Is Disney’s Park Reservation System Going Away? Bob Iger Isn’t Sure

When Bob Iger once again stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, the excitement was palpable. Bob Chapek had been incredibly unpopular throughout his less than three years as CEO, so many were happy to see him gone. Iger took over as CEO on the evening of November 20 and hasn’t had too much time to settle back in — especially with the Thanksgiving holiday happening just days after he came back.

But now that he is back, people are asking questions, and Iger was hoping to answer some of them at the Town Hall-style meeting he held on November 28.

Credit: Disney

One of the most controversial decisions made by Chapek in his short time as CEO was to institute a reservation system at the Parks. Before, Guests could purchase their tickets and go to whatever Park at Disneyland or Disney World they wanted. Then COVID hit and things had to change.

When the theme parks reopened, there were strict attendance caps, so the Park Pass reservation system was brought in. However, as COVID measures were dropped and crowds increased, the reservation system became increasingly unpopular. However, Chapek continuously defended it, claiming that it guaranteed that everyone who came to Disney had a magical experience (which is highly debatable).

Credit: Screenshot Disney World Website

When Iger returned, Disney fans immediately started thinking of all the positive changes the Disney CEO could make — including getting rid of the reservation system. However, when he was asked about it at the Town Hall, he gave an answer that may not thrill a lot of people. While he admitted that a lot of bad things had been written about the reservation system, he wasn’t going to just get rid of it.

I have not used the reservation system. I’ve heard about it. A lot has been said and written about it. Some good. I want to hear more from Josh D’Amaro about it and use it before I make any decisions.

Credit: Disney

Josh D’Amaro is the Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products — the person who has his finger on the pulse of Disney Parks, so he should know what Guests love and what Guests hate. This includes the Disney Park pass reservations and the Park Hopping restrictions. Currently, Guests can not Park Hop around Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT until 2 p.m. every day. At Disneyland Resort, Park Hopping between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure begins at 1 p.m. daily.

Credit: Disney

Chapek made a lot of unpopular decisions during his tenure, and Josh D’Amaro was right by his side. If Iger wants Guests to know that he is determined to move Disney in a positive direction, teaming up with D’Amaro to really listen to what Guests love, hate, want, and don’t want, will be key.

Rumors have been swirling that Chapek was planning on ending the reservation system this winter, but was fired before he had the chance to do so. Neither Iger nor Chapek addressed those rumors.