A sad week on the news front for numerous Disney Cast Members. Disney is laying off 28,000 domestic employees. Unfortunately, Yehaa Bob Jackson has shared he has been let go after 23 years with Walt Disney World.
As shared on Bob Jackson’s Facebook page: “And that’s how it ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. I’ve just learned my act will not be returning to Disney. I made so many friends over the last 23 years, it was a great time, we had a lot of laughs together. I’ll be continuing my Sunday shows for now. I’ll keep you posted, I’m still digesting all of this-“
You may remember seeing Yehaa Bob Jackson at River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. He brought joy, excitement, and pure talent to the lounge, making his entertainment some of the most memorable.
A statement from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was just released. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. The statement reads as follows:
“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”
“Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”
We previously shared Florida’s Governor announced Florida is moving into “Phase 3” reopening. Under Phase 3, “Theme parks may return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols”. Despite this new order, Disney has stated face covering are still required.
Two young guests stop to take a photo at Magic Kingdom Park, July 11, 2020, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the first day of the theme park’s phased reopening. (Olga Thompson, photographer)
As shared by FOX35: Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Friday that Florida will be moving into Phase 3 of reopening. According to the governor’s ‘Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step’ plan, “theme parks may return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols” in Phase 3.
Disney responded to FOX35 with the following statement:
“We received the Governor’s executive order and are evaluating it to determine what it may mean for our business. We are not making any immediate changes. As a reminder, face coverings are still required at Walt Disney World Resort.”
Exciting news! Disney has announced new and returning entertainment experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Check out the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.
We’ve been pleased to be able to reintroduce a number of guest favorites to the Walt Disney World theme parks in recent weeks, along with some fun, seasonal surprises. Today, I’m thrilled to tell you that another popular entertainment experience, “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Beginning Monday, October 5, you can once again join Erik and Aria, the Royal Historians of Arendelle, for their comedic retelling of the unique story of their kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from Disney’s “Frozen” and special appearances by Anna, Elsa and Kristoff. “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” will be the same incredible show guests have loved for the past six years, with some adjustments to staging and audience seating to allow for appropriate physical distancing.
During your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll also want to be on the lookout for some of the biggest Disney and Pixar stars, as they make their way up Hollywood Boulevard and across the park in special, pop-up motorcades. Rolling intermittently throughout the day, you never know when some of your favorite characters might pass by, so have your camera ready! Each celebrity motorcade features stars on the street and others – like Mickey Mouse, Edna Mode or Doc McStuffins – riding in colorful custom convertibles powered by Chevrolet.
Mickey and Friends Motorcade highlights Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and their friends Chip ‘n’ Dale, accompanied by a bouncy musical score inspired by Disney cartoon shorts. The Pixar Pals Motorcade takes the Incredibles, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and others down the avenue, waving to their fans to the beat of the Green Army Drum Corps. And the Disney Junior Stars Motorcade brings favorite TV friends Fancy Nancy, Doc McStuffins and Vampirina to Hollywood Boulevard.
Disney Junior fans are also invited to join the fun at “Disney Junior Play & Dance!” in the Animation Courtyard. Each party performance throughout the day features a dynamic DJ spinning favorite songs from Disney Junior TV shows, plus special onstage appearances by Disney Junior stars such as Mickey Mouse, Vampirina and more.
Sad news to share, as we’ve learned The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be ending their days at Walt Disney World as of October 3.
As shared on The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Facebook page:
“It’s hard to find the words but, sadly, our days at the Grand Floridian are over. In fact, as of Oct 3, 2020, our days at WDW will come to an end as well. The company brought us out of furlough, changed our name to “The Disney Society Orchestra,” closed us out of the GF to play a show of Disney themed show tunes at the Theater of the Stars in Hollywood Studios. We’ve been playing 9 shows a day, 7 days a week since Aug 2nd. The music is a far cry from the closely knit harmonies & sounds we became known for at the GF but. the guys are real pros and they sound great! Well… Two weeks ago we got notice that the theater is going dark and our last day of work will be Saturday, Oct 3, 2020. As we all know, these are very uncertain times and can’t say what will happen from one day to the next. So after 32 years of playing together and playing music we love… we’re done. We are so thankful for the opportunity to play in a beautiful setting for the hotel guests and friends we have met & made over the years. We’ll never forget you and how wonderful you’ve made us feel. We will miss you! Thank you-thank you- thank you!”
