Disney's Q2 Fiscal 2026 Earnings Call Highlights Experiences Segment Challenges and Strategic Investments During Disney’s Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings call, analysts focused heavily on the Experiences segment, which includes its theme parks, cruise operations, and global entertainment ventures. CFO Hugh Johnston and CEO Josh D'Amaro provided detailed insights into the segment’s performance, addressing challenges such as the impact of Epic Universe and softer international visitation, while also outlining plans for future growth and investment. The discussion began with questions about the effects of Epic Universe and declining international visitation on domestic park attendance. Johnston acknowledged that both factors had contributed to a 1% decline in domestic park attendance during the quarter. However, he emphasized that these headwinds were expected to ease in the coming quarters as the company “began to lap” their impacts. He added that removing the international visitation effect alone would have shown domestic attendance growth, highlighting the complexity of isolating specific factors. Johnston also noted that pre-opening costs for new attractions like World of Frozen and Disney Adventure had negatively affected operating income in Q2, but these costs would not recur in the second half of the year. Despite the challenges, Experiences revenue grew by 7% during the quarter. Looking beyond domestic attendance, Johnston underscored the importance of Disney’s global footprint, stating that “global guests—aggregating domestic and international parks attendance along with passenger cruise days—grew more than 2% in Q2.” He projected further growth in the back half of the year, citing strong forward bookings as a positive indicator.#disney #josh_damaro #hugh_johnston #epic_universe #world_of_frozen
D23 Announces 2026 Disney Legends Award Honorees Disney has unveiled the list of recipients for the 2026 Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest honor, which will be presented during the final day of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California. The ceremony, scheduled for August 16, will be hosted by Emmy-winning television personality Ryan Seacrest and will feature tributes to the honorees, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on Disney’s legacy. The event will be broadcast on Disney+ for global audiences. Josh D’Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, emphasized the significance of the award, stating that the ceremony celebrates the visionaries who have shaped Disney’s creative identity. “Their impact is felt in everything we do,” he said, highlighting the connection between the honorees and the fans who cherish their work. The Disney Legends Awards, a tradition spanning 39 years, began in 1987 with Fred MacMurray’s recognition. To date, 329 individuals have been honored, including icons like Tim Allen, Julie Andrews, and Stan Lee. The 2026 honorees include Chris Berman, a pioneering sports broadcaster whose career began with ESPN in 1979. Berman played a pivotal role in defining ESPN’s early identity, covering major sporting events such as the NFL Draft, World Series, and Super Bowl. His work has become a cornerstone of sports broadcasting, blending expertise with a unique ability to connect with audiences. Jerry Bruckheimer, a legendary film and television producer, is another recipient. Known for blockbuster franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun, Bruckheimer’s career spans over 50 years, with films grossing nearly $15 billion globally.#ryan_seacrest #jerry_bruckheimer #josh_damaro #d23 #chris_berman
Lilo & Stitch 2, Incredibles 3 Set for Summer 2028 Disney has announced the release dates for the next chapters of two major franchises, with both films set to debut in the summer of 2028. The sequel to the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, titled Lilo & Stitch 2, will premiere on May 26, 2028. This follows the success of the 2025 remake, which became a surprise box office hit with a reported $1 billion gross. Pixar’s Incredibles 3 will follow shortly after, scheduled for June 16, 2028. The announcements were made by incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro during a recent press event. The Lilo & Stitch 2 project will be directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who helmed the 2025 remake. Chris Sanders, the original co-creator, co-writer, and co-director of the 2002 animated film, will serve as the writer for the sequel. Sanders also voices Stitch in the franchise, a role he has held since the original release. For Incredibles 3, Peter Sohn, the director of Elemental, will take over the helm from Brad Bird, who directed the first two installments of the superhero series. Bird’s departure marks a significant shift for the franchise, as Sohn brings a fresh creative vision to the project. The release dates for both films align with Disney’s strategy to capitalize on the summer movie season, a period traditionally known for high box office earnings. The Incredibles series has been a staple of Pixar’s output, with its blend of action, humor, and family-friendly storytelling resonating with audiences since its debut in 2004. Similarly, Lilo & Stitch has maintained a strong fan base, particularly with its live-action remake rekindling interest in the original animated classic. Disney’s decision to schedule these films back-to-back in 2028 suggests a calculated approach to maintaining momentum in its animated and live-action divisions.#disney #pixar #lilo_stitch #incredibles #josh_damaro
Disney Sets 'Lilo & Stitch,' 'Incredibles' Sequels for Summer 2028 Release Disney has announced two new sequels for its summer 2028 film lineup, with a direct follow-up to the 2024 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch set for release in May and Pixar’s Incredibles 3 scheduled for June. The Lilo & Stitch 2 film will open on Memorial Day weekend in 2028, aiming to replicate the $1.03 billion global box office success of its predecessor. The sequel will be directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, who also helmed the 2024 remake, and is expected to maintain the franchise’s commercial momentum. Incredibles 3 will mark a shift in creative leadership, with Peter Sohn, director of Elemental, taking the helm after Brad Bird, who directed the first two films in the series, steps down as director. Bird will remain as a screenwriter and executive producer. The film is set for a June 16, 2028, release, nearly a decade after The Incredibles 2 debuted in 2018. The 2018 film grossed $1.24 billion worldwide, establishing a benchmark for the franchise’s financial performance. The announcement was made during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting by new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who succeeded Bob Iger after 15 years at the helm. D’Amaro, who has spent 27 years with the company, previously led its theme parks and experiences division. His leadership comes as Disney’s film studio increasingly prioritizes sequels and franchises over original content. While the studio is celebrating the success of Pixar’s Hoppers, which has earned $164 million in its opening weekends, its box office potential will not match the billion-dollar runs of films like Lilo & Stitch and Avatar: Fire and Ash. Disney’s focus on sequels is also evident in the continued dominance of animated franchises. Zootopia 2, which became the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history with $1.#disney #pixar #lilo_stitch #incredibles #josh_damaro
