Eisner Unfiltered, Disney’s AI Investment, Savannah Bananas & $449 Lightning Lanes (Ep. 5)

Michael Eisner returns to the Disney spotlight in a surprisingly candid, long-form interview that has fans buzzing. Lauren and Eric break down Eisner’s comments on park pricing, Bob Chapek, AI, and the future of Disney leadership - plus what it means in today’s theme park landscape. Then, the Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball back to Disneyland, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven straight days at Walt Disney World. Is Disney’s most expensive skip-the-line option here to stay?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Michael Eisner sits down with Graham Bensinger for his most in-depth Disney interview in years, sharing candid thoughts on leadership transitions, pricing, and the modern company.
• Eisner describes the Chapek era as “a marriage made in hell” while praising Bob Iger’s succession and leadership instincts.
• Disney confirms a $1 billion AI investment and partnership with OpenAI, with plans to explore internal tools, advertising analytics, and controlled character licensing for AI-generated content.
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven consecutive days at Magic Kingdom during Presidents Day week, with prices reaching up to $449 per person plus tax.
• The Savannah Bananas return to Disneyland on March 26, bringing Banana Ball energy, cavalcades, and castle-front performances to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
• The Bananas’ fan-first model, viral growth, and MLB stadium sellouts make them a natural marketing match for Disney’s experiential brand strategy.

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

HOSTS

• Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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