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NEWS
Theme park employees unite in support of Orlando shooting victims
POSTED 13 Jun 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
In a show of support, employees from many of Orlando’s parks, including Disney, SeaWorld and Universal took to social media, making heart symbols with their hands for the victims and their families
Orlando’s theme parks have united in solidarity following the tragic events of the weekend, which saw more than 50 people killed in a mass shooting at an LGBT nightclub in the city.

In a show of support, employees from many of Orlando’s parks, including Disney, SeaWorld and Universal took to social media, making heart symbols with their hands for the victims and their families.

Kevin O’Brien, who has worked in the industry for some time as an entertainer, posted a range of photos which included performers from Disney's Animal Kingdom, characters from Universal's Islands of Adventure, divers at SeaWorld Orlando and the entertainers from Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Since the initial post on Facebook, the outpouring of support has continued to spread with more than 7,200 shares and employees from parks from all over the world offering their own photos.

"Keep them coming Disney! This is family. We are one, strong band of people,” said the post from O’Brien. “From entertainment, costuming, techs, attractions, merchandise, custodial, and all other depts. Show that there is love out there!"

In the wake of the tragic shootings, Orlando’s theme parks have been put on “high alert”, with the Orlando Sentinel reporting that visitors at Magic Kingdom carried out incredibly thorough security checks with one employee reportedly going as far as to unzip visitors’ wallets.

"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," said Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger, whose company has more than 74,000 employees living and working in the central Florida area.

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NEWS
Theme park employees unite in support of Orlando shooting victims
POSTED 13 Jun 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
In a show of support, employees from many of Orlando’s parks, including Disney, SeaWorld and Universal took to social media, making heart symbols with their hands for the victims and their families
Orlando’s theme parks have united in solidarity following the tragic events of the weekend, which saw more than 50 people killed in a mass shooting at an LGBT nightclub in the city.

In a show of support, employees from many of Orlando’s parks, including Disney, SeaWorld and Universal took to social media, making heart symbols with their hands for the victims and their families.

Kevin O’Brien, who has worked in the industry for some time as an entertainer, posted a range of photos which included performers from Disney's Animal Kingdom, characters from Universal's Islands of Adventure, divers at SeaWorld Orlando and the entertainers from Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Since the initial post on Facebook, the outpouring of support has continued to spread with more than 7,200 shares and employees from parks from all over the world offering their own photos.

"Keep them coming Disney! This is family. We are one, strong band of people,” said the post from O’Brien. “From entertainment, costuming, techs, attractions, merchandise, custodial, and all other depts. Show that there is love out there!"

In the wake of the tragic shootings, Orlando’s theme parks have been put on “high alert”, with the Orlando Sentinel reporting that visitors at Magic Kingdom carried out incredibly thorough security checks with one employee reportedly going as far as to unzip visitors’ wallets.

"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," said Disney chair and CEO Bob Iger, whose company has more than 74,000 employees living and working in the central Florida area.

RELATED STORIES
Registration opens for IAAPA 2016


Registration for this year’s IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida, is now open, with the event to highlight key trends and experiences set to take the sector by storm in the not-too-distant future.
Universal reveals revamped Hulk coaster


Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure has offered a sneak peek at the multi-million dollar revamp of its Incredible Hulk rollercoaster, with the popular marvel character’s eyes ready to light up the Orlando night skies as it prepares to take flight.
IHRSA 2016 kicks off in Orlando


IHRSA 2016 gets underway today (21 March) in Orlando, Florida, with a jam-packed schedule for the four-day international fitness event.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx- Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
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COMPANY PROFILES
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
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PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
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