Enough to make a Disney Geek's head explode
This week at work has been a lot of fun. It's the annual Disney Leadership Conference. A 3 day conference for leaders at the theme parks worldwide, allowing almost 14,000 of us to get together, network, learn and play.
To say I've had a good time would be an understatement. Here are a few of the highlights:
1. Marty Sklar : I listened to and shook hands with Marty. I met Marty a few years ago on a Disney cruise, and was amazed to hear that this was the guy who wrote Walt's speeches and scripts, and then, he took over Imagineering and led it for 30 years, overseeing the construction of Walt Disney World and specifically Epcot. He's a truly amazing man, very gracious, and a lot of fun to hear speak. Marty wrote "Mickey's 10 Commandments" several years ago, and was back to present, "Mickey's More 10 Commandments".
2. Bob Matheison: Bob was one of the people who helped start Walt Disney World, and eventually went on to run the place. He retired in 1994. He spoke about his memories of WDW, and his feelings on leadership.
3. Tony Baxter: This was cool. A very small, intimate presentation by Tony on creativity. Tony is the Senior Vice President of Imagineering. Truthfully, Tony is an ideas guy, who has helped make Disney what it is today. If you've loved attractions such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, all the way on up to the recently reopened Nemo's Submarine Adventure, you can thank Tony. He helped design these rides. He's frequently the guy that's interviewed when it comes to the parks, and he has a great love for good storytelling and rides. To listen to Tony pull no punches was quite refreshing as well ("How did we go from The Lion King to Home On The Range?")
There have been other sessions as well, from panels with the heads of Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, on to keynote addresses.
As we are fond of saying at Walt Disney World, this has really recharged my pixie dust. I love working for a company with this much tradition, and one that is a leader. And, talking with and learning from these kind of people is amazing.
To say I've had a good time would be an understatement. Here are a few of the highlights:
1. Marty Sklar : I listened to and shook hands with Marty. I met Marty a few years ago on a Disney cruise, and was amazed to hear that this was the guy who wrote Walt's speeches and scripts, and then, he took over Imagineering and led it for 30 years, overseeing the construction of Walt Disney World and specifically Epcot. He's a truly amazing man, very gracious, and a lot of fun to hear speak. Marty wrote "Mickey's 10 Commandments" several years ago, and was back to present, "Mickey's More 10 Commandments".
2. Bob Matheison: Bob was one of the people who helped start Walt Disney World, and eventually went on to run the place. He retired in 1994. He spoke about his memories of WDW, and his feelings on leadership.
3. Tony Baxter: This was cool. A very small, intimate presentation by Tony on creativity. Tony is the Senior Vice President of Imagineering. Truthfully, Tony is an ideas guy, who has helped make Disney what it is today. If you've loved attractions such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, all the way on up to the recently reopened Nemo's Submarine Adventure, you can thank Tony. He helped design these rides. He's frequently the guy that's interviewed when it comes to the parks, and he has a great love for good storytelling and rides. To listen to Tony pull no punches was quite refreshing as well ("How did we go from The Lion King to Home On The Range?")
There have been other sessions as well, from panels with the heads of Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, on to keynote addresses.
As we are fond of saying at Walt Disney World, this has really recharged my pixie dust. I love working for a company with this much tradition, and one that is a leader. And, talking with and learning from these kind of people is amazing.
It's really cool that you're managing to work your "dream job".
Posted by
Unknown |
8:48 AM
You just have to keep rubbing it in, don't you????
Posted by
Anonymous |
1:10 PM
We enjoy what you share about the "behind the scenes" of your job. Looking forward to more.
MississippiKin
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:08 PM