With the news that Disney would be “expanding” Downtown Disney by opening up Disney California Adventure, there was suddenly a need for more Cast Members to be recalled from their nearly 8 month furlough. Before the announcement, we called on Disney to open up parts of their theme parks as restaurants and shopping areas. The announcement from Disney is a savvy one, sidestepping the “theme park” portion of their business by “expanding” the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district, which they are allowed to do even under California’s restrictive Blueprint for a Safer Economy reopening plan.

Now, we’re learning more on the impact this move will have as far as Cast Member staffing is concerned. According to Workers United Local 50, more than 200 of their members will be recalled to staff Buena Vista Street alone. The recall procedure will begin today with trainers, leaders, and some back of house roles to get restaurants up and running. Of course, the staffing levels will be higher than just the 200 union members as non-union Cast Members will also be recalled to work the area.

As of publish time, Disney has not announced if they will open up other areas of Disney California Adventure, but they have said that there are no current plans to open Main Street USA.

Hopefully Disney is able to open other areas of their theme parks within the state guidelines to get more Cast Members back to work.

The state guidelines from Governor Gavin Newsom will very likely lead to more layoffs as Disney is looking at a summer 2021 reopening, but if Disney is able to find creative ways to reopen like they did with Buena Vista Street, they may be able to save some of those jobs.

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!