wannab@dis said:
I would really like more information on this before making a call as to whether it's the end of the 'World' or not.
Put together a graph so we can truly analyze the situation without hyperbole, conjecture and emotions. Show 3 lines on the graph. The first is the WDI (WED) employment numbers from the 50's to present. Label each marked increase/decrease with project names or important timeline items. The second line is an earnings amount. Again, label anomalies with major items such as new parks, movies, purchases and other major timeline items.
The third line should be an average earnings for DJIA companies.
Once we have a better overall picture, then maybe we can applaud or question management decisions. Until then, let's assume they have more facts that we do.
The graph is not neccesary to prove the point.
Although cyclical layoffs have occured after mass expansion and contraction, Walt Disney created WED Enterprises to be a powerful, creative force that proactively planned the future of his magical kingdoms.
These men and women were behind Disneyland, The Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, and all of the theme parks to follow. Innovative ride systems, creative and immersive environments, and top-notch E-Tickets, like Splash Mountain the Tower of Terror, were all devised by these men and women when a sense of job security and funding allowed them to think outside the box.
Fast-forward to 2003, when Stitch's Great Escape was being designed. Originally given a budget of 25 million, the Imagineers had great plans for replacing the Alien Encounter. However, Disney eyed an outside company that could produce the ride themselves. (Keep in mind that those working outside the company don't have nearly as good of an instilled understanding of Walt Disney's legacies and quality showmanship). Walt Disney Imagineering had to fight to keep the project, and a budget war ensued. What we ended up with was a Walt Disney Imagineering driven by fear - and a lame ride with less than half the original budget.
Without fighting for it, Walt Disney Imagineering would not have contributed in designing Disney's California Adventure. That park's designers were almost outsourced.
The key here is that many creative designers and craftsmen who are behind the magic of the E-Tickets are losing power in competition with outside companies. Many predict that these layoffs (sooner than expected) are in fact very abnormal - mainly because the future replacements aren't necessarily long-term Imagineers. Rather, more per-project teams will be hired to cut costs.
And clearly, when you see a successful Expedition Everest next year, it won't mean Imagineering is in good hands again -- that team may soon be laid off (as the project has gone slightly 'over budget.') But that is a rumor, and time may or may not prove it. We'll see.
