More WDI Layoffs Planned?

[Woody13]

Corrus doesn't have good information?

I like Grizz fine, and he is certainly a passionate person and fun to chat with, but in matters like these, I take everything he says with a grain of salt. That's not because I don't trust him, but because he runs a little dramatic for me. So I always say to myself, OK, if Grizz says it's a 10, it's more likely a 5 or a 6.

I am sorry for anyone let go who is not ready to leave. But personally I have known dozens of people in the same situation. I feel less sad for a top engineer who will be getting a decent pay and benefit package than for the many people I have seen let go who need to then find new jobs at 50 years old because they need a means to pay their bills.

If Corrus says the company is OK, I am going to believe him, not because I want to spite Grizz, but because as an employee and therefore an insider, I give more weight to his information and his perspective. :wave:

Gosh, you're a smart person! Of course, I knew that, but I thought it needed to be reiterated. :wave:

 

[AndyP]

Thanks to all those posting useful information on this thread, and congratulations to Corrus for being happy, I've always highly respected your points of view and enjoyed your input on these boards!

I think I might add though, the problem with this thread being so 'heated' is that most of the posters think they are right, and you are also forgetting that this is the news and rumours message board, not the news and fact board. So I'd like to thank Grizz for posting, whether in the end he may be right or not, because that is the essence of this board, and heck as we all know, until it's officially confirmed, its all just speculation anyway!

 

[wannab@dis]

.... will you believe Grizz then?

Speck, Woody, etc. all you want is for everyone to say the Walt Disney Company is great and wonderful and perfect...and you attack anyone who says otherwise. All you sad foolish little people just keep on patting each other on the back and reinforcing each other's dillusions. I leave you now to go back to your pathetic lives.

Why is it repeating dozens of times and yet some still don't understand? Not agreeing is not attacking. I'll enjoy my pathetic life at the parks when not worrying about the sky falling... :lol:

 

[Buzzy989]

The OutSorcerer's Apprentice

I suggest that all of you read Jim Hill's latest article, which was posted today and explores the recent layoffs at Walt Disney Imagineering. Please take a careful look at it before reading my post or adding to this crazy thread: http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID=1634

This recent trend is not just another "cyclical layoff," folks. . . the very nature of Walt Disney Imagineering is being changed. By drastically reducing its size and removing much of the creative talent, the Walt Disney Company is changing WDI from the creative center of the Disney theme parks to a "management company" that will increasingly rely on outsourcing. Keep in mind what we're losing: Walt Disney Imagineering has always been a "master planner" for the future of Disney parks, ensuring that constant innovation and application of the "Disney way" improve the Guest experience in the long term. Talent has long been born and bred in Walt Disney Imagineering, and the continuity of this talent has ensured that long-term thinking persists.

Now, the emerging "management company" of Walt Disney Imagineering will hire consultants from project to project, and the concepts of "low budget" and "marketability" will have greater influence. This is known as short-term thinking, and it doesn't consider the quality of the Guest experience in the long run. Also, there are certain elements of the Disney theme park that can thrive in the synergistic, free-spirited environment of WDI, such as original characters and extremely well-developed story. But with increased management and reliance on outsourcing, we are more likely to see re-hashings of already successful Disney/Pixar characters (more Cinderella and Buzz Lightyear, anyone?) and story lines that don't reach the level of detail that is the hallmark of WDI.

Remember, too, that WDI fought to work on Disney's California Adventure and Stitch's Great Escape. Imagine what those attractions would be like if they had been outsourced, as was originally considered.

Grizz has not been exaggerating. . . he has simply been able to see the big picture that the Walt Disney Company has been trying to hide. And judging by most of the posts on this thread, the "stealth approach" to layoffs has been successful. Over the last nine months, small weekly layoffs have failed to garner any public recognition or press coverage. Most people don't see the drastic and serious changes in WDI that are gradually occurring. Based on Jim Hill's article, not even Tony Baxter's job is completely secure! (The firing isn't being done in the "Disney way," either, as Jim Hill describes.)

Like it or not, these unprecedented changes in Walt Disney Imagineering will bring major changes to the nature of Disney theme parks. WDI has always been at the heart of innovations in family entertainment, and now that core is being replaced by a whole new "management" concept. We will probably see some big changes. . . and as far as Disney's traditional creative legacy goes, I doubt that these changes will be for the better.

 

[garyhoov]

Eh, wake me up when Disney World isn't fun any more.

 

[wdwmagic]

I suggest that all of you read Jim Hill's latest article, which was posted today and explores the recent layoffs at Walt Disney Imagineering. Please take a careful look at it before reading my post or adding to this crazy thread: http://www.jimhillmedia.com/mb/articles/showarticle.php?ID=1634

.

