Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 So, apparently the depression has finally affected all those Escalade drivers in O-Town (the ones who aren't pro athletes, that is). The take the buy out or lose your job 'offer's came down from Burbank today ... and even though there are plenty of exec fat I'd like to see trimmed, one would be remiss if they believe this is a sign of good things. I'm just hoping this ends the tenures of a few of my favorite execs ... we shall see. Link below ... <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-disney-executive-layout-012109,0,3302228.story" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com...28.story</a>
Originally Posted By SuperDry Wow - that's a lot of layoffs. So, it's offering buyouts to 313 managers at WDW "at the level of director or above." How many such people are there in total at WDW? I guess only upper management in Burbank knows what their target is. That is, how many of those 313 need to take them up on the buyout offer in order to prevent layoffs?
Originally Posted By -em Can I pick who goes?? Please? I know of a few who would save at least twice the money- their salary and what they put on the corporate card... -em
Originally Posted By MPierce >> She also noted that "the parks and resorts division is in the process of implementing a number of initiatives to contain costs and maximize efficiency." << Let me translate that line for you folks. What it really saids is you are going to get less entertainment. There will be fewer CM's to run the rides, fewer CM's to check you out when purchasing anything at any of our parks. Less CM's in janitorial. Less CM's in transportation. Less of everything that use to set us apart. Less of everything you will be paying for. Don't worry though, there will still be plenty of Pixie Dust, and Disney Magic to go around. If I'm wrong about this, I'll eat my Mickey Ears!
Originally Posted By hopemax I know of a recent "efficency" change. They eliminated the "Edit" position at Splash Mountain. What was edit? That's where a CM would preview the pictures to make sure that there were no flashers, obscene gestures, or safety violations (kids on parents laps, being held up, people standing). Now, the responsibility for making sure unacceptable photos aren't viewable will be up to the person working by the screens. The one who is responsible for answering guest questions, and writing down the number on the slips.
Originally Posted By CMDad There will also be fewer IT CM's to deal with the computer problems at the resorts. Happily my daughter just goes back to her previous position - still in IT - but at a slightly lower pay rate. :-(
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I'm a little sad that along with the 300+ they had for WDW, there were also almost 200 more at WDI. I really hoped that they would do their best to build through the recession, but it looks like that might just be a little too logical. Who wants to build when materials and labor are super cheap, anyway?
Originally Posted By -em >>Who wants to build when materials and labor are super cheap, anyway?<< Thats using logic again...
Originally Posted By skinnerbox <<I'm a little sad that along with the 300+ they had for WDW, there were also almost 200 more at WDI.>> Ouch. Were these also "at the level of director or above"? Or were these mostly admin types and consultant/contractors? Just wondering if the slow elimination of "old school" Imagineering continues. John Horney and Rick Rothschild were let go last fall. Any "high profile" Imagineers in this batch?
Originally Posted By dshyates So Disney Pars & Resorts had 600 extra executives? No wonder they couldn't afford to build rides.
Originally Posted By blueharvest82 i think anything above a refurbishment will be a lot to ask for the next 3-5 years. We just have to be patient. Disney had a huge E-ticket attraction in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2008., not to mention the countless refurbishments and upgrade. Universal may have big and shiny attractions coming up, but their attraction rate is less than disney and refurbishment is un-heard of. Just be patient, disney will rebound. Let's just hope the right exec's take the buy-out. Some of them shouldn't work in cashier-level retail nevermind help run disney world.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I'll be very curious as to how much 'fat' they trim here ... because it certainly exists -- at WDI too. But you wonder if its the 'good guys' will wind up saying the magic is dead and walk out the door. Haven't had my 'birdie' in Glendale check in yet (hey, Lost premiered tonight and was GREAT and said birdie is a big fan too ... if I never post here again you'll know I gave out too much info!) But a kind spirit did check in from frigid Orlando (perfect day for such a COLD move) to say the word is marketing will likely see many takers (not a bad thing in my opinion) and that word on the street says two parks will likely lose their current leaders (one that will make me sad because I really enjoy taking shots at online and another because well he's one of the guys who gets it. We shall see ... I'd like to see them cut 90% of their consultants and budget for them next ... now that would show some vision!
Originally Posted By kennect Spirit, In a very weird and convuluted way I am wondering if this whole deal might turn out to be a good deal in the long run....They might even trim some of that "fat" that really does need to be trimmed making for better times down the road...It will be interesting to see how it all turns out...
Originally Posted By SuperDry ^^^ One way to look at this, at least for the WDW cuts, is that perhaps they figured out that they are at or past the point where they can make operational or smallish cutbacks without affecting the guest experience. I doubt very much if many guests would notice a few less directors in the marketing department.
Originally Posted By leemac <<<<I'm a little sad that along with the 300+ they had for WDW, there were also almost 200 more at WDI.>> Ouch. Were these also "at the level of director or above"? Or were these mostly admin types and consultant/contractors?>> I can't get into this but just to clarify - it isn't specifically 200 jobs from WDI. There are other WDP&R groups that are sited in Glendale now including the likes of Adventures by Disney. However a significant number of the cuts will be coming from full-time cast members at WDI.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad I hate to hear stuff like this. These are people with lives who are losing their jobs. I know the spin is these are behind the scenes workers so the guest experience won't be affected. But I know where I work when this kind of stuff starts happening it affects more than just the one being laid off. Everyone starts to fear they will be next so everyone starts looking around to see what is available. Those who are most qualified and have the best resumes get picked up first and are the first to jump ship. Many of these are also some of the best workers. The go-getters don't wait around to see what will happen. So what happens is the best talent leaves first. This will affect everyone including the guest.
Originally Posted By Tony Manero The economy is in the tank. This is no surprise and you can't blame them.
