D’Amaro: Disney Park Chairman Pleased With Progress
Okay, here’s the deal. I am NOT cynical. I want to believe that what we’re seeing at Walt Disney World is The Walt Disney Company’s best and safest swing at (opening) the fences.
But, as a person who owns 10+ shares of Disney stock, I am not naive, either. Even with my small portfolio, I will admit to watching the price bob up and down over the last several months. The successful previews last week made the stock hop.
So, what is Disney’s mandate?
Upholding The Responsibility
“People trust that we’re going to open up in a responsible way,” said Disney theme park boss, Josh D’Amaro told Bloomberg News. “And, also the same for our cast members; trusting us to communicate with them effectively.
“I think we’ve done a really nice job of that.”
“We’ve been down for four months,” continued D’Amaro. “We were one of the first theme parks to close here in Orlando. And we’ll be the last to open.
“We spent a lot of time programming this experience to make sure that we uphold our responsibility.
D’Amaro Breaks It Down
Disney opened its Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks on Saturday, after a four-month shutdown and as a record number of new virus cases were reported in Florida. Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Walt Disney Co.’s theme parks business, said he’s very happy with booking trends, both now and into next year. D’Amaro spoke to Bloomberg’s Emily Chang from the Magic Kingdom.
Perhaps the most important question answered by D’Amaro is “Would you take your kids to Disney World right now?”
His answer:
“Absolutely. Without a doubt. Whether it’s right here in Walt Disney World or Disney Springs… Absolutely.”
D’Amaro [who misidentified the shopping district in Anaheim, but ] also mentioned the safety of Downtown Disney in Anaheim. However, he explaiend that California’s guidelines are not yet public.
In the meantime, the chairman said Disney will continue to take “baby steps” in its parks around the world, adhering to governmental guidelines, medical advice, and what Disney — as a company — has learned itself.
“There will always be demand for Disney,” said D’Amaro. “I think each individual guest is going to be a little bit different in terms of how they interpret when they might be ready to visit.
“And what I can tell you is we will be here, ready, and operating; ready to welcome them back to the magic.”