Walt Disney World and Disneyland have recently been the focal points of significant developments, particularly concerning the company’s restructuring efforts and a new attraction honoring its founder.
Disney’s Restructuring and Job Cuts
In a strategic move to streamline operations and adapt to the evolving media landscape, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to cut approximately 7,000 jobs, representing about 3% of its global workforce. This decision, confirmed by a company spokesperson, affects several departments, including marketing, publicity, casting, development, and segments of corporate finance.
The layoffs, which took effect on June 2, 2025, are part of a broader effort to reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency. Despite the significant staff reductions, Disney emphasized that no entire teams are being eliminated, and the move is intended to support the company’s core creativity and innovation .
CEO Bob Iger, who returned to lead the company in 2022, described the restructuring as a “significant transformation” aimed at saving $5.5 billion.
The company is reorganizing into three primary segments: an entertainment unit encompassing film, television, and streaming; a sports-focused ESPN unit; and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. This restructuring is designed to return decision-making power to creative executives and streamline operations across the company .
Controversy Over Walt Disney Animatronic
In a separate development, Disneyland Resort unveiled a new animatronic figure of Walt Disney as part of its upcoming 70th-anniversary celebration.
The attraction, titled “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” features a talking mechanical version of the company’s founder at the Main Street Opera House. While Disney describes the animatronic as a tribute to Walt Disney’s legacy, his granddaughter, Joanna Miller, has publicly criticized the portrayal.
Miller expressed emotional distress upon seeing the figure, describing it as “robotic” and lacking the warmth and essence of her grandfather. She emphasized that Walt Disney had explicitly told former Imagineer Sam McKim that he never wanted to become an animatronic figure, and she believes the representation misrepresents his unique personality and spirit .
Despite Miller’s objections and a meeting with CEO Bob Iger to discuss her concerns, Disney has proceeded with the project. Miller is now encouraging supporters to voice their objections to the animatronic tribute, highlighting a broader debate about using advanced technology to preserve historical legacies.
