Disney Celebrates Long Time Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

President Walt Disney World Resort Jeff Vahle shares his story on how he got to where he is today. Here is what he said on Disney Parks Blog:

In my first role at Walt Disney World, my office was above what is now Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, in Magic Kingdom. During breaks, my leader and I would walk on Main Street, U.S.A. and he would point out the windows advertising the owners of fictitious businesses—everything from music schools and detective agencies to modeling agencies and fence painters. The businesses are fictitious, but their owners are real; exceptional individuals who helped shape the legacy of Walt Disney World. A “window on Main Street” has long been, and still is, our ultimate compliment to such exceptional cast members. 

We confer new windows very rarely. Yet, on September 12, we dedicated a window to a Disney leader beloved on three continents—and one that we at Walt Disney World still cherish as “one of our own.”

Just like me, George A. Kalogridis grew up in Winter Haven, FL. He started with Disney in September of 1971 as a busser at the Disney’s Contemporary Resort. He was pretty sure it would just be temporary employment—something with which to work his way through college. Half a century later, he is still with Disney. His leadership roles, which include presidencies at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, have all been within what is now the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment. 

George has had a hand in many things during his career, like the creation of Disney Pin Trading, and the memorable “Frozen Summer Fun” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He led the resort during a period of remarkable growth and opened Pandora—The World of Avatar, Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; experiences which have become staples of a Walt Disney World vacation. Today, in addition to being president of Segment Development and Enrichment, George is also Global Ambassador for the 50th anniversary of our resort. These accomplishments have been nothing short of legendary, and now there’s a special spot in the Magic Kingdom that pays tribute to the person behind them.

Next time you’re at the Magic Kingdom, I hope you’ll slow down and look at the windows on Main Street, U.S.A. Not just George’s, but all of them. The extraordinary contributions of the people on those windows are part of what makes Walt Disney World Resort “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”

If you would like to see the Walt Disney World Window Dedication you can see that here.

Cast Member Unions Negotiating with Disney Over Vaccination Requirement

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Last week, news broke that Disney would be requiring all of their salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. working at any Disney site be fully vaccinated. The company cannot require union employees to be vaccinated without first consulting the unions, who can negotiate it into their contract for the members under a collective bargaining agreement. According to a statement made to Orlando news station Spectrum News 13, talks have been ongoing between Disney and the Services Trade Council, a collection of six unions representing Cast Members at Walt Disney World.

Jeremy Haicken, president of UNITE HERE Local 737, one of the six unions of the STC, told Spectrum News that despite not having reached an agreement yet, the negotiations will continue until one is reached.

“We continue to negotiate with Disney. We are especially concerned that unionized workers with medical or religious concerns will be accommodated fairly,” Haicken told Spectrum News. “The vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death. We hope that all hospitality workers in Central Florida will get the vaccine as soon as possible.”

Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor Reopens After 18-Months of Closure

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Great news coming out of the Monster world as Walt Disney World’s extremely fun attraction, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor at Magic Kingdom, has once again reopened their doors. Monsters, Inc. is just one of the many attractions/experiences scheduled to reopen this month. While Monster, Inc. Laugh Floor was on the calendar to reopen on August 8, Disney began soft openings on August 6 and guests are loving every minute of it! Not only do we see guests celebrating, but of course Disney Cast Members are excited to be back among the memories this attraction dishes out. 

As shared via Walt Disney World Cast & Community Facebook: “HELLO, HUMANS! Mike Wazowski is once again welcoming humans to the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, and our very own monsters of comedy could not be more thrilled! Hey, do you know why you can’t give Elsa a balloon? Because she’ll let it go!”

If you’ve never experienced this Magic Kingdom park favorite, you don’t want to miss it! As shared Disney’s website, “Step inside the only laugh factory in Monstropolis and make your way into a comedy club hosted by Monster of Ceremonies Mike Wazowski. These scare-acters love to engage the audience. Don’t be surprised if you become part of the show!” Plus, if you have a good, clean joke you want shared, you can text it in to the show and they may just share it with the audience.

Welcome back to all the Cast Members and Disney fans that have long awaited Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor’s reopening after 18 months of being closed due to COVID-19. While we wish we could say we totally pandemic free, you’ll still need to follow along with Walt Disney World’s safety guidelines by once again wearing masks at all indoor locations on property. Is putting on a mask worth the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor entertainment? Absolutely!

Three Disney World Cast Members Arrested in Undercover Child Predator Sting

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts, Uncategorized

Hard news to share coming out of Central Florida. Seventeen suspects have been arrested in an undercover child predator sting. Of the seventeen it is now being reported that three of the suspects are Walt Disney World Cast Members. The names and former locations of where these Cast Members worked have been released.

According to WFLA: “Seventeen people from across central Florida have been charged “Operation Child Protector,” a six-day undercover investigation into child predators held by multiple agencies. Sheriff Grady Judd said all of them intended to engage in sexual activity with what they believed were children, but instead, they encountered undercover officers who were posing as children online.”

The report goes on to share that among the suspects were three employees at Disney World including couple Savannah and Jonathan McGrew (both worked as custodians at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and Kenneth Javier Aquino (a lifeguard at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge).

In total, the 17 suspects face 48 felony charges and two misdemeanors, with nine of them having criminal histories. To view the article details and list of suspects names, visit WFLA. We’re thankful for “Operation Child Protector” and the success in arresting these 17 predators.

Disney Now Requiring All Salaried and Non-Union Cast Members Be Vaccinated

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

The Walt Disney Company is reportedly informing their employees and Cast Members that they are now requiring all salaried and non-union hourly employees in the U.S. to be fully vaccinated.

Employees have 60 days to get vaccinated if they are not yet. All new hires will need to be fully vaccinated before employment. Disney is communicating with unions regarding union employees.

Those currently working remotely will need to provide proof of vaccination before returning to the workplace. That being said, the work-from-home calendar has been extended.

Certain exemptions do apply, likely for those who are immunocompromised and unable to be vaccinated.

Disney is working on creating a plan for their employees outside of the U.S., which would include those at Disney Parks.