Disney Plans Not Impacted by Florida Politics, Says Disney Parks Chairman

Earlier today, Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro engaged in a question and answer session at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference.

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The Chairman

As Chairman, Josh D’Amaro oversees Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. This includes developing and operating all theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, and consumer products globally. Before his current role, he served as President of the Disneyland Resort, where he played a crucial role in the successful opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park.

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During the question and answer session, he made some noteworthy statements. The first was that the company’s $5.5 billion cost-cutting strategy would not impact the frontline labor at Disney theme parks. This may come as some relief for theme Park workers as well as Disney Parks Guests.

Additionally, Josh D’Amaro also was asked about the situation in Florida. The question referred to the ongoing battle between The Walt Disney Company and Governor Ron DeSantis. D’Amaro said the following in response “Some of the things that are happening, I assume you mean from a political perspective, etc., some of the things that have taken place have not impacted our business results.”

Disney Parks chairman Josh D'Amaro participated in a Q&A at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference. A few highlights:

On Disney's $5.5 billion cost-cutting strategy, D'Amaro said he will not cut frontline labor at the parks.

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) May 22, 2023

Florida Plans Move Ahead

Josh D’Amarco was also asked about the cancellation of the Lake Nona Campus, a $1 billion project in Central Florida that Disney had just pulled the plug on. He stated that the company’s decision to cancel those plans does not impact the $17 billion investment at the Walt Disney World Resort. This significant figure (spread out over ten years) includes the transformation of EPCOT, a new Star Tours attraction, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain) at the Magic Kingdom.

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“We’re thinking pretty aggressively about where we can take things in Florida,” said D’Amarco. “I talked about some pretty ambitious plans that we have to continue to grow these theme parks, put new capacity in, put new intellectual property in.”

Hopefully, Disney Park fans will continue to see ongoing developments and new attractions regardless of the fallout between the company and the current Florida governor.