Jim MacPhee to Lead "Next Generation" for WDW

Dec 17, 2009 by wdwntadmin    No Comments    Posted under: General Resort News

From Jason Garcia of the Orlando Sentinel:

Walt Disney World has a new executive in charge of theme-park operations — as well as new technology.

Disney has appointed Jim MacPhee to the position of vice president, next generation experiences and Walt Disney World parks.

MacPhee, 51, is a former vice president in charge of Epcot who earlier this year was moved to vice president for “special projects,” and the chatter is that he has been involved in developing new interactive technologies that can eventually be deployed in the parks.

Regarding the new “next generation experience,” Disney would say only that “we are constantly exploring new ways to deliver high-quality immersive experiences to new and existing audiences. Our goal is to take every element of the vacation experience to a new level.”

MacPhee will report both to Nick Franklin, the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts executive in charge of global business development who is also getting a new title of “executive vice president, next generation experience,” and to Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World.

It is believed that this new position may have something to do with the resort’s transition to using new, innovative technologies such as RFID tags and the next generation of the Living Character Initiative program. Only time will tell.