3 Josh D’Amaro Decisions Disney Fans Hated That Are Now Paying Off

Disney fans don’t just visit the parks. They invest emotionally in them. Families plan for years. Adults relive childhood memories the moment they step onto Main Street. When something changes, reactions arrive instantly. And loudly.

That passion makes the parks special. It also means every decision sparks debate.

Here’s the part many don’t want to admit: some of the most criticized moves tied to Josh D’Amaro have worked precisely as intended.

With Bob Iger preparing to step down and D’Amaro taking over as CEO on March 18, 2026, it’s worth reassessing a few controversial calls. Fans pushed back hard. But in several key areas, D’Amaro read the room better than critics expected.

A New Chapter Begins for Disney Leadership

Bob Iger steadied the company during a turbulent stretch. Now Disney enters another transition. Josh D’Amaro, currently leading Disney Experiences, will officially take over as CEO in March 2026.

That shift carries weight. It signals confidence in the direction the parks, cruise lines, and consumer products divisions have taken under his leadership.

As Chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro oversaw major expansions, new lands, pricing shifts, and technology updates. Not all of those decisions won applause. But applause and profitability rarely align perfectly.

That tension sets the stage for what comes next.

Lightning Lane Didn’t Collapse Under Criticism

Few changes angered longtime fans more than the move away from FastPass to Lightning Lane. Guests argued that it complicated planning. They disliked paying extra for ride access that once felt included.

And yet, Lightning Lane keeps selling.

Even when prices climb during peak seasons, families purchase it. Guests who complain about the system still opt in because they want to make the most of their day. Time feels more valuable than principle once you’re inside the park.

The model generates additional revenue while preserving base ticket demand. It gives guests a choice. Whether fans love it or not, they continue to support it with their wallets. That reality validates the strategy.

IP Still Drives the Biggest Crowds

Another flashpoint centers on intellectual property. Some fans miss original concepts. They feel nostalgic about retired classics.

But attendance patterns tell a clear story.

Frozen Ever After draws steady lines. Rise of the Resistance commands attention from park open to park close. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind quickly became a headline attraction.

Guests flock to stories they already love. New lands built around recognizable franchises generate excitement months in advance. Social media buzz builds. Opening days overflow with demand.

It’s reasonable to expect future IP-driven lands to attract heavier waits than legacy attractions that once anchored the parks, such as Muppet Vision 3D or Rivers of America. Emotional attachment matters, but recognizable brands move crowds.

D’Amaro leaned into that reality. The results support the decision.

Premium Experiences Continue to Fill Up

Higher-priced add-ons sparked another wave of criticism. Building a lightsaber costs hundreds. Princess makeovers require a sizable budget. After-hours events and seasonal parties add separate admission costs.

Guests voice frustration.

Then those experiences sell out.

Families reserve specialty offerings months in advance. Limited-capacity events often reach availability limits. Disney created tiers for the vacation, and many guests choose to participate.

Premium options increase per-guest spending without increasing daily attendance. In a park environment with limited space, that matters.

What This Signals for the Future

As D’Amaro prepares to assume the CEO position, expect consistency rather than reversal. Disney will likely continue to prioritize high-demand IP, tiered experiences, and revenue-per-guest strategies.

Fans will still debate decisions. They will still miss retired attractions. But D’Amaro has shown that he studies behavior as closely as he listens to feedback.

That balance may define the next chapter of Disney parks.

The Reality Fans May Not Like

No one expects universal agreement inside the Disney community. Debate fuels engagement.

Still, Lightning Lane adoption, IP demand, and premium sellouts suggest these strategies succeeded. D’Amaro may not win every popularity contest, but as he prepares to replace Bob Iger on March 18, 2026, the numbers indicate he has positioned the parks on a solid financial footing.

Fans don’t have to love every change.

But sometimes, the results speak for themselves.