Jim MacPhee to retire in 2021.

[DCBaker]

Jeff Vahle on Instagram: "Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jim MacPhee on his upcoming retirement after 42 years of making magic at Disney. I met Jim as we prepared to open Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He is many things—leader, innovator, frien

3,935 likes, 73 comments - jeffvahle on December 16, 2020: "Congratulations to my friend and colleague Jim MacPhee on his upcoming retirement after 42 years of making magic at Disney. I met Jim as we prepared to open Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He is many things—leader, innovator, friend, husband &...

www.instagram.com

 

[Animaniac93-98]

"retire"

 

[todd23]

There has seemed to be a positive opinion of Jim MacPhee on these boards. Am I interpreting that correctly? Is it bad for us as fans that he is "retiring"?

 

[techgeek]

There has seemed to be a positive opinion of Jim MacPhee on these boards. Am I interpreting that correctly? Is it bad for us as fans that he is "retiring"?

When he was in the phase of his career as parks VP, he was one of those execs that had a public guest and CM presence and seemed to genuinely listen. Much of the positive opinion still comes from his ‘saving’ of EPCOT’s 25th anniversary celebration.

 

[montyz81]

When he was in the phase of his career as parks VP, he was one of those execs that had a public guest and CM presence and seemed to genuinely listen. Much of the positive opinion still comes from his ‘saving’ of EPCOT’s 25th anniversary celebration.

But he couldn't save Epcot from the fantasy bent theming direction it is going in today. Just saying.

 

[techgeek]

But he couldn't save Epcot from the fantasy bent theming direction it is going in today. Just saying.

It’s pretty hard for any one mid-level exec to have sway over the larger direction given the company.

His legacy also includes shepherding the original ‘nextgen’ data initiative that magic bands and FP+ was born out of, which of course produces some pretty divisive opinions... especially for the amount of cash spent. But even in that, those choices and directions still originated well above his pay grade.

 

[montyz81]

It’s pretty hard for any one mid-level exec to have sway over the larger direction given the company.

His legacy also includes shepherding the original ‘nextgen’ data initiative that magic bands and FP+ was born out of, which of course produces some pretty divisive opinions... especially for the amount of cash spent. But even in that, those choices and directions still originated well above his pay grade.

Fair enough, but his pay grade was pretty high. He was, what 2 levels down from Bob Iger? And he was the "boots on the ground" for the bark. He had plenty of influence, I am sure. It is possible that Epcot's "limbo years" could have been due to him trying to prevent the park from turning into what it is about to turn into, I don't know. I know what I expect from the VPs in my company, and based on that, I think he could have done more.

 

[Rteetz]

But he couldn't save Epcot from the fantasy bent theming direction it is going in today. Just saying.

That’s not his job. He’s in operations not creative and decision making.

 

[Lilofan]

That’s not his job. He’s in operations not creative and decision making.

He made 42 years as a cast member. He played and got along with others.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

His legacy also includes shepherding the original ‘nextgen’ data initiative that magic bands and FP+ was born out of, which of course produces some pretty divisive opinions... especially for the amount of cash spent. But even in that, those choices and directions still originated well above his pay grade.

NGE/MM+ is one of the biggest failures of Iger’s tenure. It was designed to data mine guests to turn the parks into a real life Facebook where sponsors would gain insights into potential customers, including children. Thankfully, that’s illegal in the US. Too bad nobody thought about that when it was approved.

You could write a whole book about NGE/MM+.

 

[JIMINYCR]

He made 42 years as a cast member. He played and got along with others.

Always helps when you retire and those saying good bye actually will miss you, genuinely wish you well and you go out the door being fondly remembered and liked.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I know what I expect from the VPs in my company, and based on that, I think he could have done more.

Perhaps your expectations are different than Iger / Chapeks were.

 

[HappyHaunt97]

Jim seemed like one of the good ones. My family and I had a less than magical trip to WDW in December 2017. Bad enough to prompt an email to George K. My comments were shared with Jim and I received a personal response from him on Christmas Eve. We spoke on the phone a few days later about the experience. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed. I didn't expect any more than a form letter.

 

[The Great Gonzo]

I don't blame him I'd want to retire after this sucky year.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

I don't blame him I'd want to retire after this sucky year.

“Retire”

 

[Robbiem]

Always helps when you retire and those saying good bye actually will miss you, genuinely wish you well and you go out the door being fondly remembered and liked.

unfortunately too often in these situations everyone is so scared they’ll be next that you end up being treated like you’ve got the plague.

 

[JIMINYCR]

unfortunately too often in these situations everyone is so scared they’ll be next that you end up being treated like you’ve got the plague.

I dont see where anyone is saying or its been reported that hes being forced out if thats what youre referring to. Ive read a variety of reports regarding his retirement announcement and no one is tying it to a negative release. Its still a positive sign when you leave and those who were under you have only positives to say about you.

 

[Robbiem]

I dont see where anyone is saying or its been reported that hes being forced out if thats what youre referring to. Ive read a variety of reports regarding his retirement announcement and no one is tying it to a negative release. Its still a positive sign when you leave and those who were under you have only positives to say about you.

I was just trying to make a general observation from my experience, not infering anything. People can get really nasty when it gets into a restructuring and jobs are at stake. I know a lot of good people who have been treated terribly by others when they have left organisations, sadly I think this is the rule now not the exception so if you are able to go with dignity its a real bonus in these times