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Josh D’Amaro, Chairman Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, shares the positive changes that the Disney Parks have experienced with the Parks reopening and promises that the Disney magic will return to Disney Parks once again. Join with us for a full overview of his interview.
Josh D’Amaro’s Keynote Address
Josh D’Amaro delivered a keynote address this morning for the IAAPA Expo Virtual Education Conference. The IAAPA is The Global Association for the Attractions Industry. The year 2020 has truly been a trying year for many including those in the attraction and entertainment industry.
D’Amaro kicks off this week-long virtual event to share those things that the Disney Parks have found success in with the phased reopening and the magic that they hope to bring back in the future.
This address is delivered in true Disney style as D’Amaro delivers his keynote address throughout a still closed Disneyland Park. In regards to the extended closure of Disneyland, D’Amaro states, (We’ve) “Well documented our disappointment that Disneyland is forced to remain closed.”
Connected Even in Closure
Truly one of the saddest days during the pandemic was when all of the Disney Parks across the globe were closed. Disney Parks have rarely closed in the past and never for such an extended period of time.
The challenge was how to keep Disney fans engaged even while all future Disney travel plans were an unknown. D’Amaro shares, “We’ve learned a lot in this COVID time, including how nimble we can be to stay connected and create experiences for Guests.”
We were happy to see so many great experiences on the My Disney Experience app and on the Disney websites. Disney shared ride and learn experiences from popular attractions, virtual views of fireworks, and great recipes.
“We’ve learned a lot in this covid-19 time, including how nimble we can be to stay connected and create experiences for guests.”
Josh D’Amaro
Reopening Success
The use of Mobile Ordering was emphasized with the phased reopening of Walt Disney World. D’Amaro shares, “84% of all food orders are done via Mobile Order in the pandemic-era, up from less than 10% utilization before.”
“84% of all food orders are done via mobile order in the pandemic-era, up from less than 10% utilization before.”
Josh D’Amaro
Regarding the Park Pass Reservation system, D’Amaro shared that Disney was able to develop this in weeks what may have realistically taken a year. The title for D’Amaro’s keynote address was “Evolving our business, redefining our future.”
The Walt Disney Company truly has mastered this during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although holiday offerings and Guest experiences are not the same as in years past, they were able to modify experiences even during this phased reopening.
Future of Disney Magic
In regards to the future of the Disney Parks, D’Amaro encourages all Imagineers to “dare bigger and better” than before.
Many Disney fans were greatly disappointed to hear of the massive Disney layoffs and to learn that many great entertainers and shows would not be returning to the Disney Parks. Today D’Amaro shared, “Disney plans on bringing back entertainment that they recently had to discontinue indefinitely.“
“Disney plans on bringing back entertainment that they recently had to discontinue indefinitely.”
Josh D’Amaro
Conclusion
To end this keynote address, D’Amaro shares standing in front of the iconic Partner’s Statue in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. D’Amaro encourages the attraction industry, “Climb on the shoulders of this legend and fly.”
“climb on the shoulders of this legend and fly.”
Josh D’Amaro
This is such an encouraging world for so many in the attraction industry that have experienced setbacks due to COVID-19. What do you think of the promise that entertainers will return? What do you think of the re-imagined Guest experiences? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.
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