The Disney Brand has been built around family, dreams, happiness, and joy. The parks are referred to as “The Happiest Place on Earth”. However, what Disney heiress Abigail Disney found when she visited the theme park was anything but the aforementioned characteristics.

Abigail Disney didn’t recall anything different about the thousands of visitors who pass through the theme parks daily, but rather with the heart and soul of the operation, the day to day park employees. 

“Every single one of these people I talked to were saying, ‘I don’t know how I can maintain this face of joy and warmth when I have to go home and forage for food in other people’s garbage,’”

She continued …

“I was so livid when I came out of there because, you know, my grandfather taught me to revere these people that take your tickets, that pour your soda. Those people are much of the recipe for success.”

While Disney has taken their fair share of criticism in the past regarding the employee work environments, racism, and equal pay, these comments coming from within the Disney family speak much louder.

CEO Bob Iger has taken Disney to new heights financially, and in terms of global awareness, but Abigail, known for being a philanthropist, is calling out the CEO on his salary. A salary he pays to himself, to the tune of 66 million dollars a year. According to a study, that is 1,000 times what the average Disney employee made last year.

Apparently Abigail wrote Iger an email on the subject, but has still yet to hear back. There is no doubt the Disney brand is thriving right now. One can only hope that upper management, starting with the CEO, will share the wealth with those who hold down the foundation of the company.