Credit: DisneyThe whispers in the hallways of Team Disney Burbank have reached a fever pitch. As the transition of power looms, the eyes of the global theme park industry—and millions of disillusioned fans—are fixed on one man: Josh D’Amaro. Known for his signature “guest-first” charisma and background as the former Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, D’Amaro is set to take over as Disney’s CEO next month.
But D’Amaro isn’t just inheriting a media empire; he’s inheriting a “participation crisis.” In recent years, the narrative surrounding Walt Disney World has shifted from “The Most Magical Place on Earth” to “The Most Expensive Logistical Headache on Earth.” Rising costs, the removal of long-standing perks, and a perceived dip in ride reliability have left many “Legacy Fans” reluctant to book their next trip.
If Josh D’Amaro wants to restore the “Disney Difference” and bring the reluctant crowds back to Central Florida, he needs to move beyond “Blue Sky” concepts and start delivering tangible value. Here is the 7-step blueprint D’Amaro must follow to save the parks’ souls.
1. Bring Back the “Freebies”: The Return of the Magical Express
Perhaps no single cut hurt the Disney brand more than the retirement of Disney’s Magical Express. For decades, this complimentary airport shuttle was the “handshake” of a Disney vacation. It removed the stress of luggage and car rentals, immediately immersing guests in the “Disney Bubble.”
To win back families, D’Amaro must reinstate the Magical Express. It isn’t just about a bus ride; it’s about a psychological commitment to service. By removing the friction of getting from MCO to the resort, Disney regains control of the guest experience the moment they land. Coupled with the return of free MagicBands for resort guests, these “small” gestures signal to fans that Disney values their loyalty more than the $35 upcharge for a piece of plastic.
2. The Maintenance Mandate: Ending the “Downtime” Epidemic
In early 2026, social media was flooded with reports of “zombie” animatronics and mid-ride evacuations at headliners like Frozen Ever After and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The high-tech future is breaking down under the weight of 14-hour park days.
D’Amaro’s tenure as CEO must prioritize infrastructure over innovation. Guests are increasingly reluctant to pay $180 for a park ticket when three of the top five rides are on “B-Mode” or are closed due to technical difficulties. D’Amaro should launch a “Reliability Task Force” to modernize the electrical guts of the parks, ensuring that the sophisticated A-1000 animatronics are as durable as the hydraulic workhorses of the 1960s.
3. Fix the “Imagination” Gap: A Modern Journey
For decades, Journey Into Imagination with Figment has been a shadow of its former self. To the hardcore Disney enthusiast, the current version of the ride is a symbol of corporate stagnation.
D’Amaro has a golden opportunity to win back the “Epcot Purists” by announcing a total, top-to-bottom reimagining of the Imagination pavilion. By bringing back the Dreamfinder and using modern trackless-ride technology to create a truly “imaginative” experience, he can prove that Disney still cares about its original characters and the educational optimism that once defined EPCOT Center.
4. The “Hush-Hush” Refresh: Updating The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is a sacred cow, but even ghosts need a facelift. While the addition of the Hatbox Ghost was a win, many of the physical sets and 1960s-era effects are showing their age.
D’Amaro should oversee a “Legacy Refresh” of the Mansion. This doesn’t mean changing the story; instead, it means updating the lighting, sound systems, and Pepper’s Ghost effects to 21st-century standards. A Haunted Mansion that feels “pristine” rather than “dusty” (in the wrong way) would reassure fans that Disney is a steward of its history, not just a seeker of new IP.
5. Price Correction: Restoring the “Middle-Class Magic”
The most significant barrier to entry today is the price tag. Under previous leadership, the focus shifted toward “yield”—getting more money out of fewer people. This has resulted in a park experience that feels exclusive rather than inclusive.
D’Amaro needs to implement a Price Correction Strategy. This could include:
- Lowering the “Floor” for Ticket Prices: Ensuring that off-peak days are genuinely affordable for the average family.
- Decoupling Lighting Lane from Necessity: Refining the Lightning Lane system so that “Standby” lines move efficiently enough that the paid skip-the-line service feels like a luxury, not a mandatory tax.
- Transparent Dining Prices: Bringing back the “Dining Plan” was a start, but D’Amaro should consider lowering the cost of basic staples (water, snacks) to reduce the “nickel-and-diming” feeling.
6. Reclaiming the “Studio” Identity
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become a collection of great lands with no cohesive soul. D’Amaro should lean into the “Art of Disney Animation” revival (as seen with the new Olaf-hosted academy) to bring the “How it’s Made” magic back to the park. By balancing the “Be in the Movie” thrills of Star Wars with “How the Movie was Made” educational experiences, he can make the park feel like a complete day-to-night destination again.
7. Transparency and the “Turbocharge” Expansion
Finally, D’Amaro must be the CEO of transparency. The “Turbocharge” expansion—the $60 billion plan for the next decade—needs clear milestones. Fans are tired of “Blue Sky” art that never breaks ground. D’Amaro must be the one to put the shovel in the dirt for Villains Land and Monsters, Inc. Land and keep the public updated with “Construction vlogs” and honest timelines.
Conclusion: The Man for the Moment
Josh D’Amaro is uniquely positioned because he is the first potential CEO in a generation to have spent significant time walking the parks and talking to guests. He knows that the “Magic” isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s a delicate ecosystem of nostalgia, value, and reliability.
By bringing back the perks that made Disney feel like a “home away from home,” fixing the rides that define the childhoods of multiple generations, and correcting the pricing that has alienated the middle class, D’Amaro can do more than just fill the parks. He can restore the trust.
The reluctant guests are waiting. They want to come back. They just need a reason to believe that the “Disney Difference” is more than just a line on a spreadsheet.
Do you think Josh D’Amaro is the right person to lead Disney into 2027 and beyond? Which “freebie” do you miss the most? Let us know in the comments below!