For many Disney fans, the chance to work for Disney is a dream come true. In fact, many older Disney fans even choose to retire to the Sunshine State so that they can work part-time at Walt Disney World Resort. While working at Disney may be a dream for some, it is also not a big secret that a lot of Cast Members don’t get paid a lot. Several studies have come out that show Cast Members at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have reported being food insecure, and a large number have admitted to being homeless while working at the Parks.
Working at Disneyland Resort can be a struggle, considering Southern California is one of the most expensive places in the country to live. Some may suggest living further away from the Resort and commuting, but it should be considered that California also has some of the highest gas prices in the country. Add to that, Guests being dissatisfied with the cost of a Disney trip, having to pay for Disney Genie+, dealing with large crowds, and waiting in long lines, a trip to Disney may not be as happy and exciting to some as it once was.
With all that being taken into consideration, one Redditor wondered, what are the working conditions and wages at Disneyland really like right now. And the answer? Not great.
I went to DL last month, had an amazing time like always, but noticed something odd about the CMs this time around. Everyone seemed really down and slightly more grumpy than usual. I was told that conditions and wages have been the issue still, but was curious to see if that is actually the case? Maybe it was just an off day, which it totally normal, we all have our off days.
A Cast Member was quick to reply with an honest answer.
Current CM here: in short; it sucks. A lot of our departments are understaffed and overworked. Our wages suck and a lot of us can’t afford rent unless we share a apartment with 3 other people. And then hope we have enough money left for groceries and gas. There’s plenty cast members sleeping in their cars. Our attendance policy was changed to be stricter which means many of us aren’t calling out when we are sick and are legitimately working while sick.
The costumes we wear are awful. It’s hot and sticky this summer and none of the costumes are actually comfortable.
The guests are rude. (Not all, of course but enough.) and all of us are chronically exhausted.
The same Cast Member continued later, letting Guests know the simple steps they could take to help make things easier for the Cast Members who work so hard every single day.
For me personally, just listen to instructions. Like….you have no idea how much easier it makes our day if guest follow directions. Even if it’s something like “stay to your left” or “please keep moving” or “fill in all the seats.” It makes things so much better for us.
Or, when CMs start pushing for better wages and you hear about it online, be supportive. Last contract came up and the amount of “they’re basically flipping burgers” or “unskilled labor” comments I saw online was….disheartening to say the least. A lot of us put everything we have into making the Magic for guests, to hear that nobody seems to support us making a living wage….it’s just really really sad.
If we are putting in the hours, we should be able to make rent and afford our basic needs. Wouldn’t anyone be upset if they couldn’t do that?
Anyway, I’m getting off topic. Treat us like human beings. Say please and thank you. And even if we have to say something like “I’m sorry, but the ride is down” or “we are out of that item you’re looking for” understand that something are out of our control.
That’s all. Treat us like human beings.
Others commented that they used to be Cast Members or knew Cast Members who used to work at the Parks. They said that Disney used to be a great place to work, but seems to have gone downhill as the purse strings have tightened.
This breaks my heart. You would think a company like Disney would be a great place to work, but it sounds like a greed has taken over. I know a girl who was a CM in the early 2000s and she loved her job. She made enough money to afford her own apartment and bragged up other benefits. She eventually quit so she could move to NY to pursue her dream of being on Broadway. It’s too bad things have gotten worse within the last 20 years.
Thankfully, it appears that many Disneyland Resort Cast Members may soon receive a much-needed raise. In 2018, the city of Anaheim — where Disneyland is located — passed a law that required companies in the area to pay a minimum wage of $20. Disney tried to fight the ordinance, saying that it was exempt because it didn’t receive any subsidies from the city. However, a judge recently sided with the city and said that Disney must also follow the minimum wage guidelines implemented by the city.
