Updated 10-4-20 with more ways to help!

Earlier this week, Disney announced that approximately 28,000 Cast Members in the Parks, Experiences and Products division would be laid off.

We’re starting to get more details about what this could mean for Cast Members in Disney World, Disneyland, and elsewhere. We know that this is a very difficult time for Cast Members throughout the country, and we know that information is coming in fits and starts, bits and pieces, and third-party games of telephone from other Cast Members.

We wanted to create a curated page where we can unpack any details we’re getting about the announcement, and where interested Cast Members can find all of the information we currently know about the layoffs.

If you scroll down, we also have information about Cast Member resources and how to access them; and we have details on how you can donate to current Cast Member support organizations.

We’ll continue to update this page as we get more details.

Disney’s Announcement

As we noted earlier, on September 29th, Disney announced that a large number of layoffs would be coming to the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division of the Walt Disney Disney Company. Specifically, these layoffs are set to impact about 28,000 employees.

The announcement came via a statement made by Josh D’Amaro, current Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, posted on the Disney Parks News Twitter account. In the statement, D’Amaro notes that due to “the prolonged impact of COVID-09 on [Disney’s] 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 — [Disney] has made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing [their] workforce at [their] Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels.”

Up to this point, Disney had kept many non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying their healthcare benefits. In a letter sent to employees from D’Amaro, the Chairman notes that he believes “the heart and soul of [Disney’s] business is and always will be people.”

He says that they initially hoped the pandemic would be short-lived and that things would return to normal quickly, but that has not been the case, and, as a result, they are now forced to reduce the size of their team “across executive, salaried, and hourly roles.” 

What Division of the Company is Affected?

Specifically, D’Amaro has noted that the layoffs will be affecting employees in the Parks, Experiences and Products segment of the Company.

1. Disney Parks and Experiences

According to the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products website, the “Parks and Experiences” part of this division covers the following aspects of the Company:

• Disneyland Resort
• Walt Disney World Resort
• Tokyo Disney Resort
• Disneyland Paris
• Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
• Shanghai Disney Resort
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney Vacation Club
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Adventures by Disney
• Walt Disney Imagineering

The Disney Parks and Experiences site specifically notes that these divisions include “more than 170,000 cast members.” But remember that D’Amaro notes in his statement that all of the layoffs will pertain to domestic Cast Members here in the United States. More on that later.

2. Consumer Products

The Consumer Products side of this division includes Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing. According to their website, this side of the business involves Cast Members who work on the following:

• Global Products — physical products and digital experiences like toys, apparel, jewelry, apps, books, and console games
• Licensing
• Retail — meaning, Cast Members who work at or for the Disney Store
• Games — including those on mobile and console platforms
• Publishing — including artists and storytellers working on children’s books, magazines, and more

According to CNBC, last year, the Parks, Experiences and Products segment accounted for 37% of the Disney’s $69.6 billion in total revenue. It has long been a significant part of the company’s revenue.

What Cast Members Are Affected and How?

Josh D’Amaro’s statement indicates that these layoffs will be spread “across executive, salaried, and hourly roles.”

Domestic Employees Only

According to Josh D’Amaro’s statement on twitter “[a]pproximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected.” According to CNN, Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division “has more than 100,000 US employees.” As far as we know right now, this should not affect Cast Members in any of the international parks or resorts (i.e. Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, or Shanghai Disney Resort). It is presently unclear what impact it will have on Adventures by Disney’s international employees. According to the New York Times, while theme parks will “account for most of the layoffs…Disney Cruise Line and Disney’s retail stores will also be affected.”

Part-Time

Josh D’Amaro has noted that of the 28,000 domestic employees who will be affected by these layoffs, 67% are part-time employees.

Florida

Thus far, we have heard that the layoffs will affect at least 6,700 non-union employees in Florida. These layoffs will reportedly begin on December 4th. These figures, however, do not include union and salaried workers. According to News 6, “Employers are required by law to notify state and local leaders of mass layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification or WARN, Act.” Today, the WARN notices website reflected Disney’s two filings. According to AllEars.net, the first filing indicates that 6,390 employees of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, U.S., Inc. will be laid off, which breaks down as follows:

• 6,246 Employees with an office address associated with the Team Disney Building, which houses various departments including finance, legal, accounting, and more.
• 65 Employees at various administrative offices in Celebration, Florida. 
• 49 Employees at Orlando International Airport.
• 22 Employees at a location that appears to be associated with WDW Creative Costuming.
• 8 Employees at an office address located at 5422 Carrier Way in Orlando.

