‘I actually cried’: Cast members, union leaders react to Disney’s reopening announcement

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — When Walt Disney World announced its reopening, cast members were excited about the prospect of returning to work, and the magic returning to Central Florida.

“I actually cried when I first saw the news,” said cast member Melissa Gonzalez.

“It was just a sigh of relief,” Animal Kingdom cast member and union leader Cathi Hughes said. “I never would have thought being with a company for 30 years, and being Walt Disney World, that I would ever have to file for unemployment. I never would’ve fathomed that."

Disney World released its reopening strategy that included a new list of protocols. You can read about them here.

The company did not say when cast members could return to ready themselves for reopening.

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However, they know extensive training will be involved.

“They are not just going to open the doors and say, ‘Go for it,’" Hollywood Studios cast member Kimberly Houseworth said.

Gonzalez is a performer for parades and shows. Disney has said parades are on hold right now because they want to keep people from gathering in large crowds, so she isn’t sure if she will get the green light to return.

Read: Reservations, temperature checks & virtual lines: What theme park visits could look like after reopening

“We are just happy that there is a date finally, and we can just pray on that and see how the opening goes,” Gonzalez said.

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