A CONVERSA TION WITH TOM STA GGS

That’s an impressive list. opportunities for families, friends and I love the fact that we can MAKING MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME But of course, now we’re loved ones to spend time together all be innovative in our roles. wondering, what’s next? making memories that last a lifetime. What do you like most about Our business may look different than your role as chairman? Tom: Given everything we’ve done when Walt "rst built Disneyland, but recently, it’s amazing to consider all his dream of providing a place where Tom: That I get to work with so that we still have to come. Next year, families can spend time together lives many talented and creative people It’s been an exciting year for Cast the Disney Fantasy will join the !eet at on and is as meaningful as ever. throughout the company. The Members everywhere. What Disney Cruise Line, we’ll open Disney’s excellence of our team comes from the Art of Animation Resort in Orlando, We, as Cast Members, take very were you most proud of? deeply rooted cultural commitment we will begin unveiling elements of the seriously the role of ensuring to quality and service that has Tom: It’s really been an amazing year Fantasyland expansion at the Magic that every experience provides been part of our organization for in Parks and Resorts. And we all have Kingdom, we’ll open Grizzly Gulch our Guests with the opportunity over half a century. And together, a lot to be proud of: the launch of the in Hong Kong, and we’ll "nish the we get to do the impossible and to make lifelong memories. How Disney Dream, breaking ground for our incredible re-imagineering of Disney create amazing experiences for new resort in Shanghai, the new Star California Adventure, including the can we do that even better? Guests around the world. Tours and Little Mermaid attractions, opening of Cars Land. These projects Tom: We have to be relentlessly And that’s what it’s all about, right? the opening of Aulani, Toy Story are great examples of how we can innovative. Just as everyone is Playland in Paris and plans for the deliver the quality and promise of Tom: Absolutely. What people cherish The Eyes & Ears recently sat down with responsible for safety, courtesy, show new AVATAR-themed lands. And just the Disney brand in new ways for most are the experiences they have and and ef"ciency, we should always this week we open Toy Story Land in our Guests around the world. the memories we help create. After we Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman be trying to discover new ways to Hong Kong. I am equally proud of our opened Aulani, many people referred challenge the status quo, be more Tom Staggs. With such an eventful year whole team. Last month, I visited Walt This growth obviously reflects all to it as “Disney without the theme Disney World with James Cameron that we’re doing right. What do ef"cient, and to surprise and delight almost behind us – and another one about park.” I love that in a way, because and his team, as part of our kick-off for you think keeps Guests coming our Guests at every turn. We often it speaks to the quality that we’ve talk about innovation in terms of to begin – we asked Tom to reflect on the AVATAR. As I showed him the property back to our parks and resorts? achieved at our new resort. However, and introduced him to our team, he technology. But innovation goes I’d like to reach the point where people past few months and to talk about the was quite simply blown away. His Tom: We strive to be the most trusted beyond technology and should extend simply say, “Wow, that’s an experience reaction underscored the importance provider of shared travel and leisure to everything we do. Regardless that only Disney could provide” direction in which we’re headed. of the work that our Cast, Crew and experiences throughout the world. of our roles, each of us has the – and that means an experience Imagineers do to exceed our Guests’ And we do this by ensuring that opportunity to innovate and improve associated with the highest levels of expectations, day in and day out. every experience we create provides on what we do and how we do it. service, quality and storytelling.

8 | E&E | Nov. 17-30, 2011 Nov. 17-30, 2011 | E&E | 9