In a story that captured the imagination of Disney fans around the world, Sabrina Von Bogenberg the actress who played the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Disneyland in California has publicly explained why her long-standing role at the theme park came to an unexpected end. For years, Von Bogenberg’s sharp-witted and memorable portrayal of the iconic villain became one of the most talked-about character interactions among guests, earning her a significant following on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Her performances were not the conventional theme-park meet-and-greet interactions. Instead, Von Bogenberg leaned into the Evil Queen’s personality as a scathing, theatrical antagonist, playfully roasting visitors and engaging them with theatrical flair. Clips of her as the Queen circulated widely online, drawing millions of views and making her one of the most recognizable Disney personality figures in recent years.
End of an Era at Disneyland
Despite her popularity, Von Bogenberg revealed that Disneyland recently terminated her employment after eight years of portraying the character. The news surprised many fans, especially given how beloved her take on the Evil Queen had become. Until her departure, Von Bogenberg had worked at Disneyland since she was 18 years old — a career spanning nearly a decade where she also occasionally portrayed other villains such as Maleficent, Agatha Harkness, and Lady Tremaine. Many observers initially speculated that her internet fame might have played a major role in her firing. However, Von Bogenberg insists that her viral status was not the primary reason she was let go.
The Incident That Led to Her Exit
According to Von Bogenberg’s account, her firing stemmed from a single interaction with park guests that was recorded and widely shared online. In the video, a guest asked her about rumors that the Evil Queen might be removed from Disneyland’s daily character lineup. Staying fully in character, she responded with a provocative yet whimsical suggestion that visitors who wanted to see the Queen more often should “go tell City Hall” and make their voices heard. Von Bogenberg later said this line was interpreted internally as a violation of Disneyland’s strict cast member rules, which govern how performers may speak to guests, especially on matters that could be construed as encouraging outside action or suggesting internal decision-making flexibility. She explained in interviews that the comment was not meant as a literal request or endorsement of guest advocacy but rather a playful extension of the character’s dramatic personality. Despite her explanation that she did not knowingly break a key park rule, Disneyland apparently viewed the interaction as crossing a boundary. The company chose not to make any public statement but reportedly opted to end her role shortly after the video circulated.
Reactions From Fans and the Performer
News of her firing sparked a wave of reactions online. Many fans expressed disappointment and frustration, arguing that Von Bogenberg’s portrayal had breathed new life into a classic character and made the park experiences more memorable. Some commenters felt Disney’s decision was overly rigid, reflecting a tension between creative performance and strict corporate guidelines. Von Bogenberg herself has described her exit as “abrupt” and said she did not see it coming. But she also expressed gratitude for her time with the company, emphasizing that playing the Evil Queen was an honor and that she enjoyed bringing joy — even through wickedness — to park guests. She noted that her online popularity was not cited by Disney as a justification for her dismissal, and she continues to pursue her broader career aspirations in performance and acting.
Looking Ahead
With her identity now publicly known, Von Bogenberg is engaging with her large social media audience and exploring new opportunities in entertainment beyond Disneyland. Although fans remain hopeful that she might return one day, her departure highlights the complex balance between theme park performance rules and the evolving landscape of social media fame.
