In 2010, a new website was launched called GoFundMe. GoFundMe allowed people to start campaigns to help them raise money for various things. Strangers could donate to help people with things like celebrations, medical bills, schooling, and more. In the nearly 15 years since its launch, GoFundMe has helped thousands of people, raising more than $9 billion.
GoFundMe can help those who truly find themselves in a tough financial situation. But one Disney actress is standing up against a ton of backlash for creating one to help her son.
Alyssa Milano, well-known to fans for her role as Phoebe Halliwell in the TV series Charmed, has a 12-year-old son who absolutely loves baseball. He plays on a team that is hoping to take a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, where they will also compete in a tournament. The trip will cost approximately $10,000 — covering uniforms, travel costs, and dues for the rest of the families with boys on the team.
Many found Milano’s GoFundMe completely tasteless. GoFundMe is considered a place where people who are truly struggling financially can go for help. Milano’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. She is also married to a successful Hollywood talent agent — Dave Bugliari — who is also worth millions of dollars.
My son’s baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip. Any amount would be so greatly appreciated. You can read more about the team and make a donation here:
My son’s baseball team is raising money for their Cooperstown trip. Any amount would be so greatly appreciated. You can read more about the team and make a donation here:https://t.co/PMV9aEFnou
People were shocked that Milano would ask strangers to donate money, when she could easily cover the cost of the trip herself.
“Imagine being so out of touch that you ask your followers to contribute money to your child’s trip when you have a net worth of 10 million dollars,” one user wrote. “This is gross. Pay for it your own damn self. #AlyssaMilano #gofundme.”
Despite the backlash, Milano defended the GoFundMe, saying that she had already paid for a number of things for the team.
I’m getting media inquiries about whether I have financially contributed to my son’s baseball team.
I’ve paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, thrown bday parties and sponsor any kid who can’t afford monthly dues.
The kids also do fundraising themselves—car washes, movie nights, and many other fun things!
Thank you to all who have contributed to the gofundme! You’ve made things easier for these boys and their families.
I’m getting media inquiries about whether I have financially contributed to my son’s baseball team.
I’ve paid for uniforms for the entire team and coaches, thrown bday parties and sponsor any kid who can’t afford monthly dues.
The kids also do fundraising themselves—car washes,…
Milano did receive some support, but received further backlash when she made the comment that she would pay for the entire team if she could.
It’s unreal, right away, just because you’re an actress, people think you have to fund the entire thing. There’s not a damn thing wrong with your doing this. It’s a great example for the kids to see you as Alyssa the Mom, not Alyssa the actress. This world is overrun with/Karens!
It’s unreal, right away, just because you’re an actress, people think you have to fund the entire thing. There’s not a damn thing wrong with your doing this. It’s a great example for the kids to see you as Alyssa the Mom, not Alyssa the actress. This world is overrun with/Karens!
Commenters pointed out that she has been on several incredibly successful television shows — Charmed, and Who’s The Boss? — which ran in syndication for years and netted the actress millions.
You absolutely could… I’m not saying you should or need to but to come on here and say you can’t afford this is ridiculous… while not knowing your financials my guess is you make more then enough money in a week to pay for this entire trip… Spare us the you would if you could.
You absolutely could… I’m not saying you should or need to but to come on here and say you can’t afford this is ridiculous… while not knowing your financials my guess is you make more then enough money in a week to pay for this entire trip… Spare us the you would if you could.
Milano has worked with Disney for decades, making a number of notable appearances. She voiced Angel in the 2001 film, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure. She also portrayed Scarlett Rosetti in the Disney animated series Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil. Milano has also made appearances in the hit ABC shows, Castle and Grey’s Anatomy.
At the time of publication, Milano’s GoFundMe has surpassed its $10,000 by just over $1,000.
Walt Disney World Resort is thrilled to “Celebrate Soulfully” during Black History Month in February with vibrant art, soul stirring music, savory soul food and a limited-edition pin, embracing the richness of Black heritage.
Through the talents of wonderful Cast Members and collaborations with a myriad of Black-owned businesses, guests can “Celebrate Soulfully” across the resort throughout the year, but especially during Black History Month. Explore some ways to honor Black culture, heritage and contributions at Walt Disney World Resort this February.
