Walt Disney World Has Just Laid Off Nearly Every Cast Member from Their Live Shows
One of the best parts about visiting the Disney theme parks is that kids have the opportunity to see their favorite characters live and in person. No Disney visit is complete without a photo with Mickey Mouse or one of the princesses.
Even if you choose not to wait in line to meet one of these famous Disney characters, guests could still count on seeing the characters in one of the popular parades or during a live stage show such as “Beauty and the Beast” or “Finding Nemo – the Musical”.
Those were the good ol’ days. In a COVID-19 world, live performances don’t exist. Even though Walt Disney World is open, some of the magic is missing. There aren’t any live performances for guests to enjoy and it seems that it’s going to be that way for quite awhile.
Walt Disney World has laid off the entire cast and crew of their live shows and performances. This includes “Finding Nemo – the Musical”, “Monsters Inc Laugh Floor”, “Citizens of Hollywood”, “Festival of the Lion King”, and “Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue”.
And also now hearing Festival Of The Lion King & Finding Nemo The Musical cast have been laid off this is heartbreaking
— Zach’s World (@zachsworldwdw) October 28, 2020
Festival of the Lion King. Finding Nemo the Musical. Hoop de Doo Revue. Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor. Citizens of Hollywood. Move It Shake It. Citizens of Main Street. And that’s just what I’ve seen mentioned so far.
— marianne (@mariannedale) October 28, 2020
Disney just laid off almost their entire equity entertainment cast. Over 20 difference performances/shows/parade casts are gone, some after 20+ years of employment. Over 300 more individuals are now out of a job. My heart goes out to every Cast Member, entertainment and beyond.
— Cameron (@cameronebright) October 28, 2020
Hearing from reliable sources that all (or nearly all) equity performers at Walt Disney World were laid off tonight. No equity performers means no stage shows, no Turtle Talk with Crush, no Main Street citizens, and more. Our deepest sympathies to those who lost this jobs. pic.twitter.com/Ymq40qp92a
— The Disney Blog (@TheDisneyBlog) October 28, 2020
This is tragic news for all of the talented performers. It is also sad news for everyone who loves and misses the Disney magic. No word if Disney has plans to open these shows again in the future or if part of the magic is gone forever.
