Shocking news has just been revealed about the layoffs within the Walt Disney Company.
Since CEO Bob Iger replaced Bob Chapek and returned to leadership in November, he has made it clear that he is determined to cut costs for the company. Many assumed that the cost-cutting measures would include employee lay-offs, but nothing was confirmed until later in the year. Fans were saddened to hear Iger reveal during a February quarterly results call that his plan to save money includes eliminating over 7000 jobs. Now, Insider has reported that many of those layoffs will be happening sooner than originally thought.
A Dark Day for the Walt Disney Company
It has been revealed that Disney CEO Iger is reducing the number of employees at a rapid pace. Managers at Disney have been given orders to reduce their budgets and reduce their employee numbers. For the past two weeks, Disney has been making brutal cost savings decisions. Executives at the company are currently preparing budget cuts in all departments.
These executives have been assigned to create a list of employees that they deem to be redundant and disposable. These lists will be turned in to higher-ups in the next couple of weeks. After the lists are turned in, employees who are on them will be informed of their termination. It is unclear if the layoffs will happen in waves or all at once.
A staggeringly large number of employees will be included on the layoff lists. Out of the 7,000 jobs that were announced to be cut, 4,000 of those jobs will be on the upcoming list. That is a huge amount of employees, and this news is truly shocking to hear.
EXCLUSIVE: Disney executives are being directed to identify thousands of layoff candidates by April as CEO Bob Iger targets $5.5 billion in spending cuts $DIShttps://t.co/9UYC5Or35p via @businessinsider
In total, Bob Iger hopes to save the Walt Disney Company $5.5 billion. As the due date for the significant transformation draws near, the public will anxiously wait to see when terminations will happen and what areas will be affected the most.
In a new interview, Dr. Abigail Disney addressed criticisms of her loyalty to her family and the Disney legacy after speaking out about the economic crisis currently faced by Disney Parks Cast Members and CEO salaries.
At both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort, Cast Members make the magic possible through their hard efforts each day but often face under-compensation for their exceptional Guest service. Since last August, unions within the STCU have held protests in Florida to petition Disney for a living wage, and renegotiate their contracts.
Moreover, production employees at the Walt Disney Studio are currently lobbying the Walt Disney Company for the right to unionize alongside the rest of the animation department, and costume department Cast Members spoke out about a gendered pay gap within entertainment. Of course, heir to the Disney name, Abigail, has been a vocal supporter of Cast Member wage rights for years, and is not above criticizing both the company, or its founder Walt.
However, with the release of a new documentary film, “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” Disney has attempted to shed light on the situation, particularly the rate of change from how her grandfather Roy O. Disney, and great-uncle Walt Disney, treated their workers to how the multi-billion dollar conglomerate does today. In fact, on an episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate, Disney told hosts hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin that while she herself has an immense love for Disney, for her family, and for the Disney Parks, she feels the need to criticize the current situation because she has the privilege to change it.
Disney recalls a “great deal of affection” between Roy and his employees on visits to Disneyland as a child, and says she cannot imagine him being able to sleep at night knowing many of them struggled to put food on the table even working full-time, while Disney CEO Bob Iger and Bob Chapek rake in over $65 million yearly. For instance, a 2018 study found one in ten CMs have experienced homelessness, some even living in their cars in Disney parking lots, while almost 70% had experienced food insecurity, and 75% did not make enough to cover basic expenses, in what union leaders are calling an “economic crisis.”
Although many have dubbed Disney a “traitor” for her outspoken views, she maintains that the “insane” compensation Disney CEOs receive is not her issue, but rather that they continue to take it before making sure the employees responsible for their having it at all are properly compensated and taken care of in the same vein that her ancestors did. Furthermore, Abigail said that while the situation continues, she feels “a loyalty higher than Disney and that’s to my fellow human beings.”
According to Abigail, the Walt Disney Company can remain a profitable visionary while also supporting Cast Members’ wellbeing, and that management only tries to hire workers at the lowest price possible due to beliefs systems in the US which convince us these two ideals are mutually exclusive when they’re not.