Since when is Jim Hill "the source" on internal workings at WDI? I would much rather take the word of an ACTUAL member of WDI who has posted in this thread. Unfortunately the internet is full of people passing along info when they dont have access to the full facts. They take a few sentances passed along in an email, and that then becomes the entire story. Its a great way of getting totally the wrong end of the stick,

 

[Buzzy989]

This will be my last post on this issue, as I don't feel like bantering too much. = )

First of all, the folks in Walt Disney Imagineering aren't really speaking out. It's a story with few available primary sources. Either (a) the Imagineers are no longer with the company but must keep "good relations" to be considered for a future consulting position, or (b) they are still part of WDI and can't even whisper a criticism for fear that they might be asked to leave next. . .

I find it interesting that both Jim Hill and Grizz have clued into the same story - - and there's plenty of evidence that big-name creative veterans are being laid off (Jim Hill provides some excellent web links, and we can certainly name names). There is clearly something major happening within WDI. . . and though we cannot know all of the details about what's a-brewing (remember that WDI is a rather "secretive" organization to begin with!), we would be unwise to dismiss both Grizz and Jim Hill as wandering off cluelessly and picking daisies in left field.

Both of them have received some substantial information, and they have let it come to light. If anyone else has any real information to report, let's hear it! But it seems like all of the information reported in this thread (beyond the realm of personal opinion and blank conjecture) shows that something is going awry at Walt Disney Imagineering.

 

[wdwmagic]

This will be my last post on this issue, as I don't feel like bantering too much. = )

First of all, the folks in Walt Disney Imagineering aren't really speaking out. It's a story with few available primary sources. Either (a) the Imagineers are no longer with the company but must keep "good relations" to be considered for a future consulting position, or (b) they are still part of WDI and can't even whisper a criticism for fear that they might be asked to leave next. . .

I find it interesting that both Jim Hill and Grizz have clued into the same story - - and there's plenty of evidence that big-name creative veterans are being laid off (Jim Hill provides some excellent web links, and we can certainly name names). There is clearly something major happening within WDI. . . and though we cannot know all of the details about what's a-brewing (remember that WDI is a rather "secretive" organization to begin with!), we would be unwise to dismiss both Grizz and Jim Hill as wandering off cluelessly and picking daisies in left field.

Both of them have received some substantial information, and they have let it come to light. If anyone else has any real information to report, let's hear it! But it seems like all of the information reported in this thread (beyond the realm of personal opinion and blank conjecture) shows that something is going awry at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Again you are just re-telling what you have read on a site.

How do you know that the former Imagineers didnt WANT to leave and start their own consultancy firm? We all have this view that working for WDI is the best thing since sliced bread, but the reality maybe that for whatever reason, some of then actually want to leave WDI and start their own enterprises. It is possible that it is in the interests of people like the Kirks to be external from WDI, and contract their services. Better for WDI and better for them. In the world of the doom and gloom artists, these scenarios are never mentioned.

People have been touting the demise of WDI ever since the Internet hit popularity with Disney fans. Since then, we have had some amazing attractions, and we are continuing to get them - Expedition Everest. WDI are clearly doing something very right somewhere.

 

[darthdarrel]

Again you are just re-telling what you have read on a site.

How do you know that the former Imagineers didnt WANT to leave and start their own consultancy firm? We all have this view that working for WDI is the best thing since sliced bread, but the reality maybe that for whatever reason, some of then actually want to leave WDI and start their own enterprises. It is possible that it is in the interests of people like the Kirks to be external from WDI, and contract their services. Better for WDI and better for them. In the world of the doom and gloom artists, these scenarios are never mentioned.

People have been touting the demise of WDI ever since the Internet hit popularity with Disney fans. Since then, we have had some amazing attractions, and we are continuing to get them - Expedition Everest. WDI are clearly doing something very right somewhere.

BUt Steve isn't this the "RUMOR" section? :hammer:
If this rumor was backed up with fact this would be news and fact, Rumors are just that Rumors :lol:

 

[wdwmagic]

BUt Steve isn't this the "RUMOR" section? :hammer:
If this rumor was backed up with fact this would be news and fact, Rumors are just that Rumors :lol:

Sure it is, but for some people, rumors quickly become fact.

The issue is that information is being presented as fact, and not as rumor. People read sites like the ones linked in this thread, and just blindly take the information as fact. I am trying to present another side to the story, and point out to people that they shouldnt believe everything they read.

 

[darthdarrel]

Sure it is, but for some people, rumors quickly become fact.

The issue is that information is being presented as fact, and not as rumor. People read sites like the ones linked in this thread, and just blindly take the information as fact. I am trying to present another side to the story, and point out to people that they shouldnt believe everything they read.

