Disneyland Resort entertainment cast members are holding a rally on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to support their efforts to negotiate their first contract since unionizing two years ago. These are the people who bring magic to the parks by performing in parades and bringing favorite characters to life. The group is now represented by the Actors’ Equity Association. The rally will be taking place on the northwest corner of Harbor Boulevard and W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim, CA, at 10:00 AM.
The rally was announced with the following post on social media:
For those who would like to attend, an RSVP link was shared: https://actionnetwork.org/events/rally-for-magic-united-workers
Actors’ Equity released the following statement about the event:
Equity members from Magic United, the Characters and Parades workers at the Disneyland Resort, are still bargaining for their first union contract two long years after first sitting down at the table with management. While there has been some progress at the negotiating table, management will not come to terms for a deal. In fact, management is now trying to eliminate worker benefits like paid parental leave, reduce retirement and PTO benefits, and keep wages insultingly low.
That’s why these Cast Members are coming together for a rally on October 17: to tell their stories and demand better from management. If you’ve ever experienced the magic these Cast Members bring to Disneyland, we hope you’ll join them in support.
The rally comes after the most recent round of negotiations between Disney and the union representatives. These took place on September 9-10, 2026. Disneyland officials said, “Disneyland Resort values its cast members, offers competitive benefits, and is proud of its long history of working collaboratively with the unions that represent them.” They continued, saying, “As with any newly formed bargaining unit, this process is focused on establishing the initial terms and conditions of employment for cast members transitioning from non-union to union-represented roles.”
The negotiations continue with the next round scheduled for October 27-28, 2026. Disney said that it is possible for proposals to evolve as discussions continue.
This process began when cast members who perform as characters and in parades came together to unionize in May 2024. They did this for the following reasons:
- Cast Member Safety
- Appropriate Compensation
- Clear and Respectful Communication
- Fair Scheduling and Job Security
As negotiations continue between Disneyland Resort and Actors’ Equity Association, both full-time and part-time cast members who are a part of this process have continued to receive annual wage increases. In early 2026, cast members received a 4% wage increase. They currently earn between $26 and $31.27 per hour, including premiums, depending on their role.
The Actors’ Equity Association represents approximately 1,700 cast members whose lives and futures are balanced on the outcome of these talks. This agreement will also set the foundation for future agreements between the Disneyland Resort and its entertainment cast members. The agreement that is ultimately reached will need to be something that is acceptable to both sides and also sustainable well into the future. Negotiations began between both parties on October 23, 2024. Since then, there have been over 50 days spent in negotiations.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, extended negotiations aren’t unheard of. A recent study concluded that 43% of newly unionized groups were still working without a first contract after two years. Bloomberg Law also confirmed that long delays to first contracts are normal. This unfortunately has been getting worse since the early 2010s as it leaves workers waiting for answers and unable to plan their futures.
Daps Magic will continue to monitor the progress of these negotiations as they move forward. What do you think of this rally to raise awareness for Disney entertainment cast members and their contract negotiations? Will you be attending? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
