Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

News! Disney World to Start Calling Thousands of Theme Park Cast Members Back to Work SOON

Earlier we reported some Disney World restaurants and hotels had started notifying their employees about returning to their jobs. With Disney World reopening on July 11th, there is a lot to do around the parks and there are lots of new procedures that Cast Members need to learn.

Animal Kingdom Lodge

And while Disney hasn’t officially released a statement, thousands of furloughed employees are also gearing up to go back to work at the parks.

First reported by The Orlando Sentinel, Local 362’s leader Eric Clinton says full-time Cast Members (as well as a significant number of part-timers) will be called back to work this month.

According to Clinton, “Beginning in June, all Disney full-time attractions and custodian workers, as well as a significant number of part-timers, will get called back to work.”

There is a need for Cast Members that will clean around ride queues and for people to take positions that maintain social distancing in lines while guests wait for their temperatures to be taken prior to entering the parks.

Magic Kingdom

Since Disney World’s water parks aren’t expected to reopen right away, Union members who work at these parks can transfer to other jobs where there are shortages. Especially since Disney World’s future cultural and college programs have been canceled this year and aren’t likely to resume anytime soon according to Clinton.

Also mentioned was that cultural ambassadors will be replaced by domestic employees for the time being (which you can read more about here). 

Disney World

“…There’s going to be a massive need for attractions workers across property. …There’s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done.” Clinton said.

As many as 8,000 Cast Members could be called back to help clean the theme parks and get them ready to receive guests again. And as mentioned previously, Cast Members will need to undergo temperature checks before they’re allowed to work. Clinton emphasized Cast Members who have a temperature over 100.4 degrees will be sent home but get paid time off while they quarantine.

Magic Kingdom Sign

According to Clinton, “Employees will also need to staff Spaceship Earth, the ride inside Epcot’s iconic globe, since the ride’s rehabilitation is postponed indefinitely and will remain open.”

Read MORE about Spaceship Earth’s halted refurbishment HERE! 

Spaceship Earth

As you may know, Disney has postponed fireworks and parades for the time being. Clinton went into detail and also stated Hollywood Studios’ Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage might not resume, at least not initially. This is one of the first times a specific show has been mentioned, so we will continue to look for more updates on the status of entertainment offerings.

We’ll continue to follow this developing story and keep you informed of any official statements released by Disney. We know that this is a crazy time and that a lot of new information is being released. So if you have ANY questions, please let us know and we will do our best to get you the answers you need.

Read MORE about Disney’s reopening plan here! 

Are you excited about Cast Members returning to work at Disney World and Spaceship Earth’s refurb being postponed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Related posts:

  1. NEW Insta-Worthy Nighttime Magic Shots Are Coming to Disney World Soon!
  2. Disney World Has STOPPED Construction During Its Closure. Could This Cause Delays on Upcoming Attractions?
  3. Breaking News! Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Plan to Start Reopening Florida

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, attractions, cast member, cast members being called back, college programs, custodial, disney cultural exchange program, Disney World, furloughed workers, paid sick leave, return to work, sick leave, Spaceship Earth, theme parks, transfer, transfers

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

Another BIG Question About The Future Of Epcot in Disney World May Be Answered With This UPDATE

Epcot will reopen on July 15th with a BUNCH of new health and safety protocols. 

Epcot

While guests can expect dining, shopping, and waiting in line to look different, a reported new union agreement suggests that World Showcase could have a BIG change as well.

One of the most unique parts about Epcot’s World Showcase (beyond all the food, of course!) is that each pavilion is staffed by cultural representatives from each country. These Cast Members help to immerse you in each country and can teach guests fun phrases and facts about that location!

Takumi-Tei Cast Members in Epcot’s Japan

But according to LaughingPlace.com, when Epcot reopens, these cultural representatives may be missing from World Showcase. A reported agreement between the Walt Disney Company and labor unions states that Cast Members who “do not meet the culturally authentic theming at Epcot may be temporarily assigned to work in positions which are otherwise reserved for cultural representatives.”

Rose and Crown Outside Bar

Disney previously suspended the cultural representatives program in March and furloughed non-essential  employees. And with travel restrictions in place around the world, it may be hard for some of these Cast Members to return to Orlando.

Mexico Pavilion

Of course, we will be sure to check out this situation once Epcot reopens (because situations can always change, especially in Disney World) and we will report back on our findings. What Epcot and the rest of Walt Disney World will look like upon reopening is yet to be seen, but be assured we’ll be there when it happens!

