Jessica Figueroa

Jessica lives in South Florida with her 15-pound cat Gordo and a small army of Tsum Tsums. You can contact her, ideally with photos of your cats, at jessica@wdwnt.com.

Bob Chapek Responds to Senator Warren’s Letter, Still Gives No Explanation on How Disney Restored Senior Executive Pay Amidst Mass Cast Member Layoffs

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Disney has once again fired back as part of their continued attempt to cast doubt over a meticulously-worded and researched letter sent to company executives Bob Iger and Bob Chapek, written by Senator Elizabeth Warren—also known as the “Sheriff of Wall Street.” In her letter, Senator Warren demanded answers in the wake of mass layoffs impacting … Read more

Tom Sawyer Island and Liberty Square Riverboat Refurbishment Extended Through February 28 at the Magic Kingdom

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Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty Square Riverboat have both closed for a months-long refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom. However, updates to the Walt Disney World park calendar show that both projects have now been extended through February 28, past the initial January 2 end date. Water draining from the Rivers of America has already … Read more

Walt Disney Imagineering Files Permit for Work on Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

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The Spaceship Earth refurbishment and reimagining was put on pause for the reopening of EPCOT, but it seems it’s ramping back up again, with new permits filed for work on the “grand and miraculous” attraction. A recent permit filed by Walt Disney Imagineering lists “Installation of source power and control equipment” at the location of … Read more

Actors’ Equity Association Releases Statement on Mass Entertainment Layoffs at Walt Disney World; 720 of 780 Members Laid Off

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 Actors’ Equity Association has released a statement regarding the mass entertainment layoffs at Walt Disney World. A full list of all impacted shows across the theme parks and resorts can be found here. From AEA: Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, released the following statement … Read more

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group Distribution Lasts Over 5 Minutes, Yet Attraction Fails to Board at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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The Resistance fighters and First Order officers have been making some upgrades over at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Disney’s Hollywood Studios—first with the implementation of plexiglass dividers aboard prison transfers (also known as ride vehicles) and then the addition of plexiglass throughout the attraction’s many pre-shows. Initially a test, these modifications were … Read more

Full List of Entertainment Cuts at Walt Disney World; Future of Shows Uncertain Due to Cast Layoffs

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Late Tuesday night, news broke of the next wave of Cast Member layoffs at Walt Disney World—all still a part of the previously-announced 28,000 quota, but no less devastating. This round of layoffs mainly impacted entertainment across the parks and resorts, from fan-favorite “Streetmosphere” to established Broadway-style shows, like “Festival of the Lion King”. All … Read more

Disneyland Paris to Potentially Close Again Due to COVID-19 Lockdown Measures in France

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Due to spikes in COVID-19 cases across France and other parts of Europe, Disneyland Paris may well see itself affected by new lockdown measures in the region. The lockdown could result in another drastic cut in operating hours or days, or potentially shut down the parks altogether for the next month or so. The French … Read more

PHOTOS: All Crossbeam Supports Fully Removed from the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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The last of the few of the iconic crossbeams left on the roof of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have been removed, now with even the supports gone and the roof bare. Removal of the crossbeams began earlier this month and has been moving quickly. Early this morning, we saw the … Read more

Citizens of Main Street Laid Off at the Magic Kingdom

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First, the Citizens of Hollywood, now the Citizens of Main Street. News continues to surface on the latest wave of layoffs at Walt Disney World, this time impacting most of the equity performers on property. When the Magic Kingdom reopened back in July, the Citizens of Main Street did not return, and now the performers … Read more

Entire Cast of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” Laid Off at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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In addition to the Citizens of Hollywood, more devastating news of layoffs has surfaced at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the entire cast of “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” laid off as part of the most recent entertainment cutbacks impacting Walt Disney World. “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” had recently … Read more

Entire Cast of “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” Dinner Show Laid Off at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

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After over 40 years of “foot-stompin’ fun” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the extended closure of select shows at Walt Disney World has resulted in the entire cast of “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” to be laid off amidst the latest wave of layoffs affecting the domestic Disney Parks division. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue opened as … Read more

Entire Cast & Crew of “Festival of the Lion King” and “Finding Nemo – The Musical” Laid Off at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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With social distancing markers laid out at both their respective theater locations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, fans have long since hoped for the return of the popular “Festival of the Lion King” and “Finding Nemo – The Musical” shows since the reopening of the park. However, the latest wave of entertainment layoffs has hit both … Read more

Entire “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” Show Cast and Crew Laid Off at Walt Disney World

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In addition to the Citizens of Hollywood, more devastating news of layoffs has surfaced at Walt Disney World, this time impacting another group of immensely talented stand-up comedians and performers. According to multiple sources, the entire “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” cast and crew has been laid off at the Magic Kingdom amidst another wave of … Read more

BREAKING: Legendary “Citizens of Hollywood” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Let Go As Entertainment Layoffs Continue at Walt Disney World

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News of equity performer layoffs is surfacing at Walt Disney World, affecting many of the beloved and tenured entertainers of the Citizens of Hollywood troupe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopened in July, many hoped that the roaming improv characters would return to the park, as they’ve been a staple of its … Read more

Governor Newsom Refuses to Say “Disneyland” in Latest COVID-19 Update, Remains Firm on Current Reopening Guidelines

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Another week, another State of California COVID-19 press conference with the inevitable question on theme park reopenings. When asked today about the repercussions of businesses remaining closed surrounding Disneyland and why the theme park could not reopen sooner, Governor Gavin Newsom remained firm in his beliefs that to reopen such a large theme park could … Read more

PHOTO: Work Begins on Reimagining Walt Disney World Entrances for 50th Anniversary Makeover

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Yesterday, Walt Disney World announced the long-awaited makeover of its classic entrances, which will be getting an all-new look for the resort’s 50th anniversary! And today, work has officially begun on the entrances, with just under a year to go before the anniversary celebrations begin. Concept art has been released for the newly reimagined entrances, … Read more

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