It’s a big deal when the top brass of the Walt Disney Company show up at Walt Disney World. Despite the sprawling resort of 40 square miles being the crown jewel of the Disney Parks portfolio, getting down to Florida isn’t always something the Californian leaders want to do.
Featured Image Courtesy: @jaysquivel
When the leaders from Burbank are seen at Disney World, it’s often for a photo opportunity. It’s a chance to put a public relations spin on something. After all, traveling to Florida takes time out of being in southern California. Going to Disneyland is far less cumbersome. So it is important when someone like Robert Iger shows up that we take note of it and ask the question “why?”
@abigail_the_fun_princess on Instagram joined in the PR move from Disney’s top leadership, taking a photo of CEO Robert Iger, President of Disney Parks Josh D’Amaro, and Walt Disney World Vice President Jeff Vahle.
In the case of Iger visiting Disney World yesterday with other Disney VIPs, it may not have been all style with no substance. That’s unusual, but I am told by a source that there were actually important things on the docket while Mr. Iger was/is visiting. Here are the things relayed to me that Disney top leadership may be in town to discuss:
- Epcot looks like a construction zone still. This is years of the mess. Three things at Epcot are under consideration (allegedly) for the future:
- Iger is said to want his touch on the replacement for Harmonious. Chapek had a huge hand in making Harmonious, so tearing it down and replacing it with something that keeps Iger’s legacy alive a decade into the future is desirable.
- In an absolute shock to me, apparently the Disney leaders toured the Journey into Imagination building and backstage areas of the structure. No official word on what that was about, but Disney Parks may try to do a refresh on Journey in time for the forthcoming Figment movie.
- Although I couldn’t find out if they went near the Wonders of Life pavilion, allegedly there’s a new push to get that area at least turned into a premiere special event venue. There may be more.
Then at Animal Kingdom, I’m told there is extreme interest now in an expansion at Pandora. Two major areas exist for the company to push into with the most likely next spot being behind the Rainforest Café.
As for Iger showing up with D’Amaro and Vahle, even after D’Amaro had made a statement recently about his ability to make decisions sans approval from higher-ups…
… Maybe D’Amaro truly is in the running for the CEO position. I’ll have more on that very soon.
For all the latest news and rumors that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place. As always, drop a comment down below and let me know your thoughts.