A Disney cast member’s firing at Disneyland Resort has sparked a wave of outrage among Disney Parks fans, raising the question: Was Disney right to take such drastic action, or was the company too harsh? The controversy centers on a former employee who filmed behind-the-scenes footage at Disneyland Park and shared it on social media, leading to his termination.
Disney Dining first reported on the situation earlier this month after TikTok user @offeruphustle posted a video explaining that Disneyland Resort fired him for filming footage in Main Street, U.S.A. after park hours. Although this area is generally an “onstage” location, once the park is closed, it is considered “backstage.” Disney has strict rules prohibiting cast members from filming or photographing backstage areas, ultimately leading to the TikToker’s dismissal.
@offeruphustle The video that got me FIRED. Sucks cuz I was days away from quitting and doing OfferUp full time and running my laser business.They beat me to the punch 😂😂 #disneyland
The firing quickly ignited a fierce debate among Disney Parks fans. On one hand, many feel Disney was justified in enforcing its rules, with some arguing that the cast member knowingly broke the policy. Others believe the punishment was disproportionate to the act, with many fans pointing out that Disney’s strict filming policies can sometimes seem overly rigid. After all, guests with early morning dining reservations or tour reservations can often enter Disneyland Park before it opens–and they’re allowed to film as much as they want.
The former Disney cast member defended his actions, explaining that his intent was not to harm the magic of the park. Instead, he wanted to show guests the hard work cast members put in to keep the park pristine. “Ppl would say Disney don’t wash the floors everyday. Well I was the one washing the floors everyday except Wednesday/Thursday rain or shine,” he explained.
Despite his defense, social media erupted with reactions. Some Disney Parks fans expressed their disbelief at the firing.
“Disneyland has really become a tyranny, cant believe they would fire you over something so petty…” said @charlie2022la.
@jordyn.reyes_ called the rule “silly,” while @jazmineadrianaa pointed out that Disney itself shares behind-the-scenes moments with the public. “Don’t they have like ‘behind the magic’ videos that show the workers getting Disney in shape or whatever?” the user asked. “Right??? Like or am I wrong?? Sooo I don’t understand how this video was soo bad..”
Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort have published plenty of overnight videos from the theme parks, including this one of Disney cast members decorating Magic Kingdom Park for the holiday season:
Conversely, many Disney Parks fans were steadfast in their support of Disneyland Resort’s rules, arguing that cast members should be held to the company’s standards.
“The problem is that people no longer think they have to follow rules,” one Disney Dining commenter argued. “If the rule says not to do it, don’t do it or else. It doesn’t matter if you work in a fast food restaurant, or a $150.00/hour job. Follow the bloody rules! They’re there for a reason.”
In the aftermath of the firing, the former cast member revealed that he was “days away from quitting” when Disney “beat [him] to the punch,” and now he is focusing on his own business full-time. After his footage gained significant attention, he followed up with a second video showing Disneyland Park after hours:
@offeruphustle Enjoy the clip 🏰 This was around 5am What’s your best memory here #disneyland #disneycastle
Whose side are you on: the former Disney cast member’s or Disneyland Resort’s? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
Rules are rules. They are meant to be followed, sorry CM.