Today, Disney announced that it would be laying off 28,000 employees in the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment due to the financial hit the company took during the coronavirus pandemic.
Walt Disney Company Logo
And, it seems as though those cuts are already being felt at Walt Disney World.
One of the resort’s most long-standing entertainers, Yehaa Bob Jackson, who performed piano and sung at the River Roost Lounge in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, announced that he had performed his final show at Walt Disney World.
©Disney
“And that how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. I’ve just learned my act will not be returning to Disney. I made so many friends over the last 23 years, it was a great time, we had a lot of laughs together. I’ll be continuing my Sunday shows for now. I’ll keep you posted, I’m still digesting all of this,” Bob wrote in a Facebook post.
© Bob Jackson
This isn’t the first cut to Disney World resort entertainment in recent days. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra also revealed their final show at Disney World would be on October 3rd.
Grand Floridian Society Orchestra
These performer cuts are likely just the first of more that will be announced in the coming days. As more entertainment is cut around Walt Disney World, we’ll be sure to fill you in.
Read more about Disney’s layoffs here.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Did you have the chance to see Yehaa Bob? Let us know your favorite memories in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I actually wanted to take a Disney vacation after this mess was over. Cuts like these have changed my mind. Disney obviously doesn’t want my money if they kerp erasing the stuff that mskes their resorts magical experiences So be it. Shame on them.
So much joyful entertainment from Yehaa Bob to enjoy w my family . A favorite with my granddaughters . Thank you BOB 💞
So sorry to hear this news about Bob. Really enjoyed his show while staying at Riverside back in 2018 – his enthusiasm and performance one of this highlights of our trip from Scotland. Hopefully once the world has recovered from Covid19, some of these roles can be refilled and wish all the cast members well. Without these people, Disney theme parks will simply cease to exist and the magic will be lost.
I hate to see some of these acts being cut. I am a business owner and have had to realize that I can’t fund every employee’s need while I am receiving zero income. I have not filed for any assistance from the government because I had planned ahead for some “temporary difficulties.” But, just like Disney, my prior planning has been depleted. I pray that things will return to normal soon. I will continue to support Disney at every opportunity so that these cast members can be brought back to work ASAP. Don’t get angry with sound business decisions – instead try to find ways to reinvest in our economy.
How much more can Disney cut and still stay open? The small, individual entertainers are the least expensive ones. They don’t need a costume, someone to escort them around, and someone to help them dress. The small individual groups (Society Orchestra and bands at Epcot) are self sustaining.
Soon, if not already, WDW will be to “magical” what National Wear Red Day (in 2021, observed on February 5, in case you were wondering) is to “holiday” (that is, not relevant). I’m looking forward to the obligatory “Walt said things should always change” marketing drivel.
Please sign and forward on! Thank you! We miss Bob at Disney!
https://www.change.org/RehireYehaaBobJackson
Have been visiting Port Orleans Riverside with my family from the UK since 1997. Watching Yehaa Bob in the River Roost was always one of the highlights of the vacation (and one of the main reasons for returning to the same Resort year after year). Whenever we get to return to WDW, it won’t be the same without Bob.
We wish him well and thank you for many laughs and very happy memories. THANK YOU BOB 😊 💓
We stayed at the hotel because Bob was there. He made you feel at home and he was the
Highlight of our trip. We will definitely miss him. He is loved by everyone.
Brian Donegan, I feel exactly the same as you. Sad. The new Disney isn’t at all Walt, or Disney.
Disney is going in the wrong direction. The bands and Yehaa Bob, is what made it unique. Whoever is in charge. Listen to us loyal customers. Your business acumen is wrong. Bring back what made you great.
Very fond memories of nights spent in the river roost lounge over the years, pity we won’t get to see him again after along day in the parks …. 😔
We loved going to Bob’s shows. He was a part of each Disney vacation we’ve had.
Will you come back when COVID is under control and Disney asks you? You are a wonderful entertainer , Yeehaw Bob! A true Disney marvel! Your magic will be missed!
It is unbelievable that Disney cannot see the value of keeping Bob. He is the reason that many of us make the Port our home away from home. Our kids have grown up listening to his unique stylings for the last 20 years. His absence will create a void that cannot be filled. We hope that someone at Disney will realize that they have made a mistake and find a way to bring him back.
I am such a big fan of live entertainment at WDW, and was thrilled to see Yehaa Bob during our stay at Port Orleans Riverside. I understandably love the wonder of Soarin or Flight of Passage, but the magic comes from the wonderful cast members. I understand that COVID19 has changed everything, but I can’t see making the 1300 mile trip without the live entertainment and fireworks at WDW. Good luck Bob, I hope we’ll meet again.
It’s no wonder so many women are still afraid to come forward with assault allegations—even the DFB comment moderators are willing to whitewash the past and protect these predators. I expected better from AJ and her site.
Disney, your greedy ruining of “Disney magic” started way before the pandemic. You have made the entire experience into a wealthy family only experience. Shame on all of the big shots as you slowly destroy everything we loved about Disney!