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⚠️ Active Layoffs — Updated July 2026
The Walt Disney Company Layoffs 2026: Severance, WARN Act & What to Do Now
Disney cut 7,000+ employees in 2023 and continued restructuring through 2025–2026 across its streaming, parks, and corporate divisions. Here is what affected Disney employees need to know before signing.
✓ Based on WARN Act filings, reported severance terms, and 2026 employment attorney guidance — Updated July 2026
Jobs Cut
8,000+
Feb 2023 – Jun 2026
Severance
2 wks/yr
Min 4 weeks
WARN Act Filed
Yes
CA, NY, FL
COBRA Coverage
3 months paid
Health insurance help
OWBPA Applies
If 40+
21 days to review
⚠️ WARN Act Status — The Walt Disney Company
Disney filed WARN Act notices in California (Burbank, Glendale), New York (NYC), and Florida (Orlando). Disney's restructuring involved targeted cuts across multiple divisions simultaneously.
🛡️ If You Are 40 or Older — Federal Law Gives You Time
The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act gives workers 40 and older at least 21 days to review any severance agreement, and 45 days if this was a group layoff. You also have 7 days to revoke after signing. The Walt Disney Company cannot legally require you to sign immediately.
Calculate Your Financial Runway After a The Walt Disney Company Layoff
Enter your severance weeks, savings, location, and expenses. Get your month-by-month survival timeline — and see exactly what to do next.
Open The Walt Disney Company Layoff Calculator →
The Walt Disney Company 2026 Severance Package: Reported Terms
Disney's reported severance is 2 weeks per year of service with a floor of 4 weeks for corporate and entertainment employees. Parks and resorts employees may have union-specific terms. The company covers 3 months of COBRA premiums.
| Component | Corporate / Salaried | Hourly / Ops |
|---|
| Base severance (corporate) | 2 weeks per year of service | Per CBA terms |
| Minimum severance | 4 weeks | Per CBA terms |
| Maximum reported | ~20 weeks | Per CBA terms |
| COBRA coverage | 3 months premiums paid | Per CBA terms |
| RSU treatment | Unvested RSUs forfeited | N/A |
| PTO payout | Accrued PTO paid out | Per CBA/state law |
RSU and equity situation
Disney uses a standard 4-year vest with annual tranches. Disney's stock has stabilized somewhat compared to peak volatility. Know your annual vest date precisely — missing it by days can cost an entire year's grant.
Your Timeline After a The Walt Disney Company Layoff
1
Day 1: Determine your division's termsParks/resorts employees covered by union CBAs may have different — sometimes better — terms than corporate.
2
Day 1: File for California unemploymentFile at edd.ca.gov. No waiting period, up to $750/week for 26 weeks.
3
Within 3 months: COBRA vs ACADisney covers 3 months of COBRA. ACA marketplace plans at healthcare.gov may be cheaper depending on income.
4
Before signing: Annual vest dateDisney's annual RSU vesting means the specific calendar date of your termination matters. Calculate exactly.
5
Before signing: Entertainment industry specificsDisney agreements often include broader IP and non-disparagement provisions relevant to entertainment roles. Review carefully.
Other Company Layoff Guides
Severance terms based on reported employee outcomes, WARN Act public filings, and employment attorney guidance as of July 2026. Individual packages vary significantly. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. If you have a specific legal question, consult a licensed employment attorney in your state.