Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro will be a featured speaker at SXSW 2023

Feb 01, 2023 in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Wednesday February 1, 2023 7:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will be a featured speaker at SXSW 2023, taking place March 10-19 in Austin, TX.

SXSW is an annual event that features sessions, music and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities.

Creating Happiness: The Art & Science of Disney Parks Storytelling

For nearly 70 years, Disney Parks has created happiness for millions through experiences that bring Disney’s beloved stories to life. Across its theme parks, hotels, cruises and adventures, Disney Parks has curated magical places around the world where a simple moment can become a treasured lifelong memory. The ‘Art & Science’ of storytelling is the secret to how Disney amazes its Guests and delivers memorable experiences. In this session, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro will share how Disney’s storytelling techniques will build on its legacy of creativity and innovation for a world that can always use just a little more happiness.

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Indy_UKMar 21, 2023

I think what josh showed at this event is a newer sabre? Originally did it it only ignite hence the awkward switch Rey has to do on the star cruiser? Looks like they’ve made it work north ways but I agree very fragile and expensive. Give it 10 years and they’ll have a mass market version to sell

TP2000Mar 21, 2023

I knew a guy like that once. He at least would buy a round of drinks on occasion. :cool:

MagicHappens1971Mar 20, 2023

It’s very fragile, expensive and doesn’t look good up close, only from a far. Only place they use it is for like 10 seconds during the finale show on Starcruiser.

mktMar 20, 2023

Absurdly expensive? Like so stupid expensive that if it gets damaged or stolen (both very real possibilities knowing my ex-entertainment CMs) someone, or several people, will lose their jobs?

Cmdr_CrimsonMar 15, 2023

When I saw this, all I could think of is this...

MarvelCharacterNerdMar 15, 2023

I swear the ONLY times I've seen the successful jump (rather than the splat or no jump) is when I DON'T have my camera out and ready. lol If my camera is out - SPLAT. :p Still don't have a good jump video.

MarvelCharacterNerdMar 15, 2023

Hulk was only out for a limited time at DCA and is gone now (Kang and Cassie are the current seasonal visitors), but he is heading to Paris so hopefully you'll catch him there. (And I'm terribly jealous lol - I'd love to see the Paris Avengers Campus for the different stunt shows and character photo ops they have!)

Sorcerer MickeyMar 14, 2023

I REALLY wish I would have seen this in DCA last month, but a las, the jumping Spider-Man didn't work either.

NotCalledBobMar 14, 2023

Thanks! I have trips booked to both DLR, and DLP. So I should hopefully see it soon. I will go with an open mind!

TP2000Mar 14, 2023

Remember when they did this instant-dialogue tech at Disneyland??? Almost 13 years ago? It's a real shame that Disney doesn't have enough funds and capital to put on this level of showmanship daily for paying customers. You can tell they want to exceed expectations, but they just can't quite get the funding or any investors to put up some cash for it. 🤔 I wonder how much the tab was on Mr. D'Amaro's stay at the Commodore Perry in Austin for his little SXSW talk?

RSoxNo1Mar 14, 2023

And you're seeing it one less time per week thanks to the cuts at Galactic Starcruiser

MarvelCharacterNerdMar 14, 2023

The Hulk was awesome in person. And I use awesome in the sense of "awe" not in California-speak. :) Was it limited in function and movement? Sure. But as a prototype it was extraordinary. Seeing its sheer size interacting with the tinier people around it was very cool. And it had a big range of lines to say. It was a big step up from the Baymax balloon-ish costume and from the Avatar-land exo suit encounter outfit thing. And I think as it evolves, it will definitely provide added value to the park character experience. A taste of what he was like:

wdwmagicMar 13, 2023

Well not in the hands of guests. But remember all those lovely overhead bridges and balconies in Galaxy's Edge that would be just the perfect place for some out of touch range saber wielding!

MisterPenguinMar 13, 2023

Well, the SXSW is a different audience than the usual parkophiles. The saber is too dainty to be used by or near guests. Bang it against something and it will fold over like a carpenter's tape measure. It's like showing off an animatronic. It's something that guests should only see out of touch range, and would not be appropriate to be running around the parks.