The Walt Disney Company has announced plans for the reorganisation of its theme parks and resorts operations in the US in response to the economic downturn, a move which is likely to result in a large number of job losses.

It follows reports last month that the company offered voluntary redundancy measures to 600 employees within its theme parks division, although the company has so far not announced the number of jobs that are to be cut as part of its streamlining programme.

The reorganisation will see Walt Disney Imagineering being restructured. Disney's resort development division will merge with the group's attractions and entertainment development arm, while a single organisation will be created to incorporate the operating infrastructure of both Walt Disney World in Florida, and Disneyworld Resort in California.

Jay Rasulo, chair of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said: "The long-term success of parks and resorts depends upon our ability to adapt and innovate and respond to guest preferences. These changes are essential to maintaining our leadership position in family tourism and reflect today's economic realities.

"Organisation changes require difficult decisions, including the elimination of some roles. These decisions were not made lightly and we know this will be a challenging transition."

Earlier this month, the company revealed that income from its parks and resorts in the three months to 27 December had decreased by 24 per cent.