NEWS: Disney Notifies Cast Members That Furlough Will Likely Be Extended

Although all four Disney theme parks, and many of the stores and restaurants in Disney Springs, have reopened, lots of Disney Cast Members remain on furlough.

Cast Members Welcoming Everyone Back!

Recently, Disney World sent an email to its Cast Members providing an update on the situation.

Back in April, all non-essential theme park employees at Disney World were placed on furlough. For those who have not yet been called back to work, this furlough has now lasted over 4 months.

Cast Members

According to WDWMagic, Disney World recently advised its Cast Members who have not yet been called back to work that their furlough may extend beyond six months from the initial furlough date.

Guest Relations Cast Member at Disney Springs

According to WDWMagic, Disney recently sent an email to its furloughed Walt Disney World Cast Members saying, “We continue to manage through this pandemic, and based on your role, you will continue to remain on furlough until further notice. When we initially notified you of your furlough, we could not have anticipated that it could exceed six months. However, due to business circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable at the time and given the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the pandemic and its impact on our businesses, we regret to inform you that we now reasonably expect your furlough could extend beyond six months from your initial furlough date. We wish we had been able to provide you with more notice, and we have acted as quickly as we could, given the rapidly changing situation.”

Skyliner Cast Members

The email reportedly also says that while Disney hopes the furloughs are temporary, there is great uncertainty due to the global pandemic and its unpredictable nature. So, for now, it appears many cast members will remain on furlough for an extended period of time, until further notice.

Cast Member with face mask signage

Some Disney employees, namely certain performers, may be returning soon as Disney appears to have reached a deal with the Actors’ Equity Association recently, but we have not seen any more official news there in terms of how many of those actors will be returning to perform in the parks. In the meantime, shows like Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Finding Nemo — The Musical remain closed, and other shows like The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends have appeared as temporary replacements.