News

75% of Staff Let Go at Orlando Theme Park, Operations Set to Conclude for Good

Legoland Florida Resort has announced sweeping layoffs that will permanently affect 234 employees, predominantly from its entertainment department. This marks a major reduction in the live performances that have been a hallmark of the Winter Haven park’s charm. The layoffs, scheduled to take effect between March 25 and April 7, come as Legoland shifts its operational strategy to focus on “flexibility and innovation,” according to a spokesperson.

Kids on a roller coaster hill at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.
Credit: LEGOLAND

Julie Estrada, a representative for Legoland, provided insight into the decision in a statement:

“The decision to reduce the size of some of our teams was undoubtedly difficult, but these changes will allow the Resort to operate more flexibly and responsively in a competitive market.”

These cuts represent roughly 75% of the park’s entertainment workforce, many of whom have spent years performing in beloved shows and interacting with guests. The layoffs will affect a combination of full-time and part-time staff, and the decision has sparked frustration among passholders and fans who view live entertainment as a critical part of the park’s identity.

One of the most significant losses is the park’s iconic water skiing show on Lake Eloise, a nod to the site’s origins as Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first-ever theme park. The water ski show ended in 2024, quietly foreshadowing the larger changes to come.

A Park in Transition

While the layoffs may feel abrupt, they are part of Legoland’s broader plan to reinvent its entertainment offerings. The resort recently introduced a car-building Lego attraction and is gearing up for the opening of a new SEA LIFE Aquarium in the coming months. These additions are part of Merlin Entertainments’ efforts to expand its footprint in Florida, which also includes the nearby Peppa Pig Theme Park and the acquisition of attractions at Orlando’s ICON Park, such as The Wheel.

Children running to the entrance of LEGOLAND Florida.
Credit: LEGOLAND

Despite these expansions, the entertainment layoffs highlight a trend that has rippled across the theme park industry: scaling back live performances in favor of automated, tech-driven attractions. For Legoland, this approach includes outsourcing some seasonal entertainment to a third-party provider, a move the park claims will ensure quality without the need for a large, in-house team.

“We will continue to have a core entertainment offering, which we will scale up to meet our brand and guest experiences during the year,” Estrada explained.

Yet for guests who have grown attached to the park’s interactive shows, this is little consolation. Social media has been buzzing with disappointment, with longtime fans sharing their favorite memories and voicing their dismay.

Walt Disney World’s Entertainment Struggles

Legoland’s decision mirrors broader entertainment cuts seen across Central Florida’s theme parks, including at industry giant Walt Disney World. Although Disney has returned to pre-pandemic levels in many areas, live entertainment has been one of the slowest aspects to recover.

Several fan-favorite acts have yet to make a comeback at Disney, leaving some corners of the parks feeling less lively and immersive:

  • The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra: Once the soul of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, this group brought timeless elegance to the resort’s lobby until it was disbanded in 2020.
  • Polynesian Resort Performers: Known for their vibrant dances and authentic cultural storytelling, these entertainers offered a taste of the South Pacific but have since been quietly removed.
  • Voyage of the Little Mermaid: The live stage show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios remains shuttered, with plans to reopen as “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.”
  • Citizens of Hollywood: The quirky and improvisational street performers of Disney’s Hollywood Studios have not returned, much to the dismay of parkgoers who enjoyed their unscripted humor and interactions.

The Bigger Picture

The scaling back of live entertainment is not unique to Central Florida. Across the theme park industry, companies are balancing the rising costs of labor and operational expenses with the need to invest in new attractions. While automated and tech-driven experiences can be exciting, they lack the personal connection that live performers bring to the table.

At Legoland, the layoffs represent a significant cultural shift for a park that has long prided itself on its hands-on and interactive approach. The decision to outsource seasonal entertainment may keep costs in check, but it raises questions about whether the park can maintain the same level of guest satisfaction.

Similarly, at Disney, the absence of cherished performers and acts has left noticeable gaps in the park experience. Guests have taken to social media and fan forums to voice their concerns, with some questioning whether Disney’s focus on new attractions is overshadowing the importance of live entertainment.

Looking Ahead

A large LEGO pirate character with a hook hand interacts with an excited group of children and adults at LEGOLAND Florida.
Credit: LEGOLAND

While Legoland Florida pushes forward with its expansion plans and operational changes, the entertainment cuts are a sobering reminder of the evolving priorities in the theme park industry. For many guests, the magic of a visit is not just about rides or attractions but the memories created through personal interactions and live performances.

Whether Legoland’s new strategy will resonate with its audience remains to be seen. But for now, the performers who once brought life to the park are stepping away, leaving a quieter, more automated future in their wake.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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