Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner has broken years of silence to weigh in on the current state of the Walt Disney Company. In a recent candid interview, Eisner shared his unfiltered thoughts on everything from park costs to leadership transitions. His comments come at a pivotal time as the company prepares for another major change in leadership next month.
The most discussed segment of the interview focused on the rising cost of a Disney vacation. Speaking with Graham Bensinger, Eisner admitted that he is not comfortable with the current pricing structure. He expressed his frustration by stating, “I’m not wild about the fact that it is so expensive now to go to Disneyland or Walt Disney World.” He followed this by noting that he is also unhappy with how much more difficult it has become to ensure every guest feels like a VIP, specifically because the company is now selling premium access that used to be part of the standard experience.
Historical Perspective On Pricing
While Eisner is critical of today’s costs, the strategy of “pricing power” began during his tenure. He currently champions universal VIP treatment. However, ticket prices climbed above inflation during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Eisner was still in the boardroom when the foundation for today’s high-cost model was laid. This pace has only accelerated in recent years.
The “Marriage From Hell” And Leadership
Eisner provided a candid look at the friction between Bob Iger and Bob Chapek. He described this relationship as a “marriage made in hell.” The transition failed because Iger was not ready to step away. Meanwhile, Chapek was too determined to prove his authority. He made “stupid” and unnecessary changes. Eisner explicitly stated that Chapek was the “wrong choice” for the role. He specifically cited his restructuring of the company’s creative divisions.
Looking Toward The Future
Despite his criticisms, Eisner expressed strong support for the incoming CEO, Josh D’Amaro. He endorsed D’Amaro as a “wise pick” and urged him to prioritize creativity over spreadsheets. Furthermore, Eisner dismissed the idea of Disney adopting a co-CEO structure, calling the concept “ridiculous” for a creative organization. He maintains that “it does not work to run the bakery” and that a single, clear vision is the only way to lead Disney.
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