Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[DCBaker]

NYT on Bob Iger -

"The former C.E.O. thought he was riding into the sunset. Now he’s reasserting control and reimagining Disney as a company with fewer employees and more thermometers."

Bob Iger Thought He Was Leaving on Top. Now, He’s Fighting for Disney’s Life. (Published 2020)

The former C.E.O. thought he was riding into the sunset. Now he’s reasserting control and reimagining Disney as a company with fewer employees and more thermometers.

www.nytimes.com

 

[flynnibus]

I just amended my post to add reference to costs -- one of the costs is a UK "disclosure and barring" check -- which confirms your lack of criminal record/sex offence history, something of obvious importance to Disney, but also a factor in visa decisions. I think the "Stacy" example is also indicative of the fact that, thankfully, Disney has been very choosy about who it brings on property as an International CM. I would hope their standards aren't lowered.

Again.. something that doesn't change from what it was before.

In the meantime, Disney is asking would-be International CMs from UK to invest around $1250 up-front to join the next cadre of International CMs without any guarantee that the program will go ahead in August or that they won't be sent home in a matter of weeks if there is another outbreak.

Tell me again how this applies to the concern that you raised...
"And how, exactly, does Disney think it is going to recruit these people when they are currently in lock down and restrictions on movements and flights are predicted to last for some months yet in their home countries? "

The costs you talk about are not keyed to your issues here about lockdowns and flight issues... You're just bringing up a different issue now.. 'uncertainty'. Certainly something to be said about that... but its a different concern.

 

[Calmdownnow]

Tell me again how this applies to the concern that you raised...
"And how, exactly, does Disney think it is going to recruit these people when they are currently in lock down and restrictions on movements and flights are predicted to last for some months yet in their home countries? "

The costs you talk about are not keyed to your issues here about lockdowns and flight issues... You're just bringing up a different issue now.. 'uncertainty'. Certainly something to be said about that... but its a different concern.

I'm just replying to the original post that was suggesting that WDW was ready to open in August because steps were being taken to re-open the International program. My view was that this discounted the practical obstacles that might inhibit people being recruited. Recruitment practices themselves are one obstacle. Flights and visa availability in the timescales outlined, given lock down is another. The costs associated with applying, are relevant because a) they are substantial for student applicants, and b) the risk associated with spending that sort of money is greatly increased when you look at Disney's track record in cancelling the arrangement with the previous cadre of International CMs. They got shafted, in my view. I think the risk of it happening again could be a deterrent to new Program applicants when added to the difficulties they already face.

Would you put money into the pot when there is no clarity about how realistic the chances of success are (with visas. flights etc) and every chance that even if the program went ahead, Disney could send you home with 72 hours notice?

PS: I actually think that there's a good chance this is a scam. The recruitment agencies already had people lined up, with visas, flights booked etc to join the program in May and June. They could easily be deferred to August if this was a genuine re-opening of the program. The only reason you would need to re-market opportunities is if you wanted to regenerate the $235 per applicant fee in the hope that this would keep your "agents" afloat financially in the short-term, while deferring any placement of new applicants until later in the year. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[GoofGoof]

I'm just replying to the original post that was suggesting that WDW was ready to open in August because steps were being taken to re-open the International program. My view was that this discounted the practical obstacles that might inhibit people being recruited. Recruitment practices themselves are one obstacle. Flights and visa availability in the timescales outlined, given lock down is another. The costs associated with applying, are relevant because a) they are substantial for student applicants, and b) the risk associated with spending that sort of money is greatly increased when you look at Disney's track record in cancelling the arrangement with the previous cadre of International CMs. They got shafted, in my view. I think the risk of it happening again could be a deterrent to new Program applicants when added to the difficulties they already face.

Would you put money into the pot when there is no clarity about how realistic the chances of success are (with visas. flights etc) and every chance that even if the program went ahead, Disney could send you home with 72 hours notice?

PS: I actually think that there's a good chance this is a scam. The recruitment agencies already had people lined up, with visas, flights booked etc to join the program in May and June. They could easily be deferred to August if this was a genuine re-opening of the program. The only reason you would need to re-market opportunities is if you wanted to regenerate the $235 per applicant fee in the hope that this would keep your "agents" afloat financially in the short-term, while deferring any placement of new applicants until later in the year. Hope I'm wrong.

It could just be HR bureaucracy. They may be required to post the open position even if they already have candidates in mind. There are things like equal opportunity employment laws that could require they post the job and make it available to all candidates. I know in my job we have faced similar situations with open positions and an internal candidate that wants to move into the roll. Sometimes we are still required to post the job and the candidate has to formally apply even though we all know they are getting the job. Just HR red tape.

 

[Calmdownnow]

It could just be HR bureaucracy. They may be required to post the open position even if they already have candidates in mind. There are things like equal opportunity employment laws that could require they post the job and make it available to all candidates. I know in my job we have faced similar situations with open positions and an internal candidate that wants to move into the roll. Sometimes we are still required to post the job and the candidate has to formally apply even though we all know they are getting the job. Just HR red tape.

