People Behind the Magic - Mouse Minute with Phil Holmes
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 9, 2010 - Phil Holmes started his career delivering blueprints to construction sites at the Magic Kingdom prior to the park’s opening in August of 1971. In 2001 after eight roles, 18 locations, and almost 30 years to that date, he returned back to the place where it all began when he was named to his current role as vice president of the Magic Kingdom.
Phil sat down for a visit with Mouse Minute to talk about the new Fantasyland expansion and a few other topics.
Mouse Minute (MM): The new Fantasyland expansion is set to break ground this month. What do you think guests will really find special as these plans move from the drawing board to the Magic Kingdom?
Phil: What’s special for us is the way our stories will come to life and put our Guests right in the middle of it. Today, when you meet-and-greet the princesses, it’s a lot of fun to get a hug and grab a quick picture or an autograph. In the next generation of that experience you’ll be more immersed as you step right into Cinderella’s home and her castle. And, even before you meet Cinderella, the rest of the fairytale will come to life when you see and experience characters from the movie and the books.
While getting a hug from your favorite princess is wonderful today, the true magic will happen when you see her magically transform from her rags into her beautiful gown – right before your eyes. This will be a dramatically different way for our Guests to enjoy these fabulous new princess experiences.
MM: Part of the appeal of the attractions in Fantasyland is the timelessness of the stories. How do you think the new attractions and experiences will provide that same timeless appeal?
Phil: A big part of our magic and appeal is giving people a way to step back to a simpler time and place where they can feel like a kid again. I think our Guests will really get that feeling when they see the new dramatically enhanced landscape and overall aesthetics of the Fantasyland topography. Just imagine coming through Cinderella Castle into the enchanted forest filled with the sights, smells and sounds of lush green trees, rolling hills, beautiful rockwork, castles, cottages and chateaus that immerse you in a different time and place. That sense of arrival and connection to your surroundings will sweep you right into the moment and the magic.
MM: How much fun for has it been for you personally to see these plans become a reality?
Phil: By the time we open I’ll be ready to celebrate my 40th year at Disney and I remember when all this was nothing but dirt back in 1970. I remember looking at blueprints that showed spectacular castles, mansions and things I didn’t think could ever be possible. This project is taking me right back to that sense of amazement. This time, however, I know that the images and plans I’ve seen on the Fantasyland blueprints can and will come to life, even better and more spectacular than I can imagine.
MM: You have a small granddaughter and another one on the way. What kind of impact has it had on you to see the park through the eyes of a child again?
Phil: There’s nothing like enjoying the park with Charlotte. Now that she’s almost two years old, she knows exactly what she wants to do. No visit is complete unless we ride that Carousel, go on Dumbo or visit Cinderella, or “Ella,” as Charlotte calls her, as many times as humanly possible.
Sometimes even just the anticipation of visiting is as much fun as the experience itself. Charlotte just lights up when any of us mention “Mickey” or “’Ella” or “Disney,” and it’s a real joy for our family and friends to connect to the experiences in a whole new way.
MM: A number of our cast members at Disney are very active in the community and in professional associations. Where have you been especially involved?
Phil: After several great years of involvement, I just finished up my tenure with the Florida Attractions Association, which is a collection of great attractions throughout Florida. Working with this group of people really gave me a much broader appreciation for all the things there are to do in our state and it’s great to work with people who, like us, are all dedicated to taking care of the guests.
MM: I have to put you on the spot. What’s your favorite attraction at the park?
Phil: That’s an easy one for me. In the 1970s, when we moved from the construction phase to the opening phase of the Magic Kingdom, I was part of the opening team at the Haunted Mansion. I love the way we’ve refreshed, refined and introduced technology that continues to help us connect to Guests of all ages. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for the Mansion.
MM: Do you have any spare time? What do you like to do with the five free minutes you must have every month?
Phil: I’m blessed to work with an amazing team here at the Magic Kingdom, so when I take my days off, I can rest easy knowing everything’s covered at work. In addition to spending quality time with my granddaughter, Charlotte, my wife Linda and I really enjoy the outdoors. My wife loves horseback riding and I enjoy road biking, especially out near our Howey-in-the-Hills home and in Clermont where we can safely bike and enjoy the few hills we have here in Florida.
http://www.wdwpublicaffairs.com/Con...playItem=3e083bcc-25f1-4be1-aed3-d78bc2a356f2
Oy. PR. Nothing more, nothing less. Sappy, and no details given.
At least it will look good. Great, even.
Have at it! :lookaroun :lol:
