Disney CEO Bob Chapek doubled down on his support of the park’s reservation system in today’s Q2 2022 earnings call.
Disney’s iconic theme parks and product sales business increased to $6.65 billion in revenue from $3.17 billion a year ago. Per capita guest spending increased by over 40% versus quarter two of fiscal 2019, and 20% versus quarter two of 2021.
Pointing to the success, Chapek credited the reservation system for allowing Disney to plan for spending and revenue on a daily basis, saying: “Our balanced reservation system…helps us manage our price per day.”
When asked whether Disney Parks had considered removing the Park Pass system, Christine McCarthy, Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “We could, but we’re choosing to limit attendance via our reservation system. Attendance is something we’re controlling but we’re doing it to have a better consumer experience.”
The reservation system allows Disney to better allocate resources by knowing precisely how many people will be in each park each day. Knowing how many guests will be in the parks allows the company to forecast sales and staffing needs.
Chapek also mentioned that the company is encouraged by the number of guests who purchase Genie+, the new extra-cost service that allows guests to book lightning lane passes for high-demand attractions.