Disney’s $1B Lake Nona campus project canceled

The one-billion-dollar Lake Nona project was announced in July of 2021, with plans to build a campus for the DPEP division near the Orlando airport, requiring California-based employees to relocate to Florida, except for jobs specific to Disneyland Resort.

According to today’s email, the decision to cancel construction on Disney’s new Orlando campus was due to “the considerable changes that have occurred since the announcement of this project, including new leadership and changing business conditions.”

The project involved relocating hundreds of jobs from California to Florida; however, many Disney employees opted to leave the company rather than uproot their families.

“Many cast members, Imagineers, and employees were asked to commit to making a move to Florida,” Josh’s email said. “While some were excited about the new campus, I know this decision and the circumstances surrounding it have been difficult for others.”

Josh stated Disney would no longer be asking employees to relocate and that those who have already moved to Florida will be contacted to discuss their situation individually, including the possibility of moving back.

In addition to Josh’s email to DPEP employees, Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle sent a letter to community leaders reiterating the decision to cancel construction of the new Lake Nona campus in Orlando but also stressing Disney’s intention to “continue investing in our core business to in an effort to attract and welcome millions of visitors to Walt Disney World and Central Florida each year.”

Both Josh and Jeff committed to Disney’s ongoing expansion of the Florida theme parks, with plans to invest $17 billion and create 13,000 jobs over the next ten years. You can read Jeff’s full letter here.