the costumes I reliazed that I will forever be doomed with costumes that are big. As long as it doesn't fall off I'm ok.

 

Could anyone tell me whether in the Canadian Merch shops they sell Maple Cream Cookies? I love these cookies and was gutted that I couldn't bring more back from Canadan when I went there in Feb. I am starting in the UK Pav F&B on the 7th Dec. Many Thanks, Sabrina.

 

If im not mistaken yes they do but they arnt anything special. They wont compare to what you had in Canada

 

How come they will not compare? Surely its like the Twinings Tea in the UK Pav? lol

 

they should be the exact same as what you would buy in real life canada!! unless disney stock a different brand or something, the goods are meant to be genuine, in the UK pavillion its all genuine stuff that disney import so id assume its the same in the other pavillions.....

 

Disney just gets the basic generic brand. The more local ones are best . Though those are hard to find even for me! Homemade are the best which is why I rarely buy the store ones

 

You'll have to make me some homemade ones! lol.... There are quite a few brands but there is one that i prefer the most, its in a red box.

 

Ill see if I can convince my maja to make some homemade

 

Would be awesome!! Are you going back to work in Epcot?

 

Hey!
I work in Canada Merch right now. We haven't had those cookies for about 4 months now. :-[ You can buy better ones at Walmart in the international ailes and they are a lot cheaper! Can't wait to see all you new Canadian Merchies! We have a lot of fun!

 

They have them in Wal-Mart?! AHhhh this has just made me happy . Sucks you haven't had them in for a bout 4 months though. Can't be that hard to ship from Canada to the US! Can't wait to meet you...Starting 7th Dec UK F&B.

 

Potentially, I will find out first week of December if I am being invited to a face to face interview or not. Wills ee what happens from there