These layoffs are set to  begin on December 4th.

AllEars.net reports that a second notice was thereafter filed notifying officials that 279 employees of DVD, Inc., working at office addresses in Celebration, Florida, are also set to be laid off on December 4th. DVD, Inc. stands for Disney Vacation Development, Inc. and is associated with Disney Vacation Club.

One group that represents thousands of Cast Members has already made a statement as to these layoffs. The 6 unions of the Service Trades Council Union, which represent 43,000 Cast Members at Walt Disney World, released a statement on September 29th via their Twitter account:

“We were disappointed to learn that the Covid-19 crisis has led Disney to make the decision to layoff Cast Members,” they wrote. “Unlike at the other theme parks and hotels in Central Florida, Disney workers have a voice at the table because of our Union. We have begun negotiations with the Company about this news and its impact to Union members. How many full-time and part-time Cast Members will be affected, how long health insurance and recall rights will continue and many other issues crucial to Cast Members are on the table. As soon as more information becomes available, we will notify our members.”

Update: The Service Trades Council Union has provided an update regarding this situation in a recent Facebook post. According to AllEars.net, the post indicates that the STCU has negotiated that NO full time employees will let go during this time. Additionally, the STCU has announced that there will be no permanent layoffs of Cast Members. Unionized employees that are laid off in the future will “retain their employment, their seniority, rate of pay including any scheduled increases, and the right to return back to previous job with the Company until October 1, 2022.” 8,800 part-time employees represented by the Union, however, will be laid off at this time.

According to AllEars.net, the Orlando Hotel and Restaurant Workers Movement (or Unite Here Local 737) has also provided some information about the layoffs. According to the statement they posted on Facebook, “All 6 Unions of the Service Trades Council continue to talk with Disney about their announcement. How many full-time and part-time Cast Members will be affected, how long health insurance and recall rights will continue and many other issues crucial to Cast Members are on the table.”

Reportedly, several of the unions who represent many of Disney World’s employees are still in discussions with the Company to determine details of the layoffs.

Fox 35 News Orlando spoke with the Trustee of Teamsters Local 385 union, which represents approximately 5,000 Disney Cast Members, bus drivers, and laundry workers. Mike McElmury, the Trustee, said that he estimates about 1,800 of Teamsters Local 385 union’s members will be laid off. McElmury said he received a letter from Disney indicating that those layoffs will begin November 1st. Teamsters Local 385 union is set to meet with Disney to negotiate for things like severance packages and extended healthcare.

According to AllEars.net, Local 1820, which represents approximately 1,300 employees at Disney World, has said that 149 of the Union’s members are set to be affected by the layoffs, with layoffs set to begin on November 1st. AllEars.net has also noted that Ibew Local 606 has specified that layoffs will take place in a number of specific job classifications affecting their union members starting November 1st, but that the union is in “continued negotiations with WDW.”

California

In Disneyland, it appears approximately 950 members of one union will be affected by the layoffs effective November 1st. AllEars.net reports that Unite Here Local 11, a union representing approximately 3,000 Disney employees, has issued a statement on September 29th via their website, which says:

“UNITE HERE Local 11 just learned that Disney will lay off approximately 950 of our nearly 3,000 members, effective November 1. The Union will engage in bargaining with the company over issues including job security and healthcare coverage.”

According to AllEars.net, Workers United Local 50, a separate union that represents other Disney employees, issued a statement via their Facebook account indicating that the notice of layoff to the Local 50 members is set to occur on November 1st and that actual termination dates will be set in the notice. Local 50 also noted that, at this time, “over 2500 Local 50 members are expected to be laid off.”

Workers United Local 50’s statement, which represents food and beverage workers at Disneyland, indicated that there is still a lot of information they don’t know, and that they are “scheduled to meet with Disney in the coming days to get more information and bargain over the effects.” The statement also noted that who is subject to the layoffs is “still to be determined,” and that the contract and bargaining will determine this. They also noted that “Non-union, salaried, and executive cast are starting to receive notice [of layoff] now.”

Update: As AllEars.net reports, in another Facebook post, President of Local 50, Chris Duarte broke down the Cast Members that are set to be impacted by the layoffs. He stated that “Out of 7,796 Cast Members, the company has determined that they need to lay off 2,858 of our members.” You can see a full listing below.

