Aug. 10, 2025

Disney’s Big Earnings Surprises and the Pirate Makeover of Magic Kingdom (Ep. 544)

Disney’s Big Earnings Surprises and the Pirate Makeover of Magic Kingdom (Ep. 544)

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Disney’s latest earnings call, including park attendance trends, hotel occupancy shifts, and how Epic Universe may be quietly impacting Orlando tourism. They also review a fascinating new Disney Cruise Line survey that tests potential discounts and onboard perks, as well as what those offers could mean for future sailings.


Listener questions cover everything from the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow projection tech to Walt Disney World’s mysterious white bus lane lights, and Jim continues his multi-part history of how Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa found their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. Along the way, they explore the behind-the-scenes stories of the Pirate Tutorial, the Pirates League, and Disney’s new Beak and Barrel lounge at Magic Kingdom.

  • Disney’s domestic attendance and hotel occupancy results
  • How Epic Universe is influencing local tourism
  • What a Disney Cruise Line survey reveals about future promotions
  • Why Captain Jack’s meet-and-greets were tightly controlled
  • The evolution of pirate-themed experiences in the parks

Time Stamps

  • Intro (00:18:18)
  • Break 1 (00:29:24)
  • Break 2 (00:42:05)

  • SHOW NOTES

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