News EPCOT and Disney Springs Leadership Shakeup: New Vice Presidents Announced

[djkidkaz]

Matt is a good guy and I believe he was actually sought out by Disney when they were transitioning Downtown Disney into Disney Springs due to his success with the Grove. As Steve said he is not really a Disney guy with a passion for the company. At Springs, Matt was really focused on trying to find those hip brands out in the world and get them to sign contracts to open locations at Springs. This is his strength and maybe the idea here is to have him work on finding better products to boost sales in the World Showcase countries.

As much as I like him as a person, it wouldn’t necessarily surprise me if he left the company at some point for a higher paying opportunity elsewhere.

 

[jpeden]

The Avalon time one of the nicest shopping centers in metro Atlanta but has suffered like all shopping centers post-COVID. If Matt opened it I can completely understand why they wanted him for Springs.

I don’t know if that’s the right choice for Epcot.

 

[aladdin2007]

The Avoe time one of the nicest shopping centers in metro Atlanta but has suffered. If Matt opened it I can completely understand why they wanted him for Springs.

I don’t know if that’s the right choice for Epcot.

Agree concerning. However maybe he can get something going in Morocco again with some outside corp to come on board.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Can we get a group to walk with him around the parks and point out whats lacking and give some good history lessons along the way? I could think of a few people for this.......Marie

I basically do this with friends or anyone who goes with me - whether wanted or not.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Avalon is (or at least was; last time I was there was years ago) pretty nice. I also thought the Grove was nice, but I was there years ago too.

Colony Square, on the other hand, was pretty awful. It's now been completely overhauled and is much nicer, but I don't know if that happened during his tenure.

Either way, seems like they plan to keep EPCOT heavily focused on retail and food and beverage.

I know a couple of people who worked for the development company that redid CS, opened Avalon, redid the Forum redo. They all knew Matt and spoke favorably of him then. Obviously a Disney park is a different beast. So, we'll see.

 

[WDWhopper]

Matt does not have a strong Disney heritage. He has not been with Disney very long, and has a lengthy past in managing large retail operations.

Sounds like Paul Pressler’s resume