As noted by The Orange County Register, the layoffs include:

• More than 40 chefs, cooks, stewards, and more from Club 33;
• Nearly 1,200 Cast Members from quick service restaurants in Disneyland Resort;
• Over 1,300 Cast Members from Disneyland Resort’s table service restaurants; and
• Another 300-plus Cast Members working at Disney’s outdoor vending food carts

The layoffs are set to affect more than 400 full-time Cast Members from the Workers United Local 50 union.

WARN Act notices were also filed by Disney in California. According to AllEars.net, the notices indicates that 2,765 non-union employees in California will be impacted by these layoffs. In the WARN Act notices filed, which appear to mostly affect employees in Anaheim, Disney has noted that 2,050 employees of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will be affected by these layoffs, including 129 employees of Disney Entertainment Productions, 95 employees of Disney Destinations, and 74 employees of Walt Disney Travel Co.

Additionally, AllEars.net shares that the WARN Act notices indicate 411 layoffs which will affect employees at Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale. 

Another union, Teamsters Local 945, has indicated that over 1,400 CT (casual temporary or seasonal) and CR (casual regular or part-time) cast members who are Teamsters Local 495 members at the Anaheim Resort, according to AllEars.net.

Entertainment/Performers

According to WESH 2 NEWS, the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents stage directors and actors in the parks, says they’re still in talks with Disney.

Update: We have now learned that a number of performers have been laid off at Disney World from many beloved shows. This reportedly includes performers from Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Musical in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground; Citizens of Main Street, U.S.A. and Monsters, Inc: Laugh Floor in Magic Kingdom; and the Citizens of Hollywood, the Green Army Men, Beauty and the Beast — Live on Stage, Jedi Training Academy, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Actors’ Equity Association has issued a statement about the layoffs, indicating that 720 of their members have been laid off. We will continue to update this post as we hear more information about this situation.

In terms of other performers, Yehaa Bob Jackson has already announced that he has been laid off. Additionally, we have heard that performers at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort may also face layoffs.

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra has similarly been laid off and has already had their last set of performances.

Resources for Cast Members

According to the letter sent by Josh D’Amaro to Cast Members, those affected by these layoffs will still have access to some self-serve resources and tools 90 days post-separation. Additionally, there will also be some HR resources available to all employees post-separation “via a dedicated employee resource center.” Disney’s HR team will be able to assist Cast Members through that resource center in their transition.

Some Cast Members enrolled in the Disney Aspire program may also have the ability to complete their program or term after separation, depending on the program the Cast Member is enrolled in. 

Outplacement services will also be available for some employees. So far, only the information applicable to executive, salaried, and hourly non-union employees has been released. According to the email from Disney we reviewed, the Walt Disney Company should be “providing the services of Randstad RiseSmart for 90 days post-separation.” Under this program, executive, salaried, and hourly non-union employees eligible for the Disney Severance Pay Plan will also have access to professional career transition coaches, branding experts, and other resources and tools, including:

• Resume Support: A professionally-written resume and LinkedIn profile critique
• Career Coaching: Career coaching on interview techniques and salary negotiations
• Job Leads: Latest job-matching platform and professionally-sourced job leads
• Talent Directory: Public-facing website that highlights Disney’s exceptional people for recruiters and prospective employers

Unite Here 737, which primarily represents Disney hotel housekeepers and food service workers, has been organizing a weekly food drive, as shared by the Orlando Sentinel. The lines at this food drive can stretch for hours, but if you need assistance, be sure to check out this resource.

Cast Members in need of groceries can also reach out to the Cast Member Pantry. This program, created by volunteer Cast Members, provides Cast Members in need with a reusable grocery bag filled with foods to make meals for 4, with breakfast and snack options as well, once a month. Cast Members can make an appointment to receive groceries through this source by emailing [email protected] and can visit their Facebook page to learn more information.

Some Cast Members have noted that those who are concerned or at risk of being laid off should also get their medications refilled, and use their medical/dental/vision benefits, getting in any annual appointments or wellness checks as soon as possible. Cast Members may also want to print out any comp tickets they currently have in the system. Employees may also want to consider printing out their tax information and forms for the last few years, paycheck stubs, and resumes.

Cast Members with pets can also visit the WDW Cast Member and Hospitality Pets in Need group on Facebook. Individuals who may need pet food or supplies can reach out via the group or via their email at [email protected]. The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando also has a Pet Food Pantry for families who need it. You can learn more about where to get this food and whether you and your family are eligible by visiting their website.

