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Disney Names Josh D’Amaro CEO Effective March 18 as Parks Strategy Takes Center Stage

Bob Iger will remain a strategic advisor through 2026.

Overview

  • His first day aligns with Disney’s March 18 shareholder meeting, where observers expect clearer signals on pricing, ride reliability, and the scope of the long-discussed expansion plan.
  • Elevated from Chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro brings a parks, cruise, and consumer products background that has shaped recent operational priorities.
  • Recent coverage points to a ‘plussing’ push with targeted attraction upgrades, including a reported second mission for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and a 2026 refresh of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
  • Reporting indicates Lightning Lane purchases remain strong and premium add‑ons such as lightsaber builds, boutique makeovers, and after‑hours events continue to sell out despite fan criticism.
  • IP-driven headliners like Frozen Ever After, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are sustaining the longest waits, reinforcing a franchise-led development strategy.