With the Supreme Court and DeSantis Against Them, Disney World Cast Members Get Help From the Federal Government

This week has seen some of the hottest temperatures across the country. However, this week in Central Florida, the feels-like temperature topped 110 degrees several times, causing meteorologists to issue extreme heat warnings for anyone traveling to Walt Disney World.

A thermometer displaying high temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit is set against a bright, fiery orange background with a sunburst. To the left, a cartoon figure resembling Mickey Mouse appears to be looking at the thermometer with concern during this scorching heat wave. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Despite those extreme temperatures, neither Disney World nor the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board members could pass a resolution mandating cast members take water breaks or get out of the sun. The Florida legislature passed those rules this session and signed them by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

House Bill 433 prohibits local governments from passing legislation that protects workers from extreme heat and laws requiring companies to raise the minimum wage beyond the state’s current $12 an hour. But now, we’re learning more about how this bill was passed and the role that Disney World played in helping to remove basic protections from outdoor workers, including cast members.

According to Jason Garcia of Seeking Rents, the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida donated more than $2 million to mostly Republican legislatures and another $1 million to the Florida Republican Party. The two lobbying groups expected House Bill 433 to become law for those donations.

An emoji with a red face, sweat droplets, and its tongue sticking out is placed next to a fairytale castle under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. The image conveys a sense of heat and exhaustion, as if the character desperately needs heat relief in a magical theme park setting. — Credit: Inside the Magic

Despite the new Florida law, cast members working at the Walt Disney World Resort may be getting relief, figuratively and literally, from the federal government.

This week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration unveiled the first-ever national workers’ heat stress proposal. Under the new proposal, employers would distribute water and provide cool areas for workers starting at 80 degrees.

However, once the temperature rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must provide both water and shade and create a program to acclimate employees to the extreme temperatures.

These new OSHA rules would supersede state law and provide relief for Walt Disney World cast members. However, and this is a big however, businesses are already speaking out against the rules and would sue OSHA when they go into effect.

A person in a suit holding a microphone stands next to a person dressed as Mickey Mouse, who is waving. In the background, there is a large American flag. To the left, there is a large pile of money, reminiscent of Ron DeSantis's campaign events. — Credit: Inside The Magic

As Disney World cast members saw this week, they cannot count on the courts for help against Florida lawmakers. This week, the Supreme Court ruled that state and local government officials have the right to enforce laws that criminalize homeless people who sleep on public property.

This ruling comes after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that criminalizes sleeping in public areas in Florida. This directly impacts Disney World cast members who are homeless.

Here’s to hoping that employees at the Walt Disney World Resort can find some relief from the extreme heat they are facing, even if it’s only temporary.

What rules should be in place to protect Disney World cast members from this extreme heat?