Walt Disney World theme parks are set to start their phased reopenings beginning July 11th, and with that many Cast Members have voiced their concerns about if the reopening should be pushed back due to rising COVID-19 case numbers.
According to WFTV, not only is Walt Disney World going ahead with the reopening but they would love to reopen with live stage shows as well. The statement from Disney reads, “As we reopen our theme parks, we would like to include live stage shows. We have heard from many cast members that they are eager to return; however, the Actors’ Equity Association has not agreed to the terms of the recall impacting our ability to invite these cast members back at this time. The health and well-being of our cast members and guests is an important priority for us, and our theme park reopening plan has been approved by county and state officials.”
Kate Shindle, president of the Actors’ Equity Association which represents more than 700 singers, actors, dancers and stage managers who are an integral part of the shows at Walt Disney World, had this to say: “They’re not all being called back right away, but we have to get this right, hopefully before anybody goes back.”
When the official list of attractions, shows, and shopping that would available upon the Walt Disney World theme parks reopening, shows such as Turtle Talk with Crush in EPCOT, and Festival of the Lion King in Disney’s Animal Kingdom was included on the list. Since the list release, they have been quietly removed.
Why any one would want to go to Disney World in this the year of the COVID-19 pandemic is beyond me. With the published limitations and restrictions it appears the Disney focus is on revenue and not on the Disney World guest or cast the members. Disney has taken away the ability to plan ahead for WDW trip. The new reservation system is a joke and will generate a very negative image of a WDW vacation to the point were park guests coming during the pandemic may never return. It’s no wonder top WDW management has been changed … someone will need to be blaimed for the potential fiasco that’ coming.
Walt Disney World should not listen to union members! cuz they are so mean! and they should also reopen with parades and nighttime spectaculars!
Of course they do not care, they are are going to be sitting at their offices. They are not going to deal with all those guests, we are. Were are going to have to deal with the guests screaming and all the others issues, like that cast members a guest splits on in face recently