Menu

Rude and Spiteful Disney Employees Make Guests “Suffer” During Cast Member Protests; Guest Reports

A colorful assortment of balloons float against a blue sky. The balloons feature Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, and various solid colors like red, green, blue, and purple. Some are transparent with glittery effects, adding a magical touch reminiscent of the Disney Make-a-Wish spirit.
Credit Brian McGowan, Unsplash

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on a personal Disney parks guest experience. No two guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Disney Dining’s personal views on Disney park operations.

Disneyland cast members play a critical role in creating a magical experience for all guests visiting the park. These dedicated individuals are not just employees; they are an integral part of the enchanting world that Walt Disney imagined when he first conceptualized Disneyland. As the face of the park, cast members embody the values and spirit of Disney, ensuring that every visitor’s experience is memorable and filled with wonder.

Each cast member undergoes rigorous training to step into their roles seamlessly, whether portraying beloved characters, operating attractions, or assisting guests. Beyond their theatrical duties, cast members also serve as ambassadors of the Disney brand, upholding the high standards of customer service and hospitality that the company is known for. Unfortunately, even with all these precautions, certain standards do inevitably slip within the cast members as a whole.

Related: Have Disney’s Cast Member Attitudes Changed for the Worst?

A young couple, seen from behind, holds hands as they walk towards the entrance of California Adventure. Both are wearing backpacks and summer clothing. Other visitors, some sipping on drinks, are visible in the background, creating a lively and busy atmosphere reminiscent of drinking at Disney.

Credit: Vince Fleming on Unsplash

Imminent Cast Member Strikes Cause Tension in the House of Mouse

Disney cast members work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every aspect of the park runs smoothly, from cleanliness and safety to entertainment and attractions. Their dedication and passion for creating lifelong memories for visitors truly set them apart.

However, right now, at Disneyland Resort, many cast members have more than just magic on their minds. For the past several months, cast members have been bargaining for a better working contract. If Disney refuses to meet their needs, a strike may be imminent at Disneyland Resort.

Currently, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are still running as usual. However, this has not stopped some guests from noticing an alleged slip in quality as of recent.

The entrance of Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort

Credit: Disney

Guest Makes Startling Cast Member Accusation

One guest who was recently visiting Disneyland Resort shared some concerning reports about their experience with a cast member. While none of this can be confirmed by an official source, the Reddit post still has ignited conversation online. They said:

“Rude employees left Disneyland train 1/3 empty out of spite

Huge lineup into the sun for the train to get around the park. Kids crying in line. Not on strike yet, why are they making families suffer for no reason? I fully support their right to strike once that comes about even though our original plans will be in upheaval, they deserve a living wage. But how dare you needlessly ruin our time we do have here before the strike. I don’t feel as bad for those employees who did this, get over yourselves

Edit: There was definitely something going on and some sort of “work to rule” attitude makes the most sense to me. The entire line and even people on the train were angry, some people booing the employees. When asked why they were leaving empty rows, the guy letting people through the gate just shrugged and didn’t make eye contact. Then the next train took time and made sure the rows were full. Don’t dismiss me and everyone in line outright, you weren’t there and it was pretty clear something was up. I wish I got a picture to show here or looked at the nametags of the employees, it was shameful”

Rude employees left Disneyland train 1/3 empty out of spite
byu/uofafitness4fun inDisneyland

In the article, the guest claims these cast members were making guests “suffer for no reason.” While some commenters sympathized with the situation, others defended the cast members, saying that other factors could have been at play. One comment responds:

“I’m not for a second buying that there’s any accuracy to what you’re claiming.

For starters, there’s a strike authorization in place. A strike has not yet been called The unions have been given the right to call one by their membership if it is deemed necessary to get Disney to give them a better deal.

Secondly, you do understand that in order to keep the trains moving they have to stick to a schedule, yes? That means the longer it takes for people to unload and load again, the fewer people they’ll be able to load on at a given stop.

You want to be mad at someone? Don’t be mad at the CMs in the park, be mad at the C suite level where they’re nickel and dimeing the parks half to death to get the stockholders a better return.”

Overall, Disneyland cast members are the heart and soul of the park, infusing every corner with the warmth and magic that define the Disney experience. Their unwavering dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to guest satisfaction make them true Disney ambassadors, shaping the memories of millions of visitors who walk through the gates of the happiest place on earth.

While not every experience with these employees can be magical, it seems diminishing to let one negative experience tarnish the quality of the cast members as a whole. What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.