Walt Disney International diehards have sky-high expectancies for the adjustments Josh D’Amaro will make now that he’s CEO. This covers our want checklist for adjustments he may just make to go away his personal mark, scoring wins with enthusiasts and proceeding the honeymoon. It covers the whole thing from fast and simple wins the recent CEO may just rating in a single day, and others he may just announce on the 2026 D23 Expo.
New leaders shifting briefly to turn out themselves and get started setting up their very own legacy and management taste is not unusual and anticipated. Bob Iger famously did so post-Eisner, occurring an acquisition spree after operating to fix relationships that have been strained. He later went on to mend the inexpensive new parks constructed within the overdue level of the Eisner regime. And Eisner, for his section, used to be famously transformative twenty years previous when he took the helm, relatively actually saving Disney from company raiders.
When Bob Chapek took over as CEO, he endeavored to turn out “I’m affordable!” as briefly as imaginable, speedrunning a slew of terrible tasks reputedly aimed toward alienating enthusiasts in file time. He then reallocated that cash against streaming, greenlighting a host of content material that used to be principally the an identical of lighting fixtures cash on hearth. In Chapek’s protection (?), COVID used to be a loopy time. We’re no longer anticipating a repeat of his antics with D’Amaro.
What shall we see is a mix of 2 reasonably fresh management adjustments. The primary is when Tom Staggs took over as Parks & Motels Chair from the notoriously stingy Jay Rasulo. All the way through his time as Parks Chair, Staggs oversaw the advance Pandora – International of Avatar at Animal Kingdom, Shanghai Disney Hotel, the NextGen initiative and MagicBands, and extra.
Staggs’ song file used to be hit and miss, however he took giant swings. The boldest of those is including Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate to the recent Fantasyland mission in a while after taking the helm. For individuals who are more recent enthusiasts, that house used to be initially going to have a slew of princess meet & greets in separate little cottages (a los angeles Enchanted Stories with Belle). Staggs informed Imagineers to assume larger, and greenlit the leading edge Seven Dwarfs Mine Educate.
The opposite template for D’Amaro making a direct have an effect on is Bob Iger’s go back, when he changed Bob Chapek. Iger used to be reportedly “alarmed” by way of worth will increase at Walt Disney International and anxious that Chapek used to be “killing the soul” of Disney.
He acted accordingly, making a number of adjustments one month later to beef up the visitor revel in, like bringing again loose in a single day self-parking at on-site hotel motels, including on-ride footage to the Lightning Lane provider, enjoyable reservations regulations, and extra. An extra spherical of guest-friendly adjustments had been introduced a number of months later that undid extra of the wear and tear.
With that stated, the second one Iger regime didn’t magically make the whole thing higher in a single day. So much has modified since 2019, and far of it for the more serious. There were cost-cuts paired with worth will increase, on the similar time that the Parks & Motels income has reached file highs. D’Amaro has been the chair of that department for the final a number of years, and its monetary luck is certainly an enormous reason we used to be decided on as the following CEO.
There’s no placing the genie again within the bottle on numerous the adjustments that Walt Disney International diehards dislike maximum. That’s simply the ugly truth, and we’re no longer going to fake in a different way. So in case you’re hoping that the recovery of loose FastPass makes this checklist, I’ve were given dangerous information for you.
On a favorable observe, the former adjustments made upon Iger’s go back and the continued enlargement plans, plus the surge in additional competitive reductions and different measures aimed toward wooing again disappointed enthusiasts, counsel that it is imaginable to string the needle. To care for file income, whilst additionally addressing not unusual lawsuits amongst enthusiasts and make Walt Disney International extra obtainable.
D’Amaro can prolong an olive department to enthusiasts by way of course-correcting some unpopular choices made by way of his predecessors whilst maintaining Wall Boulevard glad. There are methods to have his cake and devour it too, making a win-win for the corporate and Disney diehards.
Listed here are some somewhat consequential adjustments at the desk that D’Amaro may just fast-track as simple wins…
Loosen up or Retire Reservations
Many Walt Disney International enthusiasts have the belief that theme park reservations are getting used to cap capability, cut back staffing ranges, or as a very powerful supply of information for useful resource allocation. None of the ones issues are in particular true. You may well be stunned at how little Walt Disney International makes use of knowledge it collects, and in the end, this information could also be to be had by way of different channels.
Probably the most adjustments we lauded when Iger returned used to be the tip of park reservations for normal price ticket holders and leisure of the principles for everybody else, along side the creation of Just right to Move Days. This used to be a really perfect concept when it initially introduced, however factor instances have modified significantly. The default for 45+ weeks consistent with 12 months will have to be no reservations required. There’s 0 threat of any park hitting capability on over 320 days of the 12 months.
