Disney, Why...? The TDO Footprint Constraint

[DanBoris]

What is "TDO"?

Team Disney Orlando, basically WDW management.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Team Disney Orlando, basically WDW management.

Then TDO is incorrect...

They have ZERO power to do anything other than tinker with the staff and execute marching orders

All the decisions are made by the CEO, CFO, and board in anaheim...

Burbank...axtually

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I think we are at the beginning of another set of large expansion. New fantasyland, Avatar, disney springs, Star Wars at some point, frozen in Norway?, new soarin film, changes in future world, more DVC, who knows what else.

I just punched your response into my smart phone and it came back with "WISHFUL THINKING"

major profit is being made without out large scale expansion...one project every 5 years of note doesn't equate major expansion...so there is no economic advantage to doing it.

Only a slow in revenue and profits will tip the scales

 

[clsteve]

Then TDO is incorrect...

They have ZERO power to do anything other than tinker with the staff and execute marching orders

All the decisions are made by the CEO, CFO, and board in anaheim...

Burbank...axtually

You're spot on. I used TDO in the context that's often utilized and recognized on the boards: the 70,000+ employees of all levels that comprise Disney's Orlando presence.

I didn't want to bog down the thread with too much corporate structure and I think some have misinterpreted TDO as a strategic decision making authority. Definitely not the case......

 

[lockedoutlogic]

You're spot on. I used TDO the context that's often utilized and recognized on the boards: the 70,000+ employees of all levels that comprise Disney's Orlando presence.

I didn't want to bog down the thread with too much corporate structure and I think some have misinterpreted TDO as a strategic decision making authority. Definitely not the case......

Duly noted

 

[rteetz]

I just punched your response into my smart phone and it came back with "WISHFUL THINKING"

major profit is being made without out large scale expansion...one project every 5 years of note doesn't equate major expansion...so there is no economic advantage to doing it.

Only a slow in revenue and profits will tip the scales

Well Disney Springs started in 2013 while FLE was still going on. Avatar was announced and started earlier this year while the previous two projects were underway, FLE finishing up of course. DVC at the Poly started late last year. Frozen in Maelstrom is supposed to start within the next year. Rivers of light in AK will open in 2016. Disney is probably planning another DVC property after the Poly is done. If star wars gets underway before 2017 thats another project. DHS is also supposed to be getting a new frozen stage show and fireworks within the next year. To me that seems like a lot of projects not wishful thinking even though I would love to see other things and even more. Disney of course isn't expanding and rebuilding like universal because one they don't need too and two there is a lot going on it just doesn't seem like it. Also for expansions they are expanding the Hub...

 

[rteetz]

You're spot on. I used TDO in the context that's often utilized and recognized on the boards: the 70,000+ employees of all levels that comprise Disney's Orlando presence.

I didn't want to bog down the thread with too much corporate structure and I think some have misinterpreted TDO as a strategic decision making authority. Definitely not the case......

TDO definitely does not make big decisions but they do have some authority. If George K doesn't want something that someone else does I think that is taken into consideration. At the end of the day Iger and Rasulo are making the big decisions, but I would think Georgie and his boys have some say.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

TDO definitely does not make big decisions but they do have some authority. If George K doesn't want something that someone else does I think that is taken into consideration. At the end of the day Iger and Rasulo are making the big decisions, but I would think Georgie and his boys have some say.

No...not really...

Figurehead with no control of the purse strings

 

[clsteve]

I've added clarification and further context to TDO in order to avoid any confusion as to it's usage within the original post. Hope that helps!

 

[rteetz]

I've added clarification and further context to TDO in order to avoid any confusion as to it's usage within the original post. Hope that helps!

Thanks this analysis really gets you to think about how disney operates. The great thing about is its all true and people just don't realize some of these things. The farmer/hunter thing should make it easier for those people to see.

