Walt Disney Parks and Resorts pays tribute to Orlando shooting victims

If you’ve ever been to Orlando, Fla., you know that Walt Disney World and its various theme parks make up a lot of the city’s identity.

Disney World encompasses over 129 square kilometres of Orlando, and is located a mere 20-minute drive away from Pulse nightclub, the site of the horrific Orlando shooting that left 50 people dead.

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Walt Disney Parks and Resorts employs more than 74,000 “cast members” (as they’re called) in central Florida.

The worst mass shooting in American history has most certainly hit close to home for the company and its employees.

Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, released a statement on Sunday.

“We are all heartbroken by the tragic and horrific events in Orlando, and offer our thoughts, prayers and support to everyone in our community affected by this senseless act.”

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John Frost of The Disney Blog wrote on the official site that “we know from other reports that the Pulse Nightclub was a popular hangout for many Disney cast members along with other theme park employees. We fervently hope that all who may have been in attendance last night escaped without injury.”

READ MORE: Orlando shooting: As the shootings unfolded, a horror for a mother via text

In a show of solidarity, Disney’s Orlando-area employees posed for multiple pictures and amassed them into a collage, which was then distributed on social media as a tribute to the victims of the shooting.

View image in full screen

The Orlando Sentinel is telling any visitors to the Disney theme parks and resorts to expect longer lines and tighter security, since Disney wants to ensure guest safety.

Disney is also anticipating a dip in attendance over the next couple of months.

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