Park reservations had been one in all Josh D’Amaro’s initiatives when he used to be at Disneyland, which is a part of what makes this unbelievable despite the fact that it’s extremely logical. Reservations nonetheless make sense for Annual Passholders at Disneyland. However Walt Disney International is other. Turn the script and make it so reservations are required on APs for the few weeks consistent with 12 months when crowds pose an issue, and let the whole thing else be open get right of entry to.
Requiring reservations for WDW Annual Passholders is doing extra hurt than just right. They’ve most commonly transform a formality, and but, there are former APs and potential clients who’re maintaining out because of the reservation rule. Both on concept or as a result of they don’t notice reservations are actually a non-factor at Walt Disney International.
Pulling that lever would generate certain goodwill and may just give AP gross sales a pleasing little spice up, with little to no exact drawback. All the way through the busiest weeks of the 12 months, blockouts do the heavy lifting, anyway. They labored for many years thru 2019, and would once more in 2026. This one can be a win-win for Disney and visitors, whilst additionally signaling that the whole thing is at the desk, even his personal puppy initiatives, with D’Amaro as CEO.
Repair Loose MagicBands
Numerous this checklist goes to contain signaling to enthusiasts that the outdated Walt Disney International means of doing issues is again. And for all intents and functions, 2019 is principally the benchmark for numerous enthusiasts.
Amidst the entire adverse adjustments within the post-reopening length, Disney made a number of strikes that slowly killed off the OG MagicBands. First they went from being loose to discounted, then costs stored creeping up, then MagicBands had been changed outright by way of the dearer however no longer extra helpful MagicBand+ wearable. We documented the tool’s downfall within the Finish of an Technology for MagicBands at Walt Disney International.
Restoring loose MagicBands for hotel visitors can be a reasonably low cost perk that might generate goodwill and beef up the visitor revel in. It will additionally differentiate Disney’s hotel providing from Common and different competition.
Turbocharge the Turbocharge
Previous this week, we lined a rumor that Walt Disney International’s preliminary plans for the approaching Villains Land at Magic Kingdom had been “scrapped,” and Imagineering has long past again to the planning stage to get a hold of larger and bolder concepts. That used to be if truth be told one of the vital motivations for this submit, even if I think that “scrapped” is the fallacious phrase to explain what’s taking place.
Mainly, my wager is that Disney is pulling a “Opposite Toy Tale Land” with Villains Land. That they’re going to head complete John Hammond on Villains Land, albeit throughout the authentic plan’s parameters. Which means that the Imagineers can be unburdened by way of price range, and feature the clean take a look at to create a Tokyo DisneySea caliber land.
Someone who has skilled the variations of Toy Tale Mania or Soarin(g) in the ones parks is aware of what I imply by way of that. For those who haven’t, they’re the definitive variations of the ones points of interest, with the presentation and thematic packaging a ways surpassing the U.S. variations of the ones points of interest. They move above and past, turning in an “unnecessarily” degree of element that just about exemplifies DisneySea and places it in a category all its personal.
Clearly, D’Amaro isn’t going to return out and say, “as a substitute of creating those new rides by way of the standard decrease requirements of Walt Disney International, we’re doin’ it up, Tokyo taste!” However he may just say one thing like, “I’ve informed the Imagineers to dream giant and surpass visitor expectancies with those new additions. No element is simply too small and no show-stopping scene is simply too giant, so we’re making an investment an additional $X billion within the previously-announced Walt Disney International enlargement, all going without delay against blowing you away with those groundbreaking new points of interest.”
Remake Muppets Courtyard with MuppetVision 3-D
With a view to pave the way in which the aforementioned turbocharged additions, a couple of fan-favorite points of interest have closed. The 2 maximum notable are the Rivers of The united states and MuppetVision 3-D, the previous of which is rarely coming again.
It’s probably an excessively other tale with MuppetVision 3-D. Each Disney and the Jim Henson Corporate have presented statements suggesting that MuppetVision will, in truth, survive in some capability. This has led us to surprise The place Will MuppetVision Be Relocated at Walt Disney International?
Probably the most intriguing and logical state of affairs comes to growing a brand new Muppet Courtyard miniland to head along side the approaching Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster Starring the Muppets. There’s a believable state of affairs the place MuppetVision 3-D is revived and replaces Villains Unfairly Ever After as soon as Villains Land opens in Magic Kingdom.
Josh D’Amaro would earn numerous goodwill with enthusiasts if he greenlit extra of The Muppet Display following its wreck luck, added MuppetVision 3-D to Disney+ ASAP, and teased that there’s extra to return, as plans are already in movement to revive MuppetVision to its rightful position within the parks down the street.
Include Center Magnificence Households
12 months in the past, Walt Disney International Being Fearful About Its Prime Costs stole the highlight and used to be a surprisingly sizzling subject for weeks. Disney’s speedy reaction used to be…no longer nice, Bob!
