Skip to Content

Chapek speaks out about not attending Destination D23

Chapek speaks out about not attending Destination D23


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 is speaking out about not attending Destination D23 this year. Find out what he had to say right here.

Destination D23

Credit: D23

Destination D23: A Fan-tastic Disney Celebration will be held at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from November 19th-21st, 2021. This event will coincide with Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The event is sold out. However, general members and other fans can still enjoy select events. D23 is providing free access to select events through live streaming. You can tune in to a lot of the fun from your own home. See the full schedule HERE.

No Bob

Credit: Marisol

When this event was first announced Disney CEO Bob Chapek was announced to be in attendance for the official welcome. As we shared yesterday, Bob Chapek’s name has now been removed from the lineup.

Many Disney fans speculated that this may be due to Chapek’s diminished popularity with Disney fans due to recent changes in the company. This was clearly speculation, but then Disney has released a statement explaining why Bob Chapek will not be in attendance.

Credit: Disney

Disney spokeswoman, Jacquee Wahler stated, “Bob has a conflict in LA on Friday night and couldn’t make it back to Orlando on time.” This is the “official” statement from Disney, but it appears that a CEO of a company would prioritize such an important event for Guests and fans.

Bob Speaks Out

Credit: KtP

On the D23 Inside Disney podcast, Bob Chapek shared the following statement:

“I’m sorry. I had every intention of trying to make it this year, as you know I’ve made the last several. I really love that event. Unfortunately, this year given the new job and given the tugs I get from several different areas it’s impossible for me to make it, but I will be there in spirit.”

What do you think? Do you think he really does have a conflicting event? Join the conversation in the comments below and on Facebook.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jason Smith

Saturday 20th of November 2021

Bob Paycheck knew he wasn’t welcome there! He’s been great at giving park goers less for more!

Joyce L Lambert

Saturday 20th of November 2021

Cindi you are absolutely correct. Companies need to make money especially when they have stockholders. However, this can be done without the vast inconveniences to their customers. This Genie+ and the additional Genie (whatever its called) is confusing and costly. Many complaints are you spend more time on your phone then enjoying the parks. Just increase the price ot the tickets and keep fast pass. How do they make money on reservations for the parks?? This is the worst. Many of their changes are costly to the company and they don't please the guests. EPCOT's new fireworks display - ruins the view of the park sitting there all day. Then there is Splash Mountain, The Great Movie Ride, even Jungle Cruise - was that really a needed change in the middle of COVID losses? There are ways to re-coop lost monies without ruining the enjoyment for the guests.

susan a lawless

Friday 19th of November 2021

I'm hoping that his other meeting is a job interview. For a non-Disney company.

Cindi Evans

Friday 19th of November 2021

Yes I think it was a lame excuse and one that everyone can see through. I Don't like some of the changes that are being made either. But, having said that, Disney is just like every company out there that lost huge amounts of money because of COVID. They have to raise their prices. They are constantly adding new attractions and that takes money.

Kelly Mix

Friday 19th of November 2021

This man is flat out ruining everything single thing there is about the parks! Why does Disney not see this?? It’s from the paid parking at the way overpriced resorts to the portions of the food being scaled back to the ticket prices. The new nighttime show music at EPCOT is not good and not to mention no more magical express. Plus the Mickey waffles are disappearing in so of the parks. This is just the beginning of what he is doing. I do understand that Disney is a business, I also know what’s Walt’s values was and this man is not it. He needs to go!!!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.