Disney CFO Praises Mobile App Replacement of Cast Member Interactions as Driving Factor of Profit Margins at Theme Parks

    In an investor call this afternoon, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy was asked about profit margins at the theme parks. After a record quarter, investors are wondering how much more margin can be squeezed out of the theme parks. When asked about profit margin, McCarthy praised the technology changes that Disney has made at its theme parks, calling out two features that remove interaction between guests and Cast Members.

    We’ve been saying this all along through the pandemic, where we have taken measures to really look at the cost base and how we’re doing things, and there has been a fundamental shift in some of the operational processes that the parks had used for many, many years. And things like the ability to do mobile dining, or not having to check in with the human being at a hotel. Those kinds of things are all things that add to some upside that we have at the parks.
    Christine McCarthy, Disney CFO

    Of course, Disney would point to these types of technologies as improving the guest experience, but there is a human cost to consider as well when profit margins are chased. Disney CEO Bob Chapek also talked about the difficulty Disney is having in hiring hospitality Cast Members.

    Chapek praised Disney Genie+ earlier in the call, noting that up to 50% of guests are buying the service.

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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    3 COMMENTS

    1. So, we finally understand why Disney Genie was developed and forced on park guests. The truth is that it’s purpose was to enable Disney to reduce staff. It was never designed for the park guest as a way to better manage their park day.

      Park guests can no longer manage or plan their park day in abvance of their trip to WDW. Disney has taken away the ability to plan ones trip to WDW. All of a park day plan is now controlled by Disney and not the park guest.

      The key to having a great park day was always the park cast member inter actions, and now this is gone.

    2. My family is planning a trip to Disney in the upcoming months. The direction everything is going is very concerning to us. It seems Disney is giving people less and charging more for it. I know Disney parks took a hit for COVID and cost-cutting measures had to be taken; but I hope as park revenue increases, the company will restore what was cut and not just pocket the difference.

      I hope our trip goes smoothly, but if it doesn’t, I will not be back until the magic returns.

    3. Wow, this CFO is quite the prize and really gets the Disney experience ( not) First saying that offering smaller portion sizes will help the waistlines of those that contribute to her salary and now dribble like this. Yeah, you’ll have some short spikes in revenue when you’re replacing employees with an app, but with all prices of EVERYTHING rising, quality lessened, Perks of staying on property eliminated (and minimal live entertainment) they’re making people look at other vacation options instead of Disney. Also, you may be having it difficult to find quality hospitality staff because the pay across the board is far too low for the expectations you require of your cast members.

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