‘Tis the season to to spread some holiday cheer! Over 20,000 Disney Cast Members are out of work this year due to cutbacks. Several of them have taken to starting their own “at home” businesses creating products that we can support!
We wanted to showcase many of them here for you to shop this holiday season. From delish Christmas treats to customized gifts, there is something for everyone here! With a wide range of shops including both full-time businesses and impressive side hustles, you’re sure to see plenty of passion, dedication, and love exhibited in every product.
Orange Blossom Ink on Etsy:
Are you doing Christmas cards this year? Want some fun and a little snarky holiday card options? Orange Blossom Ink was created by Sarah Mathews, a recently laid-off senior graphic designer from Walt Disney Imagineering. Both Sarah and her husband are furloughed from Disney and they have four children at home. You can help support her family by shopping her link here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OrangeBlossomInk/
John Mark Creates on Etsy:
Our next Cast Member feature is John Mark Creates on Etsy! You can get customized Christmas ornaments, magnets, stickers, and Christmas countdowns!
Millan Made
Blanca Millan is a furloughed Cast Member from Disney’s Grand Californian Resort and Spa. She and her husband have created personalized gifts you can order directly from their website: https://www.millanmade.com/s/shop
Hayden Evans Art on Etsy
Hayden Evans Art designs are fun with a retro vibe! From castles in the Disney parks to his “Ghostly Retreats” collection, there is something for everyone! This former Disneyland Cast Member also has shirts, stickers, paintings, and buttons.
Brushes and Boxes on Etsy
Smiling Toucan
Smiling Toucan was created by Mark Lim, currently a freelance illustrator and concept artist based in Orlando, FL. He was recenlty let go from my storyboard and concept design internship at Disney Parks Live Entertainment in April due to the pandemic. To make up for the loss in income he created these Polynesian inspired glasses! You can shop them here: https://smilingtoucan.co/
Logs Art Cabin on Etsy
Woody N Bow on Etsy
Ally Magee and her boyfriend Troy created an Etsy page offering unique wodden ear holders and shelves. Ally is a furloughed entertainment cast member hoping to help bring some additional income while she hopes to return to work soon. You can shop their page here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodynBow
Threadful of Magic on Etsy
Threadful of Magic is a furloughed Cast Member who has created beautifully embroidered custom ears to wear to the parks! You can see all of their designs here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/threadfulofmagic/
The Custom Caboodle on Etsy
Casey Anderson is a furloughed, soon to be laid off, server at Mama Melrose’s. She worked for Disney Cruise Line for 4 years and Walt Disney World for 4 years. She makes custom dog bandanas. You can shop her Etsy page here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCustomCaboodle/
FlowerLouCreations on Etsy
Emily Kolb is a Cast Member in a weird “in-between” phase as she is a Crew Member for Disney Cruise Line currently “on vacation.” She hasn’t gone back to work since March, as ships still aren’t sailing. Her position is the lead costume technician for Characters and Theater onboard the Disney Magic and has been with DCL for almost 9 years! Take a look at her creations on Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FlowerLouCreations/
Orlando Area Bakery and Treat Items:
He started a “cakesicles” at-home bakery business to help supplement their income. Cakesicles are delicious popsicle shaped cake, dipped in chocolate. To order: https://www.facebook.com/Ds-Cakesicles/
Crumb and Cookie Co: Hallie Maddock of Crumb and Cookie Co was an Event Proposal Coordinator for 6 years at Walt Disney World and is currently furloughed. She is currently making Decorative Themed Cookies for pickup or delivery in the Orlando area. To order: https://www.facebook.com/crumbandcookieco/
SweetCreationsByMelissa: Melissa started with Disney in June 2014 but was furloughed April 2020 and received her lay off call in October 2020. During her time with Disney, she worked as a hostess, artist, and finally a coordinator for Disney Institute. As of now, she will only do local Orlando deliveries, no pick up or shipping. To place an order, please DM: fb.com/SweetCreationsByMelissa1
If you didn’t find something you were looking for you can also joing “EAR FOR EACH OTHER” a Facebook group created to help Cast Members during these hard times.
Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?
Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!
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