Podcast #15: A New Era of the Disney Parks
Finally! A new podcast! And a new blog post! I know we’re overdue, and we’re very sorry it’s taken so long. The great news is the business is good! The bad news is that business is good! And because it’s been busy, I haven’t had many windows to showcase new content and to keep the podcasts and blogs alive. My apologies! But the work goes on!
New Organization at the Top
This podcast episode focuses in on life since Bob Chapek took over Disney attractions. After a brief history of the evolution of parks to this point, we chat about the major change made a few months ago with a reorganization of Disney into four major channels:
- Direct-to-consumer streaming platforms & International
- Media Networks—Disney/ABC Television Group
- Studio Entertainment/Disney Animation & Live Action, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Disney Theatrical & Music Group
- Bob Chapek—Walt Disney Parks & Resorts and consumer products
- Overall Hikes in Tickets, Food & Beverage
- Preferred Parking
- Buses taking you directly behind the park
- Minnie Vans
- Charging Nightly Fees for Parking at Resorts
- New Club Level FastPasses
- MaxPass
- Completion of Shanghai Disneyland and its Toy Story Expansion
- Build out of Disney Springs
- Building out two Star Wars Lands
- A Star Wars Resort Plus Other Resort Additions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World
- Purchase/ownership of Disneyland Paris & Major Addition to Walt Disney Studios Paris
- Major Overhaul of Hong Kong Disneyland
- Big Additions for Tokyo Disneyland
- Building on the Avengers Brand in Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland
- Millions spent on improving the infrastructure—To Include Gondola System
- 3 Billion in Epcot Expansion
- Technology—Mobile Ordering
- Moving to Double the Cruise Line
Conquering Retail
We then discuss Chapek’s touch as it comes to aligning merchandise and the parks through the following:
- Banshee & Other Pandora Products
- Retail Product for Guardians
- Pixar Fest—Shopping Bags & Disney Parks Toy Story Merchandise
- New Retail Concepts for Galaxy’s Edge
- Lifestyle Brands: Partnering with big brands like Pandora, Tommy Bahama as well as Dooney & Bourke
- Disney reimagining its Disney Stores to be More Like a Vacation—Going back to an Adult Focus with Ethan Allen furniture and a $350 denim jackets plus Disney items
Innovation in F&B
We also highlight food & beverage concepts that are happening:
- Mission Space Restaurant
- Club 33
- Dole Whip Inspired Doughnuts
- Pixar Fest Foods
- Red Rose Taverne
Signature Experiences
- Disney Cruise Line—3 new ships in ’21, ’22, and ’23
- Disney Vacation Club
- Adventures by Disney
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii
- Provide Signature Experiences for Your Most Loyal and Affluent Customers
- Break the Pricing Mold
- Don’t Nickel & Dime—Truly Add Value
- Think Long Term—Not Short Term
So as you see, there is lots we’re discussing in this episode. Please take a listen. If you like it, please subscribe and share with others.
For more of this type of content, check us out at DisneyatWork.com or follow us on Twitter here.
