The closing of Disney World is not only affecting guests but Cast Members, too. Cast Members left Epcot during their shift after receiving emails about their programs ending. Do you think Disney is handling this appropriately?
Disney World made the decision to close its theme parks from March 16 to March 31. Not only do they have to refund tickets and room reservations, but they also have to figure out how its employees play into all of this.
We reported earlier today that the Disney College Program was abruptly and unexpectedly ending and students participating would need to leave Disney housing. They received emails letting them know their participation in the program was cut short.
Disney explained they were closing many of the housing complexes and residents needed to vacate by March 18 at 11:00 am.
This left Cast Members heartbroken and scrambling to make housing and travel arrangements.
Many of the Cast Members who work at Epcot are part of the Disney College Program and the Disney Cultural Representative Program.
Participants in the Disney Cultural Representative Program also received emails that only full-time Cast Members may continue with the program.
Cast Members Leave
Shortly after the emails were sent out, Cast Members were seen leaving Epcot.
While we don’t know for sure whether Cast Members left on their own or were advised to, we do know this is a very difficult time for them.
It may be as simple as Disney let them leave their shift early to begin packing and making arrangements. Or, it could be that they left out of anger over the situation.
My Thoughts
Personally, I don’t think this is the best way to handle a temporary solution. If the parks will only be closed for 2.5 weeks like announced, this is not necessary.
However, the changes to the Disney College Program and the Disney Cultural Representative Program ending may indicate the effects of coronavirus will continue with the closing of Disney parks for a much longer period of time.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think Disney is treating its Cast Members appropriately during this time? Share your thoughts with us on facebook. We welcome kind and respectful commentary!
-Monica
I was in Epcot yesturday there was no guests fending for themselves or chaos. I have a hard time believing that post was more than trolling for attention!
Exactly. I wouldn’t my college student basically stranded with no idea when they would return to work, etc. These are mostly part-time employees and Disney will not be able to cover salaries indefinitely. There jobs would be ending within the next 2 months or so anyway. Much better that they are home with their families during a time of such uncertainty.
I did a college program in 2014 and here’s the problem with this – The BIG problem that’s not even mentioned in this article… now these college program kids have to FIND A WAY HOME on a Disney budget.. Those who work in the parks now have to scramble whatever little money they have (which let me tell you, Disney doesn’t pay enough for most people to afford a flight) and spend it all on a one-way ticket. Here’s another problem.. for international college students.. what if they can’t get home because of the virus? Where are they gonna live if they’re getting kicked out of Disney housing.. and CAN’T GET HOME. This is a major problem that even students during my college program experienced if they were suddenly terminated and Disney just REALLY needs to start giving a shit about the college program cast members.
Its due to the housing complexes. The operators do not want an outbreak there so it wasnt 100% disneys choice.
I see it as a sign – you just cut 20 plus percent of your workforce
This very similar to many colleges across the country , My daughter had a three day notice to be out of her dorm
Disney is following the protocol many other colleges with dorms/student housing are following, so I don’t have an issue with it. But to blame the students for leaving so they can find new homes. That takes precedence over guests and their vacation needs. I can’t even understand why I need to explain that out loud.
We don’t know everything. Owning a business means you make tough decisions everyday
Experts are saying US may be dealing with this for 8 weeks bringing us into mid May
Since no one knows for sure how long this will last I personally would want to be home vs an apartment—so this gets them home sooner
That said they are kids. Kids have never dealt with this
Disney should have leaders helping every one get home especially the international ones