Except that a) offers have already been made to those who were supposed to start May and June, and b) there are very few jobs where, as a new applicant, you have to commit to paying up-front money to get the job.

 

[Lora Baines Bradley]

I'm just replying to the original post that was suggesting that WDW was ready to open in August because steps were being taken to re-open the International program. My view was that this discounted the practical obstacles that might inhibit people being recruited. Recruitment practices themselves are one obstacle. Flights and visa availability in the timescales outlined, given lock down is another. The costs associated with applying, are relevant because a) they are substantial for student applicants, and b) the risk associated with spending that sort of money is greatly increased when you look at Disney's track record in cancelling the arrangement with the previous cadre of International CMs. They got shafted, in my view. I think the risk of it happening again could be a deterrent to new Program applicants when added to the difficulties they already face.

Would you put money into the pot when there is no clarity about how realistic the chances of success are (with visas. flights etc) and every chance that even if the program went ahead, Disney could send you home with 72 hours notice?

PS: I actually think that there's a good chance this is a scam. The recruitment agencies already had people lined up, with visas, flights booked etc to join the program in May and June. They could easily be deferred to August if this was a genuine re-opening of the program. The only reason you would need to re-market opportunities is if you wanted to regenerate the $235 per applicant fee in the hope that this would keep your "agents" afloat financially in the short-term, while deferring any placement of new applicants until later in the year. Hope I'm wrong.

Since Disney sent home everyone in the Cultural Representative program, they're going to have to start from scratch. Granted, they likely won't need as many people, but they might need more than were coming in May/June. It's a rotating cast with people steadily leaving/coming in. Even if they defer the May/June arrivals to August, I wouldn't be surprised if they needed more people.

Also, I think this is the first time Disney has sent home CRs, but I could be mistaken. Certainly, applicants may express more caution, but I'm not sure if that qualifies as a track record. I know I'd be hesitant if I lived abroad right now.

And it could be like @GoofGoof said- they may need the CRs that were coming in May/June to reapply from a technical standpoint. As a Spring CP who was sent home, there is a possibility I might be able to come back for fall. However, that's only if Disney allows us to apply again as an entirely new program, and not just be transferred from our spring one.

 

[thecouch]

I think there won't be many overseas hirers this year. 2nd day in a row aussie government had said overseas travel this year unlikely. Tourism minister even went so far as saying no one should book trips overseas in December to see family as it will be unlikely. I would say places like UK will be similar. Movement between counties will be limited for a while

 

[Calmdownnow]

And it could be like @GoofGoof said- they may need the CRs that were coming in May/June to reapply from a technical standpoint.

No, they have already passed all vetting and acquired visas at this stage. They have also paid their fees and booked flights, so may be committed at this stage to rescheduling rather than receiving repayment of flight costs. They are blocked by travel bans but that would apply to all new applicants too. The International program is different to the domestic college program because of the hoops applicants have to go through just to be working in America.

 

[GoofGoof]

If there is a mask rule at Disney how soon before we see something like this?

Man Without Face Mask Removed From Philadelphia Bus

A man not wearing a face mask was removed from a Philadelphia bus by police officers on April 10 for reportedly refusing to leave when the driver asked.Video captured by Dupree Myers, a Philadelphia resident, shows four police officers forcefully removing the man from the bus, backed up by at...

www.yahoo.com

 

[Lora Baines Bradley]

No, they have already passed all vetting and acquired visas at this stage. They have also paid their fees and booked flights, so may be committed at this stage to rescheduling rather than receiving repayment of flight costs. They are blocked by travel bans but that would apply to all new applicants too. The International program is different to the domestic college program because of the hoops applicants have to go through just to be working in America.

I agree with you. You said a few posts ago it'd be easy to defer May/June ICP arrivals to a later date. I was just saying that they might have to reapply so everything is right in Disney's system.

 

[Lora Baines Bradley]

If there is a mask rule at Disney how soon before we see something like this?

Man Without Face Mask Removed From Philadelphia Bus

A man not wearing a face mask was removed from a Philadelphia bus by police officers on April 10 for reportedly refusing to leave when the driver asked.Video captured by Dupree Myers, a Philadelphia resident, shows four police officers forcefully removing the man from the bus, backed up by at...

www.yahoo.com

This is disgusting. Why couldn't they have just GIVEN HIM A MASK?

 

[flynnibus]

I'm just replying to the original post that was suggesting that WDW was ready to open in August because steps were being taken to re-open the International program. My view was that this discounted the practical obstacles that might inhibit people being recruited. Recruitment practices themselves are one obstacle. Flights and visa availability in the timescales outlined, given lock down is another. The costs associated with applying, are relevant because a) they are substantial for student applicants, and b) the risk associated with spending that sort of money is greatly increased when you look at Disney's track record in cancelling the arrangement with the previous cadre of International CMs. They got shafted, in my view. I think the risk of it happening again could be a deterrent to new Program applicants when added to the difficulties they already face.

Would you put money into the pot when there is no clarity about how realistic the chances of success are (with visas. flights etc) and every chance that even if the program went ahead, Disney could send you home with 72 hours notice?

