Credit: Edited by Inside the MagicJosh D’Amaro has officially been named Bob Iger’s successor, and even though he won’t officially step into the CEO role until March, Disney fans already feel like the company is shifting.
Because when Disney changes leadership, it’s never just a corporate headline. It’s a warning sign that something bigger is coming.
And right now, it feels like Disney is entering a new chapter where specific experiences, traditions, and even classic attractions could be on borrowed time.
Disney has already shown it’s willing to replace long-running favorites if they don’t fit the company’s future vision. So now the big question is simple: Will D’Amaro protect what fans love… or will he accelerate the changes even further?
Bob Iger’s Controversial Era Set the Stage for This
Bob Iger helped Disney grow into an entertainment giant, but his leadership also sparked significant frustration among longtime fans.
Under Iger, Disney leaned heavily into corporate strategy, price increases, and brand expansion. But the most significant shift wasn’t just financial. It was creative.
Disney began moving away from original park concepts and prioritized recognizable franchises. That approach helped Disney market attractions more easily, but it also made the parks feel less unique over time.
Now that D’Amaro is preparing to take over, many fans worry Disney will continue down the same road instead of changing course.
Classic Ride Closures Prove Disney Doesn’t Protect Nostalgia
Disney fans have learned the hard way that no attraction is genuinely safe.
Iger’s era saw major fan-favorite experiences disappear, including The Great Movie Ride and Maelstrom. Both attractions were iconic in their own ways and deeply tied to what made their parks special.
But Disney didn’t hesitate to move on.
And then there’s Muppet Vision 3D, another classic example of something that feels like it belongs to an older version of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Even if fans love it, Disney has increasingly moved toward newer franchises and bigger IP-driven experiences.
That’s why D’Amaro’s “core IP” focus is so concerning. If Disney keeps prioritizing properties like Frozen and Encanto, then original attractions that don’t connect to a modern franchise will always feel vulnerable.
1. D’Amaro’s “Core IP” Strategy Could Put Even More Classics at Risk
Josh D’Amaro has made it clear that Disney wants to build around what they consider “core IP.” In other words, Disney wants its parks to reflect the characters and stories that younger generations instantly recognize.
That means Disney doesn’t just want original rides. It wants attractions tied to major franchises.
And while that approach can lead to exciting new lands, it also creates a massive downside: older rides without a franchise tie-in start looking like easy targets.
Fans have already started speculating about which attractions could face changes next. Some of the biggest rumored classics on the chopping block include Jungle Cruise, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, and even “It’s a Small World.
That doesn’t mean Disney will shut these rides down tomorrow.
But it does mean fans may not get the identical versions of these attractions forever, especially if Disney sees an opportunity to “upgrade” them into something more marketable.
2. Disney+ Franchise and Profit Shift
The parks aren’t the only part of Disney that could change under D’Amaro.
Disney+ is expected to undergo adjustments as well, and D’Amaro has reportedly emphasized that profitability will be the platform’s primary focus moving forward.
That’s a big shift in tone.
Disney+ has spent years prioritizing growth, but if the goal becomes profit, it likely means the platform will lean even harder into recognizable franchises. Disney will probably keep producing new MCU and Star Wars shows, even if some of them feel more like quick content than major storytelling events.
It also wouldn’t be surprising to see another price increase once leadership transitions. Disney has already raised prices multiple times, and a CEO change is often the moment companies justify new changes.
In short, Disney+ may shift from creative risk to reliable subscription content.
3. Video Games and Tech Will Get a Bigger Spotlight
One of D’Amaro’s biggest priorities seems to be using technology to Disney’s advantage.
And that’s where video games come in.
Disney is already moving toward a stronger gaming future, and D’Amaro has shown interest in expanding Disney’s presence in that space, primarily through AI and interactive entertainment.
A significant part of that plan involves Disney investing $1.5 billion into Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite.
That’s not a small move. That’s Disney signaling it wants to build a bigger digital ecosystem, one that reaches audiences outside movies and theme parks.
If this strategy works, it could become one of Disney’s most profitable areas in the future. But it also shows where D’Amaro’s priorities are headed: technology, engagement, and new ways to monetize Disney IP.
4. Expansions Will Grow Disney’s Reach, But They May Come With a Cost
Even if fans worry about what Disney could lose, it’s hard to deny that D’Amaro’s era will likely deliver major expansions.
Disney already has a long list of upcoming projects, including Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Villains Land, and Monstropolis. Internationally, Disney is also pushing forward with World of Frozen in Paris, an Avatar land in Disney California Adventure, and a Coco ride planned for that same park.
Animal Kingdom is expected to gain Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions, and Disney is even moving into the Middle East with an entire Abu Dhabi theme park.
That’s an enormous amount of growth.
And on top of that, rumors are already swirling about possible additions, like a Maleficent coaster in Villains Land and a Coco ride coming to Disney World, potentially replacing Gran Fiesta Tour.
The expansions sound exciting, but fans know how this usually goes: Disney rarely adds new things without removing older ones.
5. Movies and TV Series Follow the Same Pattern
If D’Amaro sticks with Disney’s current direction, movies and television will likely continue to lean into established franchises rather than original ideas.
Disney already has major sequels confirmed, including Frozen 3 and Incredibles 3. The company is also moving forward with projects like a live-action Hercules, a live-action Tangled, and Princess Diaries 3.
And just like with Disney+, it’s hard to imagine Disney slowing down its Star Wars and Marvel output. Those franchises are reliable, and Disney knows they keep audiences invested.
For fans hoping Disney will return to more originality, this sequel-heavy approach feels like a warning sign that the company is staying in safe territory.
Disney’s New Chapter Could Be Exciting… or a Repeat of the Same Mistakes
Josh D’Amaro taking over as CEO could bring some great things to Disney. He’s polished, he understands branding, and he’s clearly focused on expansion. But the fans’ concerns are still valid.
Disney has already spent years removing classic attractions, shifting away from original park concepts, and leaning harder into franchise-driven entertainment. And based on D’Amaro’s focus on core IP, profitability, and technology, it doesn’t look like Disney is preparing to reverse course.
So the next era could bring incredible new lands and global expansion. Or it could get more ride closures, more sequels, more reimaginings, and more classic Disney experiences slowly disappearing. Either way, the countdown is already on.
Because in March, Josh D’Amaro officially steps into the role, and Disney’s future will start moving fast.