Report: Some WDW Cast Members Recalled To Work
Local Florida Union Says Some Workers Were Recalled
It’s nice to deliver some good news on Christmas Weekend.
And we’re pleased to post that a local union says things are looking just a little better in Orlando.
More guests are heading to Disney and that’s good news for workers!!!#Fox35 @fox35orlando pic.twitter.com/ZuINxBAA1P
— Valerie Boey Ramsey (@vboey) December 24, 2020
As guests slowly return to Walt Disney World, workers are as well.
“I love the job at Disney. It’s been wonderful to interact with people from all over the world and hopefully, we get that again,” said Nick Caturano, a server who was laid off during the pandemic but recently put on a list for part-time alternates. “That was a surprise and it’s hopeful because we didn’t see that happening as soon as it has, but that could still be a ways off.”
Jeremy Haicken, president of Local Unite Here 737 explains, “People have been recalled steadily since the summer. Business is picking up. Which is good and people are staying safe.”


Image Credit: Disney
No New Numbers Re: Cast Member Recalls
Clearly, the report is not definitive regarding any cast member numbers. And The Walt Disney Company originally announced over 30,000 layoffs.
- Why More Disney Layoffs? One Economist Weighs In
- A Quarter of Disney’s 28,000 Layoffs Are Coming From Disney World Says ABC
However, Fox 35 noted several factors that might account Disney’s recent cast member recall.
During Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call in November… Disney World saw an increase in bookings at 77%, with Thanksgiving week booked close to capacity of 35 percent. They recently announced the reopening of Blizzard Beach and three hotels next year.
Meanwhile, some of the impetus for the personnel “plussing” could come from Disney’s dominance on the streaming side of the business and the record high stock price.
And, of course, there’s news on COVID-19 vaccines.


Photo: Rutgers
Despite disruptions from Covid-19, which has now caused multiple shutdowns of the iconic Disneyland due to California’s strict mitigation measures to combat a crisis that is out of control, Disney stock is up double digits on a year-to-date basis.
Fortunately, positive vaccine developments, particularly from Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), contributed to the enthusiasm for Disney stock. While Disney levers a world-renowned brand, that alone isn’t enough to convince a majority of vacationers to return to environments featuring big crowds. With vaccines, though, management can reasonably forecast when its star business segment can go back online.


Image Credit: Dado Ruvic/Reuters
Here’s hoping…