In 2024, performers at Disneyland unionized with the Actors’ Equity Association, the same union that represents Broadway and live theater productions in the U.S.
Pixar Parade in Disney California Adventure
The new union calls itself “Magic Unlimited” and represents entertainment cast members, including theatrical performers, parade performers, and character performers, as well as hosts, leads, and trainers that support Disney’s entertainment cast. Now, according to The Los Angeles Times, those Cast Members are facing a new proposal from Disneyland that takes away a paid parental leave benefit and offers fewer holidays.
The 1,700 Disneyland Cast Members represented by Magic United are both full-time and part-time workers. They are now reporting that Disney is threatening to take away paid parental leave and proposing fewer holidays as they negotiate a new contract that includes higher wages. This includes Cast Members who support Disneyland’s parades, shows, and characters, including those who perform as some of Disney’s most iconic characters.
Mickey Mouse in Disneyland
According to a union member, the current proposal from Disney does not include paid parental leave, cuts the number of paid holidays from 12 to 11, and decreases the amount Disney matches for employee contributions to 401(k) plans.
Joy meeting at Pixar Pier!
A Disneyland spokesperson, though, pointed out that the proposal could change as these negotiations are new and being done with Magic United for the first time, which is different from modifying an existing contract. So Disneyland maintains no benefits are being cut and that the 11 holidays match what more than 80% of current Disneyland Cast Members already receive.
Bluey’s Best Day Ever in Disneyland
These Cast Members received up to eight weeks of paid parental leave before they organized. However, now that Disney and the union are negotiating a first contract, existing benefits are not guaranteed to carry over, meaning Disney can claim that no benefits have been cut. “They are trying to strip away the very things that make the Disneyland experience what it is,” said Al Vincent Jr., Actors’ Equity’s executive director. “When you propose to take away paid parental leave from those who work day in and day out to give other families great experiences, that’s not family friendly.”
Jack Sparrow
We’ll keep an eye on the situation and keep you updated, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
10 Weeks When Disneyland Will Be Empty in 2027
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
If only the Disneyland cast members had an event that they could use to draw a larger amount of attention to their current contract negotiations. An event that will have many Disney influencers to really push the story across social media channels at a time when Disney is going to deliver a lot of news about the upcoming years with of experiences. It would be even better if that event would be held in Anaheim near the parks.
I am so curious: Do they currently contribute to SDI like other California workers? California provides paid family leave through SDI. Is their current paid leave in addition to SDI? Or do they not qualify (pay in) for some reason?