Fans Address Disney Cast Member Wage Discrepancy in Josh D’Amaro Remarks

After Disney Parks Experiences and Products (DPEP) Chairman Josh D’Amaro commented on new operational changes for 2023, many fans noted a discrepancy between his remarks on the Walt Disney Company’s finances and its inability to accommodate the demands of recent Cast Member unions’ wage protests.

In a recent interview, D’Amaro addressed Disney Genie, ticket prices at the Disneyland Resort, and the removal of Walt Disney World’s theme park reservation system in 2023. As a former Cast Member himself, D’Amaro brings a unique perspective to the needs and accommodations desired by Disney Park employees.

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In fact, D’Amaro speaks of heading to Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and even the Walt Disney World Resort often to convene with valued Cast Members on the Parks’ newest policy changes and implemented technology. In addition, the Disney executive says he reads numerous Guest emails and letters full of valuable feedback.

The Chairman also vowed to “listen to as many Cast Members and Guests as [he] possibly can,” with one of his goals being to ensure a fully staffed theme park whenever a Guest visits. However, the longer Disney goes without compromising on salary raises which could provide Disney Cast Members with a proper living wage, the more at risk D’Amaro’s benevolent dream becomes.

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In addition, D’Amaro further complicated the matter when discussing the financial status of the Walt Disney Company’s Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products financial state, which recently has fluctuated between extreme success and shaky ground with the release of more “controversial” media such as 2022’s Strange World, or the decision to replace Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in its US Parks.

As journalist Scott Gustin shared, the Chairman claims there is “no shortage” of funds available to allocate to new concepts across Disney’s theme parks division, which left many fans wondering why then Disney Cast Members, many of whom experience homelessness and food insecurity, are forced to do things like sleep in their cars or take on additional part-time jobs to survive.

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All in all, it seems like Josh D’Amaro genuinely cares both about Disney Parks Cast Members and Guest Experience while projecting a hopeful outlook for the Company’s future going into the new fiscal year. Time will tell if Disney will resolve its wage discrepancy to best serve both the public and its employees as its DPEP Chairman desires.