The The Walt Disney Company officially entered a new era this week, as Josh D’Amaro stepped into his role as CEO during the 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. And if his opening message is any indication, this isn’t just a leadership change — it’s a full-on evolution of how Disney plans to connect with fans across the globe.
Speaking from Disney headquarters in Burbank, D’Amaro made it clear that the company isn’t starting from scratch. Instead, it’s building on an already powerful foundation.
“Looking at our hand, it’s an extraordinary one,” he said — pointing to Disney’s unmatched mix of blockbuster studios, streaming platforms, global sports presence, and theme park experiences.
One Disney, Everywhere
If there’s one theme that defines D’Amaro’s vision, it’s connection.
Rather than operating as separate parts — films, parks, streaming, and products — Disney is aiming to bring everything together into one seamless ecosystem. The goal? A more personalized and immersive experience for fans, wherever and whenever they engage.
It’s a big swing, but also a logical next step. With platforms like Disney+ continuing to grow, D’Amaro described it as becoming the “digital centerpiece” of the company — a hub that links movies, shows, games, and even real-world experiences.
And with plans to unify Disney+ and Hulu into a single experience, that vision is already starting to take shape.
Storytelling Still Leads the Way
At its core, Disney still runs on storytelling — and that isn’t changing anytime soon.
D’Amaro highlighted the continued expansion of one of Disney’s most iconic franchises, Toy Story, with Toy Story 5 arriving this summer. It’s a reminder of how these stories extend far beyond theaters — into homes, parks, cruise ships, and everyday life.
Looking further ahead, Disney is doubling down on major releases, including:
- Lilo & Stitch 2 in 2028
- Incredibles 3 in 2028
It’s a clear signal that Disney plans to keep its storytelling engine running at full speed.
ESPN and the Power of Sports
Beyond movies and shows, Disney’s reach in sports continues to grow through ESPN.
D’Amaro called it an “indispensable daily touchpoint,” and teased a major milestone ahead — ESPN broadcasting the Super Bowl for the first time.
With partnerships across leagues like the NFL and MLB, Disney’s sports portfolio is becoming just as essential as its entertainment offerings.
Parks, Cruises, and Real-World Magic
For theme park fans — especially those who follow Disney experiences closely — this next chapter is just as exciting.
D’Amaro emphasized that Disney is in the middle of its largest-ever investment in parks and experiences. That means:
- New lands and attractions across global parks
- Expanded capacity for growing crowds
- Continued innovation in immersive storytelling
And it doesn’t stop on land.
The Disney Cruise Line continues to expand, with new ships on the way — including the newly announced Disney Believe. It joins a growing fleet that’s helping Disney reach audiences around the world, including new markets like Asia.
Technology Meets Creativity
D’Amaro also made it clear that technology will play a huge role in Disney’s future — but not at the expense of storytelling.
One standout example is Disney’s partnership with Epic Games, bringing new experiences into Fortnite. It’s a glimpse into how Disney plans to meet audiences where they already are — blending gaming, storytelling, and social interaction.
The People Behind the Magic
Despite all the talk of innovation and expansion, D’Amaro grounded his message in something simple: people.
Referencing Disneyland and a quote from Walt Disney, he reminded everyone that creativity starts with the cast members, artists, and teams behind the scenes.
“It takes people to make the dream a reality.”
That philosophy continues to shape Disney’s culture — from its storytelling to its community efforts supporting hospitals, veterans, and families around the world.
Looking Ahead
D’Amaro closed by acknowledging former CEO Bob Iger and thanking fans for their continued support.
But the bigger takeaway? Confidence.
Disney isn’t just trying to keep up in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape — it’s positioning itself to lead.
And if this first message is any sign, the company is aiming to create a future where everything — movies, parks, streaming, games — feels more connected than ever before.
For Disney fans, that could mean a more seamless, more immersive experience than we’ve ever seen.