For a lot of us Disney fans, Michael Eisner played a major part of the soundtrack of our childhoods. He was in the room during the Disney Renaissance. He oversaw new lands, new ships, new films, a serious glow-up for the parks in the ’90s, and was the face of Disney TV specials. When Eisner sits down to talk about where Disney stands today, it feels like catching up with someone who helped build the version of Disney we grew up with.
In a recent appearance on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, Eisner offered a candid look at the current state of The Walt Disney Company. He praised the company’s leadership and resilience, but he also addressed something many have been talking about for years: the rising cost of visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
“I’m not wild about the fact that it is so expensive now to go to Disneyland or Walt Disney World,” Eisner said. Eisner’s comments land at a time when guests are navigating not just higher base ticket prices, but additional costs for certain conveniences and experiences inside the parks. He added that he’s not thrilled that it has become harder for everyone to feel like a VIP in the parks, noting the growth of paid add-ons like Lightning Lane, and other premium offerings. (Walt Disney World recently raised prices again in fall 2025.)
Still, Eisner made it clear he believes the company itself is “in great shape.” He spoke highly of current CEO Bob Iger, reiterating that he had recommended Iger for the role years ago. Though not initially the board’s first choice, Iger ultimately became the unanimous selection. “He understands the company,” Eisner said, pointing to Iger’s deep familiarity with Disney’s creative and parks divisions.
— Image: Disney
Bensinger asked if Eisner thinks Bob Chapek was given enough time:
“That was a marriage made in hell. Bob [Iger] and Chapek. It was a mistake. You know, Bob [Iger] really wasn’t ready to leave completely, and Chapek was going to prove that he was the boss, doing stupid things, not necessary things, separating the distribution from the creative and the movie business, all those things like that. Bob [Iger] recognized it, couldn’t help himself, probably in noting it. Chapek was a mistake. I hired, well, I don’t know if I hired him, but I certainly approved him to run home video. He did a great job at home video. He did a good job with the parks, but he just was the wrong choice. That’s all.”
— Bob and Bob | Image: Disney
Perhaps the most telling moment came in Eisner’s advice to Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro after being promoted to CEO. In a congratulatory message after this interview took place, Eisner said:
“My advice to Josh is continue Bob Iger’s strategy that creativity will handle profits, always protect the brand, and keep close the words of Walt Disney: ‘We love to entertain kings and queens, but the vital thing to remember is this—every guest receives the VIP treatment.’ Good luck.”
For Eisner, the magic was never supposed to feel tiered. Whether someone saved for years to walk down Main Street or visits every season, the goal was the same: make them feel special.
More than two decades after leaving the CEO role, Eisner still cares deeply about the guest experience.
— Image: Disney
During this interview with Bensinger, Eisner also discusses his first visit back to Disney headquarters in 20 years, why he backed Indiana Jones, and his thoughts on ABC’s settlement with President Trump.
Watch the full interview here:
Header image: Disney
