A Long Island, New York family has won a trip for 50 to the Walt Disney World Resort in Visit Orlando’s “Most Magical Gathering” Contest. Jennifer Young of Bayport, New York, got the exciting news that she had won the trip of a lifetime for herself and 49 of her closest family members and friends.
According to VisitOrlando.com, the grand prize trip includes so much more than just a couple of days at Disney with the family:
“The grand prize celebration for 50 people includes a three-night, four-day stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, two private catered group celebrations produced by a Disney event specialist from Disney Meetings & Events and theme park tickets. In early March, Young and her family will celebrate three special events – a shared 50th birthday party with her husband and her parents’ 50th wedding anniversary – and will be visiting during the 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort. The contest prize also includes roundtrip airfare to Orlando provided by Spirit Airlines.”
“It’s been such a long time since all of us have been in the same place at the same time and we’re looking forward to having a lot of fun together,” Jennifer said. “There is a lot to celebrate!”
Jennifer Young submitted a story about her amazing circle of family and friends who consider themselves a pretty tight-knit bunch. In the story, Jennifer says that they believe laughing together makes life so much better. Her story also described the impact that the global pandemic has had on her and her family and friends personally. Jennifer chose to enter the contest because she hoped that she could win and then share the amazing prize with that close-knit group to make up for time lost due to the pandemic.
When it came to milestones, Jennifer mentioned that she and her husband would be celebrating their 50th birthdays (just like Disney World), and her parents were celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss. But that’s not all.
Jennifer’s mother-in-law is celebrating her 80th birthday, and other family members’ celebrations included special events like high school graduations, college graduations, and even a sweet 16th.
Jennifer and her family were surprised with the news that she was the grand prize winner in a Zoom call last month. Representatives from Visit Orlando, Walt Disney World, and Spirit Airlines were online for the call and made the announcement to the family. Upon hearing the news, those members of Jennifer’s circle who participated in the Zoom call began cheering, clapping, and crying tears of joy–and they were spread out between New York, Delaware, and South Carolina.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Young family to our destination this spring and help them celebrate some huge milestones events with their beloved friends and family members,” said Casandra Matej, President and CEO of Visit Orlando. “There’s no better place than Orlando for Jennifer and her family to finally reunite, enjoy magical experiences, and create incredible memories they will cherish for a lifetime.”
Maryann Smith, Vice President of Sales, Services, and Events at Disney Destinations was on hand for the call as well.
“What a joy to get to host Jennifer and her family at Walt Disney World Resort during our magical 50th anniversary celebration,” Smith said. “Memories are made here every day, and we can’t wait to see what magical memories Jennifer’s family makes and brings home.”
Write and submit a story in 250 words or less, about why they and their loved ones needed a Magical Gathering, including what milestones they’d be celebrating.
Submit the story with a family photo
Send in submissions no later than November 29, 2021.
Once top finalists were chosen, they were then asked to submit a two-minute video, describing why their family deserved a Magical Gathering at Disney World.
Surely for Jennifer and her entire circle of family and friends, “magical” doesn’t even begin to describe the trip of a lifetime they’re about to enjoy! Congratulations to them all!
Romance is in the air with endless goodies from Disney Parks across the globe and we’re excited to share the tasty items Guests can enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
As Feb. 14 approaches, there is no shortage of delightful eats and sips to enjoy for an extra touch of l’amour at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
Prepare to be captivated by your tastebuds as you eat your way through this heart-filled day because these bites and drinks aren’t just adorable, they’re delicious too. And the fun doesn’t stop at just the treats. Guests can take the heartfelt vibes home with you with this Disney Love Songs playlist [insert link here] filled with all your favorite ballads!
All Guest need is love, an appetite, and this guide to check out the many Valentine’s Day delights awaiting them!
