2/24: Suites: Executive & Dream

[Al Lutz]

Why less is more at Team Disney Anaheim, John Lasseter's after hours treks, and more... discuss it all here!

DIRECT ARTICLE LINK: MiceAge.com - A different look at Disney...

[Lady Stardust]

Great post! Thanks for breaking this all down a bit and giving it some perspective. It makes a lot more sense now to a simpleton like myself! XD

[RiversOfAmerica]

The corporate restructuring is interesting. I'm a reasonably qualified IT professional in Anaheim, and have been trying to get a professional position at TDA for years. The restructure will either make it more difficult for me to get hired on, or might make it easier. The IT positions at TDA (which are not outsourced) aren't managerial, so I presume the only effect on them might be which VP or director they report to.

If the new restructure eliminates lower level positions, then those IT jobs might dry up a little, making it more difficult for an outsider like myself to get in. OTOH, the new restructure might make it easier for a department to crate and fill positions as needed.

Time will tell.

[AstroBlaster]

I was looking forward to the Al breakdown of all the layoff news. My heart does go out to the families of those who have lost their jobs in this tough economy. It was surprising though just how massive management really was at TDA. Too many chiefs is never a good sign and you can just imagine the headaches the cast members and middle management had to experience with all of those directors and vp's running around making "key" decisions and throwing their weight around.

[CreepyMonkey]

I feel so much better having it all broken down like this and explained simply and honestly! Thank you Al!

Though my heart goes out to those who find themselves suddenly looking for work in this present economy, I can't help but feel this is a breath of fresh air and a good thing for the parks in general. I am very much looking forward to seeing how all this plays out.

In the long run, I think this is a positive thing even for those experiencing the layoff. Personally, I'd rather make less and feel I'm accomplishing more than make a lot of money pushing paper around and feeling a little like I was running on a treadmill to nowhere.

[ni_teach]

Great Report AL!

Originally Posted by CreepyMonkey

Though my heart goes out to those who find themselves suddenly looking for work in this present economy, I can't help but feel this is a breath of fresh air and a good thing for the parks in general. I am very much looking forward to seeing how all this plays out.

Knowing that it's the 100,000 people getting the ax and not the hourly people getting let go makes me feel a lot better. I'm glad to see that the management seems to know where the fat really is.

[Crazybirdman]

Originally Posted by ni_teach

Knowing that it's the 100,000 people getting the ax and not the hourly people getting let go makes me feel a lot better. I'm glad to see that the management seems to know where the fat really is.

exactly

[Imag1neer]

I found this quote from Als article to be interesting :

While the plans for the DCA makeover remain largely on track and fully funded despite the continuing downturn in the economy (contrary to inaccurate rumors to the contrary elsewhere)

I am guessing that means the rumors of Mermaid and Buena Vist St being delayed are false. good news.

[disneyland255]

Wow - my mind is whirling. There is so much to take in. I personally, when all is said and done, would love to see what the downside to all this could be. Just getting both sides is what I want. All in all though, I'm excited to see the parks hopefully get back to the PRE Pressler/Harris era. That is when they were GREAT!

Until then....can't wait for next week's article!! Unless you wanna post it sooner Al????

[DisneyIPresume]

Thanks for putting my mind at ease regarding the restructuring, Al. Although I do feel sorry for those CMs who have or will be losing their jobs. Right now is not a good time to be looking for work. I wish them all well.

As for Lasseter, I've been waiting a very long time for an executive to take so much interest in DL that he or she would actually want to spend the night there. And considering this, I do not want the apartment to be used as a the Gallery again.

[dmomof4]

Originally Posted by Imag1neer

I found this quote from Als article to be interesting :

I am guessing that means the rumors of Mermaid and Buena Vist St being delayed are false. good news.

Largely doesnt mean completely

[dmomof4]

Thanks for the update....very interesting....thanks for putting it in ways we can understand!

[Swellpixiegirl]

I am glad that the layoffs are in the higher ranks. Too often , extra people are hired because they are colleagues and acquaintances, and not necessary to company operations. I know in my hubby's company, they are trying to talk them into a pay decrease in their next contract (due next month), and a lot of it has to do with the company executives hiring friends and giving contracts to friends and family members, in addition to their own fat raises, so they have no money for the employees who are actually doing the majority of the work, and are the only ones qualified to do the job. The company cannot run (nor can a major form of travel) without them, and they are already short staffed across the country. So, what to do? Slash from the top down. And I agree that nobody wants to see people losing jobs, but you have to be smart in these layoffs. Cutting CM jobs is only going to hurt daily operations and not save the company any money.

[kcnole]

I've said for a long time that the whole way depts are laid out is completely ridiculous and a major waste of money. Imagine how much better the parks could be if that money was put into hiring more janitorial staff, or giving the CM's a decent cafeteria to eat in and buses to take them to and from their parking lot.

[danyoung]

Originally Posted by DisneyIPresume

As for Lasseter, I've been waiting a very long time for an executive to take so much interest in DL that he or she would actually want to spend the night there. And considering this, I do not want the apartment to be used as a the Gallery again.

I think it would make sense for him and his family to spend a few nights in WDW's Cinderella Castle, and give that park some much needed direct attention!