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Tag: cast members

Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty is Retiring After 42 Years With the Company

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Recently, we’ve seen a lot of Disney Cast Members retiring after long careers with the company.

©Orlando Sentinel

Last year, Executive Chef Bruno Vrignon retired after 38 years in EPCOT’s France Pavilion, and then Jim MacPhee, the Senior Vice President of Operations announced his retirement in December. Joe Rohde, legendary Imagineer and the lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom also retired from the company less than two weeks ago after working with Disney for 40 years. Now, another one of Disney’s best Imagineers has announced his retirement for later this year — Kevin Rafferty. 

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Photo! Photopass Photographers Testing a More Casual Look At Disney World

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Disney World Photopass photographers are some of our favorite Cast Members — after all, they capture many of our favorite moments at the parks!

The Child PhotoPass Opportunity

Now if you want to snap a pic with a Photopass photographer you may want to keep an eye out for some new outfits!

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VIDEO: See How Disney Gave Back to the Community in 2020 and How YOU Can Help Too!

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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.

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“We Will Mount a Legendary Comeback.” Disneyland President Comments on the Challenges of the Closure

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Disneyland has remained closed since March of this year, and it isn’t expected to reopen soon.

Buena Vista Street

With strict theme park guidelines from the California government and limited ICU availability in the state, Disneyland has been forced to keep its doors closed for months now. Midway through this closure, the resort got a new President. Take a look at his comments on taking up the mantle in one of the most challenging periods in Disneyland’s history.

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NEWS: Disney World Reportedly Calling Back Additional Cast Members as Guests Return

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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.

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Break These Bad Disney World Habits Right NOW!

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It happens to the best of us: whether we’re aware of it or not, there are some bad Disney World habits that we’re all guilty of from time to time! That doesn’t mean that we can’t do our best to break them the next time we’re on vacation.

December crowds in Magic Kingdom

Here are a few of the worst Disney World habits that we need to break right this instant!

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VoluntEARS at Disneyland Paris Donate 50,000 Ornaments to Pediatric Hospitals

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Cast Members from Disneyland Paris are helping spread holiday cheer to those in need!

Disneyland Paris ©Disney

Disneyland Paris is closed through the holiday season, but that hasn’t stopped Cast Members from making magic!

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NBA Players Union Gives $50,000 to Food Bank Helping Disney Cast Members

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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!

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The Future of the Disney College Program Is “Uncertain”

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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.

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Food Bank Started By Laid Off Disney Cast Members in Danger of Closing — Find Out How YOU Can Help!

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When Disney first closed down earlier this year, thousands of Cast Members were furloughed. Even though Disney World has since reopened, it has been challenging for Disney to recover, and they laid off 28,000 Cast Members in September.

Cast Member at Transportation and Ticket Center

This number has continued to grow. During this trying time, many people have stepped up to help these former Disney Cast Members in their time of need. We’ve seen food banks, benefit shows and albums, and so much more! Now, one of the food banks started by furloughed Cast Members is now in danger of closing — but there are ways you can help!

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