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Disney Theme Park Entry Level Wages to Climb to $10 an Hour

Cast Members warm up as part of 2011 fitness training at Walt Disney World

Cast Members warm up as part of 2011 fitness training at Walt Disney World

A bit of good news for the cast of Disney’s domestic theme parks and their guests. The starting hourly wage of the entry level cast member could be rising to $10.00. According to a report in Bloomberg news, the 25% raise would roll out over two years. Last week, Disney made the offer to the Service Trade Council, a group of labor unions that represents almost half of Walt Disney World’s employees.

I see a couple of factors behind this offer. First, there is a nationwide push to raise the minimum wage to $10.10. Disney can show that companies can make this leap on their own by making this move now. Second, Disney has successfully recovered from the down economy and reported record profit last year; $6.6 billion is a lot of Disney dollars. Third, Disney has been investing a ton of money in capital improvements, they have to balance that with some concern for the personnel side of the ledger too.

Of course, there are concessions Disney wants from the unions in return. Switching from Pensions to 401(k) style retirement plans is one. I’m sure there are many others. But hey, that’s what collective bargaining is all about.

There’s one big reason for the offer that Bloomberg doesn’t mention, the Orlando labor market is once again becoming very competitive. In February of 2014 it dipped to 5.5% unemployment rate. That’s nearing the 4% that’s typically considered full-employment (everyone who wants to be working is). Wage inflation is one result of low unemployment, so Disney might be forced to raise wages, even if they weren’t negotiating a new contract with its employees.Read More »Disney Theme Park Entry Level Wages to Climb to $10 an Hour

“Disenchanted!” is an Princess-larious good time!

“Disenchanted!” is a cabaret-style original musical, originally created in Orlando by two former Disney World employees, that takes a look at those classic princess stories we have come to know and love…through the eyes of the ticked off princesses. The show has had various productions… Read More »“Disenchanted!” is an Princess-larious good time!

Disney VoluntEARS Deliver 36,000 Toys to Toys for Tots Charity

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Disney’s cast members are known for their excellent guest service, but did you know they also donate a significant amount of time and money via the VoluntEARs program. The holiday season VoluntEARs brings extra cheer to Central Florida non-profits with more than 36,000 new toys for Central Florida children, a $30,000 gift to Community Hope Center to help homeless families in Osceola County and countless other efforts across the community. These actions reflect Disney’s ongoing support to help local organizations that aim to brighten the lives of children and families.

During this past month, Cast Members have collected and donated thousands of new toys, games, books and plush dolls to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to benefit children in Orange and Seminole counties. In addition to collecting toys, Disney VoluntEARS have also given more than 6,000 hours to help the Marines register families for the annual giving campaign and sort and pack the toys.

“Through these combined efforts, we hope thousands of children in Central Florida will be surprised by at least one present during the holidays,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort. “We also hope that by giving their own time, Cast Members will inspire their children, family members and friends to remember kids of all ages during this season of sharing.”

The annual toy drive’s national campaign also received $200,000 from The Walt Disney Company as part of Disney’s long-standing support to the organization—which dates back to 1947 when Walt Disney designed the original Toys for Tots logo that is still used today.Read More »Disney VoluntEARS Deliver 36,000 Toys to Toys for Tots Charity

Disneyland Acquires More Property for Cast Parking

Walt Disney mortgaged nearly everything he owned and sold TV rights to ABC in order to get enough money to build Disneyland. Alas, the money didn’t go far enough to buy up more of the orange groves that surrounded the site in 1954, by the… Read More »Disneyland Acquires More Property for Cast Parking

MyMagic, Fastpass+ and Magicband Test Preview Video

Jeff and Denise of the excellent Mousesteps Disney fan site were invited by a cast member friend to be their guest during a test of the new Next-Gen system at EPCOT. During the test of the neww MagicBands and MyMagic+, they put the device through… Read More »MyMagic, Fastpass+ and Magicband Test Preview Video

Where Do The Wishing Well Coins Go At Disney World

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If you ever made a wish and tossed a few coins into one of Walt Disney World’s fountains or wishing wells, you may have seen the signage stating that your donation was doing to ‘Disney Hand’ and would be earmarked to help children everywhere. Have you ever wondered what type of wishes those donations are making come true? Cinderella’s Wishing Well at Magic Kingdom is one of those designated locations and has been host to millions of wishes being made. Today, it was the place where one of those wishes came true.

Gathering up the small coins and pennies tossed by hopeful guests, Walt Disney World Resort donated $15,000 to the Foundation for Foster Children. The non-profit organization helps children living with foster families realize some of their own wishes such as access to summer camps, art classes, social activities, tutoring and even cakes on special occasions.

“One of our goals is to increase public awareness and support for more than 1,400 foster children who live in Central Florida,” said Betsey Bell, executive director of the Foundation for Foster Children. “This donation enables us to give these kids new opportunities and experiences that will help them succeed and become contributing members of our community.” Read More »Where Do The Wishing Well Coins Go At Disney World

Disneyland Cast Member Actually Exploded Dry-Ice Twice

The former (I assume) Disneyland Outdoor Vending Cast Member was arraigned for the Toontown blast today. He pled not guilty. As part of the proceedings we learned a bit more about the events of the day, including a surprising revelation – there was a second… Read More »Disneyland Cast Member Actually Exploded Dry-Ice Twice

The Happiest Rubber Duck Race on Earth Raises Money for Children

While no where near as physically exhausting as the Canoe boat races, the ‘it’s a small world’ rubber duck race has gained its own cast member allure in the 5 years its been running. Cast members sponsor and decorate their ducks and then race them… Read More »The Happiest Rubber Duck Race on Earth Raises Money for Children