WDI Layoffs

[V_L_Raptor]

I think they spent more on the queue for Kali River Rapids than building the actually ride.

Which, to be fair, isn't hard. That ride system certainly isn't a Disney original. Disney is actually pretty late in the game for setting up one of those circular raft rides.

 

[V_L_Raptor]

I just took a quick look on their website and it looks like they've done a good amount of animatronics for Disney. Not sure about attractions though. AA's such as Maleficent from Fantastic, Oogie Boogie from Haunted Mansion Holiday, Under The Sea's animatronics, ect. I know they didn't do FEA AA's and I'm not sure about SDMT. They've also done parade floats for Disney but none of their recent parades, at least from what I see from the website.

Wasn't too long ago they were making reproduction (Disney-style) tiki birds for sale, although they might've landed a C&D for that. At least, I thought it was Garner Holt...?

 

[MagicHappens1971]

I know it's been said that Ursula at least was made by Disney.

Yeah they featured Flounders AA next to Ariel but didn't show Ariel, I think WDI did that Ariel. Sebastian's AA in the Under the Sea room. They also showed the kiss the girl scene AAs. Hm

 

[MagicHappens1971]

Wasn't too long ago they were making reproduction (Disney-style) tiki birds for sale, although they might've landed a C&D for that. At least, I thought it was Garner Holt...?

I saw a bird that looked like an Enchanted Tiki Room Bird AA on there portfolio. I know Disney didn't use them for FEA and I don't think they used hem for SDMT

 

[StageFrenzy]

So didn't read all the pages but they Axed Tom Morris? WHAT THE FIGMENT ARE YOU FIGMENTING ON!!! Seriously that man gets it and has it.

 

[StageFrenzy]

https://twitter.com/TomKMorris/status/761766765877538816

eta: man i hold responsible in my mind for taillight caverns

 

[MagicHappens1971]

So didn't read all the pages but they Axed Tom Morris? WHAT THE FIGMENT ARE YOU FIGMENTING ON!!! Seriously that man gets it and has it.

His twitter bio says "Soon to be ex-imagineer"

 

[StageFrenzy]

His twitter bio says "Soon to be ex-imagineer"

Yes, yes it does. I sure hope Universal or Knotts picks him up.

 

[Mike S]

Yes, yes it does. I sure hope Universal or Knotts picks him up.

Anything specific that he's done?

 

[Quinnmac000]

Anything specific that he's done?

WDI Imagineer Tom Morris was the Creative Director of “Journey into Imagineering.” Tom was Disneyland Paris’ Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty castle show producer and worked on Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Paris and the acclaimed Cars Land in California Adventure.

 

[DznyRktekt]

So ridiculous. So much history with the company. Must not have been willing to spray paint IP all over Future World.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Anything specific that he's done?

Saving Cars Land would be the biggest and most recent.

 

[Figments Friend]

WDI Imagineer Tom Morris was the Creative Director of “Journey into Imagineering.” Tom was Disneyland Paris’ Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty castle show producer and worked on Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Paris and the acclaimed Cars Land in California Adventure.

Tom also worked on building the Original 'Journey Into Imagination' at EPCOT Center with Tony Baxter and Bruce Gordon back in the day....



-

 

[hopemax]

https://twitter.com/TomKMorris/status/761766765877538816

eta: man i hold responsible in my mind for taillight caverns

Sigh.

I'm getting an impression that real theming; inviting, whimsical environments and such are now seen as "frivolous and unnecessary" within this new WDI. I mentioned upthread, that so much of the new spaces/attractions leave me feeling cold, although they seem technically fine, and even pretty, but there's something just missing and just not as captivating. But what do I know.

 

[Figments Friend]

Just now hearing about Tom Morris' departure.
Wow...
I know we all get to that stage in life when you move on or someone does it for you, but I'm still a little surprised.
I hope it was not a outright layoff or firing and that he was at least offered something for his 'forced departure' if the case may be.

I met him at last years D23 Expo when I spent some time with Tony Baxter during a signing that was happening related to the Disney Kingdoms ' Figment' comic series.
Really nice guy, the three of us had a fun time talking about the Original 'JII'.

I wish him the best with whatever he might do in the future.

-

 

[Stripes]

Any updates/news?

 

[articos]

Wow. These rumors took on a life of their own. This was a standard downsize once a project like Shanghai opens. Tom won't be unemployed for long, and might end up working on other Disney projects, just as an outside consultant, probably making more money. Fitz and Joe are still with the company.

 

[Magenta Panther]

Wow. These rumors took on a life of their own. This was a standard downsize once a project like Shanghai opens. Tom won't be unemployed for long, and might end up working on other Disney projects, just as an outside consultant, probably making more money. Fitz and Joe are still with the company.

VERY glad to read this!

 

[twebber55]

Wow. These rumors took on a life of their own. This was a standard downsize once a project like Shanghai opens. Tom won't be unemployed for long, and might end up working on other Disney projects, just as an outside consultant, probably making more money. Fitz and Joe are still with the company.

thank you

 

[Figments Friend]

I'm very glad to read that Tom may still be involved as a consultant.

-