Last month, the Walt Disney Company announced they would be laying off 28,000 domestic Cast Members as a result of the global pandemic.
The layoffs affected both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Cast Members from a variety of roles across the properties.
Previously, it was announced that popular entertainers the Grand Floridian Orchestra and Yeeha Bob were affected by the cuts, and today we share more upsetting news regarding popular performers.
According to their official Facebook page, some of the iconic Citizens of Hollywood have been let go.
The Facebook post states that some of the Cast has been informed they will not be returning to the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, however they do not know if the entire cast will be impacted.
The Citizens of Hollywood have delighted guests for years with their improv shows and guest interactions.
We will keep you posted with more details as this is a developing story.
Here’s What You Need to Know About the Recent Disney Layoffs, and How You Can Help Those Affected
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So very sad. Some of my fondest memories are the Citizens of Hollywood from when my parents ‘ were alive. I will always cherish those special times & how special each Citizen was to every Guest. I pray they come back with a pay increase!
When we visit Hollywood Studios, and do so quite often as passholders, this is one of our favorite shows to stop and watch, and oftentimes join in on the fun. The fact that these talented and funny individuals – all throughout WDW – are being let go is so sad. I understand the world’s current state of affairs but it is growing old… Hopefully, come summer, we can all meet again in a less restricted world.
So sorry to hear about the Citizens of Hollywood! Although we only travel to WDW once a year in July, we always looked forward to our day at Hollywood Studios in hopes of catching our favorite Citizens including Evie Starlight and the Water Works crew. Sometimes we only were able to catch Evie driving by in her car but we always called to her and she would wave to us. The Water Works crew were beyond hysterical! We will miss you all and wish you well.
Wow, laying off all these performers are just making me mad, knowing how much they overpay these Disney executives. Plus, Disney is not offering discounted tickets for discounted entertainment choices, not a good PR move.
Concur. We cancelled our 2020 trip to Disney because of COVID and how far reaching it has impacted Disney. Lets face it…Disney is currently a mere shadow of it’s former self. I know this is not their fault, but when I re-booked our trip to 2021 with the exact same reservations I saw a whopping 8% price increase. If things are not any better by then, then I guess we cancel again. I cannot pay premium price for a 2nd rate Disney vacation…and unfortunately continuing to fall.
Having visited Hollywood Studios a few times a year for the past twenty five years, I can honestly say we watched a performance maybe once. It seems many people rushed by these performers. Face to face interactions could be awkward or embarrassing. I think they have overstayed their welcome. The parks are different now, they have a different feel. In case you haven’t noticed, most guests have their heads down looking at their cell phone . Most are obsessed with scoring a boarding group for Rise . I’m sure the citizens of Hollywood had their admirers. They were quite talented. Things change. The Comedy Club, Great Movie Ride, Dreamfinder, Honey I Shrunk The Audience, etc etc. have all been phased out. There is a long list of others. Walt said Disney would be constantly changing. And it is! I think Disney World is realizing guests will still come even though a lot of extras have been cut. People love the Attractions. They love the food. They love the shopping. I think a lot of guests miss interacting with the characters. They miss the fireworks and evening shows. I certainly don’t miss giant herds of people leaving the parks at the same time. Busses are not packed like sardines. It is an interesting time at Disney World.