Posts tagged "Ed Grier"

Disney Executive George Kalogridis Named President of the Disneyland Resort

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ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 12  — George Kalogridis, a 38-year Disney veteran and former Disneyland executive, has been named president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. Kalogridis most recently served as chief operating officer for Disneyland Resort Paris, where he was responsible for leading the operations team and overseeing the highly successful 15th anniversary celebration of the resort.

Kalogridis, 55, will report to Al Weiss, president of Worldwide Operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. He replaces Ed Grier, who is retiring from the company.

“George is a proven strategic thinker whose operational expertise and strong leadership skills will serve him well in leading the Disneyland Resort,” said Weiss. “We are excited to welcome him back to California and look forward to his leadership as we continue to expand and grow this beloved place.”

From 2000 to 2002, Kalogridis served as senior vice president of Resort Operations for the Disneyland Resort, where he played a significant role in the first expansion of the resort – the opening of Disney’s California Adventure park and Downtown Disney. In addition, he was responsible for the daily operations of both theme parks and three hotels, as well as Downtown Disney.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Disneyland, particularly during this exciting time of significant expansion,” said Kalogridis. “I look forward to working with the Cast who make the magic for our Guests everyday and partnering with the Orange County community to ensure the Anaheim Resort Area continues to thrive.”

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Posted by Stitch Kingdom - October 12, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Categories: Business, Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks   Tags: ,

Disneyland Resort Celebrates Los Angeles Lakers and MVP Kobe Bryant With a Victory Parade for the 2009 World Champions

ANAHEIM, Calif., June 18 — Celebrating the best in basketball, the Disneyland Resort saluted the 2009 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday with a victory parade down Main Street U.S.A., in Disneyland park. Kobe Bryant, MVP of the recent NBA Finals, smiled and waved to fans as he rode on a float to represent the Lakers in the special, celebration parade.

Some favorite Disney characters joined the magical parade as Disneyland guests cheered for the Lakers and their 15th NBA championship. The Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic to win the title in a “Fairytale Series” that matched up teams located near Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, and Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

“It’s like a dream come true to be here and celebrate at Disneyland, coming down Main Street U.S.A. with all the fans cheering,” Bryant said after the parade. “It’s a tremendous honor to represent my team.”

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Posted by Stitch Kingdom - June 18, 2009 at 4:17 pm

Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks   Tags: , , , , , ,

Forget HSM4, It’s a Real World East Meets West as WDW and DLR Presidents Make NBA Wager

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton shows her support for the Orlando Magic © Gene Duncan/Disney

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton shows her support for the Orlando Magic © Gene Duncan/Disney

ANAHEIM, Calif./LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (June 3, 2009) – Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and Disneyland President Ed Grier are squaring off – all in fun – as their local teams, the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, head for the NBA Finals.

With both Disney parks asking guests “What Will You Celebrate?” in 2009, Grier and Crofton are getting in the act, making a celebratory wager on the outcome of the NBA Finals:

If the Magic win, Grier will walk down Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park wearing a pair of specially made Mickey Mouse ears in Magic blue and silver. If the Lakers win, Crofton will don a pair of Lakers’ purple and gold mouse ears and walk down Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom.

“The Lakers are going to make your team very Grumpy this week,” predicted Grier to Crofton.

“But we have ‘Magic’ on our side,” countered Crofton.  “And isn’t that what Disney is all about?”

Crofton and Grier went through their respective parks Wednesday looking for supporters.  Grier shot some hoops with Donald and Pluto in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, while Crofton (along with Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale) drummed up Orlando Magic support in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort.

The park presidents even pledged to turn the lights of their respective castles to their team colors in celebration of the historic pairing.

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier shows his support for the LA Lakers © Scott Brinegar/Disney

Disneyland Resort President Ed Grier shows his support for the LA Lakers © Scott Brinegar/Disney

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Posted by Stitch Kingdom - June 3, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World   Tags: , , , , , ,

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