Dan Cockerell, who worked at Disney for 26 years, finishing his time with the company as Vice President of Magic Kingdom, has also posted some information on his Facebook page about help he and his father, Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort, will be offering to Cast Members. Specifically, Dan said that he and his father will be offering “multiple, free webinars in the coming days/weeks to help answer your questions, give advice, and share [their] experience of life after Disney.” The information will be released in the upcoming days, so be sure to follow Dan Cockerell and Lee Cockerell on Facebook for more information. They’re also encouraging Cast Members to reach out to them on Facebook or via email at [email protected] about the questions they may have on making a transition from Disney to the “outside world.”

NY Bagel & Deli has also shared how they will be helping Cast Members. Anyone from the community can stop in at any of their locations and buy a breakfast, lunch, or pizza and say it’s for a “Disney Employee Free Meal Deal.” For every one bought, NY Bagel & Deli will watch it and make it 2 free meal deals to Disney Employees. All a Disney employee needs to do to access these free meal deals is send a message to NY Bagel & Deli and ask what’s available starting October 5th and show their Disney ID. Cast Members are directed to like the NY Bagel & Deli Facebook page to see updates and availability and to be able to send NY Bagel & Deli a message.

Last week, Florida’s Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced that he will be reopening the Orange CARES Individuals and Family Assistance Program for a second round of applications. An additional 30 million dollars allocated for the Individual and Family Assistance segment of the Federal CARES  funds for Orange County will be available this round. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of $1,000 to “help bridge financial gaps.” The application portals originally had two opening dates:

• Monday, October 12th at 8AM; and
• Saturday, October 24th at 8AM.

Additional UPDATE: Additional dates have been added throughout the end of the year. The FINAL application portal for the Individual and Family Assistance segment will open on December 17, 2020 at 8AM. 

Each date will close after 10,000 applicants. Mayor Demings has stated that funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants. To learn more, you can visit the Orange CARES website. A Frequently Asked Questions section is available on the website.

Additionally, Castgiving is working to provide “AS MANY AS POSSIBLE complete Thanksgiving Day Baskets to those Cast Members who may need a little extra pixie dust to create a memorable day for their family.” These baskets are set to include the essential grocery items needed to create a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. Cast Members can register themselves and their families online to receive these baskets or nominate other Cast Members to receive them.

How YOU Can Help

Reporter Ashley Carter has shared that individuals wanting to help can donate to the Cast Member Pantry by sending the group a donation via Venmo (@castmemberpantry). You can also purchase items from the Cast Member Pantry’s Amazon Wish List to help out the group.

If you’d like to help out with the WDW Cast Member and Hospitality Pets in Need Facebook group, which, as mentioned above, helps Cast Members in need of food and supplies for their pets get the things they need, you can drop off donations at 13239 Sunkiss Loop, Windermere, FL 34786, or you can donate through their Amazon Wish List.

One post on the page notes that while the Amazon Wish List shows specific brands of supplies, anything that can be donated of that type of item is appreciated.

You can also donate food to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando’s pet food pantry. Get more information on where to drop off this food by visiting their website.

As mentioned above, NY Bagel & Deli will be working on a special “Disney Employee Free Meal Deal.” Members of the community who want to help can stop in at any of their locations and buy a breakfast, lunch, or pizza and say it’s for a “Disney Employee Free Meal Deal.” For every one bought, NY Bagel & Deli will watch it and make it 2 free meal deals to Disney Employees.

You can support Cast Members by supporting their small businesses! There’s a great list of Cast Member owned businesses here! And Hundred Acre Hood are giving profits from the sales of this shirt to Cast Member Pantry!

If you’d like to help out with Castgiving (the organization that will be providing Thanksgiving food baskets to Cast Members), there are a few ways you can help. You can donate items to be included in the baskets themselves. The Castgiving website specifies what essential and additional basket items are needed and how to arrange for a drop-off or pick-up of the items.

You can also donate funds which will then be used to “purchase and include grocery gift cards of enough value to cover a large Turkey or other protein item.  This helps us ensure each basket can be delivered safely without meats or frozen items, and allows families to purchase the protein item of their choice or dietary need.” You can donate via Venmo to @CastGiving2020 or via PayPal to @CastGiving.

This is a developing situation, so we will continue to update this page as we learn more.