Fans React to Disney’s Vaccination Requirement For U.S. Employees - Inside the Magic

The Walt Disney Company recently announced that any salaried and non-union hourly employees and Cast Members located within the United States — including those who work at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort — would be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Related: Disney Parks and The Muppets Encourage Vaccinations

This news comes after the company has continued to advocate for the vaccine as both Walt Disney World and Disneyland were considered vaccination sites, and Disney has encouraged both Guests and Cast Members to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

In fact, Disney announced earlier this year that Cast Members who receive (or received) their vaccine shot between January 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, are eligible to receive four hours of compensation. However, now, the COVID-19 is a requirement for those salaried and non-union hourly employees working for Disney within the United States.

With all of this being said, we were curious how fans felt about Disney’s new announcement requiring all United States Cast Members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the most part, many fans seem to support Disney’s decision to require the vaccine for select Cast Members. Inside the Magic Facebook follower Karen E., writes:

Thank you to Disney for protecting the cast member who bring the magic to life!

And Kathy L., expressed:

Yes Disney!!! Way to go

Another Facebook follower, Amy E. comment on our recent post, writing:

I’m so glad they are doing this. It shows that the care about the health and well-being of it’s employees and guest.

While Brian B. said:

The thing is any company can require an employee to get a vaccine as a condition of employment.

Related: VACCINES: Universal Studios Hollywood Requires Them, Why Not Orlando?

Lindsey L. hopes Disney requires that Guests also be vaccinated as well:

Hopefully it will also be a requirement for guests next. Disney is trying to make the parks safer for guests and cast members. Bravo to them

One healthcare worker, Tawmyn E. commented on our post, saying:

I am a healthcare worker who has been on the front line since this whole mess began! Well I do agree that people have a right to make a choice, the simple truth is is that businesses and companies have the right to make a choice as well. It’s really not rocket science. A business has a choice of offering a job now or any other time prior to the pandemic. All jobs have rules and or handbooks and things that have to be abided by in order to work there, even simple things like uniforms etc. I have great admiration for all the cast members who bring magic to our trips, but those that don’t want to get the vaccine will simply have to get other employment. It is actually for their own safety as well because when the current rate in FL drops back down below 8%, the mask restriction will lift again.

This is no different than what other companies all across the country are doing it’s just not publicized because they’re not a huge company like Disney.

On the other hand, some fans do not seem happy with Disney’s decision, as Carolyn S. says:

I didn’t think employers could require employees to get the vaccine, at least not until it is fUlly FDA approved.

While Aimee S. expressed:

This is so disappointing to hear.. taking away people’s rights

Facebook follower Sherry F. wrote one word:

Shameful

As mentioned, the Walt Disney Company has been an advocate of the COVID-19 vaccine for months now as both Walt Disney World and Disneyland were considered vaccination sites and have continued to encourage both Guests and Cast Members to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the official CDC website here.