Disney’s documentary will examine these myths, even at the expense of others criticizing her true loyalties:
I would say I probably love Disney more than any other super fan could possibly love Disney. It’s in my DNA, it’s down to my toes, and I remember every detail and every nuance of both of those parks. I will tell you, though, if you really, really, really love something, then you have to see it truthfully and you have to speak the truth about it and it’s not perfect. I wish it were.
“Words may not fully describe designer and Imagineer Rolly Crump. So to get a handle on this spirited, multi-talented Disney designer, think Leonardo DaVinci’s Universal Man.” –D23.com
The entire Disney community has suffered an immense loss as one of the most influential contributors to the wonderful world of all things Disney, Imagineer Roland Fargo Crump, passed away on Sunday, March 12. He was 93 years old. Oh, but he was so young.
Roland “Rolly” Crump was born in Alhambra, California, on February 27, 1930, and officially stepped into his role at The Walt Disney Studios when he was only 22 years old in 1952.
In 1959, Rolly joined the show design team at WED Enterprises, now known as Walt Disney Imagineering. His young age was no deterrent for Walt Disney, who saw ingenuity, greatness, and promise in the young Crump. Disneyland was only four years old at the time, and Rolly became one of Walt’s key designers for many of the park’s new attractions and shops. He was especially instrumental in the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction and the Enchanted Tiki Room. He also lent his unique brand of creativity and insight to the Adventureland Bazaar at Disneyland.
Per D23:
Rolly served as a key designer on the Disney attractions featured at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, including it’s a small world, for which he designed the Tower of the Four Winds marquee. When the attraction moved to Disneyland in 1966, Rolly designed the larger-than-life animated clock at its entrance, which sends puppet children on parade with each quarter-hour gong.
After contributing to the initial design of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, and developing story and set designs for NBC’s Disney on Parade in 1970, Rolly left the Company to consult on projects including Busch Gardens in Florida and California, the ABC Wildlife Preserve in Maryland, and Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus World in Florida, among others.
He returned in 1976 to contribute to EPCOT Center, serving as project designer for The Land and the Wonders of Life pavilions. He also participated in master planning for an expansion of Disneyland until 1981, when he again departed to lead design on a proposed Cousteau Ocean Center in Norfolk, Virginia, and to launch his own firm, the Mariposa Design Group, developing an array of themed projects around the world, including an international celebration for the country of Oman.
In 1992, Rolly returned to Imagineering as executive designer, redesigning and refurbishing The Land and Innoventions at Epcot Center. Rolly “retired” from The Walt Disney Company in 1996, but continued to work on a number of creative projects. He released his autobiography, “It’s Kind of a Cute Story,” in 2012.
Rolly is honored along Main Street, U. S. A., at Disneyland Resort in California with a sign that reads, “Fargo’s Palm Parlor.” Guests can see the sign along Main Street, U. S. A., at the front of Disneyland Park.
Rolly will be forever remembered for his kindness, brilliance, ingenuity, insight, and humor, and for his contributions to the history and development of the Disney Parks, and fans of Rolly, this writer included, will look back on his memory fondly for years to come.
The drama in the Disney community never seems to settle down. Yesterday, things at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort got extremely messy when a man was escorted out of the Park by Disney security and Orange County deputies. The man in question is “Disney fan” Christopher Martin, who has remained an enemy of the Walt Disney Company due to the fact that he continues to steal intellectual property from the company.
Christopher and Hannah Martin have been on Disney’s bad side for over a year. It all started when the duo created their merchandise company Sparkling Dreamers. Sparkling Dreamers sells unauthorized homemade Mickey ear headbands that are inspired by Disney characters, which Disney does not approve of. Disney has sent Christopher and Hannah numerous lawsuits over the stolen intellectual property. Christopher first announced that he was being sued on January 28, 2023, but he claims that the legal issues between Sparkling Dreamers and Disney have been happening since December 2021.
Time and time again, Christopher has reiterated that the “Bloggers, TikTokers & more are not telling the correct story.” He truly believes that he is not guilty in this situation, and he feels confident that he will come out of this conflict mostly unscathed.