PS: I actually think that there's a good chance this is a scam. The recruitment agencies already had people lined up, with visas, flights booked etc to join the program in May and June. They could easily be deferred to August if this was a genuine re-opening of the program. The only reason you would need to re-market opportunities is if you wanted to regenerate the $235 per applicant fee in the hope that this would keep your "agents" afloat financially in the short-term, while deferring any placement of new applicants until later in the year. Hope I'm wrong.

I think it's simply 'Disney needs to have the pumps primed...' -- meaning you need people in the pipeline and ready for when you set 'go'. Individuals will have to decide on their risk tolerance for deciding if the program will happen or not.

I don't think its anymore complicated than that..

 

[Angel Ariel]

Raise your hand if you’re having lockdown dreams!

Is coronavirus stress to blame for the rise in bizarre âlockdown dreamsâ? | Mary-Ellen Lynall

Many people are reporting unusually vivid dreams – and scientists think they could be a key way we process emotion, says Cambridge University neuroscientist Mary-Ellen Lynall

www.theguardian.com

Definitely having more frequent and more vivid dreams when I finally do sleep. I’m also dealing with wicked insomnia, for which I sometimes take melatonin - which just makes dreams even more vivid and strange. I had really intense vivid dreams/nightmares when pregnant too (no I’m not now ). At this point I’d love some dreamless sleep, just for a little while.

 

[Calmdownnow]

I was just saying that they might have to reapply so everything is right in Disney's system.

If that were the case, I think they would have to go through the visa application process again at a cost of several hundred bucks per person and some time delay given the backlog at U.S. Embassies. Not an efficient way of addressing the issue. But the foreign agents might make some more money if anyone was daft enough to say "OK, I'll give it another chance and throw some more money at it".

 

[Lora Baines Bradley]

If that were the case, I think they would have to go through the visa application process again at a cost of several hundred bucks per person and some time delay given the backlog at U.S. Embassies. Not an efficient way of addressing the issue. But the foreign agents might make some more money if anyone was daft enough to say "OK, I'll give it another chance and throw some more money at it".

Entirely possible. I'm unfamiliar with the process, so I can't say, but wouldn't they have to reapply for their visa again anyway if the dates are pushed back to August?

 

[Calmdownnow]

I think it's simply 'Disney needs to have the pumps primed...' -- meaning you need people in the pipeline and ready for when you set 'go'. Individuals will have to decide on their risk tolerance for deciding if the program will happen or not.

I don't think its anymore complicated than that..

The pumps are already primed with the May/June prospective intake. It might be seen as immoral to try to convince young people to commit money (that they don't have a great deal of) to a promise of an international program starting August when the likelihood of it coming to fruition is some months down the pipe, or even never.

 

[Calmdownnow]

but wouldn't they have to reapply for their visa again anyway if the dates are pushed back to August?

No, there is normally a 3-6 month window.

 

[ifan]

NYT on Bob Iger -

"The former C.E.O. thought he was riding into the sunset. Now he’s reasserting control and reimagining Disney as a company with fewer employees and more thermometers."

Bob Iger Thought He Was Leaving on Top. Now, He’s Fighting for Disney’s Life. (Published 2020)

The former C.E.O. thought he was riding into the sunset. Now he’s reasserting control and reimagining Disney as a company with fewer employees and more thermometers.

www.nytimes.com

Quite a depressing article. Disney is going to be changed for many years to come, if not forever, due to this. There may be some positive changes that happen too (large parts of the old traditional media model will go away.)

The fact they got a $6 billion loan so easily at end of March is a good sign, even with an estimated cash burn of $30 million per day.

Wow - interesting times ahead!

 

[thomas998]

Can you elaborate on what you mean by "pay the bare minimum"? Maybe for CPs, but IIRC they just bumped up the base pay for CPs to $12/hr, but I could be wrong. Reducing pay after just increasing it would be bad PR. Also, they just made a deal with the union that included paying for programs such as Aspire (tuition payment) during the closure.

Disney has some creative bean counters working for them. I'm sure if they just let CMs into HS, they'll make up a lot of money in no time, lol.



Very fair. Like I said in another post, maybe there could be a CM outside the booth who can take MO transactions? Similar to the Guest Experience Team.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Disney renegotiate the union contract using the shutdown from the virus as the reason. If that happens then the union would have very little power since most members would have been out of work for so long that they would have little power to say no to most anything Disney wanted. The union had power in the past when Disney was operating and they could have caused serious issues with the operations... but now the tables have turned with the virus and whether they have a contract or not doesn't mean Disney can't renegotiate it.

 

[Lora Baines Bradley]

It wouldn't surprise me to see Disney renegotiate the union contract using the shutdown from the virus as the reason. If that happens then the union would have very little power since most members would have been out of work for so long that they would have little power to say no to most anything Disney wanted. The union had power in the past when Disney was operating and they could have caused serious issues with the operations... but now the tables have turned with the virus and whether they have a contract or not doesn't mean Disney can't renegotiate it.

Can you elaborate on how renegotiation works? Certainly Disney doesn't have the power to just up and say "we're renegotiating"? Wouldn't the union have to agree as well?