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.
Do you feel as though Disney vacations are too expensive? Check out the warning about the high prices from a former Disney CEO.
Return of Bob Iger
Bob Iger returned as Disney CEO back in November 2022. Many were hopeful that many issues would be addressed with the return of Bob Iger. Since Iger’s return as Disney CEO, he has made a few big changes for the better.
Now guests can enjoy FREE parking at Walt Disney World Resorts, changes to the Disney Park Pass, and complimentary downloads for guests purchasing Disney Genie+. You can check out Bob Iger’s big plans for the Disney Parks this year HERE.
Previously we shared that Bob Iger was shocked by the overall increase in park prices. According to Wall Street Journal, “Mr. Iger was alarmed by increases in prices at Disney theme parks that Mr. Chapek argued would boost revenue and limit overcrowding.” Now a former Disney CEO weighs in on this discussion.
Eisner Speaks Out
Michael Eisner served as Disney’s CEO from 1984 until 2005. In an interview with CNBC, Eisner applauds Disney’s decision to bring back former CEO, Bob Iger. Eisner shares, “I think it was a great move for Disney.” He does admit that “there are tradewinds that he will have to deal with.” Disney fans expect a great turnaround by Iger and this is a bit of a daunting task, but one that Eisner feels Iger can handle.
Eisner even weighs in on the current state of Disney Parks. After his long tenure as Disney CEO, his perspective is invaluable. He states “you have to treat every Disney Park Guest as a VIP.” Eisner feels that the current prices at the Disney Parks are too high and warns to protect the Disney Brand.
Many Disney guests were shocked by the pricing of Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. This replaced the once FREE Fast Pass system and offers a sub-par experience.
Eisner warns that the current trend to “charge for every back house item” such as Disney Genie+ will dilute both the Disney name and brand. This is what many Disney Park guests have been feeling over the past few years.
Eisner warns that the current trend to “charge for every back house item” such as Disney Genie+ will dilute both the Disney name and brand.
What do you think of the overcharging currently taking place at Disney Parks? Do you agree with Eisner that this dilutes Disney’s name and brand? What changes do you hope Bob Iger makes to Disney Parks in the coming year? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
Using a Travel Agent can help you navigate the ins and outs of planning! I am here to help! Please fill out this form and put my name (DONNA) in the Special Request box.
Share the love!
Gary Carpenter
Friday 24th of March 2023
You are totally right it has become more of a jod than a vacation and prices are crazy .I wish they would go back to the way it was in the 90s
Chip
Friday 24th of March 2023
It seems to me that Chapek reign made Disney short sighted, no longer trying to play the long game by keeping loyal Disney lovers part of the family for life. No, let's get each new visitor for every penny we can and if they don't come back...oh well, we'll get the next one. This is great for this quarters stock returns but if you continue to run your business this way you will run the risk of a quick turn off as well, fickle customers create a bad social media buzz and just like that, parks and resorts are empty and during this time you have managed to alienate your loyal, long time customers. DVC members tend to need annual passes but "new" annual passes aren't being sold just so they can squeeze a few dollars more out of park visitors for that one visit, but if you can get passholders to visit 2-4 times in a year, won't they wind up spending more?
I'm not sure I see the logic when we know that the "old way" worked and built Disney into what it is/was...
Matt Talbot
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
I used to live in southern California and I had the pass when I was there. Partially during the Eisner years and the rest during Iger. Eisner was not a perfect CEO but he was better than Iger. A lot of the bad stuff we're dealing with started with Iger. Including Genie. We just got back from a Disneyland trip. 2 weeks ago. I can't believe how much it cost to make the trip to a park that is a sad parody of what it used to be. The maintenance is not being kept up at all. Rides broken down more often than they were working. Small world's clock apparently hasn't worked for months. The ride was dirty and has not been kept up. Many of the rides were in a state of disrepair. Many of the cast members were rude and almost angry. I used to love the cast members and my interaction with them, now I try to avoid it. Iger decided years ago that the festivals were easier and cheaper than giving new rides and experiences. Now the company is losing money on Disney+, Iger way overpayed for Fox, and Covid obviously didn't help. But then in the middle of Covid and the layoffs of your hourly cast members you give many executives massive bonuses. Including one to Christine McCarthy that was 11 million. It's not Walt's park anymore.
Jon
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
Eisner needs to com back. Maybe he can brin Disney Stores back and Hollywood Studios the way it was before some what.
Joan
Thursday 23rd of March 2023
Having been a visitor to WDW since it opened in ‘71. I believe Mr Eisner is spot on. In ‘84 we came w a family of 6 , stayed in the then treehouses - for 7 days , had so much fun we were able to extend our time for 3 more days and never had to move accommodations We went in parks almost every day. We were NOT rich. . In 90’s we became fl residents w annual passes and literally drove from Ft. Lauderdale to orlando EVERY other weekend. We were NOT RICh. And we’re a again a young family of 5. In ‘04 we bought DVC and went T least monthly - - to visit our college kids. We were NOT rich.
‘23. We haven’t been since covid , will not pay the exorbitant prices for passes or lightening lane , or use the reservation system that limits us. We bank our points.
We may go to hawaii and use them there.
Sad. But as active seniors we wish we could go and enjoy the new park attractions but refuse to to join the maddening crowds and encourage disney execs to think what they are doing is ok !