Jan. 28, 2026

Disney’s CEO Race, Disneyland Handcrafted, & the COVID Experiences Fans Still Miss (Ep. 02)

Disney’s CEO Race, Disneyland Handcrafted, & the COVID Experiences Fans Still Miss (Ep. 02)

Fans debate Disney’s next CEO, react to a new Disneyland documentary, and reflect on what COVID-era park experiences never came back.

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Lauren and Eric dig into the latest chatter surrounding Disney’s next CEO, unpack mixed reactions to a newly released Disneyland documentary, and explore why Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World struck a nostalgic chord. Along the way, they reflect on what quietly vanished during COVID and which experiences fans still hope might return.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Online reaction to Disney’s CEO succession plan, including why Josh D’Amaro is the public-facing favorite and why some fans are wary of his park-era decisions.
  • A breakdown of Disneyland Handcrafted, its simultaneous release on Disney Plus and YouTube, and why reactions from fans and creators have been so divided.
  • Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World, complete with Polynesian Village Resort guest notices and why the collaboration makes sense for both brands.
  • A nostalgic look back at COVID-era losses across the parks, from tea rooms and spas to parades, shows, and interactive experiences that never returned.
  • The attractions, entertainment, and small Disney details fans are still salty about - and whether any of them could realistically come back.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

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PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠


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