From a revenue perspective, Disney’s parks have rebounded incredibly from the pandemic. Bookings are up, sales are up, things are looking good for Disney’s in person attractions. The entertainment giant might be losing money on streaming with Disney+, but if they can hook their audiences with TV and movies it seems they can extract maximum value with their in-person entertainment.
But there is growing noise about just how expensive Disney’s parks have become. The company calls it “yield management” which is a euphemism for trying to maximise the amount each customer spends (Wall Street Journal explainer here).
This article takes a look at the post-pandemic Disney theme park. At the rising costs and yield management, at the staffing shortages and broken rides, and at the new My Disney Experience app that has long-time Disney fans up in arms. Disney’s parks division has long been a jewel in its crown, is its push to maximise revenue killing the Disney magic?
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