Fresh news is stirring up discussions about the possibility that Josh D’Amaro, currently leading Disney Parks & Experiences, might take over as Disney’s next CEO from Bob Iger.
Recently, The Walt Disney Company has taken an action that may significantly alter its leadership structure, causing some discontent among theme park enthusiasts.
Disney has revealed that Josh D’Amaro, currently serving as Chairman of Disney Experiences, is set to speak on behalf of the company at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference taking place on May 14, 2025. This seemingly ordinary announcement holds significant interest for those keeping tabs on the competition to replace Bob Iger as CEO, as it’s far from a typical event.
At this same significant financial and media gathering where Iger spoke back in 2024, it was Christine McCarthy, then serving as CFO, who drew attention in 2023. Now, in the year 2025, the role has been subtly transitioned to D’Amaro.
the fans.
Under D’Amaro’s guidance, Disney Parks and Experiences has unfolded as a narrative with two distinct chapters. Financially, the division has thrived post-2020, even surpassing previous revenue records on financial reports. However, for frequent park visitors, it’s been a gradual devaluation of worth, enchantment, and faith. Prices have significantly increased, perks have diminished, and beloved experiences have either been altered or scaled back. Many devoted Disney enthusiasts see D’Amaro not as a custodian of the brand, but as the designer of its commercialization.
The Decline of Disney Parks Under Josh D’Amaro
As the Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh D’Amaro has emerged as a prominent figure within the Walt Disney Company, frequently appearing on stage with a smile, giving encouraging keynote addresses, and strolling through the parks to greet visitors and shake their hands.
However, beneath the polished facade of public relations efforts, there’s a concerning trend: During his tenure, Disney Parks have experienced a gradual decline in quality, and the data supports this observation.
Pricing Out the Magic
One of the most immediate criticisms under D’Amaro’s reign has been aggressive price hikes.
In 2024, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal, the expense for a four-day trip to Walt Disney World for a family of four rose significantly, reaching around $4,266, compared to $3,230 five years prior.
Approximately 80% of the rise is due to additional fees being implemented on services previously offered at no charge, such as the individual Lightning Lane access. Earlier, FastPass enabled all visitors to bypass lines for free; however, now, those with larger budgets can enjoy a superior experience, while others may find themselves waiting in line.
Genie+ and the End of Convenience
In many discussions, the introduction of Genie+ (now known as Lightning Lane) – a replacement for the previous complimentary FastPass system – is frequently pointed out as one of the most widely criticized modifications made within Disney Parks’ history.
The system encourages visitors to rise early, spend their days fixated on their phones, and persistently vie for ride reservations throughout the day – a situation that contradicts the tranquil, carefree vacation ambiance Walt Disney initially intended. Despite D’Amaro praising it as “flexible,” guests have expressed it as draining and stressful instead.
Declining Guest Satisfaction
The feedback from guest satisfaction evaluations indicates a decrease in the overall enjoyment at the park, starting around late 2023. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, internal Disney surveys reveal a considerable reduction in visitors intending to make repeat visits. This decline is believed to be due mainly to increasing prices and a perceived loss of worth in a Disney vacation.
In the 2023 Axios Harris Poll 100, Disney’s corporate reputation dropped significantly from 65th place the previous year, landing at 77th position. Despite maintaining a high rank in Newsweek’s 2025 “Best Customer Service” listings, Disney Parks & Resorts slipped to second place behind Dollywood, indicating that rival companies are narrowing the difference in terms of guest experience.
Maintenance and Operational Decline
Under D’Amaro’s leadership, the Magic Kingdom, which was previously a prized gem in Disney’s amusement park domain, has noticeably suffered setbacks.
Frequently, spectators point out problems such as deteriorating food standards, irregular upkeep of rides, and less frequent live performances. Additionally, there have been multiple incidents of sewage leaks that led to the temporary closure of Frontierland and even caused a ceiling in EPCOT’s Land Pavilion to fall apart.
More frequent complaints about prolonged wait times for attractions and unsanitary conditions in facilities are becoming increasingly prevalent – something unheard of in previous times.
Unfulfilled Promises
D’Amaro has also made grand announcements that have gone nowhere.
Under the leadership of D’Amaro, projects such as the Mary Poppins attraction at EPCOT and the Play! Pavilion, initially unveiled by former Disney Parks boss and short-lived CEO Bob Chapek, have been absent from recent public updates. Additionally, more ambitious “Blue Sky” ideas hinted at in 2022, like a Magic Kingdom Villains land or an Encanto expansion, were reported to be progressing last year but remain unbuilt despite D’Amaro stating they were ready for groundbreaking.
Meanwhile, Universal’s Epic Universe is quickly expanding in Orlando, prompting Disney to come up with something as impressive.
As a cinephile, I find myself observing Disney’s current situation with great interest. After a series of cultural controversies, political blunders, and an apparent exhaustion of their franchises, they are now in a critical juncture where they need to regain public trust. Appointing yet another CEO who is perceived as more of the same might not sit well with many long-time fans.
The Competition isn’t Fierce
Any competition Josh D’Amaro faces for Disney CEO isn’t without its own baggage.
Initially, Dana Walden, a key figure in Disney Entertainment, was often regarded as the leading contender for a significant role. However, according to a recent piece by Matthew Belloni at Puck, her longstanding friendship with Vice President Kamala Harris has lately been perceived as a potential drawback.
Given Donald Trump’s significant political resurgence and Disney continuing to navigate challenges with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Walden’s strong ties to a prominent political figure might put her (and consequently, the entire Disney company) in a potentially vulnerable position, attracting attention or scrutiny.
Belloni also labeled Disney’s recent legal agreement with Trump as a “political bribe,” suggesting a strong and vivid term for a court settlement, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of the situation.
It’s possible that Alan Bergman, co-chair of Walden Entertainment, could potentially be a candidate for a future Disney CEO role, but he often doesn’t come up in discussions about potential successors. He is known for being calm, consistent, and free from controversy – qualities that Disney might find especially appealing at this time.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but keep an eye on Jimmy Pitaro, the CEO of ESPN. He’s definitely a wildcard, and that’s intriguing given how crucial live sports are becoming for streaming services.
But none of them are currently standing in front of investors on May 14. Josh D’Amaro is.
In this critical juncture, this situation could serve as an assessment – not just for analysts, but for Disney’s board. Is Josh D’Amaro capable of withstanding the intense scrutiny required to become Disney’s CEO? Can he redefine his public persona from a parks specialist to a global executive? And above all, can he bring unity to the company when its audience seems more fragmented than ever?
If Disney appears to be moving in this direction, many fans may view it as an extension of what they see as a corporate-focused mindset that has often prioritized profits over creativity and guest satisfaction. To investors on Wall Street, D’Amaro might seem like a prudent choice. However, for Main Street and Main Street, U.S.A., he is far from it.
With Iger’s exit looming in early 2026, the clock is ticking. And now, all eyes are on May 14.
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2025-05-01 15:57