Were being sued by THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY! We have remained quiet, up til now, but we want our voice to be heard! Bloggers, tiktokers & more are not telling the correct story… its time we clear the air on this all. #lawsuit#suedbydisney
This all changed yesterday when Christopher trespassed onto Walt Disney World property. He was in magic Kingdom when security and police escorted him out of the premises. Christopher took to Facebook where he posted an 18-minute video blog of him being taken off of Disney property and “banned for life.” Disney Parks fans have criticized him for his bizarre behavior during the situation.
Despite the uncomfortable situation that occurred today, Christopher is not giving up. He claims that he is just a fan and will be visiting Disneyland Resort next week. He says that he was banned for “Annual Pass violations,” but it seems pretty clear as to why Disney does not want him on the property.
As of now, the Sparkling Dreamers website is still up and selling its products. His vlog of the event is also still up, and he encourages his fans to “like and share.”
Today, we announced that Disney Cruise Line will welcome guests to a one-of-a-kind island destination at Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas, for the first time during its opening season in summer 2024!
Created in close collaboration with local artists and advisors, the vibrant island retreat at Lighthouse Point will be a unique celebration of Bahamian culture brought to life with the quality and service of a Disney vacation.
Keep reading to discover all the latest details about this relaxing beach escape designed with families in mind, infused with the color and energy of Bahamian artistry, and developed with a commitment to conservation at its core.
Uniquely Designed, Sustainably Developed
When guests arrive to Lighthouse Point, they’ll be greeted by distinctive, sweeping architecture in bright, saturated hues — a bold style inspired by nature and created in partnership with local artists.
The curvilinear buildings will at first appear as Bahamian shells scattered along the shoreline. Upon closer inspection, guests will discover artistic expressions of the native flora and fauna of The Bahamas and the pageantry and history of Junkanoo parades. Throughout the destination, references to playful folklore characters will evoke the warmth and charm of the local culture.
Respect for the environment is at the heart of the design. At least 90 percent of the destination’s electricity needs will be met by an onsite solar array, the pier was designed to avoid the need for dredging and elevated walkways will help limit impact on the landscape.
Visitors to Lighthouse Point will have the opportunity to be surrounded by the wonders of nature and get a glimpse into the efforts taking place to conserve wildlife and their unique island habitats.
Fun and Relaxation for Everyone
At Lighthouse Point, families will enjoy a day of fun in the sun as they relax on pristine beaches, embark on active adventures and discover the magic of Bahamian storytelling alongside favorite Disney characters. Much like Disney’s cruise ships and private island of Castaway Cay, Lighthouse Point will offer activities and areas for every age group.
Families can relax and play along white sandy beaches and turquoise waters at the expansive family beach on the east side of the island, which will be centrally located near market-style dining, recreation and other amenities.
A Bahamian art and culture pavilion featuring special programs and local artists will provide visitors to Lighthouse Point opportunities to learn and celebrate the traditions and natural beauty of The Bahamas.
A brightly-colored, interactive family water play area will include two slides, water drums, fountains and more, along with a dedicated space for toddlers.
North of the family area will be an adult-exclusive beach — a glorious stretch of sun-drenched serenity complete with a dedicated dining area for convenient access to food and drinks throughout the day, plus six private cabanas available by reservation.
Children ages 3 to 12 will splash and play at a themed kids’ club under the care of highly-trained Disney Cruise Line counselors. It will include a splash pad inspired by favorite undersea creatures from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Little Mermaid,” plenty of shade and a dedicated dining area.
Set away from the activity of the main family area, a peaceful beach along the south-western shore will be lined with 20 premium family cabanas available to rent, including four double cabanas that accommodate larger groups and offer massage services.
Additional recreational activities will be available for kids and kids-at-heart, including a covered gaming pavilion; a volleyball court and gaga ball pit; watercraft and bicycle rentals; nature trails for hiking and biking; and more. And a collection of new Port Adventures developed in partnership with local tour operators will take guests beyond Lighthouse Point to explore the rich culture and breathtaking beauty of Eleuthera.
Disney’s new island destination is being thoughtfully designed to provide a hassle-free experience for families, including complimentary beach essentials (towels, chairs and umbrellas and lunch) and convenient tram transportation.
Lighthouse Point will open for guests on select sailings in summer 2024. Stay tuned for more details about inaugural itineraries, signature entertainment, dining, retail and excursions and more.
