Disney is facing criticism from a high-profile investor that is unusual in the business world: that it is squeezing money out of its theme park customers. The firm's reliance on raising ticket prices and other charges to drive growth is "unsustainable", says Trian Partners boss Nelson Peltz. He made the claim in a presentation calling for change at the media giant. He also raised concerns about losses in Disney's streaming business and public complaints about low staff wages. "Disney may believe that price increases and 'nickel-and-diming' of cast members and other costs is good for the bottom line," he says. "However, we suspect it is short-term thinking that puts the brand value and long-term health of the business at risk." "Nickel-and-diming" is a US term that means to damage someone financially by making a large number of small charges or cuts to pay. The company recently said it would roll back some of the price increases at its theme parks, where spending per person has shot up nearly 40% since 2019, according to Trian Partners, which has built up a 0.5% stake in Disney worth $900m. The increases have come at a time of widespread price inflation across the economy. Staff at Disney parks have also repeatedly protested for higher pay in recent years.
