BREAKING NEWS: Layoffs At Disney World Continue With Citizens of Hollywood, Hoop-Dee-Doo and More
It is a sad day at Disney World. Reports are coming in from our cast member friends that another round of layoffs is currently underway at the theme parks and those primarily impacted in this round seem to be Equity Performers. Earlier this evening, a notification was posted on the Citizens of Hollywood Facebook fan page that they were being let go from the company.
The next round of layoffs is happening, and unfortunately at this point, some of the Citizens have been let go. We do…
Posted by Disney’s Hollywood Studios Citizens of Hollywood on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Posted by Disney’s Hollywood Studios Citizens of Hollywood on Tuesday, October 27, 2020
In addition we can now confirm that cast members from the following productions are also being impacted:
- Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
- Festival of the Lion King – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Finding Nemo The Musical – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – Magic Kingdom
- Voices of Liberty – EPCOT
- Indiana Jones Stunt Show – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Our source at Hoop Dee Doo tells us that it is both the servers and the cast that are impacted by the closure.
If you’ve been following along with MickeyBlog you’ll know that Actor’s Equity which represents many of the entertainers at Disney was in a heated negotiation with Disney over its return to work policy. During this time, many of Disney’s stage shows remained shuttered. Though the two groups did eventually hash out an agreement the lengthy closures coupled with social distancing requirements in auditoriums and amphitheaters would seem to have pushed Disney toward letting their paid entertainers go.
As of going to print, Actor’s Equity has yet to make an official statement regarding the termination of contracts for its members. However, this is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely and we promise to keep you updated.
This is devastating news for Disney fans as those visiting Walt Disney World know that these performers bring so much heart and soul to the Disney experience. This news also comes just weeks after other beloved performers including YeHaa Bob and The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra had their contracts terminated by Disney.
As of going to print, the only equity production that seems to have retained its performers is For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We hope to have a clearer picture of the extent of the cuts over the next day or so. Please keep following along with MickeyBlog for further news and updates. Also, our thoughts go out to all of those impacted by the cuts and their families.