‘The Happiest Place on Earth’? | Disneyland 'characters' file to unionize seeking better pay, safety, and scheduling

Over two-thirds of Disneyland’s 1,700 performers have signed a petition, allowing the group of ‘Cast Members’ to unionize in pursuit of better pay, safety, and scheduling.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group who call themselves “Magic United” confirmed they will file with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for union representation.

The performers, who portray Disney characters from Mickey Mouse and Goofy to Darth Vader and Woody at its infamous resorts, had earlier announced their plans to unionize in February 2024.

Since then, volunteers from Magic United and the Actors’ Equity Association (Equity), which will serve as Magic United’s bargaining representative, have gathered signatures from over two-thirds of the 1,700 Cast Members who work as performers at the Disneyland resorts.