Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Photo credits (C) Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Weekly Disney Roundup For September 26 – October 2, 2020

In this edition of the Weekly Disney Round-Up: The D23 Expo gets a new date, a devastating number of layoffs is coming to the Disney Parks,  plus a new method of processing Annual Passes.

This is your Disney news round-up for the week of September 26, 2020.

D23's Official Statement From Twitter: @DisneyD23
D23’s Official Statement From Twitter: @DisneyD23

COVID- 19 Updates

D23’s Main Event Moved From 2021 Until 2022 – Promises To Be “Unlike Any Other”: We can’t say we didn’t see this one coming but…the D23 Expo 2021 has officially been delayed until 2022. For those who don’t know what D23 is, the best way to describe the bi-annual convention is a fan event, much like Comic-Con but completely centered around Disney.

Annual Pass Sales Restart For Expired or Canceled Passes: Disney is allowing some people who previously had an Annual Pass to buy a new one.  If you were an Annual Passholders and your pass expired after March 16, or you canceled after March 16 (the day Disney World first shut down), you can now purchase a new pass by calling the Annual Passholder support line at 407-WDW-PASS (407-939-7277).

Sign Walt Disney Imagineering – in Walt Disney One Mans Dream

Massive Lay Offs Coming To Disney Parks – 28,000 To Lose Their Jobs: The company will begin the process of laying off 28,000 employees.  Disney said that about 67% of the reductions will be for part-time employees.  The layoffs will include executive, salaried, and hourly roles.  The company will notify impacted employees and unions soon. Some of the 28,000 jobs include plans to lay off 4oo Imagineers and 6,700 non-union Cast Members at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Minnie Van Service Ends: Sources are reporting that Walt Disney World plans to lay off all the employees who provided the Disney Minnie Van services.

Resort Hotels

A Sad Day in Resort History: Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Out At GF: On Saturday, September 26th, Disney’s Grand Floridian Society Orchestra announced that their show has been permanently ended in Disney World.

Yehaa Bob Jackson’s 23 Years Long Run To End: For the past 23 years, Yehaa Bob Jackson has been a staple of Disney World live entertainment, delighting guests in the River Roost Lounge at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort with his high-energy piano performance.  We have learned that Disney has laid off Yehaa Bob.

Outdoor Excursions Are Now Available For Reservations: Disney has started to recall Cast Members who work as recreational leaders for work shifts in early October. Guests will once again be able to book excursions and activities that are based outdoors.

Band in the lobby of the Grand Floridian

Noteworthy

  • Cast Members begin the sad process of clearing out their workspaces due to the 28,000 layoffs coming to the Parks.
  • Helen Reddy (Pete’s Dragon) has died at the age of 78.
  • Additional social distancing (markings and glass) added to attraction and show queues.
  • Rumors of increased capacity at Parks like EPCOT continue to swirl.
  • Abigail Disney sounds off on the news of Disney’s layoffs.