Disneyland Resort Costumed Character Employees Vote to Unionize

Disneyland Resort employees who play costumed characters such as Mickey Mouse or Cinderella have voted to unionize with the Actors’ Equity Assn.

The unit, made up of 1,700 people, voted 953 in favor of unionization and 258 against, Actors’ Equity said Saturday evening on the social media platform X. Of the votes counted, 79% were pro-union.

The results of the vote, overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, come after a three-day election period during which employees, called “cast members” in Disney parlance, voted at three polling stations at Disneyland . Employees announced their intention to unionize in February.

“This is an incredible win and we appreciate all the support over the last few weeks. We are excited about the next phase,” said Actors’ Equity Assn. President Kate Shindle in a statement. “These Cast Members are both pro-union and pro-Disney, and they look forward to meeting their employer around the bargaining table in a good faith effort to improve both the work experience and the ‘guest experience.’

Workers regularly don full costumes of well-known Disney animated characters. They also depict so-called lookalike characters, such as Disney princesses, in which the actors’ faces are exposed while they perform. These employees participate in park meet-and-greets, perform in parades and participate in dining experiences at Disneyland Resort hotels.

“Although voting has been completed, there are still steps in the process before the election is certified, so it is premature for the company to comment on the results,” Disneyland spokeswoman Jessica Good said. in a press release. “Whatever the outcome, we respect that our actors had the opportunity to make their voices heard.”

Organizers said before the election that the top priority was creating a healthier and safer work environment for these workers, who often suffer injuries and discomfort due to the physical nature of their work.

Employees can be accidentally injured during interactions with guests, such as when a child jumps on a costumed character out of excitement or is intentionally injured. A recent social media trend has emerged of guests distracting employees by wearing full costumes, then attempting to twist or move their heads aggressively.

Disneyland Resort employees in the character and parade departments are now joining their counterparts at Walt Disney World in Florida in becoming part of a union. Most of the rest of the Disneyland Resort workforce, including guards, ride operators and merchandise clerks, among others, are already unionized.

The organizational effort comes as Walt Disney Co. plans to invest $60 billion over 10 years in its experiences division, which includes theme parks, resorts, cruise lines and merchandise. This division proved to be a cash cow for the company; last year, it brought in about 70% of Disney’s operating profit.

At Disneyland Resort, that investment will result in what company Chief Executive Bob Iger called the largest expansion of the parks since the addition of Disney’s California Adventure, which opened in 2001. The plan, known as from DisneylandForward, will generate at least $1.9 billion in development and could include new attractions alongside restaurants, retail and hotel spaces.

The plan calls for changes to the park’s zoning, allowing the company more freedom to mix attractions, theme parks, stores, restaurants and parking. Although the plan does not specify which attractions will be added to the complex, company officials have floated ideas including “Avatar,” “Frozen” and “Tron” immersive experiences.

Times writers Christi Carras and Ryan Faughnder contributed to this report.