Where the magic goes to die - Senior Manager Walt Disney Company Employee Review

Working for Disney sounds like a dream, but the reality can’t be further from the image the company projects externally. Leadership lacks direction, with priorities and strategies changing so frequently that it is difficult to make meaningful progress. Decisions often feel reactive rather than strategic, leaving teams confused about what success actually looks like. Collaboration is another major issue. It isn’t uncommon for colleagues to miss meetings without notice or simply ignore emails, with little to no accountability. This creates unnecessary delays and frustration, while poor behaviour is often tolerated rather than addressed. The culture also leans heavily towards micromanagement. Instead of empowering people to do their jobs, there is a lack of trust, excessive oversight, and an emphasis on controlling processes rather than achieving outcomes. The biggest disappointment is the disconnect between the company's values and the day-to-day experience. For a business that prides itself on creating magic, the internal culture is characterised by poor leadership, weak accountability, inconsistent communication, and a noticeable lack of respect and collaboration.