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Credit: DisneyHe’s the enemy of many Disney fans. The mere mention of his name reminds everyone of a hated era in Disney history.
Bob Chapek. The mere mention of the former Disney CEO causes a visceral reaction among nearly every Disney fan.
It was Chapek who was responsible for the institution of the paid Disney Genie+ system, which replaced free Fast Passes for guests. He also got rid of the Magical Express, free MagicBands, and free parking at Disney World Resort hotels, which has since returned, while the others have not.
Few people are more hated by the Disney fanbase than Bob Chapek, but the former CEO could be making a comeback in the theme park industry.
Last week, Six Flags CEO Richard Zimmerman told investors that Six Flags saw a $100 million revenue decline during the second quarter, a nine percent attendance decline, and an eight percent season pass purchase decline. Before announcing the numbers, Zimmerman told investors he would be stepping down as CEO as soon as the Board could find a replacement.
During its first quarter earnings report this year, Six Flags Entertainment, the largest theme park company in North America, told investors that it saw a 17 percent decline in attendance. At the time, Zimmerman told investors that inclement weather was to blame for a slow start to the season, as rainstorms nationwide slowed guests coming to the parks.
So, with an opening at Six Flags, the name that surfaced online was Chapek, and despite his Disney baggage, it’s not a terrible idea.
Chapek was the Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts starting in 2015. He oversaw the completion of Shanghai Disneyland, the building of Pandora at Animal Kingdom, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World and Disneyland.
He has no connection to Six Flags and can clean house and make sweeping changes that the parks need. He can also close some of Six Flags’ underperforming parks and those that overlap in audience area.
The other name that popped up was Michael Colglazier, former President of Disney Parks International. Colglazier spent nearly 30 years with The Walt Disney Company, including time as the Vice President of Animal Kingdom and President of Disneyland. He is currently the CEO of Virgin Galactic.
But for Disney fans, the name to remember is Bob Chapek. With Chapek possibly in the running to take over the largest theme park company in North America, Disney and Six Flags fans should be very concerned.
What do you think of the possible return of Bob Chapek to Six Flags? Let us know in the comments.