Disney ParksNews

7000 Layoffs Later, Disney World to Hire 13,000 Cast Members

The Disney layoffs have taken center stage when it comes to Disney news since the announcement during the February 8 earnings call. When Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that the Walt Disney Company was going to be making significant changes with a notable restructuring of the company, the community at large was shocked by the magnitude of what this meant. Especially considering how many Cast Members were still fighting for fair pay and wages at the time.

Magic Kingdom Disney World
Disney characters in Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort/Credit: Disney

However, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared that front-line workers would not be affected by the layoffs i.e. Cast Members wouldn’t be affected by these layoffs. But then, shortly after, reports stated that Josh D’Amaro had sent out a memo a few days after the original announcement wherein he said the layoffs would impact every sector of the company, including Parks, Experiences, and Products.

Bob Iger in his office
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger / Credit: Hollywood Reporter

As the layoffs have continued, it’s become clear that Disney is getting rid of all signs of Bob Chapek and his initiatives, with entire divisions of the former Disney CEO being shut down and cut from the company. The restructuring is certainly doing its bit in getting rid of all Chapek-era ideas and reminders.

However, while thousands of employees and entire departments have now been cut, it appears Disney is hiring more Cast Members. During the shareholders’ call on April 3, Monday, Iger told shareholders that the company is planning to hire 13,000 Cast Members.

Disney World Cast Members
Walt Disney World Cast Members / Credit: Disney

While it’s certainly known that the Parks are highly understaffed, 13,000 is no small number. It’s one that rings especially shocking, considering 4000 people have lost their jobs and 3000 other positions that were meant to be filled have been scrapped. While the Parks certainly need more Cast Members—many have noted the negative effects understaffed Parks have had on the Disney experience—this turn of events is one that contradicts itself on more than one count.

Priyanka Kumar

Priyanka is a writer, artist, avid reader, and travel enthusiast based in Chicago. In her free time, she is probably walking by the lake, catching up on the latest releases on TV, or spending inordinate amounts of time rewatching Moana, Encanto, and her Disney Channel life-long favorites Zack and Cody wreak havoc on the Tipton.

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