During this entire pandemic, things have been difficult for people all around the world, because at one point it felt like things would never end. Now, with the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out across the world, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for many who have been waiting for one. But when will theme park employees like Disney Cast Members be eligible to be vaccinated?
In Florida, vaccine distribution continues to move forward. At the moment, the push is for the 60+ age range as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking an age-based approach to distribution. All of that being said, the UNITE HERE! Local 362 union is fighting to have Cast Members bumped up on the vaccination list.
President of UNITE HERE! Local 362 noted, “At the end of the day he has said he is not putting workers first, he is putting seniors first.”
Reporter Lauren Seabrook from local news station WFTV shared why the following regarding why Disney World Cast Members and other theme park employees would want to receive vaccines sooner rather than later.
The video shared to Facebook is captioned with a quote from Clinton:
“I think Walt Disney World would have an interest in being able to say very publicly, our employees are now getting vaccinated.”
Union leaders for thousands of theme park employees feel Central Florida’s largest industry should be next in line for the Covid-19 vaccine. On WFTV Channel 9 at 6pm, we explained why they say it’s the right thing to do for those risking their lives to keep our economy going and would make tourists feel more comfortable coming here.
https://www.facebook.com/UniteHereLocal362/posts/3981276985249850
As Seabrook noted, Disney World Cast Members are exposed to thousands of other people each day in order to keep their jobs and put food on their families’ tables, but they are also helping to stimulate the economy by keeping what may just be Orlando’s largest business up and running. Theme parks in Central Florida employ tens of thousands of individuals, and parks like Walt Disney World Resort have been open throughout the pandemic since summer 2020.
Something that was also mentioned was how vaccines could make Guests feel. Considering Cast Members interact and can come into contact with so many Guests each and every day, knowing that they have been vaccinated could allow Guests to feel a little more comfortable and safe interacting with them while visiting the theme parks.
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Seabrook shared that she asked Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings if theme park employees could be next in line to be vaccinated. According to the reporter, Demings stated that whether theme park workers will be vaccinated soon will depend on how much vaccine supply Orange County receives.
If Cast Members want to be vaccinated, there have been many Floridians lining up at vaccination sites to see if they can get an extra dose at the end of the day. It does not mean that you are guaranteed the shot, but there have been many successful attempts!
If you would like to help Cast Members who are facing hard times after 2020, click here for information and details of organizations that donate and support Cast Members directly. If you are a Cast Member yourself in need of assistance, click here for resources.
Would you feel more comfortable as a Guest knowing that Cast Members have all been vaccinated at Disney World? Do you think theme park employees should be next in line to receive COVID-19 vaccines, or do you think priority should go to another group?
If you want to experience what it is like to have a magic moment with a Cast Member, as well as be catered to with the highest service, why not check it out first hand? Planning a Disney vacation is the best way to hop into Disney magic. Plus you can see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and run around Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs! Click here to begin today.