Disney CEO Bob Chapek wants to change his legacy for the better. He has had a tough start to his tenure; we’ll give him that. He took over for Bob Iger at the start of a global pandemic that continues to affect operations nearly two years later. But the series of difficult decisions hiding behind the guise of an unprecedented situation have grown rather than waned, and Disney Parks guests have made it clear their tolerance is growing thin. Chapek was already on thin ice with this particular segment of Disney customers after his tenure as the head of the theme parks.

Chapek infamously hates his reputation as a “bean counter,” so much so that PR arranged for him to say as much in an interview. It’s no secret that we think this nickname is no misnomer. Price increases are normal, but lately, they have been paired with penny-pinching policies, reductions in services, and sometimes the outright removal of them.

Walt Disney World guests are now paying more to get less as many entertainment offerings and basic services have yet to return. Complimentary FastPass has been replaced with Genie+ and Lightning Lane, which can add up quickly for a family. Food and beverage costs resort-wide have been increased by as much as 15%.

Disney has made it clear that they are aware of public perception. Instead of making changes to resolve the complaints, Chapek is focused on fixing his legacy. And his eyes are on the second of his “three pillars:” innovation.

Chapek is leading the charge into untapped opportunities, but whether they are cohesive with the Disney brand remains to be seen. Under his reign, Disney will enter the sports betting, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, and real estate industries. With this new direction, Bob Chapek seems to be pushing to change his legacy by bringing about what he hopes will be a series of successes.

As our readers, you are already making your opinions heard. But will Chapek care if the public doesn’t agree as long as the stocks keep rising? Disney is experiencing record profits, so probably not, unless shareholders step up and sound off.

What do you think about Bob Chapek’s vision for the future? Will these new endeavors change your opinion of his value as CEO? Let us know in the comments.

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The post EDITORIAL: Bob Chapek Is Trying to Change His Legacy From Bean Counter to Innovator, But Is It Too Late? appeared first on WDW News Today.