Politics 28000 Layoffs coming to Disney's domestic theme parks - statement from Josh D'Amaro

This thread contains political discussion related to the original thread topic

Lilofan

Well-Known Member
You are assuming this is all done out of the goodness of executives hearts. I am not even being that altruistic here. Some layoffs are unavoidable, i do believe that but to cut so much cast at a time when the company should be looking to entice people back to the resorts and parks seems kind of backwards. People aren't going to pay full price for a bare bones experience. The investment in the Parks would hopefully recreate the demand that made the salaries and bonuses of these executives possible in the first place. Marie
The timing of the layoffs is terrible but it will be interesting how Chapek describes this and the turnaround plan of the company road out of this in the upcoming Q4 Disney/Wall street public earnings call in a few weeks.
 

SourcererMark79

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
Layoffs are happening everywhere in nearly every industry both public and private - and it's not <only> because of poor planning. A city cuts their youth programs and lays off the staff - is it because the mayor and commissioners won't cut their salary, or because it's dang near impossible to get 40 kids in a room together with physical distancing and sanitizer and expect it to not be a super spreader?

I'm not advocating or giving Dis a pass, but I see the same thing happening all over the nation from small business to international corporations. Small town budget cuts don't make national headlines with opining senators.
 

lentesta

Premium Member
Ok @lentesta...I am tracking with and agreeing with most of your take here. So what do you expect Disney to do next? I am concerned about their ability to turn this around and recreate a theme park vs an amusement park. Obviously you have built a business around the parks and have a unique perspective. Where do you see wdw going? Just curious...won’t hold ya to it

My big concern starts after a vaccine arrives and people return to the parks in something close to pre-pandemic numbers. Disney could look at that and say things like EMH, fireworks, character greetings, live entertainment, etc., aren't necessary.

In a world with a vaccine, I think there'll be enough pent-up demand for travel that they'll have to start back some of those things, if they want to be price competitive with other industries (like cruises, or general U.S. vacations). So that'll help.
 

MisterPenguin

President of Animal Kingdom
Premium Member
My big concern starts after a vaccine arrives and people return to the parks in something close to pre-pandemic numbers. Disney could look at that and say things like EMH, fireworks, character greetings, live entertainment, etc., aren't necessary.

In a world with a vaccine, I think there'll be enough pent-up demand for travel that they'll have to start back some of those things, if they want to be price competitive with other industries (like cruises, or general U.S. vacations). So that'll help.
Wouldn't the entertainment venues be needed to 'eat people' once we're back to 60k people a day in the parks? Even the fireworks 'eat people' by occupying up to an hour of their time by gathering them in the hub rather them all be in lines for rides.
 

asianway

Well-Known Member
Wouldn't the entertainment venues be needed to 'eat people' once we're back to 60k people a day in the parks? Even the fireworks 'eat people' by occupying up to an hour of their time by gathering them in the hub rather them all be in lines for rides.
Hoping this is the end of the Steve Davidson castle themed shows. Maybe we’ll get the hub trees back.

I bet someone’s glad they dodged a bullet by not building the main St theatre.
 

UNCgolf

Well-Known Member
Why? The corporation is simply the collective work of many people instead of just one person. By asking a corporation to do something, you are in effect asking it's stakeholders to do something.

It's a different framework. It's entirely possible that a company giving up $1 billion to help employees for a year could actually make the company more valuable for its shareholders (not saying I think that would happen, just that it's possible), which isn't the case for someone's personal savings.

In addition to that, the value of a shareholder's stocks isn't fundamentally connected to a corporation's net worth or, more importantly, cash reserves. It's indirectly connected, of course, but that's the difference between a company's book value and their market value.
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Original Poster
"Walt Disney Co. plans to lay off 28,000 people across its theme parks, products and experience divisions, with about 10,000 of those layoffs hitting the Disneyland Resort parks, hotels and stores in Anaheim, according to company sources. Notifications for those layoffs are expected to reach workers via email by Sunday."

 

flynnibus

Premium Member
It's a different framework. It's entirely possible that a company giving up $1 billion to help employees for a year could actually make the company more valuable for its shareholders (not saying I think that would happen, just that it's possible), which isn't the case for someone's personal savings.

Here's the thing though... his argument isn't that it's better for the company -- his argument was that they can afford it, and they should be obligated to do to help people in need. Using that logic, why limit that rational to just Disney? Why not anyone or everyone doing the same? Where's the 'bad' in that as he said...

His argument hangs solely on the postulate that "Disney can afford it..." and he thinks they should as part of the social fabric. My point is simply, if you believe its an obligation to help those in need, why is that limited to Disney?

Second, if we want to use the "not saying it will, but maybe it could...." justification for a spend, we could go all over and say things why shouldn't Disney spend 1-2 billion and give everyone free college. Where's the outrage that Disney isn't doing that for all it's employees? It can afford it right? It can bring value to the company right?