Ring in the Celebration with Michael James Scott as the Honorary Parade Grand Marshal
Broadway performer and Orlando native Michael James Scott, well known for his portrayal of Genie in the hit Broadway musical, “Aladdin,” will be the honorary grand marshal for the “Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park on Feb. 6. His appearance helps kick off our month-long celebration of Black heritage and culture. Guests can catch Michael James Scott along the parade route all the way down to Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 p.m. ET.*
Collect the New Princess Tiana Tiara Pin
With the theme of dreams coming true, and just in time for Black History Month, a new Princess Tiana tiara pin is available at locations around Disney theme parks and soon on shopDisney.com. The limited-release pin was designed by Brittany L. Smith, a senior production designer with Walt Disney Imagineering. The pin is inspired by Brittany’s interpretation of the tiara-topped water tower featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Smith is also a designer for Tiana’s Audio-Animatronics character in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park this year.
Celebrate the Arts at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Guests can check out the artistic designs of three Black artists participating in EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, which is a grand celebration of artistic expression in all forms. The three Black artists are taking part on various days through Feb. 19.
Ryan Riller (Feb. 12-19)
Yesenia Moises (Feb.13-19)
Larissa Marantz (Feb. 14-19)
Also, guests can’t miss the performances by the following Black artists lighting up the stage at America Gardens Theatre during the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series on select nights during the festival:**
Steven Taylor (“The Lion King” – Jan. 26, 28 and 29, Feb. 1, 3, 5 and 6)
Kissy Simmons (“The Lion King” – Jan. 27, 30 and 31, Feb. 2, 4, 7 and 8)
Michael James Scott (“Aladdin” – Feb. 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19)
Explore Artistic Expressions at Disney Springs Art Walk
Guests can head over to Disney Springs for food, music, shopping– and some colorful artwork by several Black artists. Guests should take a stroll past the Disney Springs Art Walk where they will find murals painted by Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones and Nardstar.
Check out the African Art exhibit in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
A new African art installation is coming to the Pizzafari gate at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning February 1. Featured artwork from internationally renowned Nigerian-American artist Victor Ekpuk explores historical narratives and contemporary African diaspora.
Be Inspired by the work of Floyd Norman, Disney’s First Black Animator
Floyd Norman, Disney’s first credited Black animator, helped animate characters Kaa and Shere Khan from “The Jungle Book.” At Conservation Station’s Animation Experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests will receive step-by-step guidance on how to illustrate their own version of the popular Disney Animation and Pixar Animation Studios characters that Norman helped to animate as well as others such as Bruce from “Finding Nemo;” Tick-Tock from “Peter Pan;” or Scar from “The Lion King.”
Indulge in “Cooking with Soul” Cuisine
Across Walt Disney World resorts, guests can expect to see “Cooking with Soul” items on restaurant menus. They will find classic comfort food prepared by a diverse group of Walt Disney World chefs.
Mini Red Velvet Cake: Red velvet cake with cream cheese buttercream(New);
Available at:
Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Tiana’s Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon Chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece(New)
Available at:
Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom (Available Feb. 1 through March 1)
Shrimp and Grits: Roasted corn and goat cheese, peri-peri shrimp, and green tomato-apple chutney(Currently Available)
Available at:
Tiffins Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Griot and Pikliz: Epis-marinated fried pork shoulder, fried green plantain, and pikliz (New)
Available at:
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs (Available Feb. 1 through 29)
Check out the Foodie Guide for the full list of Cooking with Soul items found across Walt Disney World.
Make Magical Memories with Ariel, Tiana and Asha
Throughout February and beyond guests can interact with a variety of popular and diverse characters such as Tiana at Magic Kingdom, Ariel from the live-action story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Asha at EPCOT.
With every beat, every flavor and every smile, guests are sure to enjoy “Celebrating Soulfully” at Walt Disney World Resort!
A major commercial airline announced this week that it has parted ways with The Walt Disney Company, ending a partnership that has been in place for more than ten years.
In 2013, The Walt Disney Company announced a partnership between Disney Parks and WestJet Airlines. As part of the agreement between the parties, two themed Boeing 737-800 airliners would be painted to reflect Disney-inspired theming, with the first of the two aircraft beginning service on December 3.
Now that Disney and WestJet have parted ways, the Disney-themed airliners are headed for retirement. Both airliners will remain in service, but they will no longer feature their former magical theming, as the external parts of the airliners will be restored to reflect WestJet’s standard livery.
Per the Canadian-based passenger carrier, WestJet Airlines and Disney Parks ended their partnership in December when their agreement expired, referring to the parting of ways as a “natural transition.”
“In this case,” WestJet explained in a statement, “the co-branded liveries will be updated following a natural transition in our contract agreements with Disney Parks & Resorts.”
On December 2, 2013, WestJet and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts took off on an exciting adventure. The commercial airline and the Mouse House joined forces. The result was a gorgeous custom-painted Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft inspired by Disney’s Fantasia films and Sorcerer Mickey.
As part of the celebration, WestJet Airlines hosted an event at the hangar in Calgary, Alberta, where the Mickey plane was being held. A magical unveiling was held with “WestJetters,” Disney team members, and media representatives in attendance. Even Mickey Mouse showed up to celebrate the new Disney-inspired airliner.
Dubbed the Magic Plane, the Boeing aircraft took its inaugural flight, which departed Calgary, Alberta, Canada, en route to the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida on December 3, 2013, after which it began flying throughout WestJet’s domestic and international network.
“We are very proud of our work with Disney and everything we’ve done together over the years to enrich the lives of our guests,” said then-President of WestJet Airlines, Gregg Saretsky, at the time of the debut. “With the Magic Plane, we are soaring to new heights, offering guests of all ages the chance to share the skies with one of the world’s most beloved and iconic figures.”
When the Magic Plane first debuted, the headrests on passenger seats featured decals that resembled pixie dust, and guests received cookies in the shape of Disney characters on all flights.
Two years later, WestJet would add another airliner to its tiny magical fleet.
In October 2015, Disney and WestJet debuted a second Disney-themed plane inspired by Disney’s Frozen (2013). The new plane was painted in Fort Worth, Texas, by teams comprised of painters from Canada, the United States, and Germany.
Before team members began the arduous task of bringing Anna, Elsa, and Olaf to life on the Boeing 737-800, they watched the blockbuster film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen (1844) to get them in the spirit and to familiarize themselves with the characters and the story of Frozen.
It took crews 21 days of 12-hour rotations by crew members who worked 24 hours a day to complete the transformation of the Boeing 737-800. More than 20 different colors of paint were used in the project. When the job was finished, crews had used more than 170 gallons of paint. Sparkles were then added to some of the sections of the aircraft to add a shimmery shine to the plane anytime it moved.
Inside the WestJet Disney Frozen plane, more than 50 separate overhead bin doors featured a unique Frozen-themed decal, and passenger seat headrests featured the same cold-to-warm theming painted on the external part of the fuselage. More than 36 different paint colors were used.
WestJet Airlines will still partner with Disney through WestJet Vacations and offer its passengers the option to purchase Walt Disney World theme park tickets on its official website.
Reedy Creek firefighters will no longer answer calls for help from staff members and guests at the Walt Disney World Resort property.
In yet another change brought about as a result of a public feud between Disney and Florida lawmakers, Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken strides involving the Disney World governing board once again.
In 2023, Gov. DeSantis moved to replace Disney’s Reedy Creek board with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFOTD) board–a governing body staffed entirely by DeSantis appointees. On Thursday, the CFTOD board announced that the Reedy Creek Fire Department will no longer be the ones who respond to calls for help from Disney World.
On Thursday morning, the CFTOD board announced it’s doing away with the “Reedy Creek” name when it comes to the fire department that serves the residents of the district and the cast members and guests at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Instead of the Reedy Creek Fire Department, the entity will be renamed the “District Fire Department,” and a rebranding campaign will follow.
The rebranding of the fire department is part of the collaborative efforts of the district administration and the leadership team with the former Reedy Creek Fire Department.
“The transformation to ‘District Fire Department’ marks a significant moment for district public safety personnel and the entire District team, symbolizing a renewed commitment to excellence through service,” said Glenton Gilzean, Jr., CFOTD administrator. “I thank Acting Chief Ferrari for his steadfast leadership throughout this period of immense growth.”
The decision to rename the department, removing the “Reedy Creek” name, was made in an attempt to “foster visual cohesion, contributing to the safety and operational efficiency of the Fire Department,” per a news release from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Throughout the process, leaders from the district administration and the fire department welcomed the creative input from department team members, as well as various stakeholders.
