The Walt Disney Company is planning to relocate approximately 2,000 employees from Southern California to a new campus in Lake Nona, central Florida (via Los Angeles Times).
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, revealed the news in a letter to employees on Thursday (July 15). “Expanding our already significant footprint in Florida makes sense,” D’Amaro said.
“In addition to Florida’s business-friendly climate, this new regional campus gives us the opportunity to consolidate our teams and be more collaborative and impactful both from a creative and operational standpoint.”
Disney opening campus in Lake Nona
Disney hasn’t decided which employees will move to central Florida, but the relocation is likely to involve staff from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Employees will move over the next 18 months and will receive moving assistance.
“Florida is known for its rich culture of hospitality and active lifestyle as well as a lower cost of living with no state income tax,” D’Amaro said in the letter (via ABC News).
“As someone who has moved with my family from California to Florida and back again, I understand that relocation is a big change, not only for the employee, but also for their families.”
The 2,000 positions represent less than 5 percent of Disney’s total staff in California. Disney already has more than 60,000 employees working in central Florida, including Walt Disney Imagineering.
60,000 Disney staff in central Florida
D’Amaro and other Disney officials said the company is not abandoning California and will continue to invest in Disneyland Resort, which is expanding under ‘DisneylandForward’.
‘DisneylandForward’ will add new lands to the theme parks, potentially inspired by Frozen, Tangled, Peter Pan and Black Panther. Attractions could include a Frozen boat ride and a Tangled-themed restaurant.
Meanwhile, the Walt Disney Company was attempting to fill job openings for the summer season by offering $1,000 hiring bonuses to new staff at Walt Disney World Resort.
Images: Disney
