Disney Focuses on Nostalgia to Keep Frequent Visitors Happy
Thomas Mazloum, Disney's new leader of its parks division, is prioritizing the needs and wants of frequent visitors. He has announced plans to bring back beloved attractions such as the yeti from Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Dreamfinder and Figment to Epcot in Florida, and a major overhaul of Tomorrowland in California.
The repair of the yeti, which has been stuck since 2006, is part of a larger strategy by Mazloum to focus on smaller, more immediate updates for frequent guests. He believes that listening carefully to fans' needs will help harmonize different wants and needs.
Disney's Experiences division, which includes parks, cruises, and consumer products, posted nearly $10 billion in revenue in the fiscal third quarter, up 10% from the same quarter a year earlier. Domestic park attendance rose 3%, and guest spending increased by 4%, indicating that frequent visitors are helping to steady the business through economic uncertainty.
The long-term goal of Disney's parks division is to attract people from different states and countries with big attractions, but Mazloum's focus on nostalgia and live entertainment may be more appealing to frequent visitors. The company plans to refurbish several classic rides and bring back beloved parades and shows.