In Defense of Bob Chapek

[Ms Bibbidi]

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[DVacationer]

Um no. Disneyland is the gold standard. Just the culture and the history there can't be matched. I always envision walking in Walt's footsteps throughout the park. Toyko just doesn't have the history that Disneyland has. I'm just shocked how they let Disneyworld slip so much.

As a Disneyland local, I have to disagree. Yes Disneyland has the history and holds a very special place because of Walt. However, Tokyo has become the gold standard in the theme park industry. You compare the attractions, shows, even the merchandise, it’s a cut above.

 

[BrianL]

As a Disneyland local, I have to disagree. Yes Disneyland has the history and holds a very special place because of Walt. However, Tokyo has become the gold standard in the theme park industry. You compare the attractions, shows, even the merchandise, it’s a cut above.

Yeah, it's understandable to have a more emotional conection with Disneyland, I mean - I do with WDW too - but objectively the Tokyo Disney Resort just outdoes them on every level.

 

[ChipnDale79]

What limits are you referring to

the park reservation system and not being able to park hop until 2.

 

[ChipnDale79]

Even if there isn't any data or evidence to say so, there is a lot more guest dissatisfaction with Disney's current management than before. Iger and even Eisner had their criticisms but I have never seen it to the level that Chapek has received. I do think Chapek was kind of left to fail since a lot of the decisions he has been criticized for were initiated by Iger but Chapek still had a hand in what people are upset the most (i.e park reservations) and the fact that he seems to be prioritizing promoting Disney+ over the parks. It's gotten to a point where just today, I was reading a thread on WDWmagic where people were practically BEGGING OLC (the company that owns Tokyo Disneyland) to take ownership of the US parks. People would rather a Japanese company own the Disney parks than Disney themselves. I find that to be so sad and this isn't even something I saw mentioned in that thread. People in Disney Facebook groups I'm in wish for it too.

I was not a big fan of Iger's, and i agree Chapek is having to take it on the nose for some things that were decided when Iger was in charge, but its not like Chapek didnt have a say in those things, he was the number 2 and had a lot of sway.

 

[middlechild]

I was not a big fan of Iger's, and i agree Chapek is having to take it on the nose for some things that were decided when Iger was in charge, but its not like Chapek didnt have a say in those things, he was the number 2 and had a lot of sway.

A little more respect for challenges facing Chapek, after that blog from Valliant Renegade yesterday. I am thinking now that Chapek knows the parks, knows he can push the revenue envelope for a short period of time (yr? 2?) and then offer discounts, bounce backs, etc to keep parks full long term. But that injection of cash to give time to bring other components in line. Pixar and Lucasfilm, in general, will not be the cash cow due to straying from basic storytelling and from canon. Broadcast TV, and ESPN in particular, have to be pulled back from political theater. Cricket licensing overseas for example, deciding not to pursue streaming rights. Disney+ subscriptions timing out of market agreements made in the past could drop subscriber numbers. What to do about Hulu. I believe if all these and more had straightforward answers, Iger would still be CEO. But they don't, all difficult, and all invoke passion among customers and employees alike. Add in external factors like the upheaval in society caused by Covid and social app influencers and the abysmally short attention span of people, he will have to have thick skin and broad shoulders to be successful as CEO.

 

[bakenatj]

I'd be curious what you think about this: https://www.wellandgood.com/likable-person-test/ (obviously some aspects of likability are subjective - I don't like smarmy politicians or preachers, but many do). But there are some elements that matter and I don't see a ton of people lining up to hear Bob Chapek give a TED talk. I'm positive he has a lot of great qualities - there's a charisma factor that some find lacking and that matters in some elements of business.

My problem with "Likeable" is what people have turned that into. Likable, in today's world, means not offending. Likable in my view is someone that draws people by just how they handle themselves. Confident, but not cocky. Humility and grace are characteristics that people are drawn to. I see motivational speakers and PR people strutting around in sharp suits and acting flamboyant and that is what people now think is powerful and can control a crowd.

My experience in building relationships and having people "buy into what you are selling" is just being honest, diligent, and delivering on what you promise. Respect the people you lead and lead by example. If you do that and are REAL, you will be likeable. All this other stuff that coaches are telling everyone to do, is garbage in my opinion.

