This one stings. Disney layoffs have reached Walt Disney Imagineering, the team behind pretty much everything we love about the parks. A new state filing shows 159 people at Disney’s Glendale campus are being laid off, and it’s permanent.
If you’re a Disney fan, Imagineering is basically sacred. These are the people who dream up the rides, build the lands, and sweat every tiny detail. So seeing layoffs hit them? Yeah, that’s rough.
Here’s What the Filing Says
The info comes from a California WARN notice, which companies have to file before big layoffs. Disney filed it on October 27, and it lists 159 permanent layoffs at 1401 Flower Street in Glendale, California. That’s the home of Walt Disney Imagineering.
The company listed on the notice is Walt Disney Parks & Resorts US, Inc., and the layoffs take effect December 29. So right before the new year. Honestly, the timing is brutal.
Wait, Is It Only Imagineering?
Here’s the thing. The filing doesn’t actually name job titles or projects. The Imagineering connection comes from the address and earlier reporting. And reports suggest the cuts weren’t only in Imagineering, so the total number across Disney Experiences could be different from 159.
It also only covers Glendale. As of the morning of October 30, Disney hadn’t filed any WARN notices in Florida. Notices are current through October 29.
Why the Two-Month Wait?
If you’re wondering why there’s a gap between October 27 and December 29, it’s because federal law generally requires 60 days of notice for mass layoffs. So affected employees get about two months’ heads up.
This Lines Up With Earlier Reports
The day after Disney filed the notice, the Los Angeles Times reported that layoffs had hit the theme park division, affecting somewhere around 100 to 200 people. Well, 159 lands right in that range.
The Times’ source said the cuts came from a regular review of the division’s priorities, investments, and project timelines.
Why Would Imagineering Get Hit?
Okay, here’s some context. Imagineering works project by project. When a project ramps up, teams get bigger. When a project gets paused or pushed back, teams get smaller.
So a delayed or reshuffled project can mean Disney needs fewer people right now, even if the project isn’t canceled. It’s still a tough reality for the people losing their jobs, but it does explain a lot.
And here’s the wild part. The Times reported that Disney actually has more parks projects in the works than ever.
So Are Our 2027 Projects Safe?
Deep breath, because this is probably what you’re worried about. Based on everything so far, the filing doesn’t seem to change what’s expected for Disney’s announced projects.
Phase one of Monstropolis at Hollywood Studios and Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom are still expected to hit their 2027 targets. Piston Peak National Park, Villains Land, and the new Disney Cruise Line ships appear to be moving forward too. And the Tomorrowland reimagining at Disneyland is still on the list.
In fact, on October 20, CEO Josh D’Amaro toured Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, and Lakeshore Lodge with the Imagineers building them. All three are set to open at least in part in 2027.
This Isn’t the First Round
Layoffs at Disney aren’t totally new this year. Back on April 14, D’Amaro confirmed layoffs in a company memo, but he didn’t say which divisions would be affected. Now we’re starting to see where some of those cuts are landing.
What Happens Next?
Disney reports its full fiscal 2026 earnings on November 17. That could give us a better look at where Disney Experiences stands and what’s happening with upcoming projects. We’ll definitely be watching.
The People Behind the Magic
At the end of the day, every ride you love, every land you get lost in, and every little hidden detail you spot was made by real people. And 159 of them are now facing the end of their jobs right after the holidays.
Projects may be moving forward, but that doesn’t make this news any easier. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.
