124: The Disney CEO Race: How Josh D’Amaro Won Disney’s Top Job with Amanda From Once Upon A Marathon

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On this episode of Well Hello Magic, I sat down with Amanda from Once Upon a Marathon, and this is one of those conversations that goes deeper than your typical Disney content. Before we even got into the CEO race, we talked about how we met in person through Disney Dreamers media. It was one of those weekends where you are surrounded by creators who understand both the emotional connection to Disney and the business behind it. That shared experience made this conversation feel natural, because we both see Disney from two angles. We love it as guests, but we also understand that every decision being made is part of a much bigger strategy.

Amanda is known for her deep dives into Disney business and operations, and that is exactly what she brought into this episode. She has a way of taking complex topics and making them make sense, especially when it comes to how Disney actually runs behind the scenes.

Why Did Disney Need a New CEO Again

One of the first questions we addressed was why Disney was even in another CEO search so quickly. This was not a typical transition. When Bob Chapek stepped into the role, there were immediate shifts in how the company operated. Some of those changes were internal, but many of them were noticeable to guests. There was a heavier focus on streaming, changes in how creative decisions were handled, and a growing disconnect between leadership and the overall Disney experience.

What made this situation stand out is how quickly things escalated. Disney was dealing with major financial losses in streaming while still trying to maintain its traditional revenue streams like cable and broadcast. Those two areas require very different strategies, and trying to balance both created pressure across the company. The board ultimately made the decision to bring Bob Iger back, and it happened quickly. That urgency alone tells you how serious the situation was.

What Were the Biggest Challenges Disney Was Facing

A big part of our conversation focused on what Disney was actually trying to solve during this time. It was not just about fixing leadership. It was about navigating a major shift in the entertainment industry. Disney is in a position where it has to maintain legacy systems that still generate revenue while also investing in the future through streaming.

That balance is not easy. Streaming is where the industry is going, but it is not as profitable as traditional television yet. At the same time, cable is declining. That leaves Disney in a position where they have to manage both at once, and that requires a leader who understands how all parts of the company connect.

This is where Amanda really helped break things down. She explained how each division of Disney operates differently, and why the next CEO needed to be someone who could see the full picture, not just one piece of the business.

Who Were the Main Candidates in the CEO Race

We also spent time talking through the candidates who were being considered. On paper, each one made sense. They were leaders of major divisions within Disney, including television, film, sports, and parks. Each brought a different strength to the table.

But as we talked through it, it became clear that this decision was not just about choosing the most successful executive. Disney is not a company where one area operates independently. Everything is connected, from the movies to the parks to the experiences guests have on property.

The conversation naturally narrowed to the two strongest contenders. Dana Walden brought strong experience in television and content, along with relationships that are critical in that space. At the same time, there was still the question of how that experience translated across the entire Disney ecosystem.

Why Josh D’Amaro Was Chosen

This leads to the biggest question of the episode. Why did Disney ultimately choose Josh D’Amaro.

From a business standpoint, his experience across multiple areas of Disney made him a strong candidate. His current role overseeing parks and experiences gives him direct insight into one of the most important parts of the company. The parks are not just a piece of Disney. They are a major driver of revenue and one of the most visible ways guests interact with the brand.

But what stood out most in our conversation is that his value goes beyond numbers. There is a consistent theme when people talk about Josh, and it is that he is present. He is in the parks, he is paying attention, and he understands how decisions impact guests in real time.

Amanda also brought up the idea that each candidate likely had to present a vision for the future of Disney. This is not just about maintaining what exists. It is about moving the company forward. The willingness to think bigger and push for new ideas is a key part of leadership at this level, and that likely played a role in the final decision.

What Kind of CEO Will Josh D’Amaro Be

Another important question we explored is what kind of CEO Josh D’Amaro will be moving forward. Based on his background, it is likely that there will be a continued focus on guest experience and the parks. That does not mean other areas of Disney will be ignored, but it does suggest that the physical experience of Disney will remain a priority.

At the same time, placing strong leadership in creative roles helps balance that focus. Disney cannot succeed on experience alone. Storytelling is still at the core of the brand, and both sides need to work together.

This is where the conversation becomes interesting for Disney fans. Leadership decisions at this level eventually show up in the details of a trip. They impact pricing, experiences, attractions, and even how the parks feel overall.

What Disney Fans Often Get Wrong About the Company

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was talking about misconceptions. It is easy to look at Disney from the outside and assume decisions are simple or disconnected from guest experience. But the reality is that Disney is managing a global business with multiple moving parts.

Amanda did a great job explaining that decisions are rarely made in isolation. They are part of a larger strategy that takes into account revenue, operations, guest experience, and long term growth. That does not mean every decision feels good to guests, but it does mean there is always more happening behind the scenes than we realize.

Understanding that does not take away from the magic. If anything, it gives you a better appreciation for how much goes into creating those experiences.

The Biggest Challenges Ahead for Disney

If you were to step back and look at what the next CEO needs to solve, it comes down to a few key areas. Disney still needs to figure out how to make streaming profitable while maintaining its existing revenue streams. It also needs to continue evolving the parks in a way that meets guest expectations without losing what makes them special.

There is also the challenge of maintaining trust. Guests are more aware than ever of pricing, changes, and overall value. That means every decision moving forward will be under a microscope.

This is not an easy position to step into, but it is also an opportunity to reset and move the company in a direction that feels more aligned with what people expect from Disney.

Where You Can Find Amanda

If you loved this conversation or want to dive deeper into how Disney actually works, you need to follow Amanda. She creates incredibly thoughtful content that breaks down Disney business, strategy, and operations in a way that is easy to understand.

You can find her at Once Upon a Marathon, where she shares deep dives, analysis, and insights that go beyond the surface level of Disney content. She is also active on social platforms where she continues these conversations and connects with her audience in a really meaningful way.

Listen to the Full Episode

This blog gives you an overview, but the full conversation goes much deeper. We break down the CEO race in detail, talk through the decision making process, and share insights that will change the way you look at Disney as a whole.

If you have ever wondered why Disney makes the decisions it does, or what might be coming next, this is an episode you do not want to miss.