11 Things We Learned from Josh D’Amaro’s First Day as Disney CEO

On his first official day as The Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer, Josh D’Amaro spent a significant portion of the 2026 Disney Annual Shareholders Meeting engaging directly with investors and fans. In a wide-ranging Q&A session, D’Amaro tackled questions on everything from park operations and pricing to the company’s long-term strategy for artificial intelligence. 

Here’s a quick look at what he had to say:

Parks & Guest Experience

1. IP Strategy: D’Amaro emphasized a balanced approach to storytelling, focusing on both extending massive franchises like Toy Story and Moana and nurturing original breakout hits like Hoppers.

2. Lightning Lane Differences: Addressing the differences between Lightning Lane at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, he explained that the systems are custom-fit to how guests use each resort—noting the “compact footprint” of Disneyland allows for more spontaneous visits compared to the advanced planning typical in Florida. Read more here

3. Pricing & Accessibility: Acknowledging that a Disney visit is a meaningful investment, D’Amaro pointed to flexible pricing and special offers—like the current $50 kids’ ticket at Disneyland—as key tools for maintaining high guest satisfaction ratings.

4. Disability Access (DAS): He reaffirmed that accessibility is foundational to Disney, noting that the current DAS program is built on consultations with medical experts to provide individualized support for families. He said at this point no changes are on the horizon, but their approach may continue to evolve. 

Technology & Innovation

5. The Role of AI: In one of the most anticipated questions of the day, D’Amaro said Disney is using AI and machine learning to empower human creativity, not replace it. He described technology as an “amplifier” for storytelling that will never come at the expense of the trust fans place in the brand. Read more here

6. Digital Centerpiece: D’Amaro described Disney+ as the “digital centerpiece” of the company, evolving into a portal that connects films, games, and physical park experiences into a unified ecosystem.

Financial Strategy

7. Capital Allocation: Leadership is doubling down on the Disney Experiences segment, which has generated consistently high returns on investment over the last decade.

8. Shareholder Returns: D’Amaro highlighted a fiscal 2026 goal to buy back $7 billion in shares—double the amount repurchased in 2025—while maintaining a “Single A” credit rating.

9. Stock Split & M&A: Management clarified that there are no current plans for a stock split and that the company’s current portfolio of assets (including Fox, Marvel, and Lucasfilm) puts them “well ahead of the curve.”

Fan Favorites & EPCOT

10. Imagination Pavilion: Addressing specific feedback on the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival, D’Amaro confirmed there are currently no plans to update the film rotation, though he praised the emotional power of Pixar’s short-form storytelling.

11. The “Figment” Question: It seems to be shareholder tradition that there’s a Figment question, and this year was no different. D’Amaro addressed the future of the EPCOT icon. While stopping short of announcing a new film, he noted that the team is “always exploring” new ways for guests to engage with the character, citing his recent appearance in the How Not to Draw short.