Disney announces 1,900 job cuts

BURBANK, Calif., April 3 (UPI) -- Walt Disney Co. said Friday it has eliminated about 1,900 jobs at its U.S. theme parks through job cuts and attrition.

The cuts came as a part of the company's reorganization of its theme parks and resort operations, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The newspaper reported that Disney -- based in Burbank, Calif. -- has experienced a decline in attendance at its theme parks, including Disneyland and Disney World.

To help weather the U.S. economic downturn, Disney said it would lay off about 1,200 people and leave about 700 positions unfilled. Most of the cuts will be at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

About 1,400 jobs will be eliminated at the Florida property, while 300 jobs will be cut from the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

"These decisions were not made lightly, but are essential to maintaining our leadership in family tourism and reflect today's economic realities," the company said in a statement. "We continue to work through our reorganization and manage our business based on demand."

In January, Disney offered buyout packages to 600 executives at its domestic parks division, which employs about 80,000 people, the newspaper noted.