food IS a theme park
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!
This year, Disney announced that they would lay off 28,000 Cast Members.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Since then, the number has grown with the prolonged closure of Disneyland and with Disney entertainment furloughs. Because many Cast Members are affected by this, they’ve been getting creative to turn a darker time into a brighter and happier time. We’ve seen things from podcasts to small businesses, and now a theater is getting in on the action!
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.
Disney Springs is basically a theme park full of delicious food and awesome merchandise!
Disney Springs
But, all that shopping can get expensive, and with the holidays coming up, it’s great to find some special deals that can help you save big. Well, if you’re a Disney Cast Member and you’re looking to grab a meal in Disney Springs, there’s a great deal you won’t want to miss out on — you can now get 35% OFF at TWO spots for a limited time!
Cast members are a big part of the reason why Disney World feels so magical.
Cast Member at Pizzerizzo
It’s been an especially difficult year for cast members, following thousands of layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sign of appreciation, Disney is opening a temporary shop with special offerings for employees.
It’s been a ROUGH year for Disney, not only for the fans, but especially for the impassioned Cast Members.
Cast Members Cleaning in Disney World
This is especially apparent at Disneyland, where the park remains closed (with no reopening date in sight) and where layoffs and furloughs keep piling up. What Disneyland needs now more than ever is a glimmer of hope and optimism, and we found precisely that!
When it was announced that 28,000 Disney Cast Members were going to be laid off, the Disney community stepped up in a big way.
Disney World Cast Member
There were food drives and monetary donations, some people offered support with resumes and interviews, many people made comprehensive lists of small businesses owned by former Cast Members. Here at DFB, we compiled a great list of resources for Cast Members who lost their jobs and options for those who would like to help. Now, there’s a new way you can help — by buying a Christmas album!
While the reopening guidelines have been announced for Disneyland and other California theme parks, we still do not have an opening date for Disneyland.
Disneyland Main Entrance
Some health experts say the parks may not be able to open until the summer of 2021, leaving Disney and California mayors asking for a change of the guidelines.
Recently, the State of California announced its reopening guidelines for Disneyland and other theme parks in the state.
Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle
While some reopening guidelines were expected like required face masks and extra sanitizing procedures, other guidelines were slightly surprising! These details we’re talking about are little things you might have missed, but will have a BIG impact on your future Disneyland vacation.
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