Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson cover image

Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

(Preview) Mailbag: Disney’s Taylor Swift Expansion, Canva and IPOs, Perplexity in Paris, SaaS for Cars, The Online Recipe Economy

Aug 26, 2024
Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva and a key figure in redefining design processes, joins the discussion to tackle listener questions. They dive into Disney's bold expansion plans, including its significant cruise investment and the innovative 'Taylor Swift era' experience. The conversation navigates the complexities of scarcity in entertainment, reflected in both Taylor's concert tours and Disney's evolving business strategies. Additionally, they explore the competitive landscape for Canva, particularly against emerging players in the design market.
12:19

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Disney's $60 billion investment in expanding its cruise fleet reflects a strategic shift towards unique experiences that resonate culturally with consumers.
  • The challenges of scaling Disney's operations in parks and cruises highlight the need to balance quality and quantity for sustainable success.

Deep dives

Disney's Cruise Line Expansion

Disney's recent announcement to add four new ships as part of a $60 billion expansion highlights a strategic move to significantly increase their cruise capacity, tripling their fleet to 13 ships. This growth responds to the limitations faced in their theme parks, where constraints on land and infrastructure hinder scalability. By investing in cruises, Disney can offer more accessible experiences to a broader audience, as ships can dock at various ports. This shift reflects a recognition of the demand for unique vacation experiences, especially as cruising has shown resilience post-pandemic.

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