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Disneyland President moves to Walt Disney World President Role, Other Changes in Leadership Made

Note: Don’t have much time other than to get this press release up, but in general I think this will be seen as a good for both fans of the parks and cast members. That does not mean everything will be smooth sailing and ponies will come with every Disney vacation, but I like the idea of this leadership change.

Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tom Staggs today announced key leadership changes across one of the world’s leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences to better position the organization for growth. Effective Feb. 1, Meg Crofton will fully assume her global role as president, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, U.S. and France – a position she has held since July 2011 – while concurrently serving as president of Walt Disney World. With Meg’s transition complete, George A. Kalogridis is named president of the Walt Disney World Resort, and Michael Colglazier is named president of the Disneyland Resort. Both Kalogridis and Colglazier’s roles are also effective Feb. 1.

“With all that we currently have in flight across our resort destinations in the U.S. and France, the time is right to move forward with this leadership transition,” said Staggs. “This group of Disney veterans has the knowledge and expertise needed to continue delivering on our legacy of creating unforgettable experiences that our guests have come to know and expect. I would like to thank Meg for her tireless devotion and the extraordinary contributions serving in both positions, and wish George and Michael the best of luck in their new roles. They both bring a wealth of operational expertise, leadership and passion to these roles, which will contribute to the success of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.”

With the appointment of a Walt Disney World president, Crofton will focus all of her attention to providing strategic oversight of the broader initiatives that impact Disney destinations in the U.S. and France.

Kalogridis brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to his new role at Walt Disney World, including more than 40 years of experience at Disney parks in a number of positions around the world. Most recently as president of the Disneyland Resort, he oversaw one of the most extensive expansion projects in the Resort’s history — including the immensely successful transformation of Disney California Adventure. Throughout his career, Kalogridis also has proven himself to be a leader in the travel and leisure industry, as well as a respected partner in the community. Read More »Disneyland President moves to Walt Disney World President Role, Other Changes in Leadership Made

Should you Attend a DVC Presentation?

A column in Forbes asks an interesting question, is it worth the free Fastpasses to sit through a DVC Sales Presentation? They answer appears to be yes, but with caveats. The chief one being – you might actually want to buy into Disney Vacation Club… Read More »Should you Attend a DVC Presentation?

What’s Next for Walt Disney World?

In my walk through the Magic Kingdom yesterday it’s clear from all the walls and construction that Disney is always working on improving their show. But most of what I saw yesterday are just fixes to get ready for the summer crowds. What is Walt… Read More »What’s Next for Walt Disney World?

Name change for Disney Dining Experience card

I no longer use the Disney Dining Experience card, but I’m still on the the mailing list for some reason. It’s no big deal because now I know that on the occasion of the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Disney will be… Read More »Name change for Disney Dining Experience card

More Communities Around WDW?

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The Motley Fool’s Rick Aristotle Munarriz writes about the possibility of Disney getting back into community-building. There are several rival timeshare operators in the area, but most of the development taking place in the outskirts of Disney’s turf is for local residential property and vacation homes. Stubborn mortgage rates, high construction costs, and a glut… Read More »More Communities Around WDW?

Another child dies at Walt Disney World

This is not a post I wanted to be writing so soon. Local Orlando News is reporting the death today of a 12-year old girl at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Typhoon Lagoon Water park. The girl was found at 6PM on the edge of the large Wave pool by a lifeguard. She soon passed… Read More »Another child dies at Walt Disney World

SkyDiving in a Room?

No, it’s not the latest attraction dreamed up by Disney Imagineers. Businesses like this have been in existance for many years, most notably just off the strip in Las Vegas, NV. A company called Sky Venture has just opened an indoor skydiving experience in Orlando (and are rumored to be considering somewhere near Anaheim as… Read More »SkyDiving in a Room?

Disneyworld Lowers Prices, Complicates Matters.

While some headlines out there are screaming about Disney World’s $5 price increase for a one day ticket, the real story is the unique customization that is available now. With the new a la carte pricing structure they call "Magic Your Way" Disney World has made the extended stay much more affordable. LaughingPlace.com has an easy to follow chart with the new pricing options. Everything goes into effect on Jan. 2, 2005.

The new system isn’t really much more complicated than the old system. It will require more advanced planning on the vacationer’s part. So talking with a travel expert, visiting an online Disney fan site, or DisneyWorld.com becomes more important. It is possible that someone won’t understand the system fully and be suprised by the extra charges for park hopping, non-expiration date, etc. I’m sure Disney is counting on a little of this to pad their profit margin.

Read More »Disneyworld Lowers Prices, Complicates Matters.