Previously we posted about how the Actors’ Equity Union, who represents about 750 performers at Walt Disney World, asked for regular COVID-19 testing for their actors who couldn’t wear protective gear because they were “face characters.”
Disney has refused to do so and canceled the recall of performers that were part of the union. According to the Orlando Sentinel, these performers can be found in shows like Finding Nemo- The Musical, Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review, Up! A Great Bird Adventure and even Savi’s Workshop.
Disney has moved forward with some of the shows and have removed the Actors’ Equity performers.
The Up! A Great Bird Adventure now is called Feathered Friends in Flight. The previous character of “Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader Jones” is no longer there and is instead hosted by another Disney employee who is from the “animal-behavior specialist team.”
At Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now moving forward with out the actor and the show that normally is part of the lightsaber building experience. Now guests can go in without paying the ridiculous $200, even if you don’t show up, price. The lightsabers are cheaper too, but you don’t get the show, effects and experience, because. let’s be honest, you were mostly paying for that anyway.
Now Savi’s Workshop is no longer about building lightsabers–it’s not a physical distancing friendly experience. There is no indication when it will change back to the original experience, but for the time being anyone can go in, but you can just buy “Legacy Lightsabers” from set characters. They are the ones they sold at Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.
The lack of Performers Matter
At the end of the day the lack of performers does matter. They make the experience. They are the shows. Sadly, Disney didn’t want to test more frequently. Even before the pandemic, the had already been cutting back on actors and performers. Hopefully we will get the performers back soon as the Orlando Sentinel says that it’s likely there will be a negotiations meeting tomorrow, July 20th. If they can’t reach an agreement mediation will likely occur.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Orlando Sentinel
Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer's point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.