A Promotion for Disneyland’s Boss
Disneyland boss Cynthia Harriss, a popular figure to many employees and park fans during her 11 months at the helm, was promoted Tuesday to president of the world-famous tourist attraction.
Harriss, whose duties remain the same, took over the park’s operation with the title of executive vice president last January.
At the time, regular customers were complaining of poor upkeep and shortened hours on some rides, and park operators were being called to task after a tourist died following a Christmas Eve accident blamed on a lapse in employee training.
Harriss has won high marks from Walt Disney Co. enthusiasts for restoring the park’s luster, keeping attractions in operation longer, trying out new programs to cut irritating long waits in line and restoring foreman-like jobs that had been phased out on many attractions.
Former Disneyland President Paul Pressler, who now oversees all Disney parks, praised Harriss for doing an “exceptional job” with both employees and customers. Disney Chairman Michael Eisner, looking ahead to the opening of a second park beside Disneyland in 2001, called her a strong leader with “real passion for everything the Disney name represents.”
Harriss, 47, a former Disney Stores executive who lives in Laguna Beach, is known at the park for being fond of dancing and bestowing frequent hugs on co-workers.
She will continue to report to Pressler. She has authority over Disneyland and two adjacent hotels, as well as the California Adventure park, an entertainment zone and a luxury hotel that are being built as part of a major expansion of Disney’s resort area in Anaheim.
Harriss said she was surprised to receive her new title, giving credit to the “superb cast and leadership team” at Disneyland. “Frankly, they’re the reason we have achieved what we have over the past year,” she said. “But I’m pleased to be recognized for it.”
Harriss recently set up park advisory committees whose members include Michelle Smith, a confirmed enthusiast known on her Web site as The Fabulous Disney Babe. Harriss “listens to people,” said Smith, a past critic of Disneyland management.
“She doesn’t just say, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah’ and then go off and do it her way,” Smith said.
