Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, presented the company’s strategic vision for its theme parks division at D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. The presentation emphasized a $60 billion investment planned over a decade, with particular attention to the company’s most devoted fans and frequent visitors. Among the announcements was the repair of the Expedition Everest yeti animatronic at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, which has remained stationary since 2006 after a mechanical failure led to its placement in “B-mode,” a strobe-light effect that earned it the affectionate nickname “Disco Yeti.”
Mazloum outlined a dual-track approach to the company’s parks strategy, balancing major expansions designed to attract less frequent out-of-state and international visitors with targeted improvements for annual passholders and regular attendees. Additional announcements included the return of characters Dreamfinder and Figment to Epcot, an overhaul of Tomorrowland in California, and the revival of nighttime spectaculars including “Remember Dreams Come True” at Disneyland and the original “World of Color” at California Adventure. The “Magic Happens” parade will also return to Disneyland.
Mazloum emphasized the importance of listening to consumer preferences and placing guests at the center of decision-making. Recent financial results supported this approach, with the Disney Experiences division posting nearly $10 billion in revenue during the most recent quarter, representing a 10% increase year-over-year and a quarterly record. Domestic park attendance rose 3% with guest spending increasing 4%, attributed partly to promotions like Cool Kids Summer and recent attraction refreshes including Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
The division continues work on long-term projects including Avengers Campus expansion, Villains Land, a Cars-themed Frontierland retheming, and the new Tropical Americas land. The Carousel of Progress refurbishment is expected to complete in late-spring 2027, with the Monstropolis land, based on Monsters, Inc., also scheduled to open that year. The strategy reflects Disney’s reliance on its extensive intellectual property library to drive visitation while maintaining appeal across different visitor demographics.
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