Over the last few days, Daps Magic has been taking a look back at the top 5 stories of 2024 from the realm of Disney and positive stuff. This year the top stories have included the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on both coasts, the approval of DisneylandForward, the return to the top at the Box Office, and James Gorman and Succession. Each of these stories was chosen based on the impact of the story on the past, present, and future of The Walt Disney Company, how it impacted the Disney community, and how it impacted the world beyond Disney. Today the #1 story of 2024 is revealed. This is D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event and how it revealed the focus of the future for The Walt Disney Company.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was billed as the biggest D23 event ever. Over the course of three days, Disney gave fans the chance to see the many different parts that make up the House of Mouse. This included the multiple studios and brands for Disney Entertainment, the many facets of Disney Experiences, the honoring of Disney Legends, looking at the past, and also looking forward. A picture was painted throughout the course of the weekend of The Walt Disney Company that showed where it has come from, where it is at, and where it is going.
The evening showcase events at the Honda Center were the biggest places that showed what was coming for The Walt Disney Company. The first night the focus was on entertainment, and the second showed what is coming from Disney Experiences for the parks, resorts, Disney Cruise Line, and even the digital realm. Throughout the weekend, there were new movies, attractions, ships, and a lot more revealed. Beyond the specifics that were revealed, there was a bigger picture that was shown.
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event showed that Disney once again is going somewhere. Walt Disney once said, “We know what our goals are. We know what we hope to accomplish.” It was very clear from the many different presentations throughout the weekend that Disney has goals in mind and knows where it is going. While not everyone may agree with the direction of the company, it has one.
This direction that Disney going is all about growth. One could say it is all about aggressive growth. This will include the turbocharging of the Disney Experiences over the course of a decade. It will also see new entertainment offerings and the expansion of offerings and features on a now-profitable suite of streaming services from Disney.
The picture that D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event showed was one of a company that is heading on the path of success. This is important as in about a year, a new CEO for Disney will be announced. In the next year, newly elected Disney Chairman of the Board James Gorman, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and other members of the board will be searching for and deciding who will be the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. If the picture that was painted at D23 remains the same, this next CEO will build on the successes that the company currently is seeing.
The top two stories of 2024 really come down to the fact that Disney is at a historic point in time in its history. After the uncertainty of the pandemic and the leadership of former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, the company is once again steaming forward during Bob Iger’s final chapter leading the company. After being at the helm for the better part of two decades of massive growth and expansion at Disney, this pivot point will see a new person taking the helm and leading the company into a new era.
It is very possible that when historians look back at Disney, 2024 will be viewed as a foundational year for what 2025 and beyond. This is the year the company returned to a healthier footing and pivoted from recovery to growth. What actually happens in the future remains to be seen as a new CEO is chosen and with that, potentially new agendas from a new leader. However, this will be something that will most likely begin to be seen at the next D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event if it happens in 2026.
What do you think of the top 5 stories of 2024 as chosen by Daps Magic? What are your top 5 stories of the year from the realm of Disney and positive stuff? Share your thoughts, opinions, and predictions in the comments below!
