We’re about to learn a lot about the plans The Walt Disney Company has for the near future!
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom
Disney CEO Bob Iger is set to speak at the SVB MoffettNathanson Technology, Media & Telecom Conference and we imagine he’ll be bringing updates on everything from Disney+ to the Disney Cruise Line. Let’s go over a few of the announcements we think he’s going to drop at the conference!
Last year, when Disney executives spoke at the SVB MoffettNathanson Technology, Media & Telecom Conference Disney CFO Christine McCarthy answered questions regarding The Walt Disney Company’s plans to invest going forward.
Christine McCarthy ©The Walt Disney Company
One of the specific topics McCarthy touched on was the strategy of using more Intellectual Property in the parks both domestically and internationally. She explained, “We have ways we can use our intellectual property, our franchises, the ones that really resonate with our consumers, and we have more data than we had before.” To that point of the increased data, McCarthy stated, “That better informs our creatives and our Imagineers to lean into things that we can really exploit in our theme park businesses.”
Journey of Water
McCarthy also commented on the rising theme park prices, including things like Genie+, food, and theme park tickets, and explained, “One of the things that I’d like to just point out is that we are in an inflationary environment, and the macroeconomic environment we are in, we’re very aware of that,” McCarthy reiterated, “The inflationary impact of day-to-day living is something that we’re very much aware of.”
As to what we expect Iger to touch on, we think the following could be on his list:
Expansions
Since Disney confirmed that the Tropical Americas would be coming to Animal Kingdom to replace DinoLand U.S.A., no additional information has been given about what that might all include. The same is true for the expansion coming to Magic Kingdom!
Concept art for DinoLand expansion ©Disney
There’s yet another expansion project that we expected to hear about at — DisneylandForward. DisneylandForward is the plan for rezoning Disneyland’s land so that new attractions and experiences can fill areas that are currently only allowed to be parking lots or hotels. Disney did receive approval for these plans and can now move forward with them.
©Disney
We expect that Iger will give more details on what these projects will entail. We’ll keep an eye out for it.
Linear Networks
Remember back when Iger noted that Disney’s linear TV business (things like ABC and other channels) might NOT be core to Disney. Well, aside from receiving a $10 BILLION offer (made by Byron Allen) to purchase ABC, along with the FX and National Geographic cable channels, we haven’t heard a thing.
©ABC
We expect to hear from Iger whether Disney plans to sell or hold on to the linear networks.
Disney+, Max, Hulu NEW Streaming Bundle
Speaking of programming, Disney will be offering a new streaming option this summer. Disney Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery announced that a new streaming bundle that will include Disney+, Hulu, and Max.
Disney+ Billboard
These three streaming services will be offered together giving access to movies and shows from FX, HBO, HGTV, Hulu, Marvel, Pixar, ABC, CNN, DC, Discovery, Disney, Food Network, Marvel, Pixar, Searchlight, Warner Bros., and more. Ad-supported and an ad-free plan will be offered.
Current Disney+ Bundle
Hopefully, Iger will announce a date yet when these new streaming bundles (ad-supported or ad-free) will be available as well as pricing. We will keep our eyes out for more details.
Succession
Lastly, we know that the Walt Disney Company’s board is completely focused on the search for CEO Bob Iger’s successor. Recently, Disney Board Member Carolyn Everson shared that the board is “completely focused” on garnering a successful transition at the end of 2026 when Iger’s contract is up.
©Disney
We would love to hear if Iger has any additional insights on how the succession process is coming along. Hopefully, he’ll share more details during the conference.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
Disney’s Gotta Make Some Big Announcements, and They’re Promising to Do it This August
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What do you think Bob Iger will mention during this conference? Sound off in the comments!
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Bob, we want ONE thing. Magical Express to come back. Bringing that back keeps more people on property, using Disney Transportation, spending money at Disney. Also, it keeps things green and friendly for those concerned about the environment, with less transportation vehicles to and from the airport. Also, by keeping us fully immersed in Disney right up until we get to the airport for our departure, influences us to booking our return trip. Bring back the Magical Express and gain a lot of brownie points with all those heading to resorts.
How about no more park reservations for passholders and bring back some of the perks and benefits of staying on property like 1 hour early entry not 30 minute’s. Passholder after hours etc. We get less for a lot more money at 1600.00 per year you should be able to come and go as yiu wish
I agree with Janet’s comment. I also wish they would get rid of reservations for pass holders. I miss the days when you could spontaneously go on any non-blackout day whenever you felt like it. I also wish they would lift the park hopping restrictions and let anyone park hop at any time.