News Josh D’Amaro Named Next CEO of The Walt Disney Company

[Laketravis]

How have we liked what they’ve been doing
?

Same question

Subject to Change and/or corporate legend at any time

Yeah…crickets

Big how?

Yeah, I see it as an opportunity - whether it's taken advantage of or not remains to be seen. In regards to you last question "Big how?":

I think any hopes of price reductions, discounts, etc. are fruitless. You don't restrict the milk production of the cash cow.

But you can package it differently and mix it with other ingredients to produce ice cream, yogurt, cheese.........

LOL okay enough with the esoterics. Basically I see the cost of a WDW continuing to rise - maybe at a slower creep - but definitely not reduced. What I would expect to see are new benefits and perks to justify those prices and increase demand.

On a smaller scale that could include restoration of some of the pinpoint benefits the market misses (in-room delivery, some form of transportation assist from MCO, meaningful extended park hours for resort guests, etc.).

On a larger scale, $60B pays for 8 Epic's and almost leaves enough change on the table to build another cruise ship. That's the current benchmark.

Now if DIS does something stupid (high probability) like wasting all of that capital on a new attraction or two in existing parks that already need overhauls instead of oil changes then I don't consider that "Going Big".

A 5th AND 6th gate at WDW to provide needed capacity and fresh demand? A third domestic park? A combo of the two with a refresh of existing parks? Start a theme park war - that would be going big.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Yeah, I see it as an opportunity - whether it's taken advantage of or not remains to be seen. In regards to you last question "Big how?":

I think any hopes of price reductions, discounts, etc. are fruitless. You don't restrict the milk production of the cash cow.

But you can package it differently and mix it with other ingredients to produce ice cream, yogurt, cheese.........

LOL okay enough with the esoterics. Basically I see the cost of a WDW continuing to rise - maybe at a slower creep - but definitely not reduced. What I would expect to see are new benefits and perks to justify those prices and increase demand.

On a smaller scale that could include restoration of some of the pinpoint benefits the market misses (in-room delivery, some form of transportation assist from MCO, meaningful extended park hours for resort guests, etc.).

On a larger scale, $60B pays for 8 Epic's and almost leaves enough change on the table to build another cruise ship. That's the current benchmark.

Now if DIS does something stupid (high probability) like wasting all of that capital on a new attraction or two in existing parks that already need overhauls instead of oil changes then I don't consider that "Going Big".

A 5th AND 6th gate at WDW to provide needed capacity and fresh demand? A third domestic park? A combo of the two with a refresh of existing parks? That would be going big.

I’m surprised you even suggested “5th gate”…you know better there. There is no demand for that and it makes no economic sense on any level for Disney.

As far as the “$60 billion” goes…we need to revisit it and establish a couple things:
1. First it was done for PR and corporate interests…and those goalposts tend to move around the board.
2. It’s not guaranteed.
3. That number could be heavily tilted towards things that qualify as “maintenance” more than investment.

 

[Kamikaze]

On a larger scale, $60B pays for 8 Epic's and almost leaves enough change on the table to build another cruise ship. That's the current benchmark.

So what does that translate to for parks that aren't awful?

 

[Kamikaze]

To clarify: I meant that one would act in only his self interest…and that is worrisome

I don't know my guy, I'm sure I can find one of your posts saying he would still be CEO past the end of this search/his current contract.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I don't know my guy, I'm sure I can find one of your posts saying he would still be CEO past the end of this search/his current contract.

I’m sure there is…I’m shocked he put a date on anything at all. It just doesn’t fit the personal narrative he’s been trying to sell about himself for 20 years…he really is a napoleon.

The likely truth is he calculated nothing is happening at Disney over the next 5 years will get him laurels. And that’s bad for everyone here…cause we’re all fans and/or low level employees.

Did you see Eisner’s statement? I enjoyed that. A few pretty unsubtle daggers in there.

 

[Horizons '83]

I’m sure there is…I’m shocked he put a date on anything at all. It just doesn’t fit the personal narrative he’s been trying to sell about himself for 20 years…he really is a napoleon.

The likely truth is he calculated nothing is happening at Disney over the next 5 years will get him laurels. And that’s bad for everyone here…cause we’re all fans and/or low level employees.

Did you see Eisner’s statement? I enjoyed that. A few pretty unsubtle daggers in there.

Or he is done? Nothing left in the tank?

 

[Disstevefan1]

I think any hopes of price reductions, discounts, etc. are fruitless.

Disney would NEVER reduce prices.

I think they will continue to offer specials, limited time offers, etc.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Or he is done? Nothing left in the tank?

That’s not been in doubt…everything is worse now that it was when he did the white horse routine a few years ago…

The Corporate business outlook - if we remember all of 2 days ago - is being viewed as bad.

All CEO’s leave when it’s “good for them”…that’s not an Iger thing…or they die in their chair.

 

[HauntedPirate]

$60 BILLION
IS
NOT
BEING
SPENT
IN
FLORIDA
!!!

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Disney would NEVER reduce prices.

I think they will continue to offer specials, limited time offers, etc.

They never have…they never needed to

They also never have had a growing image - fueled by social media and a 15 second mentality - of being labeled a “Rip off” by a growing part of their backbone parks clientele.

Until now.

Iger is smart enough to know this and understand what a minefield they’ve walked into.

D’Amarro on the other hand? Doesn’t seem to have that nerve to push.