Walt Disney World Resort
EPCOT
Coral Reef Restaurant (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Le Cellier Steakhouse (available Feb.14)
Flourless Chocolate Cake for Two: Flourless chocolate cake and dark chocolate crémeux with fresh berries, raspberry whipped cream, and raspberry méringue (New)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Engagement Ring Cake: Chocolate cake filled with raspberry sauce atop a shortbread cookie complete with a white chocolate engagement ring (Plant-based) (New)
The Hollywood Brown Derby (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet White Chocolate Mousse: Red velvet white chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie (New)
The Trolley Car Café (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream (New)
Resorts
Available at Multiple Resorts Feb. 9 through Feb. 20
Sweetheart Chocolate Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake filled with hazelnut cream topped with chocolate hazelnut and strawberry buttercream, a white chocolate heart, and strawberry crisp pearls. (New) Available at the following:
Landscapes of Flavor at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Riverside Mill at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Good’s Food to Go at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Mickey and Minnie Bouquet: Mickey and Minnie red velvet cake with chocolate topped sugar cookies (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14) (New)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court
Sweetheart Sundae: Mickey and Minnie red velvet waffle with strawberry and chocolate swirl, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream (available Feb.9 through Feb. 20) (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Sanaa (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Candy Bar: Coconut, apricot, caramel, pistachio, and cashew bar coated with milk chocolate and topped with chai cream, red velvet crumbs, and raspberry gel
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Bakery (available Feb.7 through Feb. 14)
Marshmallow Mountain Cookie: Sugar cookie with a mountain of vanilla marshmallow dipped in white chocolate and finished with Valentine’s sprinkles (New)
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Available individually or in a pack of six (New)
Cannoli, Coconut Macaron, Sugar Cookies, and Mickey Cinnamon Rolls in pink and red colors (New)
Flying Fish (available Feb.11 through Feb. 13)
Cocoa Breach Vanilla Custard: Cocoa breach vanilla custard with milk chocolate bavarois and feuilletine crunch topped with a heart-shaped under a red chocolate disk (New)
Trattoria al Forno (available Feb.11 through Feb. 14)
Porterhouse Beefsteak for Two: Garlic butter, truffled gnocchi gratin, and pancetta brussels sprouts (New)
Cherry Cordial Brownie: Cherry cordial brownie base, chocolate crunch mousse, cherry filling, and amaretto panna cotta (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Steakhouse 71 (available through Feb. 28)
Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake: Chocolate chip pancake with a raspberry cream cheese icing, fresh strawberries, and a chocolate strawberry sauce (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (available through Feb. 15)
Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cherry Blondie Pop: Chocolate cherry blondie pop dipped in dark chocolate (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Scat Cat’s Club (available Feb.1 through Feb. 28)
Mickey Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet drizzled with cinnamon candy drizzle and Valentine’s Day quins with crushed cinnamon candies
Baton Rouge Beignets: Two traditional beignets with cinnamon candy drizzle, Valentine’s Day quins, and crushed cinnamon candies with a pipette of cinnamon whisky
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Roaring Fork (available Feb. 14)
Valentine’s Day Cupcake: Strawberry cupcake with chocolate custard filling topped with buttercream, white chocolate hearts, and heart sprinkles (New)
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (available Feb. 10 through Feb. 24)
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Hearts of Romance Cake: Strawberry short cake (New)
Marketplace Snacks (available through Feb. 26)
DOLE Whip Chocolate and Strawberry: Chocolate soft-serve swirled with DOLE Whip strawberry garnished with a chocolate-dipped strawberry
The Ganachery (available through Feb. 14)
Sweetheart Minnie Piñata: Chocolate sphere filled with marshmallow and chocolate (New)
Ruby Kiss Bon Bons: Kiss-shaped bonbon made from ruby chocolate (New)
Gorgeous Grey Stuff: Red shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies & cream mousse, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Heart-shaped Butter Cookie: Heart-shaped shortbread cookie with strawberry glaze, white chocolate drizzle, and heart sprinkles (available Feb. 1 through Feb. 28) (New)
Strawberry Sweet Tea: Black Tea with lemon and sweetened with strawberries (available through Mar. 28) (New)
Galactic Grill (available through Mar. 1)
Spicy Nash Chicken Sandwich: Fried breaded chicken breast smothered in house-made Nashville hot-inspired sauce, with bread-and-butter pickle chips, and mayo on a toasted bun served with choice of Greek yogurt or french fries (New)
Galactic Sunrise Slush: Strawberry limeade with a mix of sliced strawberries and purée served with a light-up glow cube (New)
Sweetheart Sundae: Strawberry, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, strawberry sauce, caramel and chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and red sugar sprinkles topped with a chocolate-covered strawberry (New)
Alien Pizza Planet (available through Mar. 1)
SpaceDip Pizza Slice topped with spinach & artichoke dip, chicken, capicola, and assorted cheeses
Tomorrowland Churro and Pretzel Stands (available through Mar. 1)
Valentine Macaron: Red and white macaron and strawberry buttercream filled with strawberry jam and brownie (New)
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
True Love Sundae: Scoops of vanilla and strawberry ice cream served in a waffle cup and topped with strawberry sauce, cherry whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate-covered strawberry
Town Square Churro Stand (available Feb. 1 through Mar. 1)
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite (SOLD OUT)
For those Guests visiting for one of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite events, make sure to bring your appetite! Guests will fall in love with these delicious options like the brand-new My answer is…Churro! or the delicious Star-Berry Cheesecake Shake at Galactic Grill. Make sure to add the Ham and Straw-Brie Sandwich from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to the list to try this unique twist packed with flavor. For a sweet finish, indulge in the Sweetheart Funnel Cake from Stage Door Café.