 

[clsteve]

Thanks this analysis really gets you to think about how disney operates. The great thing about is its all true and people just don't realize some of these things. The farmer/hunter thing should make it easier for those people to see.

Thanks and I hope it does help shed some light on the complexities that don't necessarily jump right out until you start digging a bit. Disney is a complex beast with a geographic Achilles Heel. Competition for the best employees is only going to increase in Orlando- not just from UOR, but also from all of the other entertainment initiatives and mega projects.

Not a bad time at all to be a bright, hard working individual in Orlando with some experience in any of the sought after skill sets, it would seem.....

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks and I hope it does help shed some light on the complexities that don't necessarily jump right out until you start digging a bit. Disney is a complex beast with a geographic Achilles Heel. Competition for the best employees is only going to increase in Orlando- not just from UOR, but also from all of the other entertainment initiatives and mega projects.

Not a bad time at all to be a bright, hard working individual in Orlando with some experience in any of the sought after skill sets, it would seem.....

At the rate things are going, it might work to be a desirable applicant even if you live elsewhere. I understand that Disney has been reluctant to hire those who don't have a local address but they might need to be a little more flexible as the local labor pool shrinks.

Off topic a bit, I keep seeing references here to Frozen in Maelstrom. I think that I've made my dislike of that clear but DS made a good point. He commented that Norway was way too small to handle all of the mobs that might descend on a ride that involves Frozen. I don't know if it's wishful thinking on my part but that seems logical.

 

[clsteve]

At the rate things are going, it might work to be a desirable applicant even if you live elsewhere. I understand that Disney has been reluctant to hire those who don't have a local address but they might need to be a little more flexible as the local labor pool shrinks.

Off topic a bit, I keep seeing references here to Frozen in Maelstrom. I think that I've made my dislike of that clear but DS made a good point. He commented that Norway was way too small to handle all of the mobs that might descend on a ride that involves Frozen. I don't know if it's wishful thinking on my part but that seems logical.

Yes, they may very well have to get creative. It will be interesting to also watch if there are any changes or additions to on site CM housing and the summer program forthcoming in the next few years.

And I so hope your DS is correct. The Norway Pavilion is one of my favorites. I don't think there's enough Aquavit stocked there to get me over the Pavilion becoming "Frozen".....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Thanks and I hope it does help shed some light on the complexities that don't necessarily jump right out until you start digging a bit. Disney is a complex beast with a geographic Achilles Heel. Competition for the best employees is only going to increase in Orlando- not just from UOR, but also from all of the other entertainment initiatives and mega projects.

Not a bad time at all to be a bright, hard working individual in Orlando with some experience in any of the sought after skill sets, it would seem.....

I wish your theory were correct...hope it is...

But Disney took a "whoever is good enough" view on labor and talent in the late 90's/early 00's...
And they have been rewarded with record attendances, profits, price increases...
The problem is that they use the mouse and the past as a gigantic credit card to pay for their operations...
While paying only Minimum monthly payments and taking the leftover cash to inflate their stock price...

 

[clsteve]

I wish your theory were correct...hope it is...

But Disney took a "whoever is good enough" view on labor and talent in the late 90's/early 00's...
And they have been rewarded with record attendances, profits, price increases...
The problem is that they use the mouse and the past as a gigantic credit card to pay for their operations...
While paying only Minimum monthly payments and taking the leftover cash to inflate their stock price...

So it sounds like Disney would have fit right in during the 1890's. The Mellons and Rockefellers would have been proud....

 

[dvczerfs]

Disney is hiring 1000 full and part time workers for roles across the Walt Disney World parks and resorts

Jun 30, 2014 | 4:01pm EDT

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Disney is looking to hire 1000 part-time and full-time workers in a recruitment drive to fill new positions created by recent expansions to the Magic Kingdom and elsewhere at the Walt Disney World Resort.

In particular, candidates are encouraged to apply for roles such as parking attendants, reservation sales agents, bus drivers, housekeepers, quick service food and beverage positions and more.

