Punch out, Goofy: Disney Parks banishes nearly 2,000 Mouseketeers

The job massacre at Disneyland and Disney World was far worse than we knew. Two weeks ago, Disney wasn't copping to a number for its domestic layoffs, but bystanders put the figure at around 450.

They weren't even close. In truth, there are now 1,900 fewer people punching the clock in Fantasyland.

The law says that employers only have to file advance notice of layoffs when more than 500 workers are eliminated at one site. Because Disney spread its hatchet-work around the organization, the end came without a firm notice, but employees will at least get 60 days' paid severance. Disney has also evaded the ire of the unions (and bad publicity) by simply cutting non-unionized employees instead.