Friend laid off by Disney

[challer]

I just found out that a friend of mine was recently laid off by Disney Theatrical Productions. That makes me sad. He was a tremendous asset for them in outreach to education and schools regarding theater and arts appreciation and production. I remember when he got the job - it was like a dream for him after working for not-for-profit theater for so long. He said it wasn't an ugly layoff, but there were issues that didn't sit well with him at all.

Oh well.

Between layoffs at Disney Theatrical, the closing of World of Disney NYC (no rumors of new sites yet), and the likely closing of Little Mermaid on Broadway soon (just watch), the Disney job pool in NY is shrinking.

 

[disneymom8589]

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

Are those true rumors about the WoD store closing (or moving) and Little Mermaid no longer being on Broadway?! Please say no!! I wanted to take my DD and future DIL to NYC some day and was looking forward to going to Little Mermaid!

 

[disneyholic family]

hopefully, the economy will eventually turn around and with it disney....

 

[cap'njack.]

Sorry for your friend. Hopefully the economy picks up soon enough and your friend manahes to find alternative employment

 

[kevrab]

I have to friends that work at WDW. One works security at Downtown Disney (he kept his job) his wife worked in the shops in Fantasyland. She was laid off May 24th, as were other union workers, and replaced with students. Nice, not like she was making a fortune (a little over $7 an hour she told me) and dragging down the Disney bank account.

 

[MM32830]

As a business owner, I understand the need for Disney to make the cuts they are making. Most of the time the general public doesn't understand the reasons why decisions are made but rest assured they are made in the best interest of the company as a whole.

With that said, layoffs still hurt. Most people that get laid off take it personally and rightfully so! They have dedicated a good portion of their lives to a company and were loyal (well, at least most were) and then they are told they no longer have a job.

Many wonder where the company's loyalty is when it comes to staff retention. Well, when the work isn't there, that means the money isn't there either.

Times will get better.




___________________
Armand

 

[mikelan6]

I hope things get better soon. People are starting to get very frustrated.

 

[challer]

Are those true rumors about the WoD store closing (or moving) and Little Mermaid no longer being on Broadway?! Please say no!! I wanted to take my DD and future DIL to NYC some day and was looking forward to going to Little Mermaid!

WoD - they did not renew the lease for their current spot at 55th & 5th, and I beleive they will be there till spring 2010. However, they have closed the character greeting spot and the party rooms, and no longer have special events there. I spoke with a castmember there who said that they are hoping for a move to a new place, because right now there is nowhere to transfer their jobs to in NYC.

According to someone I know who works at Disney on Broadway. Little Mermaid is not doing so well, and will not be a long running show. Lion King & Poppins are doing much better, so I assume Mermaid will be sacrificed in the near future (like Tarzan was during King/Beast's run).

 

[Mr. I Won't Rent Car]

People should not expect that the current crisis with the economy should not affect Disney. It is always unfortunate when someone loses a job but Disney has to look out for the corporation and the consumers.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

This is the first time I have heard about WoD in NYC closing. Where'd you hear this?

 

[MM32830]

It's been in the news for quite a while now. It was also confirmed by cast members at the WoD in NYC when I was there last year.

A little more info at:

http://www.realdisney.com/2008/08/12/world-of-disney-new-york-city-to-close-in-2010/



______________________
Armand

 

[challer]

Rumors that Disney is looking for a new spot, but no news yet. But for sure no more at 55th & 5th.

 

[polineedyan]

Its a vicious cycle, this economic situation. People get laid off, because no one is spending money. Those who are laid off, in turn, cant spend either..

 

[challer]

Wow, that was quick.

Now it's official that Mermaid is closing.