Disney's parks closed last spring as the pandemic started spreading in the U.S. The Florida parks reopened this summer, but the California parks have yet to reopen as the company awaits guidance from the state of California.

Workers will be able to keep their medical, dental and life insurance benefits for the length of the furlough period, or up to a year.

Disney announced the news to surprise families with "some fun and joy during this challenging period," referencing the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.