Former Disney CEO Bob Iger On What China Has Meant For The Company

In this interview marking the 10th anniversary of Shanghai Disneyland, former Disney CEO Bob Iger expresses pride in the park's success, noting that over 100 million visitors have attended in its first decade. He describes the project as a calculated risk since Disney had never designed a park for mainland China, but says the company 'nailed it' by creating something 'authentically Disney but distinctly Chinese' — a deliberate strategy to give Chinese visitors a sense of ownership over the park.

Iger reflects on how Chinese consumer behavior has evolved since opening day. Initially, visitors were unfamiliar with the Disney theme park experience, but over time they have embraced it enthusiastically — arriving in costume and willingly participating in the atmosphere. He also addresses early skepticism about pricing, arguing that the quality of the experience always justified the cost and that the price-to-value relationship has only improved as the park has expanded.

On the topic of US-China geopolitics, Iger takes a pragmatic stance, describing himself as a realist rather than an optimist or pessimist. He argues that Disney's strength lies in its ability to set politics aside and focus on its core mission of entertaining people globally, which insulates it from most geopolitical turbulence. He outlines ongoing investment in the park, including a Spider-Man land, two new hotels, and expansion of the Zhaorizhang attraction, suggesting the growth potential is 'limitless.'

Regarding AI, Iger frames it through Disney's long tradition of using technology to enhance storytelling, viewing AI as a tool that, in the hands of creators, can produce more compelling entertainment more efficiently. He closes by reflecting on his nearly two decades as CEO, expressing confidence in his successor Josh D'Amaro, and advising that Disney's future success depends on balancing legacy with innovation while staying true to its core mission of making the world happy.