News: 2 Big Reasons for Disney Parks Massive LayOffs

Today we announced that many Cast Members would be returning to work in the “Most Magical Place On Earth.” Unfortunately, this good news is now overshadowed with the sad news that 28,000 Cast Members will no longer return to work at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Find out more about this difficult decision.

Cast Members Returning To Work

Today we shared that many Cast Members in the recreational departments would be returning to work. Over the past several months, we have been overjoyed to hear that many Cast Members have been able to return to work.

Earlier this month, we shared that several actors would be returning to Walt Disney World. This even included the legendary Dapper Dan entertainment group. Disney fans were overjoyed to hear that Frozen Ever After would be reopening to Guest very soon and also that signs may point to the reopening of the Festival of the Lion King.

Note from Josh D’Amaro

Josh D’Amaro currently serves as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Today he shared the following statement regarding the many Cast Members who would be let go from their employment with the Disney Company:

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic- exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen– we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.“

“approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time.”

Josh D’Amaro

“Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as the decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when were return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”

“Our Cast members have always been the key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience.”

Josh D’Amaro

Reasons for Lay-Offs

One of the most noted reason for the drastic amount of lay-off lies in the fact that Disneyland remains closed. The Disney Company, state representatives, and the California Amusement Park Association have requested Governor Newsom reopen theme parks in California.

Disneyland has remained closed since March while these Cast Members have remained on furlough since April. This has caused a huge strain on the financial side of the Disney Company.

Another reason for the massive lay-off is in part due to the phased reopening of Walt Disney World. Due to reduced capacity and limited entertainment offerings many Cast Members were unable to return to work.

We are hoping that as D’Amaro mentions at the end of the statement, that as the Disney Parks return to “normal” many of these Cast Members may be able to be called back to work. Our thoughts are with the many Cast Members who received this disappointing news today.

What do you think of this massive lay-off? How big of a part do you think the closure of Disneyland calculates into this lay-off? Do you know any Cast Members who may be affected? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.