A New Era Under CEO Josh D’Amaro
This morning marked a significant milestone for the Walt Disney Company as Josh D’Amaro led his first earnings call as CEO. While many fans know him from his years leading the Parks and Experiences division, his new role gives him total oversight of the Disney empire. The tone of the call was notably fan-centric. In fact, D’Amaro used the word “fan” ten times during the presentation, signaling a continued focus on the core audience that keeps the parks running.
The Experiences Division Hits Record Revenue
The financial results for the second quarter of 2026 show that the Disney Experiences segment is a powerhouse. The division reported record revenue of $9.5 billion, which is a 7% increase over the same time last year. Even though domestic attendance saw a slight 1% dip due to “softness” in international travel to the U.S., guests who are visiting are spending more than ever. Per capita spending grew by 5%, driven largely by admissions, food and beverage, and merchandise sales.
The $60 Billion “Supercharge” is Underway
Disney confirmed that they are ramping up their massive 10-year investment plan. Park investment increased from $4.3 billion to $5 billion this quarter as several major projects go vertical. If you have visited Walt Disney World recently, you have likely seen the construction walls, and now we have a clearer picture of where that money is going:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: The transition of DinoLand U.S.A. into “Pueblo Esperanza” (Tropical Americas) is moving quickly. Construction on the Encanto-themed attraction and the new Indiana Jones adventure has officially gone vertical. While DinoLand and the DINOSAUR attraction closed in February 2026, the new land is on track for a 2027 opening.
- Magic Kingdom: Land clearing is well underway for the 11-acre expansion behind Frontierland. This area will eventually house the “Piston Peak” Cars-themed land and the highly anticipated Villains Land.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Construction is active on the Monsters, Inc. “Door Warehouse” coaster. Additionally, the Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, which is scheduled to open in Summer 2026 featuring the return of “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
Using AI to Fix Vacation Planning
One of the most interesting parts of the call was D’Amaro’s focus on technology. He acknowledged that planning a Disney vacation has become overly complex. To fix this, Disney is leaning into Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify the booking and planning process. The goal is to use AI to handle the logistics of Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections, dining reservations, and park hours, creating a more personalized and less stressful experience for families.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
The 2026 and 2027 seasons are shaping up to be a period of transformation. While construction is heavy right now, the company is seeing “healthy demand” and expects growth to accelerate. For those planning a visit this summer, look for the new Bluey and Bingo interactive experience at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station and the opening of the Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios.
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.