CEO Chapek Calls out California Governor, Touts NBA and ESPN Success

For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.

Chapek, speaking to investors and reporters via internet call, expressed frustration that California leadership has disallowed the parks to reopen. Read on for details.

This afternoon on the fourth quarter conference call, Disney CEO Bob Chapek touted the success of both the Florida parks reopening and the NBA season.

Chapek called the guidance from the California governor’s office “arbitrary” and insinuating that it is not based on science.

we believe state leadership should look objectively at what we have achieved based on science… setting an arbitrary standard precluding our cast members from getting back to work while decimating small businesses in the local community
-Disney CEO Bob Chapek November 12, 2020

Chapek stated he saw guest willingness to come to the Florida parks as a sign that the public is confident in the measures Disney has taken to protect them.

NBA Season

Chapek also pointed to the successful NBA season (and MLS, WNBA) as proof that Disney knew the right things to do to operate safely during the pandemic.

22 NBA teams played in 172 games over 92 days. Not only the teams but the accompanying media, coaches and support staff maintained Covid-free status inside the NBA bubble.

ESPN

The NBA season at Disney World did more for the company than simply showing their Covid-friendly capabilities. Live sports are a big boon for ESPN, and in turn the subscription ESPN+ service.