Disney Parks Announces Layoffs of 28,000 Cast Members

A statement from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, was just released. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. The statement reads as follows:

“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”

“Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”

Josh D’Amaro Named Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

Former Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro has been named Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, succeeding Bob Chapek, who was recently named CEO of The Walt Disney Company in February.

From Business Wire:

Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), today announced that Josh D’Amaro has been named Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and Rebecca Campbell has been named Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer and International. Mr. D’Amaro and Ms. Campbell will report to Mr. Chapek.

“I am certain he will take Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products segment – home to some of our company’s most iconic and beloved businesses – to exciting new heights in the years to come.”

“Our company is very fortunate to have a deep bench of talent and we’re extremely pleased to welcome these two exceptionally qualified Disney veterans to our senior management team,” Mr. Chapek said. “Both Josh and Rebecca have more than two decades of leadership experience with the Company, a keen understanding of our brands and businesses, and a shared passion and vision for delivering extraordinary entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences.”

Mr. D’Amaro, who most recently served as President, Walt Disney World Resort, succeeds Mr. Chapek as Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In his new role, Mr. D’Amaro will oversee Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, which include six theme park-resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps; the world’s largest children’s print publisher; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

“Josh is an exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and innovative leader, consistently delivering strong results while demonstrating his unwavering commitment and care for our cast members, and a genuine appreciation for the importance of the Disney Difference to our guests,” said Mr. Chapek. “I am certain he will take Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products segment – home to some of our company’s most iconic and beloved businesses – to exciting new heights in the years to come.”

Said Mr. D’Amaro: “I want to thank Bob for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to following his record of driving innovation, value and growth as we deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests. It is an incredible honor to lead our team of talented and dedicated cast members around the globe, who go above-and-beyond every single day. Even during this challenging time, their enthusiasm for what we do is unwavering, and my goal is to bring our cast members back to work as soon as possible so they can continue to create that magic.”

WDW President Josh D’Amaro Celebrates Hollywood Studios Birthday With Music

Happy Birthday to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! On May 1, 1989, Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened to the public. Since we can’t be in the park to celebrate this special day, Walt Disney World President, Josh D’Amaro, decided to take to his Instagram account to make a little music. Check out the video below as shared on D’Amaro’s Instagram:

I don’t know about you all, but seeing the views and hearing the music make us miss this amazing park even more. Happy Birthday Hollywood Studios… until we meet again!

Watch the Video by clicking the link below

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_pa7McDeAB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

WDW Resort President Josh D’Amaro Post Cast Member Tribute In magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro has been like a ray of sunshine during park closures, consistently visiting the parks and updating his followers on how the parks are looking during this grim time of indefinite closures.

Yesterday, we shared the photo that Josh posted on his Instagram of the Fantasia-themed Sorcerer Mickey topiary in EPCOT and his extremely heartfelt caption.

Well, the prince of park closures is back and this time, he’s sharing photos of some essential Cast Members at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

In the picture of Josh and the Cast Members, it’s a bittersweet feeling to see a group standing in front of the “Partners” statue and Cinderella Castle, without any park-goers bustling quickly around them. On a happier note, though, it is heartwarming to know that our beloved Main Street U.S.A. is not alone during this time and is still being looked after until we can return.

In the second photo, you see Cast Members name tags with blue tape across them with short and inspiring messages, such as “Tomorrow”, “Ready”, “Be Alright”.

In the caption for these photos, Josh wrote,

“I made a quick visit to Magic Kingdom to thank a small group of Cast Members who are still taking care of the magic. I love seeing so many of our team wearing messages of courage and optimism on their name tags…until the day we welcome all of our Cast and Guests back to this special place.”

I sincerely hope Josh keeps posting these photos to his Instagram to show glimpses into our favorite place while we can’t be there!

WDW President Josh Damaro Shares Video of Flag Ceremony @ Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro has always been very active communicating with Cast Members and guests alike on his Instagram page. Even now in times of crisis, as with the unprecedented Disney Parks closure due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, he has shared a touching photo and video of the daily flag raising ceremony at the Magic Kingdom, which continues to this day despite the closures.

From Josh D’Amaro:

“While our world looks very different today, one thing endures… the American flag still flies over Walt Disney World. I’m inspired how our Security Cast Members continue to raise it each and every morning at Magic Kingdom while they are on duty protecting the magic. It’s a symbol that we’re still here and will not falter. I hope this inspires you as well. We will be back. Thanks to all our incredible Cast Members who continue to maintain the magic until that day. Until then, please take care of yourselves and your families. We will see you soon.”

You can watch the flag raising ceremony at the Magic Kingdom in the video below:

Thanks for spreading some hope on this day, @joshdamaro! Feel free to follow him on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes content.