Are you planning on going to Walt Disney World when it reopens? Here are 5 things you NEED to know!

How do you feel about cultural representatives possibly missing from Epcot? Will that affect your enjoyment of the park? Let us know!

Related posts:

  1. Check Out the Additions To Newly Redesigned International Gateway in Epcot
  2. Review! Everything OLD is NEW Again with a Returning Holiday Favorite in Epcot!
  3. CONFIRMED! Santa Hat Cotton Candy Is The MUST-GET Holiday Snack at Disney World!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney News, disney parks, Epcot, Featured, Walt Disney World, cast member, cast member furlough, cast members returning to work, disney cultural representative, Disney reopening, Disney Union Workers, Disney World, Epcot reopening, News, union, union agreements, World Showcase

Categories
Disney News Disney Parks Other

Disney World Full Time Cast Members can return to work with option to temporary transfer

Cast Members

Earlier this week, the Walt Disney Company submitted their reopening plans to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. We now know Disney plans to have its Orlando theme parks return to business operations in July. Due to the unique nature of the phased reopening, Walt Disney World is offering all full-time Cast Members the option to voluntarily transfer to a temporary role.

The news was released by TCU Lodge 1908, which is a labor union for Walt Disney World Cast Members. The ability to transfer is reserved only for full-time Cast Members. Given the phased plans, the ability to transfer will assist Cast Members in returning to work sooner since they’re opening up Walt Disney World Resort in stages. To start, Disney Springs partially opened up in late May to success with the new health and social distancing guidelines. Now full-time Cast Members can look into new shifts and roles at Walt Disney World in July. For those interested, the labor union provided the following information on their TCU Lodge 1908 social media page.

Walt Disney World plans to reopen in July with the first part of their phased plan. Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will open on July 11, 2020. Both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open on July 15, 2020. Walt Disney World is currently not taking dining reservations or allowing Fastpass plans, so it will be a different experience for guests visiting this summer.

Photo Credit: Disney and TCU Lodge 1908

From our friends at chipandco.com
Filed Under: Parks & Resorts, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Cast Member, Cast Members, CM, Disney CM, Disney World

Categories
Disney Parks Other

Did You Know About These 9 Disney Cast Member Traditions?!

Today, we’re taking you on a very special behind-the-scenes journey!

Cinderella Castle at Night

We’re going to find out what life at Disney World is like from a non-guest’s perspective. That’s right — we’re diving into the deep secret lives of Disney’s Cast Members!

Ever wonder why Disney refers to its employees as “Cast Members” and not associates or workers? It’s because Walt Disney believed his theme parks were a stage and the Cast Members are its performers!

It’s Mickey!

And just like some large theater companies, Disney Cast Members aren’t without their fair share of myths, superstitions, and urban legends! Let’s explore a few of these kooky Cast Member customs we’ve found out about over the years!

Good Morning, George

Pirates of the Caribbean wasn’t one of Disney World’s original attractions — it opened two years later in 1973. As the tale goes, a welder named George died under mysterious circumstances while working on the ride as it was being built. Ever since that day, Cast Members have to greet George to keep him from messing with the attraction!

Pirates of the Caribbean during Disney Villains After Hours

This might seem like a really strange story, but believe it or not, Cast Members swear it keeps the ride running smoothly! George also likes to be told good night otherwise things can get a little wonky!

Learn 14 strange facts about Disney World’s opening day attractions here!

Hail, Caesar!

Disney really likes to hide little Easter eggs in its rides and Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an especially target-rich environment!

Tower of Terror

Let’s take a look at a couple of the interesting traditions over in the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

The Devil’s in the Details!

You’ll notice the elevator inspection certificate is actually dated the night of the “incident” and the state I.D. number is 10.2.59 — the day the first episode of the Twilight Zone aired on TV!

Elevator Permit

There’s a ton of props and other visual references to the famous spooky show including the demonic ventriloquist dummy from the episode called, “Caesar and Me”. Look for it next time you’re exiting the elevators!

Caesar the Dummy

Just like our old pal George in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, Caesar is known to make mischief if the Cast Members aren’t nice to him! That’s why they regularly say hello to him so that the ride doesn’t break down! Many Cast Members take their bad juju feelings one step further, believing the Tower of Terror ride itself is actually haunted, but no proof exists to this day!

