Jim Shull was a Walt Disney Imagineer for 33 years, working on projects at Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and Shanghai Disneyland. Now that he’s retired, he has some thoughts on the current state of Walt Disney World, Walt Disney Imagineering, and The Walt Disney Company.

Shull has not entirely left the theme park business. He currently consults with Disney and other theme park companies.
However, Jim Shull spends most of his time on social media commenting on the current state of Disney parks. Not all of his comments are negative, and he frequently compliments Disney Imagineering for their new projects, but he also has some biting remarks about some of the recent projects that have fallen short.
Recently, he has been critical of the company’s work on EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall/Plaza, the closure of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island, and Disneyland’s Madam Leota’s Somewhere Beyond gift shop. However, most of his critics appear out of love for the company he once called his home.

That is until now. Shull took to social media to critique the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which fans have heavily criticized for its lack of theming.
However, Shull took it one step further, writing:
The Poly Tower at #WDW and Home2 in Wichita Falls Texas, both broadcast the same feeling and values except in Texas its priced as a value hotel and in #DisneyWorld its priced as a 5 star. Disney is a lodging not a hospitality company.
The Poly Tower at #WDW and Home2 in Wichita Falls Texas, both broadcast the same feeling and values except in Texas its priced as a value hotel and in #DisneyWorld its priced as a 5 star. Disney is a lodging not a hospitality company. pic.twitter.com/grBOmcJznj
— Jim Shull (@JimShull) February 2, 2025
The damning evidence of his comparison to a Hilton in the middle of Texas was the photos, which were difficult to tell the difference between the two hotels. Other guests quickly chimed in, comparing it to a Hampton Inn, another Hilton brand hotel.
The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows opened late last year as the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort. The rooms at the new tower start at $900 a night for a deluxe studio without a theme park view and can go up to $1,600 a night for a room with a view of the Magic Kingdom.

Some commentators questioned Shull’s motivation for continually speaking ill of his former employer so often. However, like many Disney fans, he wants the company to be at its best and will tell them when he falls short.
Unlike other commentators, Shull has an audience and platform willing to listen to his comments, given his experience with The Walt Disney Company. While Shull retired from the company, there may be some sour grapes on his part, so take his comments for what you will.