LA Times: ‘The Fairy Dust Fades Away’: Why the People Who Play Disneyland’s Costumed Characters Are Unionizing

Adam Hefner had recently graduated high school and was looking for a job when their sister, who was working in Disneyland Resort’s food and beverage department, alerted them to an opportunity.

The company was searching for a tall “Star Wars” fan to portray a particular character (Hefner declined to say which one) before the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge attraction in 2019.

Getting a role at the park was a dream come true for Hefner, a longtime Southern California resident who lives in Anaheim and grew up with season passes. Several years later, however, Hefner has a less enchanted view.

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