Credit: Drew Tarvin, FlickrA Disneyland location has moved forward to fight the Mouse and the state of California, against fewer hours in their schedules and more.
Disneyland Location Push To Unionize Against the State of California
Picture this: families rushing through Downtown Disney, arms full of shopping bags, laughter bouncing off the walls as kids point to the towering LEGO dragon perched above the waterway. It feels like the magic never ends. But for some of the people who make that magic possible, things aren’t as carefree behind the registers and brick walls.
In fact, what many guests don’t realize is that while they’re snapping photos of massive LEGO builds or grabbing exclusive Disney x LEGO sets, employees at the flagship LEGO Store are quietly building something else—momentum. And this momentum isn’t about the latest Star Wars release or Disney Princess castle kit. It’s about shaping their workplace into something that matches the brand’s famous motto: “Only the best is good enough.”
For weeks, talk among brick specialists has centered not around sales goals or upcoming product drops, but about what’s happening behind closed doors—and whether their voices will finally be heard. That conversation just spilled out into the open.
What’s Happening at Downtown Disney’s LEGO Store
In what has become an increasingly frequent occurrence on Disney property, LEGO Store “brick specialists” at Downtown Disney have officially moved toward unionization. Union organizers and employees recently gathered outside the store to present management with a petition to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 342, the same union that represents other Disneyland retail Cast Members.
The push comes in the wake of Anaheim’s Measure L, a local law raising the minimum wage for theme park workers. According to LEGO employees, while the law brought raises, it also triggered reductions in hours and ongoing frustrations like unresolved maintenance issues—including concerns about the store’s air conditioning system.
It’s important to note: LEGO employees are not Disney Cast Members. They’re directly employed by LEGO. That distinction makes this move especially significant—it’s the first time U.S. retail LEGO employees have attempted to collectively bargain.
How This Impacts Guests and Workers
For the 60 non-managerial employees at the store, the stakes are high. If LEGO voluntarily recognizes the union, progress could begin quickly. If not, the National Labor Relations Board would step in to schedule a vote.
“We love the LEGO Group’s mission statement that ‘only the best is good enough,’” said Hunter Gulino, a three-year brick specialist. “We want to build the best workplace possible here at Downtown Disney. There are issues we believe a union will help us resolve.”
For guests, this could mean smoother visits in the long run. Happier employees often create a better customer experience—from shorter wait times to more enthusiastic service. A unionized workplace could also set a precedent for other retail stores on Disney property, potentially reshaping the way Downtown Disney operates.
Hidden Realities: Beyond the Bricks
Union talks may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re hunting for an exclusive LEGO Millennium Falcon, but for employees, it’s about more than hourly pay. Workers have voiced concerns over reduced schedules, unpredictable hours, and even basic working conditions like cooling in the California heat.
“I want to be a part of setting a precedent for my workplace and for any other future LEGO employees who may be interested in joining a union,” said Gonzalez, another employee. “I want to make sure that LEGO employees are treated with respect and are compensated fairly. It’s a place that we love to work at.”
While these details might be invisible to guests strolling through the shopping district, they reveal the hidden struggles of keeping the magic alive behind the counter.
Why This Matters to Disneyland Fans
For longtime Disney and LEGO fans, this unionization effort signals a cultural shift. It ties into a larger conversation about fair treatment for the workers who create unforgettable guest experiences, both inside the parks and in the surrounding districts.
The nostalgia of LEGO and the emotional pull of Disney collide here—not in the form of a new ride or collectible, but in the workforce that helps sustain the magic. If successful, this move could inspire retail employees at other high-profile locations across the country, redefining what it means to work in the heart of themed entertainment.
The bricks may be plastic, but the stakes for these Downtown Disney employees are very real. Whether through voluntary recognition or a union vote, the future of the LEGO Store could shape not just worker conditions, but also the guest experience. Fans might want to watch closely—not just for the next exclusive set drop, but for how these employees are piecing together a better future.