Josh D’Amaro Takes the Helm
The Walt Disney Company just wrapped up its Q2 FY26 earnings webcast, and it was a historic one. This marked the first earnings call for Josh D’Amaro since stepping into the CEO role in March 2026. While the transition from Bob Iger was always expected to be a major shift, the numbers from this quarter suggest the company is moving full speed ahead with its expansion plans. Disney reported a total revenue of $25.2 billion for the quarter, up 7% compared to last year, beating many Wall Street expectations.
Records in the Experiences Segment
For theme park fans, the biggest news sits within the “Experiences” segment. This division, which includes the global theme parks and Disney Cruise Line, brought in a record $9.5 billion in revenue for the second quarter. Despite some concerns about the economy, per-capita guest spending at domestic parks rose by 5%. This growth was fueled by higher spending on admissions, food and beverage, and merchandise, including the popular adoption of Lightning Lane Multi Pass services.
Navigating the Florida Landscape
While the revenue numbers are hitting records, attendance showed some interesting trends. Domestic attendance saw a slight 1% dip. Company leadership attributed this to a temporary softness in international visitation and “Epic-related headwinds.” This is a direct nod to the competition in Orlando following the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe last summer. However, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston noted that Walt Disney World bookings are currently “pacing up strongly,” and the company expects attendance trends to improve significantly as we move into the third quarter.
Cruising Toward Growth
The Disney Cruise Line continues to be the star performer of the portfolio. With the recent launch of the Disney Adventure homeporting in Singapore and the expansion of the fleet toward a goal of 13 ships by 2031, the cruise division is a massive revenue driver. Operating income for the segment grew despite the high costs associated with launching these new vessels. International parks also saw a boost, particularly with the successful opening of World of Frozen at the reimagined Disney Adventure World in Paris.
A Connected Future
During the call, D’Amaro outlined his vision for a more “connected Disney ecosystem.” This involves a deeper integration between theme parks, gaming, and Disney+. The goal is to make the guest experience more seamless, using technology and AI to personalize visits and increase engagement across all platforms. D’Amaro emphasized that while technology is an accelerant, the focus remains on “creative excellence” and the physical centerpiece of the parks.
For those planning trips later this year, the message is clear: the parks are busy, spending is up, and Disney is leaning heavily into new technology and international expansion to keep the magic growing. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how these “connected” features roll out to guests in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.