However two months later, they if truth be told did ship with the announcement of Cool Children’ Summer time plus a slew of price ticket and hotel reductions that diminished costs to 2019 ranges. We absolutely be expecting those particular provides to go back for 2026, particularly with the summer time slowdown of the final a number of years.
Walt Disney International has completed extra since to embody heart magnificence households. Such things as Animation Courtyard and Bluey at Animal Kingdom are just right begins. However they’re simply that–begins. And those efforts can really feel somewhat minimum when contrasted with the recent bars or bulletins of costly, adult-oriented upcharges.
Josh has a golden alternative with the approaching Disney Celebrates The united states 250th Anniversary match for the USA Semiquincentennial birthday party. Lean into Americana and Walt Disney’s distinctly patriotic legacy. Make a large deal out of it, with giant offers aimed toward heart magnificence American households.
That is such a very easy and evident win that I’m truthfully stunned we haven’t heard extra about Disney Celebrates The united states at Walt Disney International in Summer time 2026. What’s been introduced so far is a great get started, however once more, it’s only a get started.
Repair Disney’s Magical Categorical
Because the resolution to finish Disney’s Magical Categorical used to be made, we’ve been announcing it is not sensible even from a trade point of view–that there will have to be extra to the tale. It is because, not like different on-site visitor perks, the “loose” provider used to be extremely precious to Walt Disney International. It made vacationers a captive target market who had been much less more likely to move and spend cash somewhere else.
Lately, Common has expanded its lodge footprint and is now providing a compelling product with nice perks at aggressive costs. Disney will have to already be fearful about that. Common has already stolen marketplace proportion, and it’s best going to worsen as Epic Universe reveals its footing and phrase of mouth turns certain.
This has been my place for years, however I’ve however been skeptical that Walt Disney International would if truth be told opposite path and admit they were given it fallacious with Disney’s Magical Categorical. I nonetheless wouldn’t put the probabilities of its go back above 50/50, however I do assume they’re significantly upper than ahead of.
That is in large part as a result of Better Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs Orlando World Airport (MCO), needs DME to go back and is keen to assist pay for it. For those who don’t imagine me, take a look at Will Disney’s Magical Categorical Airport Trip Ever Go back? That fresh submit covers the very actual risk of DME returning, as a part of an initiative by way of MCO.
This additionally explains why we’ve noticed loose baggage dealing with go back as a pilot program. Talking of which, let’s enlarge that past Southwest Airways and the Price Motels to all airways and motels. And at the subject of luggage dealing with, carry again hotel bundle supply!
Convey Again Cinderella Fortress Dream Lighting
The Cinderella Fortress Dream Lighting had been one in all our favourite issues about Christmas at Walt Disney International for over a decade. We spent many a overdue night time on Major Boulevard, merely looking at down at the ones resplendent icicle lighting fixtures, savoring the scene.
For individuals who have by no means had an opportunity to peer the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lighting, they had been not anything wanting impressive. The simplicity of bodily mild show gave them a definite attraction and tactile high quality, and so they had been the vacation spotlight for heaps of WDW enthusiasts. It’s inconceivable to articulate what made them so particular; phrases and footage don’t do them justice. No matter reward you’ve heard concerning the Dream Lighting, it’s true. It all.
That is every other win-win for visitors and Disney. Bringing again the Cinderella Fortress Dream Lighting alerts a sea exchange, making enthusiasts glad. It additionally activates them to guide journeys, and at a extremely profitable time of 12 months for Walt Disney International…that in large part used to be no longer as busy as anticipated final 12 months.
Go back of Night time Further Magic Hours
I’m a large fan of Prolonged Night time Hours. I like the perk and assume it’s a ways awesome to night Further Magic Hours, which had transform unbearably uncrowded. Then again, Walt Disney International had additionally opened the floodgates on it, expanding the eligibility pool not to simply Walt Disney International visitors, however the ones of Just right Neighbor Inns.
The issue with Prolonged Night time Hours is optics. Lovers know it is a just right perk, however are downright disappointed and disappointed that it’s reserved solely “for the wealthy.” If Disney needs to recalibrate and emphasize the center magnificence, a part of this is firming down cases of the extra overt “classism.”
Undo that injury, carry again Night time Further Magic Hours, and win again enthusiasts who really feel not noted. The very best alternative to make this transformation is that this summer time. Upload a ton of Night time Further Magic Hours dates to the calendar right through the freshest time of the 12 months when later nights are wanted, additional incentivizing bookings right through a slower time of 12 months. Once more, win-win.
Greenlight Adventure into Creativeness 4.0
Josh, it’s time to play the Figment Card. Bringing again Figment and Dreamfinder is a surefire means of undoing numerous the wear and tear from arguable adjustments of the previous couple of years, quieting lawsuits and complaint. There’s no different certain announcement that might outweigh such a lot of prior negatives ones.
