food IS a theme park
Monorail fans: you may want to sit down for this one.
Contempo Cafe
Obviously, the delicious food and unique atmosphere of a Disney restaurant contribute to its theming. But so do the Cast Members! Their costumes play a huge part in the experience — and today, we noticed that some of those costumes had gotten a makeover.
Not too long ago, we saw some Disney PhotoPass Cast Members testing out a new look.
Disney’s BoardWalk
As we made our way over to the BoardWalk Bakery for a sweet breakfast treat today, we noticed that the Cast Members there had also gotten a bit of a costume makeover!
Cast Members are one of the things that make Disney World so magical.
Tree of Life
Cast Members often go the extra mile to make magic and bring the spirit of the parks to life. It was recently announced that another Disney Cast Member will be moving on to the next big thing! Djuan Rivers, the Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be retiring.
2020 was quite a unique year for everyone, including The Walt Disney Company.
Cinderella Castle
All of the Disney theme parks around the world temporarily closed for a period of time, and some have had to shut down again or have remained closed. Things have been tough for those in the community as well with many Cast Members having been furloughed or laid off, and so many dealing with loss due to the pandemic. But, in a time of difficulty, so many have also reached out to help others in need.
Since the Disney World parks initially reopened in July 2020, more guests have recently begun making their way to the Resort.
Magic Kingdom
In November, Disney CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that the capacity at the parks had been increased from the initial reopening level of 25% up to 35% capacity.
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.
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!
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.
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