Pandemic Stories

Just Another Day Working At Pandemic-Era Disney World

Face shields, layoffs and reservations for the pool.

From 2020 to 2021 I worked in the resorts division of Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida. I was among the roughly 60% of the hourly workforce deemed “essential” and, therefore, dodged layoffs that impacted over 30,000 people.

Disney World, July 2020, days after opening. Making a cameo: The social distancing sticker on the trash can. Photo by the author.