The world’s leading theme park operator has made hundreds of performers redundant as it struggles through the rippling impacts of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Last month Disney unveiled plans to lay off 28,000 of theme park staff across its Orlando and California resorts as a substantial cut saving measure. Now, 720 performers at their flagship Walt Disney World Resort attraction have lost their job.
The cuts affect all street parades, music shows and theatrical performances across all four Disney Orlando theme parks. Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King, Hollywood Studios’ Beauty and the Beast and Indiana Jones’ Epic Stunt Spectacular are amongst the shows impacted.
The Grand Floridian Orchestra which has played fan classics from the Little Mermaid, Toy Story and The Muppets has also sadly announced they will no longer be performing at Hollywood Studios.
The Actors’ Equity Association which represents 780 Walt Disney World performers has said only 60 employees are currently working at the theme parks or returning to work soon, proving a startling reminder of the hardship faced by Disney through 2020.
Commenting on the heart-breaking job losses, Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association said: ““Disney has made it clear that our members would face work reductions since they announced layoffs of nearly 28,000 employees. That does not make this news any less painful.
Adding: “Our hearts go out to all the cast members at Walt Disney World.”
And across the Atlantic Ocean, Disneyland Paris is also suffering. Due to the national lockdown imposed by the French Government the Paris theme park has closed until at least December 22.
