Earlier this week, we reported on increased prices at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Price hikes hit Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure tickets, Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes, Star Wars merchandise, food, and drinks.
Related: Magic Kingdom Cast Member Goes Above and Beyond To Entertain Guests Before Parade
Of course, these aren’t the first price increases since the Disney Parks reopened after COVID-19 closures, and they’re not likely to be the last. As The Walt Disney Company builds a profitable streaming service in Disney+, CEO Bob Chapek is relying on Josh D’Amaros Parks, Experiences, and Products division to make record profits.
Naturally, Disney fans are upset by price increases. Who wouldn’t be? But many have a more specific question: will these increased profits be passed on to already underpaid Disney Cast Members?
On Twitter, @mirandaiiisms wrote:
Please tell me Disney is increasing wages if they’re increasing food/bev/genie+ prices.
Please tell me Disney is increasing wages if they’re increasing food/bev/genie+ prices.
— miss xandar (but make it spooky) (@mirandaiiisms) October 11, 2022
Unions are working hard to increase Disney Cast Member pay in Florida and California, but it’s slow-going. Many Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members are homeless, while their Disneyland Resort counterparts rely on food stamps, delay medical care, and even do sex work to survive.
This is well-known in the Disney Parks fan community, and many fans demand change. @AlyssaTheAmazon said:
If I’m paying $30 for parking they should pay everyone $30 an hour
If I’m paying $30 for parking they should pay everyone $30 an hour
— Alyssa the Amazon (@AlyssaTheAmazon) October 11, 2022
Other Disney Park fans agreed. From @cvak_421:
I think you will almost certainly see a boost in wages……… of the executive level employee.
I think you will almost certainly see a boost in wages……… of the executive level employee.
— cvak (@cvak_421) October 11, 2022
This message hits especially hard, given that Chapek was recently promised a minimum $20 million annual bonus for the next three years.
@KJRack called out Disney for underpaying Cast Members while the Disney Parks are still understaffed following thousands of COVID-19-related layoffs:
Next thing you’ll be telling me is that maybe they will hire more staff to help with growing crowds, so silly 😂
Next thing you’ll be telling me is that maybe they will hire more staff to help with growing crowds, so silly 😂
— Kenneth Sieracki Jr. (@KJRack) October 11, 2022
After years of negotiating, Walt Disney World Resort raised its minimum wage to $15/hour last year. Disneyland Resort Cast Members have been making at least $15/hour since 2020, as that’s the minimum wage in California (Florida minimum wage is $11/hour).
Do you think Disney Cast Members are paid appropriately?