“Today isn’t just any day,” said acting Fire Chief Eric Ferrari. “It’s a turning point that will be etched in our department’s history. Change is challenging, especially in the fire service, where tradition and valor bind us closer than any oath. Yet today, we embrace change with the same determination we face with every call for service.”
According to fire department leaders, the newly announced transformation is another example of the new board’s dedication to continually improving services and other elements of the district, as well as to serving taxpayers. Leaders also said that a complete rebranding of the fire department could take as long as 24 months–and that firefighters’ uniforms would be the first major change in the department that would be noticed by anyone.
According to Orlando’s WKMG, the rebranding of the fire department that serves the Walt Disney World Resort is the first step in a “comprehensive plan,” and additional changes and improvements will be announced and executed at a later date.
The fire department’s rebranding represents the initial step in a comprehensive plan, with additional developments to be executed and communicated in the future.
Disney has announced its decision to lay off many cast members, some of whom you may have even spoken to.
This unfortunate news has sent shockwaves to many who work in the magical world of Disney, leaving many to wonder about the future of their employment with the mega-company.
Disney, being a conglomerate business, has many arms. Movies, television, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and more make up the multi-faceted nature of the larger-than-life entertainment giant.
A big part of that business is cast members. Unlike typical employees you’ll find at other companies, Disney considers all of their staff to be a part of the story, hence the preferred name for their workers.
Cast members, the ones that we interact with at least, are responsible for the day-to-day operations of theme parks, customer service, and much more. One capacity in which cast members offer a magical experience is via shopDisney.
shopDisney is another arm of The Walt Disney Company that allows Disney fans to shop their favorite Disney characters and park merchandise online via a website or app.
Guests can find all the latest trends, fashions, and must-haves in the online Disney shop, highlighting favorite characters and franchises like Mickey Mouse, Avatar, Star Wars, Marvel, and much more.
Sadly, the news of new layoffs will impact this specific arm of employment for The Walt Disney Company, with Scott Gustin reporting that 115 employees in this branch will be out of work effective March 24.
shopDisney will lay off 115 employees effective March 24. The impacted employees work remotely in guest service roles – most of the positions are part-time. shopDisney will transition guest services to a third-party company with employees across the globe and time zones. pic.twitter.com/S5dbYBKQrf
Scott went on to explain that many of the workers impacted by this round of layoffs will be those who work remotely in a guest service role, mostly part-time employees.
This is considerable news as many find it challenging to afford groceries these days as inflation continues to impact the US dollar. Even more alarming, Scott also went on to explain that Disney will outsource their current job function to a third party with “employees across the globe and time zones.”
With the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney has faced unprecedented challenges in operating at total capacity. Despite its best efforts to rebound from the economic downturn, the company has been forced to make difficult decisions to ensure long-term sustainability. As a result, additional cast members have been affected by recent waves of layoffs.
As mentioned, the cast members facing termination from their current positions are that of the shopDisney customer service arm. Although these employees are expected to work part-time, 115 people being removed from an already busy customer service system is significant, especially considering that they are losing their jobs for potentially cheaper labor overseas.
For many cast members, working at Disney is not just a job but a lifelong dream. The announcement of the layoffs will most likely leave these dreamers devastated and uncertain about their future and what lies ahead. It is essential to recognize this decision’s emotional toll on individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into creating magical experiences for park guests.
Disney has always emphasized the importance of its cast members and their well-being. In the wake of these layoffs, the company is surely committed to providing support and resources to help impacted employees navigate this challenging time.
Efforts such as career counseling, access to professional development programs, and assistance in finding new job opportunities could be extended to the affected cast members. However, there is no official word regarding how Disney will navigate this mass exit of customer service representatives.
Like many other major companies, Disney strives to navigate these uncertain times. The layoffs are part of a larger strategy aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland, shopDisney, Disney+, and many other arms that belong to The Walt Disney Company.
As the company continues to adapt and evolve, there is optimism for a brighter future where Disney’s magic can thrive again, bringing back the beloved cast members who make it all possible.
The decision to lay off more cast members at Disney is undoubtedly a painful and unfortunate one. It marks a challenging chapter in the history of those impacted and casts a shadow over a world that we rarely see outside of a bubble.
However, in times of adversity, Disney has always persevered, and we hope the company will emerge stronger while providing essential support for those impacted by these layoffs. Let us rally behind the cast members who bring joy and magic to our lives and keep the Disney spirit alive.
