Disney’s Response to Minipark Plans and Investments

Disney made it clear on Monday that it has no intentions of pursuing the construction of miniparks in the United States. Instead, the media giant will prioritize investments in its major theme parks and cruise ships. Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s parks chief, expressed this stance at a JPMorgan conference, highlighting the importance of focusing on their core assets.

Dispute with Governor DeSantis Triggers Interest from Other States

The ongoing legal dispute between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has caught the attention of several other states. The conflict has prompted speculation and discussions about potential investments from Disney outside of Florida. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley even expressed her state’s willingness to welcome Disney’s theme park jobs and investments, should the company consider relocating.

Changes in Plans and Impacts on Disney’s Business

In recent developments, Disney has made significant adjustments to its plans in Florida. The company decided to shelve the construction of a $1 billion corporate campus that would have accommodated 2,000 employees. Additionally, Disney announced the closure of its “Star Wars” Galactic Starcruiser hotel, which opened in March 2022 at Disney World. Despite these changes and the ongoing disputes, Disney’s business performance has not been negatively affected, according to Josh D’Amaro.

Potential Opportunities in Singapore

While discussing future prospects, D’Amaro hinted at the possibility of opening a theme park in Singapore. He mentioned that operating a cruise ship in the region provides valuable insights into how guests perceive the Disney brand and the potential opportunities that lie ahead.

Disney’s Market Performance

Despite the recent developments and challenges, Disney’s shares experienced a marginal decline of 0.5% in a generally stronger market.