Comments on: Layoffs at the Magic Kingdom of Disney

By: Tuckenie

Tuckenie — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:04:24 +0000

The cast service department (which was created to improve retention ironically) was basically wiped out in two days. It may not effect guest experience directly, but sure will indirectly.

By: Snow White and the Four Dwarfs : 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera

Snow White and the Four Dwarfs : 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 02:50:53 +0000

[...] Layoffs hit at Disney World in Florida this week. They’re letting go some long-time, very loyal employees (including someone very dear to me, which is how I came to hear this of this news). This economy sucks more by the moment. [...]

By: WDW cast1972

WDW cast1972 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:04:32 +0000

The press about director level was a sham. Of the 600 or so mentioned, less than 100 left, voluntarily or not!
Front line is being let go.Now they have “walked” over 1000 at WDW according to my manager. Everyone is on tiptoes. HR is processing and have been told when they are done, they are next. One segment found out by being invited to a meeting at a certain hour. Check your blackberry. Not invited you were sat down and given “options”, such as leaving or taking a 30% pay cut!
And, the people not making goals are already gone. Now they are working on the profitable people on a yes/no evaluation. People that make money and serve guests are disappearing.
It ends (?) Saturday in time for 2d quarter financial reports!!!!

By: brendoman

brendoman — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:25:57 +0000

I have been hearing about similar layoffs at Disneyland from folks I know who still work there so it sounds like it’s company wide. I have to say having Disneyland on my resume has probably gotten me some interviews I wouldn’t have normally gotten, but mostly it’s because people want to ask questions about the park. I don’t think it quite means what it used to.

As far as losing some of the management goes, perhaps it’s a good thing to trim the fat. I know in my department we had an insane amount of managers and many of them didn’t do a whole lot. The leads do the bulk of the real work involving guests. I’m not saying they’re not necessary, just perhaps in fewer numbers. So maybe this could end up being a good thing.