 

[Kamikaze]

I’m sure there is…I’m shocked he put a date on anything at all. It just doesn’t fit the personal narrative he’s been trying to sell about himself for 20 years…he really is a napoleon.

The likely truth is he calculated nothing is happening at Disney over the next 5 years will get him laurels. And that’s bad for everyone here…cause we’re all fans and/or low level employees.

There's quite a lot opening in the next 5 years ...

Did you see Eisner’s statement? I enjoyed that. A few pretty unsubtle daggers in there.

I must have read a different statement than you did, or I read it without automatically thinking that Eisner was shading anyone.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

$60 BILLION
IS
NOT
BEING
SPENT
IN
FLORIDA
!!!

It doesn’t have to be spent anywhere…if we want to actually get real…

But that likely total if they announce “completion” will have some really head scratching stuff when and if it happens.

Like $5 bil on the “free park” in Riyadh…or wherever the hell it is…
Billions for cruise ship refurbs
A multi billion rebuild of port caneveral
Service buildings…parking garages
College program cells…err…I mean…”housing”

All can be thrown into the basket…because vague announcements meant to highlight a big figure have no rules or boundaries. They can do whatever they want.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

$60B for all parks. $17B for WDW specifically.

Isn’t a few billion set aside for cruise ships also? The who, what, and where of the $60 billion has always been confusing. Wherever it goes I’m glad they finally opened up the purse a bit, the 2015-2025 era of very little spending was horrible.

The time was right the first time he left. Sadly, the successor was not. Not that Josh is great, but Chapek was well in over his head.

Had he not come back I think his legacy would be 90% positive, had he left just a few years earlier (2015ish) I think it would be 95% positive. Unfortunately for him, and us Disney fans, he spoiled most of that goodwill over the last decade.

I’d say the same with Eisner, his first decade with Wells was incredible, the second decade… not so much.

I’m surprised you even suggested “5th gate”…you know better there. There is no demand for that and it makes no economic sense on any level for Disney.

As far as the “$60 billion” goes…we need to revisit it and establish a couple things:
1. First it was done for PR and corporate interests…and those goalposts tend to move around the board.
2. It’s not guaranteed.
3. That number could be heavily tilted towards things that qualify as “maintenance” more than investment.

This is my biggest worry also, I suspect a lot of it will “disappear” into maintenance, renovations, reskins, etc. I’ll still take that over nothing though.

Or he is done? Nothing left in the tank?

Personally I think he’s simply frustrated and sees no quick turnaround, not much incentive to stick around for 5 more years when it’s going to take 10 years to see real change.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

There's quite a lot opening in the next 5 years ...

Anything not a replacement? At least in Florida?

Good work on Paris…but that’s not sexy enough

I must have read a different statement than you did, or I read it without automatically thinking that Eisner was shading anyone.

“creativity will take care of the money”

Who does that sound exactly the opposite of?

Remember Mike called one guy and empty suit to Everyone within earshot for most of the late 90’s

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Personally I think he’s simply frustrated and sees no quick turnaround, not much incentive to stick around for 5 more years when it’s going to take 10 years to see real change.

I agree and that’s the B of it…
It’s super cynical…and that sucks.

The problem is the Cynics are proven right way too much. If you want a “legacy” of Iger for the Boards…it’s this is. He’s made the cynics prophets.

I’m right WAY too much. I’ve made the all star team like 8 years in a row ️

 

[Kamikaze]

Anything not a replacement? At least in Florida?

Villians land isn't a replacement.
Calling Cars Land a replacement is disingenous. TSI sucked and was barely attended. The two Cars attractions are more than a replacement for TSI, they're an addition to the park.

Good work on Paris…but that’s not sexy enough

“creativity will take care of the money”

Who does that sound exactly the opposite of?

Remember Mike call one guy and empty suit to Everyone within earshot for most of the late 90’s

Yeah, or its just Michael Eisner making a reference to what he feels he missed the mark on in the end of his tenure, which he talks about in his 2nd book. Might be the same words, tbh, but its definitely the same sentiment.

 

[Disstevefan1]

D’Amarro on the other hand? Doesn’t seem to have that nerve to push.

Don't worry, Iger will be telling Josh what to do and Josh will do it.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Villians land isn't a replacement.

I trust the shovels on that one. It’s too early to judge.

Calling Cars Land a replacement is disingenous. TSI sucked and was barely attended. The two Cars attractions are more than a replacement for TSI, they're an addition to the park.

I agree it will be a good move…but it’s still technically taking something out to offset costs to “add” with the goal being lightning lane sales. We don’t have to like it - I suspect neither of us really do - but we can jsut accept it an move on.

Yeah, or it’s just Michael Eisner making a reference to what he feels he missed the mark on in the end of his tenure, which he talks about in his 2nd book. Might be the same words, tbh, but it’s definitely the same sentiment.

Eisner was a creative
Iger never was

neither was perfect

But you’re selling yourself a bit of a tale here. As always and acceptable…we’re not gonna agree on everything.

What I have noticed is that there seems to be an almost “relief” that Iger has a clock over the last day…across the board. That’s telling amongst a group that battles on all things quite a bit.

Side note: do you see he fired Kennedy?!? I had no idea

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Don't worry, Iger will be telling Josh what to do and Josh will do it.

There are varying levels of fear amongst all of us here that Peltz could be right…

We just won’t talk about it/admit it

 

[HauntedPirate]

I heard $3 billion to add lightly-themed shade structures to TSL is the big D23 announcement this year. Josh is disappointed he won’t be able to personally announce it.