food IS a theme park
Cast Members from Disneyland Paris are helping spread holiday cheer to those in need!
Disneyland Paris ©Disney
Disneyland Paris is closed through the holiday season, but that hasn’t stopped Cast Members from making magic!
Whether it’s through water art, taking unique photos, or creating other special moments, Disney World Cast Members make magic every day for guests. But, with the global pandemic, park closures, furloughs, and ultimately layoffs, many Cast Members have been seriously impacted by all of the changes this year brought to the world.
Sidewalk Art
Many have joined together to support Cast Members in need. One union representing Disney many employees, Local 737, started a food bank that has distributed much-needed groceries to Cast Members and their families. Recently we shared that the food bank was getting dangerously close to shutting down due to a lack of supplies. But, the NBA Players Association is now stepping in to help!
Disney Cast Members have been significantly impacted by this global pandemic and the closure of the Disney parks.
Cast Members at the Boardwalk Bakery
Earlier this year, the Disney College Program and other programs were temporarily suspended. The 2020 Fall Disney College Program for Disney World and Disneyland were also canceled for the Fall. And now we’ve got an update in terms of the situation moving forward with some of those programs.
When Disney first closed down earlier this year, thousands of Cast Members were furloughed. Even though Disney World has since reopened, it has been challenging for Disney to recover, and they laid off 28,000 Cast Members in September.
Cast Member at Transportation and Ticket Center
This number has continued to grow. During this trying time, many people have stepped up to help these former Disney Cast Members in their time of need. We’ve seen food banks, benefit shows and albums, and so much more! Now, one of the food banks started by furloughed Cast Members is now in danger of closing — but there are ways you can help!
Although you can’t hug your favorite Disney characters at the moment, we’ve really enjoyed seeing some of our best pals in character cavalcades, at modified character dining experiences, and in modified meet-and-greets.
Goofy!
We’ve even been able to see the ever so special Santa Goofy over at Minnie’s Holiday Dine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But today we spotted Santa Goofy in Magic Kingdom in a totally different form!
This year, Disney announced that they would lay off 28,000 Cast Members.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Since then, the number has grown with the prolonged closure of Disneyland and with Disney entertainment furloughs. Because many Cast Members are affected by this, they’ve been getting creative to turn a darker time into a brighter and happier time. We’ve seen things from podcasts to small businesses, and now a theater is getting in on the action!
The holiday season can really inspire people to be kinder, more joyous, and more generous to those in need.
Make a Wish collection
But the truth is, no matter what holidays you celebrate or don’t celebrate, it’s always a good time to help others. Earlier this year, we compiled a list of resources for and ways that you can help Cast Members in need in light of the recent furloughs and layoffs. We also shared other ways that you could help others, like by purchasing some of Disney’s Wishes Come True Blue collection to benefit Make-A-Wish.
Now, we’re compiling a list of some fantastic organizations that you can donate to or purchase from to help kids, Cast Members, and more.
Things are constantly changing at Disney World.
Cinderella Castle
You may be thinking — “it’s only Disney, how much MAJOR news could happen in just one week?” Well, buckle up partner! We’ve got 3 pieces of BIG Disney news that may have a huge impact on your next Disney World vacation.
Disney Springs is basically a theme park full of delicious food and awesome merchandise!
Disney Springs
But, all that shopping can get expensive, and with the holidays coming up, it’s great to find some special deals that can help you save big. Well, if you’re a Disney Cast Member and you’re looking to grab a meal in Disney Springs, there’s a great deal you won’t want to miss out on — you can now get 35% OFF at TWO spots for a limited time!
Cast members are a big part of the reason why Disney World feels so magical.
Cast Member at Pizzerizzo
It’s been an especially difficult year for cast members, following thousands of layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sign of appreciation, Disney is opening a temporary shop with special offerings for employees.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