It’s the surest method to distance your self out of your predecessors, unloading the adverse luggage onto them. “Without a doubt Josh wasn’t if truth be told accountable for [bad thing from last 6 years], he’s the one that restored Figment to correct glory!” Rivers of The united states, MuppetVision, DINOSAUR, visitor revel in cutbacks–it all–can be forgiven by way of enthusiasts within the blink of a watch. Or blamed on any person else.
You possibly can be a hero, Josh. Many years from now when your legacy is being debated, Disney diehards would nonetheless level to this as proof, similar to we fail to remember so much with overdue level Eisner. It’s a no brainer!
At the deserves, Figment is extra fashionable than ever. He sells popcorn buckets, sweaters, and the whole thing else. It simply is smart to reimagine Adventure into Creativeness. It will generate goodwill amongst WDW diehards and forge new enthusiasts within the procedure. Figment would transform the face and mascot of the new-look EPCOT, raising the in a different way underwhelming central backbone within the procedure. It’d be a license to print cash on extra new products, too.
So c’mon, Josh. Destroy the glass and make the legacy-cementing announcement. If you wish to have giant and impressive, not anything says it like greenlighting a complete reimagining of the Creativeness Pavilion, bringing again components of the unique appeal whilst updating it with fashionable era and storytelling. Stay Figment entrance and middle, however make him the superstar of one thing worthy of his legacy.
Recapturing that misplaced magic and spirit of creativeness would have the similar have an effect on these days because it did many years in the past, which is why such a lot of folks are nonetheless Figment enthusiasts. It will turn out that rides don’t want film IP to be large successes. That the theme parks, themselves, are a type of highbrow assets. It will exhibit D’Amaro’s dedication to honoring Disney’s historical past whilst additionally making an investment within the parks’ long run. That he’s keen to deal with long-standing fan lawsuits and attach previous errors.
Spend money on Forged Contributors
Probably the most largest tactics to sign a go back to the ‘outdated Disney’ means of doing issues is by way of prioritizing a pre-closure initiative to speculate hundreds of thousands of bucks in Forged Member morale. This will have to be low striking fruit for D’Amaro, as he used to be the one that initially championed this.
This is able to have immensely certain cascading results. One an increasing number of not unusual grievance from readers we’ve heard in the previous couple of years is that Forged Contributors aren’t as “magical” as they was. There are a number of causes for this, from taking abuse by way of disgruntled visitors to turnover to low morale.
Solving low morale on my own will assist treatment this. Progressed morale additionally reduces turnover. Much less turnover way much less power on different Forged Contributors, which additional improves morale. All of this not directly leads to a greater visitor revel in, which improves attitudes of tourists. It’s a not-so-vicious cycle of bettering morale for everybody.
BONUS: Repair the Disney Magic
The whole lot we’ve noticed and the whole thing we’ve heard strongly means that Josh D’Amaro is the actual deal. That he lives and breathes Disney, and will get what makes it particular and in contrast to different firms.
To make certain, he will make trade choices which are unpopular with enthusiasts. The primary time that occurs, some will declare it’s extra of the similar. If truth be told, it’s the character of the beast. Now not each and every resolution will make everybody glad, particularly as long as call for stays excessive and visitors proceed to pay extra and settle for much less.
On the finish of the day, D’Amaro has a zeal for all issues Disney. He cares about his legacy and the historical past of the corporate that Walt Disney based. This counts for lots. D’Amaro will carry with him his personal management taste, empowering executives, department leaders, managers, and so on to do issues another way. The leaders who we’ve heard from who’ve vouched for D’Amaro and stated they’d apply him any place will accomplish that, feeling reinvigorated.
How this may increasingly present itself from a guest-facing point of view is much less positive. It would imply much less of a focal point on squeezing each and every final greenback out of tourists, it will create extra emphasis on bettering visitor pride rankings, providing extra worth for cash, improving the in-park revel in, bringing again reside leisure, bettering repairs, or being fixated much less on yield control. Possibly it way growing the Figment Park Universe, and including the unique personality to ever park on the earth. Who’s to mention?!
“Magic” is a nebulous time period that implies various things to other enthusiasts, however the final outcome of imposing even a couple of of those adjustments can be undoing the no less than one of the crucial erosion of Disney’s goodwill we’ve noticed within the final a number of years. It will sign that there’s a brand new sheriff on the town, and that the D’Amaro technology goes to be other. That there’s a really perfect giant stunning (going to spare you the cringey pun) the following day.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you are expecting Josh D’Amaro being named CEO to lead to enhancements at Walt Disney International? Have excessive, low, or no expectancies? Assume Josh will carry again Disney’s Magical Categorical, loose FastPass, or reservation-free visits? What about restoring Adventure into Creativeness to its former glory? Do you settle or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we will allow you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
