He aggressively raised Disneyland prices. Bob Chapek has no regrets

Key Points:

• Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek defends his controversial changes to Disneyland in his new book "Behind the Castle Walls," emphasizing that his decisions were driven by guest demand for tailored experiences rather than purely profit motives.
• Under Chapek’s leadership from 2015, Disneyland significantly raised ticket and annual pass prices, introduced paid perks like the Lightning Lane for skipping lines, and implemented a reservation system to manage crowds, fundamentally altering the park’s affordability and accessibility.
• Despite criticism that these changes create a classist, “haves-versus-have-nots” environment, Chapek points to steady attendance and increased profits, noting that annual passholder numbers dip temporarily after price hikes but recover within a year.
• Chapek acknowledges opposition within Disney to breaking the tradition of equal access for all guests but argues that offering customizable experiences caters to different budgets and helps fund expensive new attractions like Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus.
• The article also highlights recent theme park news, including the retirement of Six Flags Magic Mountain’s X2 coaster amid safety concerns, upcoming Disneyland mariachi performances for National Hispanic Heritage Month, and new fitness classes at Disneyland Resort hotels.