 

[Moliphino]

So you never got up at exactly 6am 60 days out and got shut out of rides you wanted?

Nope. Plus you then had 60 days to tweak things and get it just right.

 

[BrianL]

My problem with "Likeable" is what people have turned that into. Likable, in today's world, means not offending. Likable in my view is someone that draws people by just how they handle themselves. Confident, but not cocky. Humility and grace are characteristics that people are drawn to. I see motivational speakers and PR people strutting around in sharp suits and acting flamboyant and that is what people now think is powerful and can control a crowd.

My experience in building relationships and having people "buy into what you are selling" is just being honest, diligent, and delivering on what you promise. Respect the people you lead and lead by example. If you do that and are REAL, you will be likeable. All this other stuff that coaches are telling everyone to do, is garbage in my opinion.

It has to do with charisma though. What is "offensive" varies, but some can say the same things in different ways and not spark controversy. It's an innate skill really, and unfortunately Chapek doesn't have it. Aside fromt hat, do you think Chapek is actually being "honest, diligent, and delivering on promises"? I'm not sure that I see those things in him either.

 

[wfjny]

Trump did the same thing October 2020 in case you’re interested.

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/t...students-free-entrance-national-parks-refuges

Yes. Sorry, I was not trying to make a political statement.

The point I was trying to get across is that I believe humans in general, and American in particular, look at something as what is in it for me. In that story, I was happy when I believed "My Family" would have free admission to the national parks, and thought it was a complete waste when I found out I was not eligible.

I think many people look at how something directly impacts us, and not everyone.

I feel that many of the changes at Disney since Chapek took over has negatively impacted our experience. But I must admit, not all are his fault.

 

[Moliphino]

As a Disneyland local, I have to disagree. Yes Disneyland has the history and holds a very special place because of Walt. However, Tokyo has become the gold standard in the theme park industry. You compare the attractions, shows, even the merchandise, it’s a cut above.

I would also say they learned a lot from Disneyland and made improvements in subsequent parks. When I went back to Disneyland a few years ago for the first time in 20 years (with a lot of WDW trips in that time) I was surprised by how small and cramped Disneyland was. Narrow paths, tiny queues, everything just seemed to be about 3/4 scale.

 

[bakenatj]

It has to do with charisma though. What is "offensive" varies, but some can say the same things in different ways and not spark controversey. It's an innate skill really, and unfortunately Chapek doesn't have it. Aside fromt hat, do you think Chapek is actually being "honest, diligent, and delivering on promises"? I'm not sure that I see those things in him either.

Charisma is another word for "show." Let me give you a scenario and you tell me what has a greater influence on you.

If I was a CEO of a major company and I were in the face of the public telling people all my grand ideas, how well our company is doing and on-and-on. Do you want that? Or would you rather that I, as the CEO, making public appearances just outline the goals of the company and having someone else in the company who is under my leadership and sees how I lead and have been directly affected by the leadership they have worked under be out there verifying what I have laid out and promoting and verifying? To me, that has a far greater effect on people seeing how I have affected others and letting my team "promote me" versus me out there being charismatic and telling the world how wonderful I am.

People can read through the BS that is out there, or at least people used to be able to. I think the general public is sick of the show and wants truth and reality. Don't baffle me with BS, just be honest and senser.

 

[Jonfw2]

Kind of amazing that the people here who are most against Chapek never had any issues with Fastpass+. Kind of remarkable actually!

 

[BrianL]

Charisma is another word for "show." Let me give you a scenario and you tell me what has a greater influence on you.

If I was a CEO of a major company and I were in the face of the public telling people all my grand ideas, how well our company is doing and on-and-on. Do you want that? Or would you rather that I, as the CEO, making public appearances just outline the goals of the company and having someone else in the company who is under my leadership and sees how I lead and have been directly affected by the leadership they have worked under be out there verifying what I have laid out and promoting and verifying? To me, that has a far greater effect on people seeing how I have affected others and letting my team "promote me" versus me out there being charismatic and telling the world how wonderful I am.

