Universal's Epic Universe General News & Discussion

[Mad Dog]

The staffing issues are not caused by Universal being cheap. They want the park fully staffed, but never hit their hiring goals to start with.

Ever since COVID, the talent pool in Orlando hasn't been very deep, and a lot that are here can't pass the background check. Usually they would just back fill the needed positions with J1s (short for J One Visa International Work/Study Program), but like International travel, the usual participants are deciding not to come to the US.

And it is being compounded by the usual attrition that happens when you onboard thousands of new hires. Some did it to open the park and are moving on. Some don't like their new job/boss. And some just "aren't working out".

Good summary and explanation from an old time insider. Thanks Dave.....Bottom line is that Epic should operate more smoothly if they ever get it fully staffed.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

The staffing issues are not caused by Universal being cheap. They want the park fully staffed, but never hit their hiring goals to start with.

Ever since COVID, the talent pool in Orlando hasn't been very deep, and a lot that are here can't pass the background check. Usually they would just back fill the needed positions with J1s (short for J One Visa International Work/Study Program), but like International travel, the usual participants are deciding not to come to the US.

And it is being compounded by the usual attrition that happens when you onboard thousands of new hires. Some did it to open the park and are moving on. Some don't like their new job/boss. And some just "aren't working out".

Is there a plan in place to implement a similar College Program experience at UOR? WDW thrives because of it, and UOR is large enough to support it today. I'm sure they've considered it before, but now they have the global presence/fandom to draw folks in.

Not going into the details, but all of Orlando would benefit from a massive housing project somewhere between both resorts (a larger version of Catchlight). Can't expect a Cast Member/Team Member to travel 45-60 minutes on I4 to get to their job and retain them long-term.

 

[Mad Dog]

Is there a plan in place to implement a similar College Program experience at UOR? WDW thrives because of it, and UOR is large enough to support it today. I'm sure they've considered it before, but now they have the global presence/fandom to draw folks in.

Not going into the details, but all of Orlando would benefit from a massive housing project somewhere between both resorts (a larger version of Catchlight). Can't expect a Cast Member/Team Member to travel 45-60 minutes on I4 to get to their job and retain them long-term.

Yes, the College Program works for Disney, but they also have the rep to get candidates. The days of depending on J1's are probably over for a good while, so that probably should not be a centerpiece of any theme park's hiring plans. If I remember correctly, BGW used to get a huge amount of their employees via J1, but probably not now. The key to 'retain' employees for any corporation is to train them well, and treat them well. Hopefully management will treat their employees as valued members of the team, and not as subservient numbers. If they don't, large turnover results.