In an internal memo, The Walt Disney Company stated over the next 18 months they will be moving 2,000 jobs from California to Florida. The positions would include positions in the consumer products division and theme parks (Imagineering) that are not fully dedicated to the Disneyland Resort or in some cases to the international parks business.

“This new project will create a dynamic environment to support our expanding business … a brand-new regional campus which will be built in the vibrant Lake Nona community of Orlando,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

According to the Lake Nona website, “Lake Nona, located in Orlando, Fla., is a visionary community with the building blocks of today’s future.” The town is only 20 miles from the Orlando International Airport.

D’Amaro said the move it partially due to Florida’s “business-friendly climate.” In a tweet, New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes said, “Long story short: Florida is cheaper, and this allows Disney to consolidate most of its Parks, Experiences and Products division in Orlando, where the company already has 60,000 employees.”

The move, which represents less than 5% of Disney’s California workforce, was already in motion back in 2019 but was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic last year. According to The Orlando Sentinel, “The move to the Orlando regional campus is expected to take place through the end of next year. The company did not release a specific location or opening date.”

Disney is expected to notify all affected Cast Members by 1 November 2021.

“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,” stated D’Amaro.

“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,” D’Amaro wrote in a letter to staffers. “Therefore, moving these roles to Central Florida will take place throughout the next 18 months, providing flexibility in timing to accommodate individual situations and needs.”

To alleviate those who fear the company would eventually move their entire headquarters to Florida, D’Amaro went on to say that Disney “also remains committed to its presence in California.”

Even though Disney states 2,000 jobs will be relocated to Florida that does not mean that everyone will make the move. Some Cast Members may decide that living in Florida is not for them for whatever reason and leave the company. That would allow Disney to fill those positions in Florida with lower entry paying salaries.

At this time there is no specific site nor size of the new Disney headquarters. The Orlando Business Journal reports that the campus is expected to be a new building at Lake Nona.

Feature Image: Screenshot/Disney+