Josh D’Amaro, the esteemed chairman of Disney Experiences, confidently expressed that he does not perceive the new Epic Universe theme park from NBCUniversal as a threat to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. In fact, he believes that the opening of this competitive destination will actually enhance visitor numbers to Disney’s iconic parks, positioning them as must-visit locations for tourists exploring the broader Orlando area.
During his insightful remarks at the MoffettNathanson Media, Web & Communications Conference, D’Amaro emphasized Disney’s proactive stance in the theme park industry. He stated, “We’re constantly on the offensive… We’re continually investing for the future, strengthening each and every one of our theme parks.” This approach showcases Disney’s commitment to innovation and customer engagement, ensuring that it remains a leader in the competitive entertainment sector.
He elaborated, stating that the construction of new attractions in Central Florida, such as Epic Universe, is beneficial as it draws new tourists to the region. He confidently asserted that any visitor to this new park will inevitably want to experience the magic of Magic Kingdom, further solidifying Disney’s position in the market as a premier entertainment destination.
The highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe is set to officially open its doors on May 22, 2025. This expansive project spans 750 acres, making it the largest of Universal Orlando’s three theme parks. It promises an exhilarating experience with over 50 attractions spread across five uniquely themed worlds, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and Dark Universe. This development indicates a significant shift in the Orlando theme park landscape.
In his discussion, D’Amaro also highlighted Disney’s ambitious plans to establish a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, a project that was announced just last week. He mentioned that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Disneyland in Anaheim, making the upcoming Abu Dhabi park a notable milestone as it will be the company’s seventh theme park resort. He emphasized that the decision to open a new park occurs only once every decade, showcasing the magnitude of this undertaking.
“We recognized a strong demand for Disney products globally,” D’Amaro remarked concerning the company’s exploration of potential locations for its next park. The focus was on the Middle East, ultimately leading to the choice of Abu Dhabi. He pointed out that a staggering one-third of the world’s population is within a four-hour flight radius of Abu Dhabi, highlighting its significance as a major global crossroads for travelers.
While Disney has not yet shared a specific timeline for the construction or opening of the new park, it is being developed in collaboration with Miral, a well-known Abu Dhabi-based company specializing in immersive destinations and experiences. This partnership involves Miral financing the park’s development under Disney’s licensing. Disney plans to maintain creative control and oversight of the Abu Dhabi park, which will be situated on Yas Island, a premier destination for leisure and entertainment, attracting tourists from the Middle East, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. The new park aims to seamlessly integrate Disney’s beloved stories, characters, and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning coastlines, and impressive architecture.
D’Amaro has expressed that the Abu Dhabi resort will be “the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio,” providing a unique setting that will enable Disney to share its stories in entirely new and innovative ways. This aligns with Disney’s ongoing commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for guests and pushing the boundaries of entertainment.
In 2023, Disney announced its intention to significantly increase capital expenditures in the Disney Experiences segment, allocating $60 billion over the next decade—almost double the amount spent in the previous ten years. D’Amaro noted that when CEO Bob Iger returned to the helm in November 2022, he recognized the vast potential for growth within Disney’s theme park business. “Josh, we’ve gotta turbo-charge this business,” Iger emphasized, according to D’Amaro’s account.
“We’ve only begun to explore the depth of the stories we can tell,” D’Amaro remarked, highlighting that Disney parks have yet to introduce attractions inspired by popular films such as Coco and Black Panther. This statement reflects Disney’s commitment to continually evolving its offerings and providing fresh experiences for visitors.
Artist’s rendering of Disney’s Abu Dhabi theme park resort
The Walt Disney Company
In the first quarter of 2025, revenue within Disney’s Experiences segment, which encompasses theme parks, cruises, resorts, and consumer products, witnessed a significant increase of 6%, reaching $8.89 billion. The overall operating income for this segment rose by 9% to $2.49 billion, driven by a 13% growth in domestic parks and experiences, alongside a 14% increase in consumer merchandise, which helped offset a 23% decline in international theme parks. For the fiscal year 2025, Disney anticipates a 6%-8% growth in operating income for the theme park and consumer merchandise sectors, reflecting a positive outlook for the company’s future.
D’Amaro is reportedly one of the internal candidates being considered by Disney’s board as a potential successor to CEO Bob Iger, whose contract is set to expire at the end of 2026. The board, chaired by James Gorman, has indicated that it aims to announce a new CEO early next year, which adds an intriguing layer to D’Amaro’s role within the company during this transitional period.
Beginning his journey at Disney in 1998 at the Disneyland Resort, D’Amaro has amassed 27 years of experience within the company, holding various leadership roles globally and domestically. His impressive career includes serving as CFO for Disney Consumer Products, chief commercial officer for Walt Disney World Resort, and numerous positions in business planning, strategy, marketing, creative, and operations. Before ascending to the role of chairman of Disney Experiences, D’Amaro was the president of both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, showcasing his extensive expertise in the theme park industry.
