Disney’s New CEO and the Time Universal Forced Disney to Build Dinosaurs (Ep. 570)

A major leadership change headlines this week’s Disney Dish, as Disney officially names Josh D’Amaro its next CEO. Len and Jim break down what this move really means for the company, why Dana Walden’s new role matters just as much, and how this leadership shuffle could shape the future of Disney parks, entertainment, and creative decision-making. After a news-heavy first half, Jim then steps back in time to explain how Universal’s Jurassic Park strategy once forced Disney to rethink Animal Kingdom from the ground up.

NEWS
• Josh D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, officially replacing Bob Iger
• Dana Walden remains with the company as president and chief creative officer, easing industry concerns
• Disney Parks earnings show strong spending but hint at softer attendance trends
• New permits reveal expanded ferry capacity at the Magic Kingdom ahead of major land expansions
• Disneyland-area bus service faces cancellation, raising guest transportation concerns

FEATURE
• How Universal’s Jurassic Park success pressured Disney in the 1990s
• Why DinoLand USA moved ahead of Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom’s original plans
• How Disney used dinosaurs to counter Universal’s Islands of Adventure before it opened
• Why the Indiana Jones ride system became the foundation for Dinosaur the Ride

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - Instagram: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
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PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
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