The point here is decisions on where you invest and plan are not that cut and dry. You can't point to just one pro and say "clear as day".

Third - the elephant in the room in all these "keep paying them..." justifications. Eventually the ride has to stop. Does hiding from that and prolonging the limbo actually improve anything? If the job is done... it's done. The stable boys don't stay on payroll idle long after the livery is shutdown. Disney did do what people are hating on them for... but eventually the line comes to an end.


In addition to that, the value of a shareholder's stocks isn't fundamentally connected to a corporation's net worth or, more importantly, cash reserves. It's indirectly connected, of course, but that's the difference between a company's book value and their market value.

A misconception he threw out earlier (arguing their net worth) that was already debunked.
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Original Poster
Update on Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort - Bettina Buckley, Vice President, Walt Disney World Resort Live Entertainment

"Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT. Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so."

 

TrainsOfDisney

Well-Known Member
Update on Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort - Bettina Buckley, Vice President, Walt Disney World Resort Live Entertainment

"Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT. Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so."

That statement actually makes me want to visit even less.
 

UNCgolf

Well-Known Member
Here's the thing though... his argument isn't that it's better for the company -- his argument was that they can afford it, and they should be obligated to do to help people in need. Using that logic, why limit that rational to just Disney? Why not anyone or everyone doing the same? Where's the 'bad' in that as he said...

His argument hangs solely on the postulate that "Disney can afford it..." and he thinks they should as part of the social fabric. My point is simply, if you believe its an obligation to help those in need, why is that limited to Disney?

Second, if we want to use the "not saying it will, but maybe it could...." justification for a spend, we could go all over and say things why shouldn't Disney spend 1-2 billion and give everyone free college. Where's the outrage that Disney isn't doing that for all it's employees? It can afford it right? It can bring value to the company right?

The point here is decisions on where you invest and plan are not that cut and dry. You can't point to just one pro and say "clear as day".

Third - the elephant in the room in all these "keep paying them..." justifications. Eventually the ride has to stop. Does hiding from that and prolonging the limbo actually improve anything? If the job is done... it's done. The stable boys don't stay on payroll idle long after the livery is shutdown. Disney did do what people are hating on them for... but eventually the line comes to an end.




A misconception he threw out earlier (arguing their net worth) that was already debunked.

I wasn't arguing in favor of (or against) his position. I was merely pointing out that corporate cash reserves and personal savings aren't really comparable for multiple reasons.
 

VJ

Well-Known Member
Update on Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort - Bettina Buckley, Vice President, Walt Disney World Resort Live Entertainment

"Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT. Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so."

translation: "we know we just laid off all but 60 entertainment cast members, but maybe they'll come back someday! don't hate us!"
 

Lilofan

Well-Known Member
Update on Entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort - Bettina Buckley, Vice President, Walt Disney World Resort Live Entertainment

"Walt Disney World Resort offers a treasure trove of experiences for guests of all ages. We recognize that part of the magic of visiting any Disney park is seeing favorite Disney friends and discovering one-of-a-kind shows and performances. Since reopening, we’ve continued to offer modified character experiences and entertainment throughout our resort, while also taking the appropriate steps for the health and safety of our guests and cast members.

Recently, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to reduce our workforce as the business impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic have become more long-lasting than anyone could have predicted. As a result, we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated.

While it’s impossible at this time to fully replace the incredible entertainment that existed throughout our parks before the pandemic, we are offering live entertainment in new ways wherever possible, including character cavalcades in all four parks and pop-up appearances, like discovering Joy from “Inside Out” frolicking on the lawn near the Imagination! pavilion in EPCOT. Additionally, we’re featuring modified shows such as the popular “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and live musical performances like the Main Street Philharmonic in Magic Kingdom or the Discovery Island Drummers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This extends to our seasonal offerings, with Halloween underway and the holidays right around the corner. In fact, the fan-favorite Voices of Liberty are set to make their return and join the JAMMitors and Mariachi Cobre at the American Gardens Theatre during the upcoming Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, beginning on Nov. 27.

Determining which shows can return and when is a complex process. As with the rest of our phased reopening, we will also consider the guidance of health officials and government agencies in determining when the time will be right to adjust capacity, and as soon as it is appropriate, we will start to bring additional entertainment back.

Like most of our fans, we know that our beloved entertainment cast are an incredibly special and essential part of the Disney experience. We look forward to the day when we can welcome back more live entertainment to our parks, and we will share more news about these announcements as we’re able to do so."

It's all about timing. Execs offering their feelings on the layoffs. Topic#1 in the upcoming Q4 public earnings call in November with Wall Street will be the layoffs or however Chapek will describe it. Hopefully during Q&A the Wall Street analysts will ask the hard questions.
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom