Disney Parks, Experiences and Products developing new Central Florida campus
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP), shared with cast members, Imagineers and employees that the company is developing a new regional campus based in Central Florida.
Photo courtesy of Lake Nona
The new campus will be located in the Lake Nona community in Orlando, Fla. Initially, the new campus will be home to over 2,000 cast members, Imagineers and employees. Already, Central Florida is where other aspects of this side of Disney’s business resides, including Consumer Products, Games and Publishing, and Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Expanding our already significant DPEP footprint in Florida makes sense,” said D’Amaro in a letter shared with employees.
Disney expects that “most Southern California-based DPEP professional roles that are not fully dedicated to the Disneyland Resort” or the international Disney Parks in certain cases, will be asked to relocate to Florida and this new campus. Select corporate roles that primarily support DPEP, as well as a few other select enterprise functions, will also move to the Lake Nona campus.
“I recognize that many of you will have to make a significant decision in the coming months and we are committed to approaching this project and all who are impacted with the utmost care and compassion,” continued D’Amaro in the letter. “I want to personally assure you that we will provide the necessary information, assistance and relocation resources to support those of you that will be affected.”
The move for these roles will take place over the next 18 months, offering flexibility in timing for those asked to relocate.
“I truly appreciate the immense dedication and hard work across our entire DPEP organization and the incredible contributions each of you have made — especially over this very difficult past year and a half,” said D’Amaro as he closed out the letter to cast. “I realize that we are in a period of ongoing transformation, but that transformation will be the catalyst that sparks growth, collaboration and new ideas for the future.”
UPDATE: June 16, 2022 – Disney has delayed the opening of their new campus. The expected opening date has been changed to 2026 to accommodate the construction timeline for the new offices. Here’s a look at the state of the construction as of June 5, 2022:
