It’s been a tough week in the Disney community. Massive Disney Parks layoffs across both coasts have begun after last week’s initial announcement, and overall spirits are pretty grim. While Disney has run into unavoidable financial difficulties during these trying times, many Cast Members are wondering “what, and who’s next?” In today’s Walt Disney World Update, we take a look at the changes ahead for what used to be the Most Magical Place on Earth…
All Out Of Pixie Dust
Last week, Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products) released this heartbreaking message about an unfathomable loss of jobs in the company:
With 28,000 positions being cut, no jobs are safe and every department is seeing lossses: from Photopass photographers, Attraction Operators, Housekeepers, Security, and Chefs, to managers, executives, and even Imagineers. We’re also seeing entire programs eliminated. For example, nearly the entire crew of the Minnie Van Service (Walt Disney World’s version of Lyft) appears to have been let go.
We also find it strange that the Walt Disney World ambassador program Instagram account, which normally posts daily, has now been inactive since September 25th. Someone, please tell me the ambassadors are safe.
Several WDW performers have reported that they have officially been laid off after many years of service. This includes many of the Polynesian Village Resort’s musicians, entertainers and luau dancers, Ye-Haa Bob who has entertained guests for over 20 years at Port Orleans Riverside Resort, as well as the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. After 32 years, the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra just performed their last show on October 3rd at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can watch their farewell performance in the video below.
No matter the role, this news continues to be absolutely heartbreaking. It’s difficult to talk about anything else going on in the theme parks. 28,000 is a lot of lost jobs. We know this is an incredibly stressful situation, and there is a lot of uncertainty right now. Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts go out to all those affected. Please know that we appreciate everything you have done over the years to make our Disney experience magical. It wouldn’t have been the same without you!
Anna & Elsa Return to Hollywood Studios
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 5th! The show has remained closed since the park’s July reopening. Modifications have been made to the show’s stage and audience seating to ensure proper physical distancing. This will help with some of the crowding that Rise of the Resistance and Runaway Railway attract. It also adds some much-needed airconditioning to a park severely in need of places for guests to escape the heat.
Weekend Park Hours Extended
Theme park crowds are picking up, especially on the weekends. While Disney has not disclosed what capacity numbers are looking like, they have clearly increased the number of guests allowed into the parks. Social distancing and facial covering requirements remain in place as before, but it has become a bit harder to keep your distance in tight pathways and busy queues.
Orlando is anticipating another busy holiday weekend… Looking ahead to next weekend, Disney has extended or adjusted operating hours for all four theme parks and Disney Springs.
October 9th-12th (Columbus Day Weekend)
- Magic Kingdom: 9AM – 8PM
- EPCOT: 11AM – 9PM
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 10AM – 7 PM
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 8AM – 6PM
- Disney Springs: 10AM – 10PM (11PM on Friday and Saturday)
New Annual Passes Available for Qualifying Guests
Former annual passholders now have the opportunity to re-purchase their canceled or expired pass. If your pass expired during the park’s extended closure (after March 16th), or if you regret canceling your pass since they’ve reopened, you just may luck into being able to renew! Disney is handling renewal requests on a case-by-case basis.
Since the water parks are currently closed, the Platinum Plus pass is currently unavailable.
Qualifying guests who are interested in purchasing a new annual pass may call V.I.PASSHOLDER Support: 407-WDW-PASS
Polynesian Village Resort Renovations
Circling back to the Polynesian’s renovation plan… A Moana overlay of the hotel is underway. It’s all happening while the property is still operating. If you are sensitive to things being closed or construction, you might want to change hotels if you’ll be visiting soon.
The Front Desk has now been relocated to the Pago Pago building, as the Great Ceremonial House is undergoing renovations. To help with social distancing, Disney is strongly recommending Online Check-In.
Beginning November 2nd, the monorail station will be unavailable along with some of the resort’s pathways and buildings. However, bus and water-taxi transportation will still be provided throughout the renovation. (For resort-hopping without the monorail, a special bus route is available to guests looking to travel over to the Grand Floridian and Contemporary resorts from the Polynesian!)
Time To Make New Magic
Theme parks are reopening, and whether you are ready to travel yet or not, there’s no better time to lock in low rates on future travel. But waiting on hold and not knowing what questions to ask isn’t the magical part of a vacation. That’s why MiceChat has partnered with Get Away Today to handle all the difficult stuff for you . . . all for no extra cost. That’s right, they do all the work and it doesn’t cost you extra. In fact, it can actually save you money.
Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you with your theme park booking and rescheduling plans. We know you’re as uncertain about the future as we are. That’s why Get Away Today is offering the most flexible Disney travel options available. Ask about:
Price Protection – When you book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation that includes a minimum of 2-nights Disney hotel and at least two theme park tickets with Get Away Today, if a better special that you qualify for comes out after you have booked, they’ll automatically it.
Concierge Service – Get detailed planning assistance with all qualified Walt Disney World Resort vacations. A certified Disney Travel Agent is more valuable now than ever before as there have been many changes to the Park experience.
Flexible Payments – Lock in your 2020 or 2021 Walt Disney World Resort vacation for just $200 down. By booking early, you secure your availability and have the flexibility to pay as you go. Make as many interest-free payments as you’d like, whenever you’d like, with final payment due just 30 days prior to travel.
Flexible Dates – If you’re traveling in 2020, you can make any changes up to 24 hours prior to check-in with no penalties. In 2021, you can make changes up to 30 days prior to check-in with no penalties.
Give your family something to look forward to:
Let’s Hear From You
If you are a Disney fan and on social media, your feeds were likely filled with heartbreaking posts from cast members who had just gotten what has come to be known as “The Call.” If you would like to join us in expressing your thanks to the cast members who have made your Disney trips special, we’d like to hear your comments, memories, and encouragement.
Disney World appears to be increasing their daily guest capacity. We’d like to know your thoughts on approximately what capacity level you consider safe (if any) and at what level you’d no longer consider visiting?
We took a break from the parks this week, given the layoffs it just didn’t feel right. But we’ll be back again soon. Is there a certain park or attraction you’d like to see covered in an upcoming update? Any operations procedures you’ve been wondering about? I’m taking requests!
Thank you for reading, and to all of you cast members out there, remember . . .
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”— Christopher Robin (Winnie the Pooh).
Related Disney News
Here are a few more important stories regarding the Disney Parks.