Disney CEO Bob Iger spoke on the the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference on March 9, 2023 in San Francisco. The occasion is billed as a spot to be taught in regards to the tendencies reshaping the know-how, media and telecom panorama with new insights.
Iger did precisely that in his interview. During that, he defined how the world’s largest leisure firm is evolving its method to streaming, and why he undid his predecessor’s restructuring. Iger spent a big portion of the interview discussing Disney+ and the potential Hulu acquisition; programming on linear tv; the facility of sports activities, worth of ESPN, and inevitability of betting; in addition to income from subscribers, advertisers, and the influence of competitors in Disney’s companies.
Iger additionally outlined his imaginative and prescient for the longer term, together with what to anticipate from Disney+ and the corporate going ahead. Most notable for our Walt Disney World and Disneyland-centric viewers, Iger mentioned his priorities for the parks. The interviewer opened this phase of the dialogue as having buyers anxious as a result of the theme parks are overearning (a chorus from the ‘Restore the Magic’ marketing campaign).
In response to that comment about Walt Disney World and Disneyland overearning, Iger repeated a well-recognized chorus in regards to the firm being overzealous with previous value will increase beneath the Chapek regime. Recently, he’s introduced this up whereas noting that measures have already been taken to make the parks extra accessible–presumably referring to a rise within the most cost-effective single-day park tickets and rolling again of resort parking charges.
One of the issues I discover most amusing about Iger’s interviews since returning as CEO is how rigorously but clearly he throws Chapek beneath the bus. It’s actually spectacular. There’s additionally a way of believable deniability–as if Iger is rigorously skirting a non-disparagement settlement–however it’s so apparent to anybody who is aware of the story.
Iger additionally talked about the current adjustments made to enhance visitor satisfaction and undo a few of this harm, and mentioned that these had been met with a optimistic response by visitors.
He hinted that extra adjustments like this are on the horizon, with out providing specifics. Iger merely mentioned that Disney will proceed to hearken to visitors and make changes based mostly on suggestions.
He additionally mentioned hanging the appropriate steadiness between accessibility and crowds. Iger reiterated previous remarks by Chapek and Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro that a number of the initiatives at Walt Disney World and Disneyland have been executed to “protect” the visitor expertise and be sure that the parks usually are not too crowded.
“It’s tempting to let more people into the parks…but if guest satisfaction is going down because of crowding, it doesn’t work. We had to figure out how we reduce crowding but maintain profitability, and we did that well,” Iger mentioned in reference to park reservations and the method to yield administration by Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Iger additionally diverged from Chapek’s inventory reply to this kind of query, noting the must be “careful” when coping with capability and pricing, as shopper sentiment can bitter. He acknowledged that pricing or “features” may very well be seen as too aggressive or alienating by visitors. With that exception, Iger largely caught to the stript that will sound acquainted to anybody who learn our submit about why Disney Doesn’t Actually Want Lower Crowds.
Iger briefly touched upon plans for the longer term, and reiterated his bullishness on parks. We mentioned all of this in nice size in Bob Iger Wants Big Expansions at Walt Disney World & Disneyland. He made it sound like additions in Florida had been a given.
Most curiously, Iger mentioned there have been “more opportunities” in California at Disneyland than most individuals had been conscious. Although he didn’t straight point out it by title, it could appear that Iger would possibly’ve been referring to DisneylandForward, the proposed zoning initiative. It’s additionally doable he was hinting on the redevelopment of Tomorrowland, enlargement to Fantasyland, or the second section of Avengers Campus.
All of these are very actual prospects which can be or have been on the desk, type of proving Iger’s level that there are many alternatives at Disneyland Resort. If even two of these issues occur throughout the subsequent improvement cycle, that’ll be big for Disneyland Resort.
Iger talked about once more that the corporate is planning on constructing an Avatar expertise at Disneyland, however declined to supply further particulars in regards to the substance and nature of this. (See our newest replace on the Avatar Experience Coming to Disneyland for the most recent on that–nothing new on that.)
Ultimately, nothing actually new right here from Bob Iger out of the Morgan Stanley TMT Conference. He repeated acquainted phrases and sentiment, together with some that was widespread from Bob Chapek. The key distinction is certainly one of steadiness. Chapek was not essentially unsuitable together with his feedback about visitor demand and pricing, however that gave the impression to be his singular focus. Chapek’s statements usually had an conceited, ‘fans can pound sand if they don’t prefer it‘ perspective to them.
Iger additionally discusses the enterprise realities of the Walt Disney Company, however seems to be extra eager on discovering options different than simply elevating costs. He’s clearly involved in regards to the visitor expertise, and that is now the second time he’s mentioned the necessity to develop capability by constructing out the parks.
From my perspective, Iger and Josh D’Amaro each saying the identical issues about enlargement and future developments reinforces that there are substantive plans, and it’s not simply posturing or hole hype. Nothing new got here out of this convention, however persistently repeating the identical targets and ambitions definitely means that there’s one thing to them–in order that’s of worth. Here’s hoping we hear official bulletins and precise specifics quickly.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Did you watch Disney CEO Bob Iger’s interview throughout the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference? Thoughts on something he mentioned–or didn’t say? Thoughts on his feedback about crowds, value will increase, excessive demand, reservations, Cast Members, or the rest? Are you frightened about the way forward for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or the corporate typically? Think issues will enhance or worsen all through this 12 months? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we might help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!