Walt Disney World Resort plans to add 5,000 jobs in Central Florida over the next five years, according to a report from WESH 2.
The hiring push comes as the company continues to change after recent corporate restructuring and layoffs under CEO Josh D’Amaro. WDWNT previously reported that Disney laid off about 1,000 employees in April 2026, part of broader cuts since Bob Iger returned as CEO in 2022. Another round is reported to hit operations employees at the end of this month.
Cast Member Workforce
WESH reports that Walt Disney World employs about 80,000 Cast Members and is the largest single-site employer in the United States. The resort receives more than 300 job applications a day.
That lines up with earlier Disney economic-impact figures covered by WDWNT. A company-commissioned Oxford Economics study found Disney generated more than $40 billion in economic impact in Florida in fiscal 2022 and that one in every 32 Florida jobs can be tied to the company. Disney later said Disney Experiences supports about 403,000 jobs nationwide and nearly $67 billion in annual U.S. economic impact.
Disney Ambassador Kylee Withers told WESH the approach is still “people-first.” WDWNT previously covered Withers’ selection as one of Walt Disney World’s 2026–2027 Ambassadors.
Training and Behind-the-Scenes Roles
New Cast Members still go through Disney University. Housekeeping and concierge roles typically get one to three days of on-site training there before on-the-job training at their locations.
The costuming department was highlighted as an example of work guests rarely see. WESH says it employs 1,500 Cast Members across 50 roles and circulates about 2.5 million garments, making Walt Disney World home to the largest working wardrobe in the world.
Disney says three out of five leaders started in hourly roles. Full-time Cast Members in professional, leadership, and skilled jobs stay an average of 12 years, which the company says is triple the 2024 national average from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Catering chef Barry Montville told WESH he started as a line cook 29 years ago and has worked in 14 restaurants without leaving the company.
Disney says many of the new hires will begin in the Traditions room at Disney University as the 5,000 additional positions are added over the coming years.
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