Bob Iger on Disney's Next Big Moves: Parks Expansion and Competition From Universal Epic Universe

May 15, 2024 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Bob Iger

Posted: Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

In this morning's MoffettNathanson Media and Communications Summit, Disney CEO Bob Iger provided detailed insights into the company's strategic approach to its parks and resorts while highlighting significant upcoming projects and investments.

Iger emphasized the return on invested capital in Disney's parks and resorts, describing it as one of the company's highest-yielding segments. "I looked at the return on invested capital in our parks and resorts unit over my tenure, and it was extraordinary," he said.

During the interview, Bob Iger highlighted the performance of Disney's parks in the last quarter, noting that all parks achieved record revenue, per capita spending, and attendance, with the sole exception of Disney World. "We had record revenue in all of our parks, record per capita spending, and record attendance in every one of our parks except Disney World, which was still strong," Iger stated.

Iger says that big recent investments at Walt Disney World will serve Disney will in competing with Universal

International Growth and Development

Iger provided updates on Disney's international parks, emphasizing their growth and potential.

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland has become the top tourist destination in Shanghai and significantly boosted Disney's brand affinity in China. "Shanghai Disneyland has had a huge impact on brand affinity in China. It's the number one tourist destination in Shanghai," Iger said.

Hong Kong Disneyland has seen steady growth, with recent expansions and continued development. At Disneyland Paris, the second park, previously known as Walt Disney Studios, has undergone significant investment and expansion. Iger noted, "We've been investing nicely in the second park in Paris, which will ultimately be renamed, and there are a lot more attractions being built that will open in the next two to three years."

Competition and Future Growth

Iger addressed the competition from Universal's new Epic Universe park in Orlando, expressing confidence in Disney's IP and the strategic investments made over recent years. "We've had competition for a long time. I'm mindful of what they're doing, but I'm confident in what we've built and will continue to grow," he stated. He continued that Galaxy's Edge, the expansive Star Wars-themed land, has been a significant draw, featuring two e-ticket attractions that have wowed guests since its opening. Similarly, Tron Lightcycle Run, a coaster inspired by the Tron franchise, has become a popular addition, first debuting in Shanghai and later in Disney World.

Universal Epic Universe – Bird’s-Eye View map

Finally, Iger touched on the continued popularity and multi-generational appeal of Disney's parks and cruises, highlighting their resilience and the lasting value they provide. "The experience that we deliver, whether it's at a park or on a cruise ship, is an extraordinary experience that I think where the value is not going away. It's showing no signs of ebbing at all," he said.

Bob Iger

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JoeCamel31 days ago

Nothing like 3000 people flooding into a port area - magic! Recalls the joy of rope dropping a park or being first on a new ride - magic!

HauntedPirate31 days ago

And likely why Disney is ordering three smaller ships after their third (mistake of) copying the Wish.

etc9831 days ago

I think part of the problem is with these huge ships, there are a limited number of ports that can accommodate them, so they’re stuck going to the same ones over and over again. Smaller ships have a much larger number of ports they can visit.

wannabeBelleFeb 23, 2025

I agree, I tend toward Celebrity but like Royal for a lot of it's offerings as well. It is a tough choice but a good one to have!! With the status matching between the two lines though, it is an easy choice to select one of those two lines. Marie

DisDude33Feb 23, 2025

There is some stuff being torn down in AK and word on Main Street is that prep work is about to begin in MK. So, yeah?

Indy_UKFeb 23, 2025

I haven't really been around for a little while... Are they Turbocharging investment and building yet?

MR.DisFeb 23, 2025

I have cruised with my daughter and her 2 kids three times (fourth this May). The 2 boys are 6 years apart. The younger goes to the kid's club and gets upset when we come to get him for dinner because he is having too much fun. The older one who is now a teenager, goes to the Teen club, makes friends, and disappears for hours doing whatever teenagers do. They look forward to going, which if anyone has a teenager is very strange since they normally complain about everything- LOL.

TheMaxReboFeb 23, 2025

Definitely found that with Utopia that was more of a party vibe and just doing the 3 adn 4 day sailings and Icon and Star are really just doing a lot of repeat ports ... I am glad they announced their newest Icon class ship, Legend of the Seas, will be doing some different options - starting in Europe for a few months and then will do 6 day western and 8 day southern Caribbean. Not amazingly unique but at least different options form where the other mega ships are going - so I think they have got the hint they need to mix up the ports a bit

BrianLoFeb 23, 2025

Definitely. DCL’s problem remains market share. They can get away with their prices because they are such a niche line. Royal (just the line, not the parent company) has like 5.5X more tickets to sell. Therefore price budges. I don’t want to say I foresee them becoming cheaper, just that I foresee the delta between them and maybe Celebrity to become more similar again. DCL historically wasn’t that out of lock step, but they (until now) haven’t had an expansion plan to keep up with their growing demand. I very much expect we’ll see them still have new ships annually even beyond 2031. Royal I think is definitely the best for families, especially with slightly older kids. Unfortunately (a me problem) they are really exclusively going for that demo these days and it’s making their itineraries way too short and repetitive. Hard product I want them to be my favourite line, but the soft product doesn’t match. But that’s what Celebrity covers nicely.

TheMaxReboFeb 22, 2025

We haven't cruise a lot but we have done Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Viking. There are definitely things that DCL does better/very good (service, included food, entertainment, etc) plus has the Disney characters, etc - so if the things they do well are important to you I can see it being worth it. We find for our family Royal Caribbean is the best as there is a lot more variety to the offerings, especially entertainment (some of the stage shows are just as good/better than what Disney does) and it is quite a bit cheaper (though newer ships are getting a bit pricier). Just every time I price out a Disney Cruise I just can't justify the price. We are a family of 5 so either need two rooms or cram in a family room (which are more expensive) so that is probably part of it, but still ... I get them being at a premium price but for us just not worth *how* much more it is - for people that think it is worth it for them though I do get it

HoustonHornFeb 22, 2025

Our first cruise was a group of 12 - 6 adults, 6 children. The adults did Enchante, and the night before, we told our team we wouldn't see them the next night and that we'd just take the kids to the buffet. Our lead server said to just send the kids (4-10 at the time) to them, and they would take care of them and get them to the kids' club after. We thought he was joking, but that's exactly what we did. The kids absolutely loved it, and we were able to have an awesome meal with no worries. Fast forward a year, and we did another cruise with the same families, and the main thing that the kids cared about was whether they were going to get their kids' dinner without us. The other thing I like is that by night 2, they would just bring our drinks and knock stuff off of dishes that we didn't like without being reminded. So I'm a big fan of the rotational dining.