Disney

An incredibly amazing place when it comes to having fun while doing what you love. I spent some of my most incredible professional years there; experiences I will never forget. I made friends that I will have forever, like-minded kindred spirits who truly care about what they create. It can be easily said that a place like this attracts the best, most special crop of beings. Most days were truly a pleasure.

I never knew the term "cronyism" until I came here.

It is so out of control that if you are not even in the periphery of said group, your opportunities will be severely diminished, let alone be able to make any real impact. Leadership is kept to the same tired groups, like rampant inbreeding looking to resolve the same problem with the same results. The same names are always repeated year after year with award receipts and leadership promotion announcements.

How do you get in this group? You don't. Outsiders are outsiders despite their talents and tenure. It's the Brain-Trust culture.

Pigeon-holing is a massive problem. Upward movement is made near impossible by the lack of personnel-cycling, which would be different if lower to mid-level people were promoted. I've heard many an old-timer say, "WDI is a great place to end your career, not begin it."

Make no mistake, the pay is very bad compared to industry standards. Walt Disney is generally known for its cheap tendencies. Ask around.

Although there are many factors to consider, I've seen the product greatly diminish in quality over the decade I worked there. Ageism is a major problem as well. If you're older, skilled, and more importantly, expensive, look to be retired early, hence the lack of mentoring. Very rare.

Fancy diplomas are prized over anything, and the lack of understanding with racial diversity is a joke. They really are completely clueless.

Plus, benefits and perks have been slowly and severely eroded over time.

The nature of the business makes it completely, 100% unessential, which in this day and age is a very dangerous option. I have spoken.