Disney’s Orlando consolidation could impact up to 200 tech and administrative jobs in Seattle

The Seattle skyline and Walt Disney World in Florida. (Canva Pro photos)

An attempt by Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division to consolidate operations in a “business-friendly climate” could result in the relocation of up to 200 Seattle-based technology and administrative positions to Orlando, Florida.

The potential transfers have been confirmed to GeekWire by a Disney representative who said the total number of Seattle jobs affected won’t be determined until November 1. The spokesman declined to confirm the exact number of jobs at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products in Seattle.

Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

However, a Disney employee from Seattle said managers warned them of the likely relocations last week, saying the initiative could affect up to 200 local jobs in the parks, experiences and products division. It is assumed that this is roughly the number of positions the division has in the region.

“We have been told by managers in Glendale, California that the main reason we are moving is to take advantage of corporate tax benefits,” said the employee, who chose to remain anonymous. “And I would guess that they are expecting some wear and tear due to the move.”

In the Seattle area, the Walt Disney Company also employs people in its ESPN and Hulu divisions. These groups are in part a legacy of the acquisition of Starwave Corp. of the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen by Disney in the 1990s. There was no indication that any of these jobs fit into this schedule.

Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Products division was previously known as Disney Parks & Resorts. Most jobs in Seattle, the employee said, are in e-commerce, gaming, mobile apps, and Disney Vacations.

The potential shift parallels an announced move of 2,000 jobs from the Los Angeles area to a new Disney corporate campus in Nona Park, Florida. That move was confirmed last week in an email to the staff from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.

“It makes sense to expand our already significant DPEP presence in Florida,” D’Amaro wrote in the email. “In addition to the business-friendly climate in Florida, the new regional campus gives us the opportunity to consolidate our teams and be more collaborative and effective from a creative and operational perspective.”

Disney already has 60,000 employees in central Florida, mostly in the greater Orlando area.

“Florida is known for its rich culture of hospitality and active lifestyle, as well as its lower cost of living with no state income tax,” D’Amaro said in the employee letter.

When asked if moving to the Sunshine State was a personal option, the Seattle clerk said, “Orlando? I do not think so. I like it here. But I also like my job. “

The employee said the Seattle group found out at a staff meeting when someone asked if the Los Angeles announcement meant a similar consolidation for Seattle. “They said, ‘Yes, Washington will be affected.’ ”

The new Nona Park campus will be 20 miles east of Disney World near Orlando International Airport.