Walt Disney World is the largest single-site employer in the United States, employing nearly 70,000 cast members across 3000 different job classifications.

For more information about positions at Walt Disney World Resort, including full role descriptions or to apply online, visit www.WaltDisneyWorld.jobs.


I just noticed this posted on another site.

 

[clsteve]

Disney is hiring 1000 full and part time workers for roles across the Walt Disney World parks and resorts

Jun 30, 2014 | 4:01pm EDT

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Discuss
T
Tweet
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Share
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Disney is looking to hire 1000 part-time and full-time workers in a recruitment drive to fill new positions created by recent expansions to the Magic Kingdom and elsewhere at the Walt Disney World Resort.

In particular, candidates are encouraged to apply for roles such as parking attendants, reservation sales agents, bus drivers, housekeepers, quick service food and beverage positions and more.

Walt Disney World is the largest single-site employer in the United States, employing nearly 70,000 cast members across 3000 different job classifications.

For more information about positions at Walt Disney World Resort, including full role descriptions or to apply online, visit www.WaltDisneyWorld.jobs.


I just noticed this posted on another site.

Interesting. At first glance, it looks like they're gearing up for the Poly Villas - especially with the job types they're looking for. I haven't been following their construction closely but aren't they slated to start opening sometime in the first half of 2015? If you figure in a Quarter plus for the hiring process, and 6 months or so to spread the new employees out amongst the other Resorts for training so they're ready for opening; the timing works out.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Interesting. At first glance, it looks like they're gearing up for the Poly Villas - especially with the job types they're looking for. I haven't been following their construction closely but aren't they slated to start opening sometime in the first half of 2015? If you figure in a Quarter plus for the hiring process, and 6 months or so to spread the new employees out amongst the other Resorts for training so they're ready for opening; the timing works out.

A small villas addition wouldn't require anywhere near that many employees...

It's more likely downtown...one would think.

Also, now that we all are radio tagged like migrating caribou...the "labor advantages" of the smart system will start rapidly coming into being...

I've always believed that labor reallocation/streamlining is the the "1a"...if not the "1" reason behind the whole system...

That's not a knock..it's common sense...the days of employees in mouse gloves standing every 10 feet waving is at an end...it's not a tragedy...it's economic reality and we can have reasonable hope that wdw may be "better" if employees are used more wisely.

 

[jon18uk]

the days of employees in mouse gloves standing every 10 feet waving is at an end...it's not a tragedy...it's economic reality and we can have reasonable hope that wdw may be "better" if employees are used more wisely.

I think we could see the opposite due to automation & MagicBands, I think genral cast for parades and Mickey hand waving will remain about the same but check-in desk, counter service till, ticket sales windows etc cast numbers will all go down as these can be replaced with an automated touch screen process.

 

[clsteve]

A small villas addition wouldn't require anywhere near that many employees...

It's more likely downtown...one would think.

Also, now that we all are radio tagged like migrating caribou...the "labor advantages" of the smart system will start rapidly coming into being...

I've always believed that labor reallocation/streamlining is the the "1a"...if not the "1" reason behind the whole system...

That's not a knock..it's common sense...the days of employees in mouse gloves standing every 10 feet waving is at an end...it's not a tragedy...it's economic reality and we can have reasonable hope that wdw may be "better" if employees are used more wisely.

DTD makes a lot of sense. How far they've come with GFV sales, plus ?maybe? an uptick in last years 79% occupancy rate and future reservations, could be others.

And labor streaming is absolutely an expected expense net plus for Disney with the new system - from a long term liability perspective, as well. For example, you can come up with many scenarios where it might very well allow them to increase part-time vs. full-time employee percentages once they get solid trending data and can begin to adjust staffing schedules, manage and plan for hotspots more effectively, etc.

The only issue I see is how many extra CM's they will need to clean up after all of the migrating Caribou......

That's a great, but messy, visual btw.