Disney Makes Price Cuts at the Expense of Cast Members

Despite how much we believe in faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust, the Walt Disney Company is a business. In an effort to trim the budget, Disney Cast Members will be negatively affected.

Cast Member Incentives

For several years, the Walt Disney Company has shared that their Cast Members are “the heart of our magic.” This is inscribed on the plaque at the Magic Kingdom by the 50th-anniversary statues of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

Disney offers several incentives for Cast Members throughout the year such as Service Celebrations, members of the Legacy Program, and the Aspire Program.

First started in 2018, the Aspire Program offers hourly employees free college tuition. Previously this program offered 100% coverage to include tuition, books, and fees for both bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Changes to the Program

Cast Members were notified of changes coming to the Aspire Program starting November 27, 2024. The first big change is that the Apsire Program will no longer offer enrollment for master’s programs and Penn Foster trade programs.

Secondly, instead of 100% coverage, there will now be a $5,250 funding cap annually in place for Aspire students at certain in-network schools. Cast Members are advised that eventually all schools will be limited by this $5,2500 annual funding cap.

This funding cap includes tuition, books, and any additional fees for each funding period. The new funding period will begin on November 27, 2024, through November 27, 2025. Cast Members currently enrolled in the Aspire Program will be fully funded; however, this could count towards their funding cap until November 2025.

What you need to know

Disney recommends that Aspire Program Members contact their schools directly to discuss financial questions before future enrollment. If Aspire Program members exceed this funding cap, they will be billed directly by their school.

Aspire Program will have a $5,200 annual funding cap.

Those Aspire Program members who are currently enrolled in master’s programs and Penn Foster trade programs are grandfathered in. They may continue their education programs, but they will be limited by this $5,200 annual funding cap as well.

Do you think this is still generous or do you think Disney should keep the current benefits for Cast Members? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.