Furloughed Disney cast member of nearly 50 years gets big news

ORLANDO, Fla. — We’re a little less than six months away from the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World and a very select group of cast members are excited to celebrate five decades with the company.

One Orlando woman, who spent 49 years with Disney but was furloughed in 2020 because of the pandemic, recently received some welcome news.

Kathy Carter started her career with Walt Disney World when it opened in 1971.

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Carter recently spoke with Eyewitness News about her passion for her decades-long career as a Cast Member.

“I love going to work every day,” she said.

Carter began her employment with WDW in high school and has remained with the theme park giant ever since; when coronavirus hit about a year ago, she was placed on furlough.

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Carter told WFTV she hoped to regain active employment with WDW in time for the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration.

She even mentioned how her costume was pressed and ready for her return to work at a moment’s notice.

On Tuesday, Carter shared some great news with WFTV -- she got the call to officially come back to work at Walt Disney World.

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In a social media post, she declared:

“I am now employed at Walt Disney World once again. New assignment though I am working at the Caribbean resort in quick service. But I am working so I can get my 50 years!”

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Carter started her Disney career as a server at Town Square Cafe, now Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.

Cox Media Group