After announcing a furlough of many theme park cast members, Disney now is suspending its internship programs, starting April 18.
The latest decision affects those who were set to arrive now through early June for the Disney College Program, International Program, Culinary Program and Cultural Representative Program.
The suspension means those remaining in the Cultural Representative Program, cast members from other countries who typically represent their country in Epcot, will be sent home. Disney said it is working to help them return home.
“We will work with them on a case-by-case basis to make travel arrangements,” Disney said. “These participants will continue to be paid through April 18.”
Disney College Program participants and others who were set to arrive through June will have their program fees refunded, Disney said.
With internship programs such as these providing thousands of cast members for the parks, these moves provide the strongest indication that Disney is not planning to staff for the resumption of full operations in June.
The Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort theme parks remain closed until further notice.