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Credit: DisneyDisney CEO Bob Chapek and Disney Park and Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro were both scheduled to make special appearances at the upcoming Destination D23 2021 — a live event celebrating 50 years of the Walt Disney World Resort and so much more!
Now, however, it seems as though Disney has quietly removed Chapek from the welcome presentation as his name is no longer listed on the website. Inside the Magic has since found out that the reasoning Chapek will no longer attend Destination D23 is due to a scheduling conflict.
Previously, the D23 website stated that Bob Chapek would make an appearance during the kickoff welcome presentation:
Presentation Highlights of Destination D23 2021 will include*:
A kickoff welcome presentation with Bob Chapek, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
What’s New and What’s Next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products—Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share what’s new and what’s next for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The exclusive presentation will feature updates on some of the most anticipated projects around the world. And as D23 Members know, there is always a surprise or two in store!
Now, however, Chapek’s name is no longer listed anywhere on the Destination D23 website. A Disney spokesperson told Inside the Magic that the reason Chapek is no longer listed and will not attend is due to a scheduling conflict. The Disney CEO has a previous commitment not in the state of Florida.
“Bob has a conflict in LA on Friday night and couldn’t make it back to Orlando on time,” Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler told Inside the Magic.
This news comes after a petition has made its rounds, asking The Walt Disney Company to fire the Disney CEO.
Josh D’Amaro is still scheduled to make an appearance as the D23 website now states:
Destination D23 Welcome
Connections: A Look at the Future of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products – Around the world, we’re re-establishing connections—returning to our happy places with the people who mean the most to us, and making brand-new memories. In this session, DPEP Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how, even in the most difficult of times, Disney continues to inspire and unite us through connections to beloved people and places… to treasured hopes and dreams… and to the power of magic and endless possibilities. You’ll get a first look at some of the newest projects around the world, and of course a little Disney magic along the way.
Destination D23 2021 will take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21. Please keep in mind that Destination D23 2021 is different from the D23 Expo, which will take place in 2022.
For more information, visit D23’s official website here.
Will you be attending Destination D23 2021? What do you think about Disney removing Chapek’s name from the D23 website? Let us know in the comments below.
This article has been updated since its original publication. Stay tuned mor details to come as information becomes available.