World Showcase to be staffed by cast members who are not culturally authentic to the theming

A visit to Epcot’s World Showcase has always meant meeting cast members from around the world, as most of those working in the various country pavilions were from those countries.

But when Epcot reopens in July, those cultural representatives will not be around due to the program being canceled in March due COVID-19, so other cast members will be substituting, according to a new union agreement with Disney.

According to the agreement:

“The Parties recognize and agree for the purposes of a reopening and until such time that the Company is able to resume normal staffing, employees who do not meet the culturally authentic theming at EPCOT may be temporarily assigned to work in positions that are otherwise reserved for Cultural Representatives. “

This could mean some cast members on furlough coule be called back faster since it might take a while before the program is re-started.

Epcot is scheduled to reopen on July 15, along with Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are scheduled to reopen on July 11.