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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. Disney CEO Bob Iger has picked his successor, naming the chairman of Disney Experiences, the segment of the company that runs its theme parks. While that didn’t pan out too well last time, with Bob Chapek taking over for two years from 2020 to 2022 before Iger returned to relieve him of his duties, the second try just might be the charm. This time around, Chapek’s successor in the parks division is being handed the keys to the Magic Kingdom. If you’re a Disney adult, however, you already know all about Josh D’Amaro. You might even know him by his other name: Daddy Josh.
The Daddy Josh nickname started spreading online when D’Amaro took over for Chapek at Disney Experiences in 2020. Daddy Josh was younger, cooler, appeared to be a fan of the parks, and was interested in investing in them — a topic many of Disney’s most die-hard fans were sore about in the aftermath of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge launch. Chapek looked like a corporate executive; Daddy Josh looked like a nice guy you chat with while in line for Space Mountain. Disney fans found the new parks boss far more relatable and exciting, and Daddy Josh was born. They also literally found him, as it’s not uncommon to see Daddy Josh walking around the parks, meeting guests, and taking photos. (Just check out his Instagram and you’ll see plenty of photos like the one above of D’Amaro posing with fans, employees, and characters.)
Unfortunately, Disney has never officially accepted the nickname. It’s a shame because, honestly, investor calls would be a lot more fun if run by a guy known as Daddy. That hasn’t stopped fans from embracing it — whether to praise or ridicule him — in the years since D’Amaro took over. And for the most part, it seems they are thrilled with this choice, if only for what it could mean to Disney’s theme parks.
As it stands, Daddy Josh is presiding over a $60 billion expansion of Disney’s parks, which includes a new villain-themed land at Walt Disney World, an Avatar expansion at Disneyland Resort, and a brand new theme park in Abu Dhabi, among other attractions coming over the next several years. At the moment, D’Amaro has not named a successor for his role at Disney Experiences. However, it would not be surprising to see Jeff Vahle, who succeeded Daddy Josh as president of Walt Disney World, step into the role.
Daddy Josh has been with Disney since 1998, when he started in the sales and travel trade marketing division. He eventually became president of Disneyland Resort, then Walt Disney World, before becoming chairman of Disney Experiences.
In a statement about his appointment, Daddy Josh said, “I am immensely grateful to the board for entrusting me with leading a company that means so much to me and millions around the world. Disney’s strength has always come from our people and the creative excellence that defines our stories and experiences. There is no limit to what Disney can achieve, and I am excited to work with our teams across the company and brilliant creative partners to honor Disney’s remarkable legacy while continuing to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value for our consumers and shareholders.”
Sadly, at no point in his statement does he declare, “Daddy’s home.” While some (read: me) might consider it a missed opportunity, Disney’s corporate public relations team would likely disagree.
Daddy Josh will take over for Iger — who is leaving for the second time — on March 18 at the Walt Disney Company’s annual meeting. He’ll be supported by Dana Walden, who is being promoted from co-chair of Disney Entertainment to the role of president and chief creative officer.