Disney California Adventure Park
Lamplight Lounge (available Feb. 11 through Feb. 14)
The Love That Lasts a Life Time Sweet Cocktail: Raspberry rum, liqueur, pineapple juice, orgeat, lime juice, and raspberry purée (New)
The Flame Spicy Cocktail: Raspberry rum, peach schnapps, mango, and raspberry purées with lime juice and firewater bitters (New)
The Ex Sour & Bitter Cocktail: Citron vodka, lemonade, blackberries, agave, and angostura bitters (New)
Valentine Cocktail Flight: The Ex, The Flame & The Love (New)
Various Candy Locations Around Disneyland Resort Including Marceline’s Confectionery, Trolley Treats, Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff, Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen, and Pooh Corner (available through Feb. 14)
“Bee Mine” Apple: Granny Smith apple dipped in caramel and red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with cute little chocolate bee
Strawberry Cake Pop: Chocolate cake pop dipped in pink strawberry-flavored chocolate and drizzled with red chocolate
“Bee Mine” Cereal Treat: Heart-shaped cereal treat dipped in red chocolate and decorated in white and dark chocolate with a cute little chocolate bee
Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Wand: Marshmallow wand dipped in caramel and dark chocolate drizzled with red and pink chocolate
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled in white chocolate
Milk Chocolate Swirl Strawberry: Long-stemmed strawberry swirled in milk, white, and dark chocolate
Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa
GCH Holiday Cart (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Mickey Mouse-shaped Valentine’s Cookies
Heart-shaped Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Minnie Mouse-shaped Crisped Rice Treats
Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
Ombre Macarons
Craftsman Bar (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Tuxedo Strawberry: Raspberry rum, dark crème de cacao, strawberry purée, and half and half served “up” in a chocolate-coated martini glass with strawberry garnish
California Crush: Apple whiskey, strawberry purée, lemon, and agave served with a mint sprig and strawberry heart garnish
Love’s Lantern: Citrus vodka, raspberry Liqueur, and lime garnished with edible flowers and a glow cube
Disneyland Hotel
Coffee House (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Red Velvet Cupcake (New)
Sablé Heart Cookie with raspberry filing (New)
Raspberry Mocha (New)
Iced Raspberry Mocha (New)
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill (available Feb.1 through Mar. 1)
Walt Disney World Resort Guests have been getting used to a brand new system over the course of the last few months.
Disney unveiled Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and Lightning Lane services as its new fast pass system last fall, meaning that Guests could pay an extra $15 per person to book reservations for attractions and use the ‘lightning lane’ instead of waiting in the regular queue.
However, the latest feature should prove to be one that is both convenient and necessary for groups traveling to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort alike.
Theme Park Reporter Scott Gustin shared on Twitter that the Walt Disney World app had been updated to now include a linking code feature. This means that Guests who travel with a party, whether that be family or friends, can now easily link their accounts to book Disney Genie+, lightning lane, and dining reservations using a simple QR code.
The Walt Disney World app has been updated and now includes a “linking code” feature to make it easier to connect with family and friends. After you open your QR linking code under My Profile, a friend can scan and link your accounts to book Genie+, Lightning Lane, etc.
The Walt Disney World app has been updated and now includes a “linking code” feature to make it easier to connect with family and friends.
After you open your QR linking code under My Profile, a friend can scan and link your accounts to book Genie+, Lightning Lane, etc. pic.twitter.com/IJWuu8MD1o
If you’ve ever attempted to add family or friends in the previous way, you know that the app can be difficult and locations can be spotty at best. This new feature will make connecting a breeze!
This Feb. marks the return of Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Parks, bringing new culturally rich experiences to Walt Disney World Resort and, for the first time, to Disneyland Resort. Coinciding with Black History Month, Celebrate Soulfully invites families and friends to gather for experiences that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.
Celebrate Soulfully is one of the ways Disney Parks is reimagining tomorrow.
Immerse Yourself in Art, Music and Entertainment
Join us as we celebrate soulfully through song, dance, stories and stirring displays featuring the work of Black artists across Walt Disney World Resort and at Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney World Resort
At Disney Springs, Motown favorites return alongside jazz, R&B and pop hits, with a line-up of featured musical acts all month long. Serving as the perfect spot to capture commemorative photos of the celebration, the fun continues with new murals and art displays throughout Disney Springs, several of which have been inspired by favorite characters from “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” series on Disney+. And at House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, guests can discover a permanent collection of Southern Vernacular Art.