People can read through the BS that is out there, or at least people used to be able to. I think the general public is sick of the show and wants truth and reality. Don't baffle me with BS, just be honest and senser.

Well, it's not a matter of what I prefer, it's a matter of what people prefer - people who are investors, customers, etc. - and people LIKE the show. They want to see that confidence and they want to feel like the company is "good" so they can feel good about their investments.

You keep stating what you think makes a good CEO, but I don't see that Chapek fits that mold either. He isn't really honost nor sincere, hence his constant waffling and hamfisted handling of issues.

 

[bakenatj]

Well, it's not a matter of what I prefer, it's a matter of what people prefer - people who are investors, customers, etc. - and people LIKE the show. They want to see that confidence and they want to feel like the company is "good" so they can feel good about their investments.

You keep stating what you think makes a good CEO, but I don't see that Chapek fits that mold either. He isn't really honost nor sincere, hence his constant waffling and hamfisted handling of issues.

What kind of a person would you invest in? Show or reality? I know what I would. I can't tell you what others think, I can only give you my perspective.

 

[BrianL]

What kind of a person would you invest in? Show or reality? I know what I would. I can't tell you what others think, I can only give you my perspective.

Well, good "show" as you call it can effect reality. Investor confidence goes a long way. I am not an expert in teh stock market, but a lot of it isn't at all based on reality.

 

[Jrb1979]

Kind of amazing that the people here who are most against Chapek never had any issues with Fastpass+. Kind of remarkable actually!

I had an issue with FP+ too. That's not the only issue I have with Chapek. As far as I'm concerned he's made Disney even more complex to visit. Add in the planned new reservations for AP holders and it's getting worse.

Disney is preparing to offer "half day" reservations to Annual Passholders. The reservations will be broken up into three (3) time slots:
Morning - Park Open
Afternoon - 12:00 PM
Evening - 5:00 PM
The language in the current reservation calendar has been updated to reflect this change in mentality around reservations: "Select the park where you will start your day."

These are additional reservations for APs to secure as a form of first park entry; not a requirement to hop. This should help alleviate the need to make faux EPCOT reservations and help Disney fill the parks when capacity is available after the morning rush.

 

[bakenatj]

Well, it's not a matter of what I prefer, it's a matter of what people prefer - people who are investors, customers, etc. - and people LIKE the show. They want to see that confidence and they want to feel like the company is "good" so they can feel good about their investments.

You keep stating what you think makes a good CEO, but I don't see that Chapek fits that mold either. He isn't really honost nor sincere, hence his constant waffling and hamfisted handling of issues.

You might be right on Chapek, he might not be the right CEO. All I have been saying is give him a chance. He has three years to prove he has a plan that will take a company, that honestly is not trending in the right direction, and let's see if he can take this plane out of the nose dive that it is currently in. It saddens me to see the state that this company that I use to have high regard for.

 

[bakenatj]

Well, good "show" as you call it can effect reality. Investor confidence goes a long way. I am not an expert in teh stock market, but a lot of it isn't at all based on reality.

A lot of what we see in the market is a result of deception, and unfortunately, we are starting to pay the piper, and probably will for the next 3-5 years. Just because people like shows doesn't mean it's good for them.

Just so you know, I appreciate the conversation.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Um no. Disneyland is the gold standard. Just the culture and the history there can't be matched. I always envision walking in Walt's footsteps throughout the park. Toyko just doesn't have the history that Disneyland has. I'm just shocked how they let Disneyworld slip so much.

I agree in terms of nostalgia and history that Disneyland is the best but with the actual theme park experience itself, Tokyo 100% beats DL. It's not even close. I don't love that Main Street is in this weird, enclosed space unlike DL and WDW and no mobile ordering was pretty terrible (I waited 45-50 minutes to order food when I went to Disneysea) but everything else is incredible. Disneysea is hands down the best Disney park in the world. It's beautifully themed and has the Indiana Jones ride that DL has, but all of the effects are working perfectly instead of in a sad Frankenstein state that it is now.

I think what also helps TDL is that the company that owns it, OLC, ONLY focuses on TDL. It's not like the Disney company under Chapek where the parks are competing for budget with the movies/TV shows and Disney+.