Bellhop Letters

You wouldn’t believe how steeped in tradition some Disney World attractions can be! For instance, Tower of Terror holds another sacred Cast Member tradition — bellhop letters!

Terror of Terror Decorations

Look for these mail slots next time your waiting in line! Those folded up pieces of paper at the bellhop’s services desk are actual notes written by former Cast Members. Trainers show the letters to new Cast Members that were left by the original Tower of Terror Cast Members. Then each group of Cast Members that pass through writes a new note to the next group, and so on and so on!

Check out how some Disney fans recently recreated their own Tower of Terror experience at home!

Some Other Places Where Cast Members Have Left Their Mark!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another spot where you’ll see Cast Members leaving behind a piece of themselves! Cast Members often sign their names inside the attraction on the walls inside the garages across from the loading queue. 

Rock N Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios

We’re told some Cast Members get to write on the dry-erase whiteboard to your left at the beginning of the ride Dinosaur at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, while Cast Members at Disneyland get to sign the walls inside Matterhorn which aren’t visible to guests. In fact, there’s also a basketball hoop for Cast Members to live out their hoop dreams inside the iconic mountain! You can learn more about this tradition on The Imagineering Story.

Memorize these 20 ride hacks before your next trip to Disney World!

Pet Names

As you can probably imagine, Haunted Mansion Cast Members are also quite superstitious and have many unusual customs of their own! Female Cast Members wear a Haunted Mansion maid costume, complete with a headband topped with a bat! But did you know every bat has a name?

Haunted Mansion Cast Member

It’s customary for every Cast Member to name their bat — and some have even created elaborate backstories for their beloved pet bats along with some interesting personalities to boot! Next time you ride Haunted Mansion, make sure you ask a Cast Member about their bat!

Check out some fun Haunted Mansion merch that is being released by Halloween here!

The First Step to Becoming a Disney Cast Member is Taking A Class Called Traditions!

No wonder Cast Members practice so many unique traditions — it’s a part of their job orientation! On each Cast Member’s first day, they’re given a crash course on the history of the Walt Disney Company.

Spaceship Earth

New Cast Members are also given a Mickey Ear Hat as part of the course, thus where the expression “earning my ears” comes from! Once the class is over, new employees receive their trademark oval name tag and even get their photo taken with Mickey Mouse!

Click here to check out the Disney World Cast Members we’re missing the most right now!

Welcoming the New Class

But that’s not all — Disney offers many cultural programs and college internships, many of which last for up to 6 months!

Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom

To get Cast Members familiar with the parks (as well as have to opportunity to make some new friends) each class is welcomed in with an epic Disney World scavenger hunt followed by fireworks and a special surprise party! What a warm welcome! Okay, we think we’re ready to sign up!

Getting Your “D” Pin

You might think earning your ears and getting your oval name tag is as good as it gets, but there’s another important step for Cast Members on the Guest Relations teamgetting their gold D pin which is worn on the OTHER side of their vest.

Cast Member Hosts at Storybook Dining

This means you’ve successfully passed your assessment and there’s even a special ceremony to celebrate your achievement!

Tour Guides Have a Rite of Passage, Too!

It gets even better if your a Disney World tour guide Cast Member. You’ve probably seen these guys around before — they’re the extra fancy-looking folks wearing plaid vests (thus earning their nickname: Plaids).

Magic Kingdom Sign

To be a fully graduated “Plaid”, ladies need to earn their riding crop and gents earn their swagger stick. 

Cast Members Only Sign

They use these to point out stuff to tour groups, but they won’t get one until AFTER they give their first successful tour!

Learn more about Disney World’s tours and extra experiences here!

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about a few of the more-unusual traditions Cast Members share in Disney World! Next time you’re in Disney World and you meet a friendly Cast Member, be sure to ask them some of THEIR favorite Cast traditions. You might learn something new and surprising!

Do you know of any secret Cast Member traditions at the parks? Tell us which ones you’ve found out about in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Disney News, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Walt Disney World, bellhop letters, caesar, cast member, cast member traditions, d pin, demonic dummy, Dinosaur, Disney, Disney World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, easter eggs, george, george the ghost, haunted, haunted mansion bat names, hidden secrets, magic kingdom tour guide, Matterhorn, oval name tag, pet bats, Pirates of the Caribbean, plaid, riding crop, Rock N Rollercoaster, superstitions, swagger stick, tour guide, tower of terror, traditions, urban legends