Originally Posted By pheneix I have been informed that the Imagination Revitalization project will become reality sooner rather than later. Better start making plans to see the Imagination Institute one last time!
Originally Posted By pheneix What I was told was pretty vague, but at least the word is optimistic. I think a lot of the rumors surrounding Epcot have stemmed from the new VP analyzing the situation he has in front of him and demanding action. Jim is going to be amazing for this park. I really do believe things are gonna start changing for the better at Epcot, and I think they are gonna start changing FAST. I just hope he doesn't go Matt Ouimet on the place when he realizes he is too good to work for Disney.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 ^^Jim is a theme-park guy. Brad Rex was a money guy that was tossed into the job. Considering his total lack of experience, Brad really didn't do that bad a job. But thankfully he's moved on to a job that's better suited for his talents. As to comparisons to Matt, understand that Matt's preference was to remain at Disney ... but also understand that Jay Rasulo didn't like him because he couldn't control him like his other puppets and that he coveted Jay's job and often did end-arounds Jay to go right to Bob Iger (of which I approve heartily but understand why JR had issues). Also understand that Starwood made Matt an amazing job offer. But who knows? Matt could be back at Disney some day. JR ain't going to be around forever. Too many people hate him and too many people realize what a liability he has been in his current position.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I actually worked with Jim McPhee. He was my Supervisor when I worked WDW Guest Relations back in the late 80s. Hi Jim! Congrats on your recent promotion. Do an awesome job at Epcot! Would you consider changing the name back to EPCOT Center?
Originally Posted By pheneix Well I didn't really mean to make an outright comparison of the guy to Matt, but you do bring up an interesting point in how Jay was unable to control Matt like he wanted to. Jim MacPhee looks like he is gonna be pretty anti-establishment himself. Still, I don't think the establishment is gonna be around for long. JR's ship is gonna sail before this year is out, I hope.
Originally Posted By Skellington88 even if rasolu leaves they will probably get another dumb guy who doesn't understand theme parks to replace him
Originally Posted By MPierce I hope the rumor becomes fact this time. I am very suspect of only a 32 million dollar budget that has been on again off again so many times. I don't think that's really enough money for that whole pavilion. If that's only for the first phase I would be happy. The Imagineering department needs to turn their image around on make-over projects. They have been critcized by a lot of people for some of their other make-overs. They really need to knock peoples socks off with a make-over on the Imagination pavilion, and make it better than the original version.
Originally Posted By ChiMike ^ I agree that is the only way they will be able to move on. Whatever they do for a fourth time has to clearly be a step forward from where we were in 1998.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Still, I don't think the establishment is gonna be around for long. JR's ship is gonna sail before this year is out, I hope.>> I have high hopes, but am realistic. But if you look at past tenures in the position, JR is about at the time to get out point.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Ever think us cyberfans could make better VP's?>> I don't for a second doubt there are folks here in the LP who could do a better job than some of the VPs out there. Not for a second. And you know what? I'm sure there are folks in Team Disney who know this too.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I have my weekly query at Careerbuilder.com set up waiting for them to post the opening.
Originally Posted By pheneix One thing I wonder about is that when JR finally gets canned, who will be replacing him? None of his puppets stand much of a chance of function on their own when he leaves, so that disqualifies all four of the resort presidents. Who else after that?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 He went to Starwood Hotels as a president of the hotel group and it was last July....
