While live entertainment is returning to many Disney Parks and resorts, one Disney resort will not be bringing back its live performers. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort Cast Member Mick Ayres, who plays the resort’s folklore expert B’Lou Crabbe, was terminated in early November. The resort’s mascot, Shadow — the dog that accompanied Ayres’ B’Lou Crabbe — was also fired by Disney.

Ayres and Shadow were furloughed when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the resort. They had yet to return to the resort.

In a November 9 Facebook post, Ayres shared how he was let go. During the first week of November, Ayres received a phone call from a “Resort admin.” The administrator read a short statement that informed Ayres that he and Shadow will not be coming back. And with that phone call, Ayres and Shadow are gone after 21 years at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

According to Ayres, Disney management continually told him that he and Shadow would return. Management said, “We can’t wait to have you and Shadow back. We’re just waiting on Orlando to bring all the entertainers back at once,” according to Ayres’ recollection.

Over the past 20 months, Disney continued to pay for Shadow’s veterinary and grooming costs. Ayres was not compensated during the layoff. Furthermore, Ayres honored his agreement with Disney, refusing offers to perform off-property.

Ayres also stated that he “believed [Disney] when told we were coming back.”

A change.org petition has been set up to rally support around Ayres and Shadow. As of publication, the petition has nearly 2,600 signatures. The petition urges Disney to bring B’Lou Crabbe and Shadow back to Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort.

The story of Shadow is tightly woven into the resort’s history. The legend is that construction workers would often spot Shadow while building the resort. After the resort opened, Shadow was given a home at the resort. Guests could find signs of Shadow throughout the resort grounds.

Where guests would find Shadow, they would find B’Lou Crabbe (Ayres). B’Lou Crabbe entertained guests with stories, music, and magic.

As always, keep following WDWNT for all of your Disney Parks news, and for the absolute latest, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Disney Fires Longtime Hilton Head Island Resort Cast Members B’Lou Crabbe and Shadow the Dog appeared first on WDW News Today.