It’s starting to heat up (I say, as if it hasn’t been oppressively hot for a few months now), and Walt Disney World is rolling out plain white umbrellas for its Disney PhotoPass Cast Members. The unthemed umbrellas represent an escalation in the battle between humans and the sun, with Walt Disney World upgrading from personal umbrellas for PhotoPass photographers in 2024 to full-on large umbrellas this summer. We investigate.
PhotoPass Cast Members Receive Unthemed Umbrellas for Sweltering Summer
Before we take a look at the umbrellas that PhotoPass Cast Members are enjoying now, here’s a look back at Disney’s first attempt at providing shade for a group of Cast Members that, perhaps, spend more time under direct sunlight than any other group of Cast Members.
The first attempt utilized Versa-Brella brand umbrellas, which were adjustable and provided SPF protection. They were rather compact and didn’t really get the job done. It was a decent first attempt, and we actually see these umbrellas still in use from time to time, but something more was needed.
While visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently, we couldn’t help but notice the all-white umbrellas lining Hollywood Boulevard, providing shade for PhotoPass Cast Members stationed along the main walkway in the park.
The umbrellas are specific to the Disney PhotoPass branch, even including a small tag on the underside of the umbrella with its logo. The umbrellas are unthemed, but more on that in a bit. First, here’s a look at the implementation of the new PhotoPass umbrellas, which we found in use throughout the park.
If my research is correct, the umbrellas are from a Florida-based special events company. The umbrellas are some 9′ tall, providing a shade canopy that measures some 8.5′ across. The umbrellas have a canopy clearance of 6.5′, allowing the vast majority of Cast Members to fit comfortably underneath.
The fact that they are unthemed and likely rented from a special events company signals to me that Disney PhotoPass was seemingly caught off guard by the arrival of Summer, one of four seasons that occur regularly on our planet. Yes, that is sarcasm, and don’t get me wrong – I’m really, really happy that PhotoPass Cast Members have umbrellas and shade. I might even be a bit jealous because there is nobody following lowly bloggers around the parks providing shade, and it’s hot out there.
Ideally, we’d see Walt Disney World invest a bit more and provide umbrellas that are themed and fit into the space. Yes, safety comes before show, and if the Summer heat was some unpredictable thing that Disney had to react quickly to, I wouldn’t even be mentioning the fact that they’re unthemed, and a bit of a stark contrast to the settings we saw them in. Perhaps I’m overthinking it.
Either way, PhotoPass Cast Members now have a bit more comfort for the long Summer ahead.
If you’re planning on visiting Walt Disney World this Summer, plan for unbearable heat. The National Weather Service suggests the following heat safety tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Stay in an air-conditioned room
- Stay out of the sun
- When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible
- Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location
- Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1
Keep in mind that Disney World offers complimentary ice water at quick service locations. When visiting the parks, we make sure to stop at least once per hour to hydrate and cool down with some air conditioning. Even when this extended period of extreme heat passes, it will be imperative to stay hydrated and take breaks during a visit to Walt Disney World this summer.
For more on heat safety and tips, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
