Employee Numbers at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

According to the latest data from August 2023, Disneyland Resort in California employs approximately 30,000 cast members, while Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has around 77,000 cast members. These figures can fluctuate due to seasonal hiring and operational changes, so it's wise to check the latest figures from Disney's official reports or news releases for the most current information.

Historical and Speculative Comparisons

While Walt Disney World in Florida is significantly larger than Disneyland in California, this size difference alone does not guarantee that Walt Disney World has more employees. However, historical data shows that prior to the pandemic, Walt Disney World was the largest single site employer in the United States with over 75,000 cast members. Post-pandemic and with recent layoff announcements, it appears that Disney has not yet returned to full strength. As of February 2023, I estimate that Disney still employs over 70,000 people in the Florida resort.

Impact of the Pandemic

The effects of the pandemic have significantly impacted the staffing levels at Walt Disney World. Prior to the outbreak, WDW was the largest single site employer in the USA, but under current conditions, the number of employees working there is a fraction of its pre-pandemic levels. For example, under normal circumstances, Disney hires over 2,000 college students to work as interns for a semester, and international students to serve as pavilion representatives in EPCOT. These programs are currently inactive, and full-time cast members are being reassigned to previously temporary positions.

The limited attendance capacity of 35% has further reduced the need for employees. Thousands of seasonal workers are not being given opportunities to work, as full-time cast members are given priority. This reallocation of resources is a direct response to the reduced demand and the need to conserve staff.

Recovery and Future Prospects

With the rollout of vaccines and improved treatments, there is hope that the world will return to a more normal state. This return to normalcy will likely mean that Disney World and other entertainment venues can return to full capacity and full employment. The recovery of the Walt Disney World workforce is expected to be a significant indicator of the overall success of the tourism and hospitality sector.

The total number of employees at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is always a matter of interest to stakeholders, and these numbers can offer insights into the health and future prospects of the Disney Parks and Resorts. Regular monitoring of these figures is essential for understanding the size and dynamics of the Disney workforce.