When you hear the name “Disney” you probably think of two things: movies and theme parks. Disney Parks are so essential to the core identity of the Walt Disney Company that it was only right for Bob Iger and the Board of Directors to choose the former Chairman of Disney Parks, Bob Chapek, as the new Chief Executive Officer.
If we remember anything from the D23 Expo event last summer, we know that Disney Parks around the world were about to undergo massive transformations. While Disney+ is a major focus, the Parks were also going to take up a great deal of focus as well. It was important to have the chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, now completely running the show.
But, Chapek is not quite as beloved by die-hard Disniacs as he is in the upper levels of the corporation. They have their reasons, but he also has his accomplishments that deserve due credit. So, we’re gonna list some objective park facts that have happened under Bob Chapek’s leadership, and with each fact the fans disdain and the positive side to come out of it.
Price increase on Tickets and Annual Passes
The Disniacs’ Disdain
People don’t like the idea of paying even more to experience the Walt Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort. Some price increases have cut people with a certain budget out of certain kinds of Disney trips or Disney trips in general whereas other guests don’t see it worth the money anymore.
The Positive Results
Take a look at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and how they compare to other parks like Six Flags or SeaWorld. Yeah, the Disney theme parks are way less affordable than the others, but the Disney theme parks are also the only ones to be creating the most cutting-edge immersive experiences like everything one would find at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and what guests will see when the new hotel experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser opens.
More Disney IPs are being incorporated into the Parks
The Disniacs’ Disdain
They call it an invasion and degradation of storytelling. Original attractions with their original characters and original stories are being replaced by movie characters and any new rides with the potential of having original stories with original characters.
The Positive Results
The IPs provide a solid foundation for guests to immerse themselves in the world of the movies they’ve come to know and love. The IPs have also given the guests of younger generations to better connect with and enjoy Disney Parks attractions. Just look at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Pixar Pier, , and the ‘s Avengers CampusZootopia land coming to .
Bob Chapek’s Other Achievements
Let’s also go ahead and list off some things Chapek oversaw while in his former Chairman role that isn’t so controversial among Disniacs:
- The doubling of the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
- The opening of Shanghai Disney Resort
- The further expansion of Adventures by Disney
- Planned expansions for Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Mistakes are Going to be Made, But The Reward is Worth It
Look — mistakes are going to happen. From the Enchanted Tiki Room going Under New Management to the edits made to the Rivers of Light show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The people running the show are human. Attraction changes are going to flop. But the big wins continue to outdo the small mistakes.
The truth is that despite the mistakes Disney Parks all over the world are more magical for guests because of the changes being made with Bob Chapek at the helm. The quality has increased with the price. The immersion has increased with the IPs.
From the Frozen land coming to Hong Kong to the EPCOT revamp to a massive expansion of Disneyland Paris’s Walt Disney Studios Park, we are about to enter a renaissance age for Disney theme parks, and it is only right to have the former Chairman of Disney Parks in the CEO chair. We wish Mr. Chapek all the luck and success as he takes his new position in the company.