Disney Puts Guests First, Restricts Beloved Cast Member Perk

What is arguably one of the best perks of being a Disney Parks Cast Member? Free Theme Park access.

After working in or around Disneyland Resort or Disney World Resort Theme Parks, the Cast Members can come back to enjoy their workplace as a Guest–and can even bring a few friends with them on a limited basis.

Related: Disney Will No Longer Call Park Guests ‘Princess’

But just like a Theme Park Ticket holder, Select Resort Hotel Guests, and an Annual Passholder, an off-duty Cast Member’s Park access is still dependent upon Theme Park Reservation Availability and blockout dates. And it appears that either the number of Cast Member Blockout Dates has significantly increased or the number of fully-booked days to visit the Parks has also increased–or at least become more noticeable.

Disney World Cast Member @Monse_DP shared screenshots that show the state of Theme Park Reservations for the mega-resort’s employees for April and May, saying:

“How can Disney even claim that “park access” is an employee perk when this is their blocked out calendar?! Keep in mind that even on non block days it is all dependent on them getting a reservation, so basically a Hunger Games situation for them.”

How can Disney even claim that “park access” is an employee perk when this is their blocked out calendar?! Keep in mind that even on non block days it is al dependent on them getting a reservation, so basically a Hunger Games situation for them. pic.twitter.com/bLV0xekkCo

— Monse (@Monse_DP) March 29, 2022

As the number of Guests continues to rise, it is likely the case that the Walt Disney World Resort is prioritizing more of the total Park Pass Reservations for Guests, resulting in faster sellouts and more blockout dates for Cast Members. However, we cannot be exactly sure at this time. Replies to this tweet concurred that their “Park access” situation is difficult, and this reporter has known Cast Member friends who pay for an extra Annual Pass in order to have more fun time in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

According to Disney World’s Theme Park Reservation Availability Calendar, the month of April is already booking up fast, with four weekdays already completely booked up for Theme Park Ticket holders and Select Resort Hotel Guests. Meanwhile, Annual Passholder reservations are also starting to go as limited April availability is already showing for the Disney Incredi Pass, and Disney Pirate Pass. Both the Disney Sorcerer Pass and Disney Pixie Dust Pass are blocked out for the entire “Easter Vacation” window (April 9 – April 23)

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We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on more Disney Parks news as more stories come to light.