Disney plans thousands of layoffs to hit 20 percent cost cut target
Disney managers are targeting 20 percent cost cuts that could lead to thousands of layoffs, though no official announcement is made yet.
Layoffs · Source: Reuters
What happened
Walt Disney is preparing for thousands of job cuts across the company. Managers have been asked to find up to 20 percent in annual cost savings. This news comes from a recent Bloomberg report. Disney has not officially announced the layoffs or shared a timeline for when notices will go out.
The cuts will not be spread evenly across the company. Some divisions will face heavier reductions than others. CEO Josh D'Amaro is navigating several major challenges right now. These include the growing use of artificial intelligence, weaker box office revenue, and intense competition from streaming rivals. The company is also dealing with a slowdown in international attendance at its theme parks.
Despite these challenges, D'Amaro plans to take part of the savings and reinvest them. The money will go toward film and television programming, technology, theme parks, and cruise ships. Disney has been reducing its workforce steadily over the past few years. The company cut 7,000 roles in 2023 and roughly 1,000 positions this past April. In September, a few hundred employees in human resources and technology were laid off. Last month, Disney Experiences cut up to 200 jobs, mostly at Imagineering in Glendale.
By the numbers
- 20% — Targeted annual cost savings for some Disney managers
- 231,000 — Total Disney employees at the end of fiscal 2025
- 7,000 — Roles cut by Disney in 2023
- November 17 — Date of Disney's next earnings report where more details may emerge
Why it matters
For people looking for work in media and entertainment, this signals a major shift in where jobs will be available. Disney is moving away from certain traditional roles to focus on specific growth areas. The company is still spending heavily, including a recent 115 million dollar purchase for a new campus in Cypress. If you are applying to Disney, the safest bets are in the departments receiving the reinvested funds. Roles in technology, parks, and cruises will likely see more stability than general corporate or traditional television divisions.
This move reflects a broader trend across the entertainment industry. Companies like Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Skydance are also cutting jobs. Traditional television revenue is shrinking while streaming growth slows down. Job seekers should expect fewer openings in legacy media divisions across the board. Instead, candidates will need to pivot their skills toward digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and physical experiences. The industry is changing direction, and workers must adapt to where the capital is flowing.
Who this hits
Entertainment and media workers
Traditional television and corporate staff face the highest risk of job losses as legacy media shrinks. However, those with skills in technology or physical park operations may find new openings as Disney reinvests in those areas.
Technology professionals
Disney laid off a few hundred technology and human resources employees in September. While some tech roles were cut recently, the company still plans to reinvest savings back into technology, meaning specialized tech roles may survive or grow.
Theme park and cruise workers
Disney is committing massive investments to its parks and cruise lines, including adding five more ships by 2031. Workers in these physical experience divisions are in a growth area, though specific corporate roles tied to them could still face restructuring.
International workers on visas
A large restructuring creates uncertainty for workers relying on employer sponsorship. If your division is targeted for cost cuts, you may need to prepare a backup plan for your visa status before notices go out.
What to do this week
- Listen to the Disney earnings call on November 17 to get official updates on which departments will face cuts.
- Shift your job search focus toward Disney's growth areas like technology, cruise ships, and theme parks rather than traditional television.
- Update your resume to highlight skills in digital platforms or artificial intelligence, as Disney is actively navigating these industry changes.
- Prepare a backup plan if you work in a legacy media division or rely on a work visa, as notices could be issued without much warning.
See who's hiring right now on GiraffyReach
My take
I see this as a clear pivot rather than just a simple cost reduction. Disney is cutting jobs in older divisions to fund its future in tech, parks, and cruises. If you are targeting the entertainment sector, you need to align your skills with where the company is actually spending its money.