One of the effects of the ongoing pandemic was the loss of tens of thousands of Cast Members across the Walt Disney Company. Impacting Cast Members across the U.S. from Disneyland Resort to Walt Disney World Resort, many workers for the House of Mouse were laid off and had to say goodbye to making magic, while others were furloughed.
Related: Former Disney Cast Member Speaks out on Recent Layoffs
And for those Cast Members who kept their jobs, they have been working hard during the pandemic to ensure that Guests are still leaving Disney World with a big smile on their faces (as Disneyland Resort remained temporarily closed). Disney has found ways to say thank you to their employees with Cast Member appreciation days, offering on-site COVID-19 vaccinations, but now, it seems that they are looking for the next way to show their thanks to all of those who are keeping the theme parks running.
Read More: #CastCompliment – How to Thank a Disney Cast Member
Reporter Scott Gustin shared:
NEW: Walt Disney World is offering all Florida-based currently working and furloughed Cast Members a complimentary one-night resort stay. Eligible cast will be able to choose a preferred date and resort.
NEW: Walt Disney World is offering all Florida-based currently working and furloughed Cast Members a complimentary one-night resort stay. Eligible cast will be able to choose a preferred date and resort.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 19, 2021
The eligible Cast Members will have to either be currently working or furloughed, as well as Florida-based (though we found out later on that even more are eligible) and it seems that this will not include laid-off staff, based on what has been disclosed.
Scott continued to provide clarification:
To clarify – eligible cast will choose from a list of eligible dates (example July 5-July 31 is available) but I don’t think cast will be requesting a specific resort. And as you might guess, availability is limited and being offered on first come, first serve basis. Good stuff.
To clarify – eligible cast will choose from a list of eligible dates (example July 5-July 31 is available) but I don't think cast will be requesting a specific resort. And as you might guess, availability is limited and being offered on first come, first serve basis. Good stuff.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 19, 2021
The Walt Disney World Ambassador team also took to social media to share some information. On their Instagram stories, they hinted at the news. They linked to the HUB where Cast Members can log in and read more information.
The Walt Disney World Cast and Community page on Facebook also posted a few details:
BIG NEWS!!! Currently working and furloughed Disney Cast, Imagineers, and employees based in Florida, as well as Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Cast, have some magic in store… just for them. ✨
BIG NEWS!!! Currently working and furloughed Disney Cast, Imagineers, and employees based in Florida, as well as…
Posted by Walt Disney World Cast and Community on Monday, April 19, 2021
Related: Disney World Cast Member Speaks Out Regarding Layoffs
After the tough year that Cast Members have had, and their perseverance to always ensure Guests are having the most magical time at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Disney Springs, or any of the Disney Resort hotels, it is great to know that Cast Members are being thanked for their work.
What do you think about this new offer for Cast Members? Do you have a favorite memory of some magic that a Cast Member made during your trip? Let us know in the comments!