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An Interview with Cynthia Harriss, Disneyland's President
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Disneyland President Cynthia Harriss
Cynthia Harriss was named to the top position at Disneyland and given the title of Executive Vice President in January 1999. In December 1999 she was promoted to President of the Disneyland Resort. In addition to running Disneyland Park she oversees both Disney hotels on the property and the construction of a third hotel, Disney's Grand Californian, a shopping and dining district called Downtown Disney and Disney's California Adventure, a new 55-acre theme park being built adjacent to Disneyland.
LaughingPlace.com editor Doobie Moseley had the opportunity to speak with Harriss on July 10th on the terrace of the Plaza Inn at Disneyland. Harriss discussed Annual Passholders, the Internet, Disneyland Resort expansion and more.
LaughingPlace.com: How did you come to work for Disney?
Cynthia Harriss: I came to work for the Walt Disney Company in 1992 at the Disney Stores heading up the operations for many years in retail, and I was with the Disney Stores for about five years during its biggest growth period. We went from 140 stores when I joined to about 460 stores in North America and about 650 total. I then came to Disneyland, a little less than three years ago, and at that time my first role at Disneyland was heading up operations and then subsequently, when Paul [Pressler] was promoted to his current role as president of Walt Disney Attractions around the world, I assumed a leadership role here and most recently, last December, was nominated to the role of president. So I am the luckiest person alive. To think, gosh, eight years ago I was in retail selling apparel and to come to this is pretty exciting.
LP: What did you do before you joined the Walt Disney Company?
CH: I worked for a firm called Paul Harris Stores. No relationship, it’s just the name of it. It’s a specialty retail chain. They had about 500 stores based in Indiana selling women’s apparel. Along the way I did just about every job. But the last job I had there was senior vice-president of operations.
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LP: Because of what you’ve been able to accomplish here at Disneyland, because of the Internet and probably other things as well, you've become the most well known president here at the company since Walt Disney himself - for better or worse ...
CH: laughs
LP. How does that make you feel? Does that bring any special pressure and challenges?
CH: First of all, as I said, I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead the Disneyland Resort and in particular at this momentous time because obviously, with the expansion of the Resort, there are so many exciting dynamics with what is going on with making this a multi-day vacation resort - more than just our favorite theme park around the world. So I just know it is a huge responsibility regardless, and the fact that I have such great affection for our Cast Members and that’s my primary responsibility, to see that we create this as a wonderful environment for our Cast so that they can serve our guests. And I am very pleased that I’ve been able to meet a lot of our guests and Cast - certainly I know our Cast Members, but our guests - and get to know them. I just view this as the awesome responsibility to carry on the traditions that have served us so well and also bringing us forward with what will be of concern for generations to come with the new resort.
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