Well that is true! Specially in the rumor section you have to take everything with a grain of salt. :lol: :wave:

 

[Dayma]

we have had some amazing attractions, and we are continuing to get them - Expedition Everest. WDI are clearly doing something very right somewhere.

I am not sure I would consider this amazing as it really is just a roller coaster. I find rides like Mission Space as examples of classis WDI inventions. Not arguing with you as this is all perspective but I feel that WDI is good at taking new technology and putting a storyline behind it where are Everest is old tech with a story line. A wise man once said..."to each his own......"

 

[wdwmagic]

I am not sure I would consider this amazing as it really is just a roller coaster. I find rides like Mission Space as examples of classis WDI inventions. Not arguing with you as this is all perspective but I feel that WDI is good at taking new technology and putting a storyline behind it where are Everest is old tech with a story line. A wise man once said..."to each his own......"

It may just be a rollercoaster, but it's a clear example of how Disney can still produce attractions on a huge scale. You don't see any other company in the world that can pull off attractions on the scale of Everest. The sheer size of the construction project, the story, the theming, its unparalleled. To me, Everest fits alongside the other Disney mountains, as defining attractions.

 

[NowInc]

As expected..Im siding with corrus on this one..

When I got laid off from the mouse, I was one of MANY who were let go...and I wasnt an artisan...I was actually in creative. My departure from the company was (and in some cases still is) surrounded with bitterness and speculation towards the motives that lead to the decision to let me go, but overall..i understand now why it happened the way it did.

I wasn't determental to anything, I wasn't a leader in any ways, and my time there was MUCH shorter than a lot of the people who dodged the bullet. If i were still there, could I have made a difference? Most definatly. But was it a "sure thing" that my presence would make an impact...nope. I was young and overall very inexperienced and happened to get lucky in a way, and Im greatfull for the opportunities I got and have no regrets to how things panned out. Im sure many of the WDI'ers who are getting let go will eventually (if not already) feel the same way.

As a side note...the disney NDA is really strict, not only does it prevent you from talking about the projects going on, but in some cases it prevents from discussing the events surrounding actions such as lay offs. (In some warped way it could expose future plans within the company..so they dont let you talk about it). Only a fool would go against the Disney NDA, and I can give a strong assumption that its the cause of why we never get "the whole story" from MANY who disney have let go.

and thats my 2 cents

 

[Madison]

I am not sure I would consider this amazing as it really is just a roller coaster. I find rides like Mission Space as examples of classis WDI inventions. Not arguing with you as this is all perspective but I feel that WDI is good at taking new technology and putting a storyline behind it where are Everest is old tech with a story line. A wise man once said..."to each his own......"

However, as with Expedition Everest and a littany of other 'classic' attractions, Mission SPACE's ride system is not Disney developed.

 

[Dayma]

However, as with Expedition Everest and a littany of other 'classic' attractions, Mission SPACE's ride system is not Disney developed.

So are they better at putting storylines around current technology and rides?

My question is...Are the running out of original ideas and do they need "fresh blood" in the area? This is just hypothetical and I am NOT saying they need this!

 

[darthdarrel]

So are they better at putting storylines around current technology and rides?

My question is...Are they running out of original ideas and do they need "fresh blood" in the area? This is just hypothetical and I am NOT saying they need this!

I would say it is a little of both! :lol:

 

[Madison]

So are they better at putting storylines around current technology and rides?

In fairness to those who are responsible for the ride technology found on many Disney attractions, it's important to note that the systems are often revolutionary or otherwise the first of their kind. It is not often, however, that the ride technology is developed by Disney.

Walt Disney Imagineering is good at putting a story onto anything, regardless of the technology employed.

Add to my original list the CircleVision camera system and, to a certain extent, Soarin'. Save for the EMV-based Indiana Jones attractions and ignoring the widespread presence of AAs in attractions, I think it's pretty clear that much of WDI's best work comes when, perhaps, they do not have to worry so intently about making ride technology work.

 

[T-i-doubleguher]

Well... Freedom is just another word for nothing left to loose... (just kidding)

I'm 55 and it's time for a change... Finally I can walk around in all the parks, the way I want... They granted me my ID card for 5 years...
And financially I'm not complaining... and I won't miss my visits to china and japan... but they tightened my NDA...

Corrus, what have you worked on at WDI or the company itsself??

 

[imagineer boy]

When a 15yr old's opinion matters....I will come to you first!

I'm sixteen, thank you very much. Maybe you can help me with a science experement at school. I'm teaching the symptoms of riding SGE too much, and you seem tobe a great example of what happens.