OC Register interview lets Disney exec avoid questions

MousePlanet.com, a web site that tracks the Disney amusement parks, has a great critique of an interview with new Disneyland president Ed Grier by Orange County Register reporter Andrew Galvin.

The conclusion: The paper lets Galvin get away with not answering a number of important questions.

David Koenig, who has written three books about Disney, wrote, “First, as recounted in the print edition, he was asked about his perceptions of Disneyland. His answer—that the 50th anniversary promotion was very successful and that the Disney brand is popular all over the world—had nothing to do with the question.

“Next, he was asked what he wanted to achieve. He said he was still learning, but did know that Disneyland draws more locals than Disney World. Good. Again, not really what he was asked, but at least he recognized the fundamental difference between the two resorts.

“Then, Grier was asked if he had identified anything that needs work. His answer: ‘No.’ Evidently he’s content with out-of-control employee turnover, intense congestion at Disneyland, and languishing underperformance at Disney’s California Adventure.

“The interviewer discreetly tried to bring up the employment issue. Grier said that, with low unemployment, recruiting is a challenge for all area business, again deflecting the question away from Disneyland.

“Valiantly, the reporter stayed at it. What about affordable housing initiatives? Again, Grier said that was Orange County’s problem, not Disneyland’s per se.”

Read more of the critique here. The interview can be read here.