For the first time in a decade, the “Disney Magic” is facing a crisis of confidence. While the theme park division remains a financial juggernaut, a growing segment of the most loyal fanbase—the “Legacy Fans”—has checked out. The reasons are a familiar litany: the loss of the “Disney Bubble,” a perceived decline in ride maintenance, and a pricing structure that feels increasingly like a luxury tax rather than a family vacation.
As the industry looks toward the next era of leadership, all eyes are on Josh D’Amaro. The current Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products has built a reputation as the “People’s Executive,” known for his crisp white shirts, his frequent park walks, and a genuine rapport with Cast Members. If and when D’Amaro takes the mantle of Disney CEO, he won’t just be managing a brand; he will be tasked with a cultural restoration.
To bring reluctant guests back to the Magic Kingdom, D’Amaro needs a radical blueprint that prioritizes value, reliability, and nostalgia. Here is how he can fix the parks and win back the hearts of millions.
1. Restore the “Disney Bubble”: Bring Back the Magical Express
The single most damaging decision of the last five years wasn’t a price hike; it was the cancellation of Disney’s Magical Express. This complimentary airport shuttle was the psychological anchor of a Walt Disney World vacation. It removed the stress of luggage, car rentals, and traffic, effectively “locking” guests into the magic from the moment they landed at MCO.
D’Amaro’s first move should be to bring it back. Reinstating a free, high-quality airport shuttle signals that Disney cares about the guest’s journey, not just their wallet. It restores the “worry-free” environment that once separated Disney from every other vacation destination on earth.
2. End the “Nickel-and-Diming”: Free MagicBands for All
In the grand scheme of a multi-billion-dollar company, the cost of a basic MagicBand is negligible. Yet, charging resort guests $35 for the “key” to their room and their park tickets feels like a slight. By returning to a “Free MagicBand for every resort guest” policy, D’Amaro can eliminate a significant pain point and start the vacation on a note of generosity rather than a transaction.
3. The Maintenance Mandate: A War on Downtime
In early 2026, ride reliability became the #1 complaint among park-goers. From the glitchy “zombie” animatronics at Frozen Ever After to the frequent evacuations at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the high-tech future is stuttering.
D’Amaro must launch a “Show Standard Initiative.” This means shifting the budget from marketing back into maintenance. Guests will pay a premium if the rides work perfectly, but they will never forgive a $180 ticket that buys them three hours of standing in “Experience Recovery” lines. If it’s broken, fix it—don’t put it in “B-Mode.”
4. Fix the “Imagination” Hole
For over 20 years, Journey Into Imagination with Figment has been the “unfinished homework” of EPCOT. To the core fanbase, the current version of the ride is a symbol of a company that has lost its creative nerve.
D’Amaro has a golden opportunity to win back the “Original EPCOT” crowd by announcing a top-to-bottom, “budget-no-object” reimagining of the pavilion. Bring back the Dreamfinder, use modern trackless-ride technology, and create a genuinely imaginative experience. It would be the ultimate peace offering to the fans who feel Disney has forgotten its heritage.
5. A Modern Face-Lift for The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is a sacred cow, but even ghosts need a refresh. While the Hatbox Ghost was a welcome addition, much of the ride’s physical infrastructure and 1960s-era lighting is showing its age. D’Amaro should oversee a “Prudence & Polish” update: keep the story exactly as it is, but upgrade the Pepper’s Ghost effects to modern standards and ensure the audio-animatronics are as fluid as they have been in 50 years.
6. Lower the “Entry Floor” Pricing
The narrative that Disney has “priced out the middle class” is a dangerous one for the brand’s long-term health. D’Amaro should implement a “Family First” pricing tier. This isn’t about lowering the price of a Saturday in October; it’s about ensuring that off-peak “Value” days are genuinely affordable. By creating a clear, low-cost entry point for families on a budget, he can ensure the next generation of fans isn’t lost to regional parks.
7. Fix the Lightning Lane Friction
The current paid skip-the-line system is a masterclass in “phone-fatigue.” D’Amaro needs to simplify the digital experience. Whether it’s moving back toward a pre-arrival booking system or simply streamlining the app to require fewer “taps,” the goal should be to get guests off their screens and back into the park. A vacation shouldn’t feel like a data-entry job.
8. Bring Back the “Studio” in Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become a collection of incredible “lands” with no cohesive theme. D’Amaro should double down on the Art of Disney Animation and “behind-the-scenes” experiences. By balancing the thrills of Star Wars with the “How it’s Made” magic that the park was founded on, he can restore the park’s identity and offer guests more high-capacity indoor activities.
9. Transparency on the $17 Billion Expansion
Fans are tired of “Blue Sky” art that never turns into dirt. D’Amaro must be the CEO of Action. When he announced Villains Land or the Monsters, Inc. Land, he needed to provide a concrete “Completion Date.” Transparency builds trust. If the fans can see the progress, they will be willing to wait (and pay) for the result.
10. Invest in the Cast Members
Finally, D’Amaro knows better than anyone that the “Magic” is actually the people. To win back guests, he must first win back the Cast Members. Better pay, better benefits, and a renewed focus on the “Disney Way” training will result in the legendary service that made guests feel special. A happy, empowered cast member is the best marketing tool Disney has ever had.
Conclusion: The Man for the Moment
Josh D’Amaro is uniquely positioned because he actually likes the fans. He is a fan himself. If he can pivot from being the “face of the parks” to being the “architect of the guest experience,” he can reverse the trend of reluctant visitors.
The fix isn’t complicated; it’s just a matter of priorities. If you bring back the value, fix the rides, and respect the history, the guests won’t just come back—they’ll get their children, and the cycle of magic will begin again.
Do you believe Josh D’Amaro is the right leader to save the parks? Which of these 10 moves do you think is the most urgent? Let us know in the comments!
My Reply is… for Josh D’Amore to Take Away Blockout Dates for The Retirees. When the Retirees are the ones that Helped with the Imagination of Disneyland, Walt Disney World!!!!!