Cynthia Harriss promoted to Disneyland President

Cynthia Harriss promoted to Disneyland President

HarrissAtBoyer.jpg (27878 bytes)
Cynthia Harriss at the Dick Nunis
Window on Main Street dedication

Cynthia Harriss Named Disneyland Resort President

On Tuesday, December 7th, Cynthia Harriss was named president of the Disneyland Resort. The announcement was made by Paul Pressler who is a former President of Disneyland and is currently President of Walt Disney Attractions.

One year ago, following the promotion of then president Paul Pressler, Harriss was promoted to the top post at Disneyland and given the title executive vice president of the Disneyland Resort which includes Disneyland Park, the Disneyland Hotel and the the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

With this promotion Harriss receives the same title as her predecessor. Fans of Disneyland have been very happy with what Harriss has done since taking over the top spot. Programs such as FastPass, a system designed to reduce wait time at popular attractions, and the expansion of the Christmas Festivities into New Orleans Square and Toontown have begin in the past year. A Creative Advisory Counsel 2000 advisory committee has also been formed comprised of Disneyland fans meeting regularly and giving their advice on merchandise and special events.

Under Harriss' tenure, Disneyland has also increased the number of small ceremonies held during regular hours that are especially interesting to Disneyland diehards. Some recent ones include the opening of the 20th Century Music Shop on Main Street, the opening of two new shops in New Orleans Square, Bob Hope's Christmas Lighting and the Dick Nunis and Charles Boyer Window on Main Street dedication ceremonies. All these were smoothly presided over by Harriss.

Employees we've talked to have also been almost uniformly pleased with Harriss. Many have noted the handwritten notes they receive from her after receiving recognition from guests via comments at City Hall.

In addition to the current Disneyland Resort, Harriss is responsible for the development of Disney's California Adventure, the new theme park being constructed adjacent to Disneyland, as well as Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, and Downtown Disney, the resort's retail, dining and entertainment district -- all planned to open in 2001.

In response to a LaughingPlace.com question about her promotion and about Disneyland's future, Harris said:

This is only possible because of our Fabulous Cast who make the Magic every single day. I am certainly thrilled to accept this high honor. I will continue to place the greatest importance on ensuring that the Guests have a reason to come and come often to enjoy our glorious park. We will continue to make this the very Best place to work for our Cast. After all it has the legacy to live up to of being the Happiest Place on Earth!

"Cynthia has done an exceptional job over the past year," said Pressler. "She has provided superior leadership for our Cast Members and remained focused on ensuring that Disneyland delivers a magical experience for our guests."

Michael Eisner, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, said, "During her tenure with Disney -- first at The Disney Stores and now at Disneyland -- Cynthia has proven herself to be a strong leader who has real passion for everything the Disney name represents. Her talent as an experienced operator will serve us well as we face the first-ever expansion of the Disneyland Resort."

The 47-year-old Harriss joined The Disney Stores in 1992 from the Paul Harris Stores where she spent 19 years in a series of operational positions. Harriss was a senior vice president at The Disney Stores when she joined Disneyland in 1997 as head of park operations and merchandise. Harriss is a graduate of St. Louis University and a resident of Laguna Beach.

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-- Posted December 8th, 1999
-- Updated December 9th, 1999
-- Photograph by Kaszandra Liput