Explore the rich and dynamic evolution of jazz at “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” exhibit in The American Adventure at EPCOT through the legacies of famous musicians and stories of how jazz took root in cities across the United States. Since its inaugural debut last year, the exhibit has traveled to museums across the country and expanded to include histories from Kansas City and Harlem.
You can continue to celebrate Black cultural influences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you may encounter the beats of the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe as they bring rhythms from the Congo to Mombasa Marketplace in Africa or attend “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King,” a Broadway-style show filled with pageantry puppetry and classic songs from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
And at select Walt Disney World Resorts, join us for viewings of films including “Soul,” “Remember the Titans,” and more as a part of Movies Under the Stars.
Disneyland Resort
As part of Celebrate Soulfully, Disneyland Resort will present “Celebrate Gospel” – at Disneyland park for the first time. “Celebrate Gospel” is a Disneyland Resort tradition, previously held in Stage 17 in Disney California Adventure park.
Opening this powerful event, award-winning Gospel singer, actor and fashion designer Kierra Sheard performs on Feb. 19 at Fantasyland Theater, along with a capella Gospel group Sacred Groove. On Feb. 26, Grammy-award winners Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music take the stage, along with The Singers of Soul performing in their unique a capella style. On both weekends, you can hear Southern California community choirs as they also join this beloved tribute to the spirit of Gospel Music from 3-7 p.m. on the Fantasyland Theater stage.
At Downtown Disney District, you can celebrate with nightly outdoor concerts covering genres such as R&B, Gospel, reggae, funk and jazz throughout Feb., plus Saturday afternoon Gospel music. You can also catch live jazz piano nightly at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
Also at Downtown Disney District, discover art displays from emerging Black artists who found inspiration in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.” Originally developed in collaboration with Pixar and HUE Unlimited in a collection of wearable art, the works are from Bee Harris, Bianca Pastel, Arrington Porter and Cory Van Lew. Plus, chalk muralist Marcella Swett will create a new chalk mural each week in February.
Immerse yourself in Black stories at Disneyland Resort in February and beyond. Join the heroes in Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure park, where you may see Black Panther and join Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, to learn wisdom from Wakanda. Let your imagination soar during a one-of-a-kind princess experience, which may include sightings of Princess Tiana, with Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose restaurant.
Feed Your Soul with Inspired Flavors
Discover celebratory eats inspired by Black stories and new dishes brought to life by chefs at locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. And make sure to look for “Cooking with Soul” featured menu items, spotlighting authentic dishes and the talented chefs who create them across Walt Disney World Resort, including EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Join us for new and returning favorites at Disneyland Resort.
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort
Come together with loved ones over a meal that nourishes your soul with brunch and happy hour menus at dining destinations across Disney Springs, including Wine Bar George, House of Blues, City Works Eatery & Pour House, STK and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
Discover the flavors from the Caribbean, Africa and the Southern United States as chefs and culinary cast members draw on their heritage to infuse cultural flavors into mouthwatering new menu items at Polite Pig, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and D-Luxe Burger.
Craving something sweet? Head to The Ganachery to indulge in Soulfully Sweet Pralines inspired by Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.”
Support Black-owned businesses at Vivoli il Gelato by ordering Coffee Pot Gelato, a limited-edition flavor made with coffee stout sourced from Green Bench Brewing Company, a Florida-based Black-owned brewery.
EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort
Available at Refreshment Outpost, the Nairobi Coffee Porter is infused with Kenyan coffee and features subtle berry and stone fruit notes.
Also found at Refreshment Outpost, the Plant-based Bratwurst is inspired by the flavors of Eastern Africa and is served with spicy turmeric aioli, Kachumbari slaw and coffee barbecue jackfruit.
Featuring layers of Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Lemonade, Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy and vanilla ice cream, the Half Note Float at Fife & Drum is named in honor of the jazz club frequented by Joe Gardner in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul.”
Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort
The Peach Cobbler Rum Cake at Tiffins Restaurant is inspired by a beloved recipe from chef James Hemings, celebrating his lasting creative and culinary legacy.
At Nomad Lounge & Cocktail Bar, guests are invited to satisfy their sweet cravings with Mandazi, a delicious fried dough dessert with Swahili origins.
Available at Creature Comforts Coffee Shop, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus, the Celebrate Soulfully Cupcake is a colorful and delicious homage to the Disney-Pixar film, “Soul.”
