Part 8/11:
The upcoming earnings report is expected to reveal a significant downturn, prompting fears of layoffs and project cancellations. The ambitious plans for new attractions at Epcot, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy ride, are being delayed or scaled back. The company’s 50th anniversary celebrations are effectively canceled or reduced, with preliminary plans shelved to save costs.
Naming the internal strife, some insiders compare Disney’s current situation to wartime turmoil or near-bankruptcy scenarios last faced during previous financial crises. The internal battles over budgets, projects, and strategic direction threaten to cripple Disney’s expansive vision—unless significant cost-cutting measures are adopted.