# Is Disney Actually Listening… (Ep. 16)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/is-disney-actually-listening-ep-16
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/is-disney-actually-listening-ep-16.md
Podcast: [The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663)
Published: 2026-05-07T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM4073534232.mp3?updated=1777999612
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM4073534232.mp3?updated=1777999612
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/episodes/is-disney-actually-listening-ep-16
Duration seconds: 2195

## Resource

Lauren and Eric dig into a question Disney fans have been quietly (and loudly) asking: is Disney finally starting to listen again? From ride reliability to cast member culture shifts and the return of meaningful passholder perks, the duo breaks down what’s changed and what might just be clever business strategy. Then they pivot to the dollars-and-cents reality of annual passes in 2026, exploring whether the latest discounts and perks actually make them worth it. Along the way, they balance optimism with skepticism and invite listeners to decide for themselves what’s really driving Disney’s recent moves. HIGHLIGHTS Ride reliability improvements point to proactive maintenance and fewer breakdowns across major attractions Disney acknowledges post-COVID hiring gaps and refocuses on cast member hospitality training Fan influence shows up in visible changes like the Magic Kingdom castle repaint Major 2026 refurbishments planned for classic rides including Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear Galaxy’s Edge begins shifting to include classic Star Wars characters after years of fan feedback VIP Passholder Summer Days expands with deeper perks and a longer three-month run 40% dining discounts and upgraded lounges highlight Disney’s push to reward loyalty Annual pass math reveals most guests need multiple trips to truly break even For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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