Sip on a refreshing Mint Julep, flavored with pineapple and orange to honor the inspirational story of the drinks’ creator, John Dabney. This flavorful craft cocktail will be available at locations around Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including Nomad Lounge, Dawa Bar, Restaurantosaurus Lounge and Thirsty River Bar.
Disneyland Resort
Celebrate Soulfully New Orleans style at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney District, where chefs honor the flavor of Louisiana with creole cuisine including their NOLA BBQ Shrimp & Grits.
Sip from a special menu, enhanced with wines, beer and spirits from Black-owned businesses, at Hearthstone Lounge at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Live jazz is offered nightly in the hotel lobby throughout February.
Bring Home Treasures Celebrating Black Makers and Creatives
Retail destinations at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort spotlight Black designers, artists and visionaries with celebratory merchandise items.
Walt Disney World Resort
Inside Art of Disney, check out the Artist Spotlight to learn more about Floyd Norman, Bruce Smith, Carole Holliday and others – some of the talented animators who have worked with the Walt Disney Animation Studios in films ranging from “The Jungle Book” to “The Proud Family” and beyond. And on select dates, meet artist, painter and operator of the Three Masks Art Gallery, Timothy Adebule.
In honor of Black History Month, Bowes Signature Candles, will offer special discounts off candle making. Founded by Jamaica native and artisan Dave Bowes, Bowes Candles is located inside Marketplace Co-Op and Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs. And during the month of February, Bowes Candles can also be found on the porch of the Discovery Trading Co. facing the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sephora at Disney Springs will celebrate a company-wide commitment to dedicate substantial shelf space in-store to diverse companies.
Be inspired by the words of modern age trailblazers like Muhammad Ali and historic figures like Maya Angelou at Sugarboo & Co., where you can find an assortment of writings from members of the Black community.
Within some of the most popular Disney-owned locations at Disney Springs, you’ll discover products featuring classic and new characters and films, including “Soul,” “Princess at the Frog” and “Black Panther.”
Under Armour joins the celebration with their Black History Month Collection for men, women and youth in apparel and footwear silhouettes.
Meet the talented African artisans behind unique craftworks near Mombasa Marketplaceat Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Disneyland Resort
Returning to Downtown Disney District on Feb.1, Post 21 features a collection of modern and design-forward merchandise from Black-owned businesses, curated by a local Los Angeles-based mother and daughter team at a kiosk location.
At WonderGround Gallery, guests will discover items with connections to the films “Soul,” “Princess and the Frog,” “The Lion King” and more.
Pelé Soccer will debut a new sweatshirt design that features an iconic image of Pelé and a call to “empower the culture.”
Lovepop honors Black History Month with special “We are Black History” and “Black is Beautiful” cards.
These are some of the ways you can celebrate soulfully at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Keep checking back here for more details about future offerings!
Back in July, Disney announced that it would begin requiring vaccines for all of its salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members. Not long after, Disney began discussions with local unions representing both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Cast Members for potential vaccine requirements. Those negotiations have been ongoing, and we are now learning that Disney will move forward with its plan for a vaccine requirement for unionized Disneyland Cast Members, although full negotiations with the Workers United Local 50 have fallen through.
COVID 19 UPDATEWe have received notice, after months of good faith negotiations on the matter, that the company will be moving forward on a vaccine mandate for Local 50 and other Union’s not currently under a mandate. Cast will receive an email with details of the mandate. The deadline will be April 11th to have verification of vaccination submitted. Accommodations for religious and/or medical reasons will be available. If you have any questions contact management or us at the Union office (714 502 0220).In solidarity,Workers United Local 50
The announcement left many wondering why negotiations were still ongoing when it seemed that Unions had no real issues with their members being required to be vaccinated to continue to work at the Happiest Place on Earth. However, Grace Campista, who serves on the union’s executive board, replied to a comment and revealed that the union had wanted Disney to require its Guests to be vaccinated as well — a request that Disney refused to agree with.
Had Disney agreed to require vaccinations for its Guests, they would not be the first Southern California theme park to do so. Universal Studios Hollywood began requiring proof of vaccination for all Guests 12 and older back in October 2021, after a mandate was passed in Los Angeles County. Then, in December, that vaccination proof was changed to include all Guests 5 and over. Guests under 5 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
The Workers United Local 50 did not say if the union would try to keep a conversation going about requiring proof of vaccination for Guests. Positive COVID cases in Orange County, CA — where Disneyland Resort is located — have shot up to almost 5, 000 per day, as compared to back in October, when the average number of cases was between 200 and 300.
Disneyland Cast Members will have until April 11, 2022, to prove that they are fully vaccinated and all potential new Cast Members must prove that they are vaccinated before they are allowed to begin working.
