Jim Lewis has a new boss...

[jana]

But DCL and ABD are already outside the berms of the theme park. Why would he reference expanding outside the theme parks if he was talking about two areas that only exist currently outside the theme parks?

While it is certainly possible DVC is going to expand it's horizon's ( I'm pretty sure that's been a major ambition of Mr Lewis for some time) , this statement doesn't necessarily mean DVC will be doing ANYTHING off property in the near future.

DCL is adding an extra ship next year ( as most of us know) which is going to allow DCL to take on (expand) a wider range of destinations as well as different operating hubs. Texas, Vancouver and North East USA are already on the schedule. IMHO Asia and Hawaii are two obvious options to add to the DCL portfolio. The next ship will represent about a 30% increase in capacity, that's a pretty major expansion IMHO.

ABD Is adding a number of new destinations and widening the scope of the types of things they offer by running itineraries with different amounts of organized and "alone" time with less dining and activities involved. That is certainly an expansion of what they are currently doing.

For me the next obvious step for DVC had/if the Hawaii project been/is a success with the Japanese was to look at building a DVC in Disneyland Tokyo. Now the earthquake may have put a dampener on that plan, but IMHO DVC did not spend all that money on a sales centre in Disneyland Tokyo just to sell out a relatively small ( by timeshare standards) resort in Hawaii. From there, smaller DVC resorts in Hong Kong and the new Shanghai project would be a natural progression to test those markets. While I never discount any action , no matter how odd it may seem, other than Jim Lewis's ego why would DVC need to try and take on Hilton and Marriott etc etc on their turf when DVC could continue to have very profitable growth using a tried and tested formula and leveraging their unique position by keeping their short term growth related to their park activities.

 

[mommacat56]

Disney did not make VB, HI, or Hawaii desirable vacation spots. They were that way when DVC arrived. As long as they continue to build in similiar vacation hot spots I see no reason to be alarmed. The variety might be nice.

I agree! I would love to see a DVC destination in NYC, VA, and DC! The NYC location would tie in nicely to their Broadway shows and I'd love to see them give the "Big Apple" another go. I'd also like to see DVC give it another go in Williamsburg, VA too! I read somewhere recently that Dsney purchased property at National Harbor by DC...would love to see that developed as only Disney can. My kids are all older now and don't want to go to WDW as often, so the variety would be really nice for us. I'd seriously consider purchasing add-ons at any of these! Just my 2 cents.

 

[Sammie]

If Jim is wise, not so sure lately, thought so when he first started with DVC but lately he seems to be focused more on making a name for himself, he would consider this a warning shot across the bow.

With Al Weiss, I think Jim pretty much ran unchecked. I personally do not think Karl will allow that.

I also agree that the focus for DVC is going to be outside the parks and who better to partner with than the person over cruises and ABD.

I also agree with TJ that DVC outside the parks would be received well. Obviously DVC members are trading out, if not then RCI members would not be trading in, and we know they are.

I personally would welcome it, because honestly we are getting tired of Disney World on a yearly basis.

 

[drusba]

So who did Jim Lewis report to before? Are they adding another layer?

I can see this as a good thing. It seems that DCL and ABD are doing things right, DVC could use a little more of that.

Adding to the above, Al Weiss was the DVC President before Jim Lewis and then Lewis reported to him as head of domestic parks and resorts. This has all the appearance of Lewis being passed over because in the pecking order Karl Holz, to whom Lewis now reports, was not any higher and likely lower than Lewis before.

 

[Sammie]

Adding to the above, Al Weiss was the DVC President before Jim Lewis and then Lewis reported to him as head of domestic parks and resorts. This has all the appearance of Lewis being passed over because in the pecking order Karl Holz, to whom Lewis now reports, was not any higher and likely lower than Lewis before.

George Aquell was the DVC president prior to Jim. I also find it interesting that Al Weiss filed for divorce in March and then suddenly up and retires, which was a huge surprise to most everyone at Disney.

 

[Deb & Bill]

George Aquell was the DVC president prior to Jim. I also find it interesting that Al Weiss filed for divorce in March and then suddenly up and retires, which was a huge surprise to most everyone at Disney.

Maybe Al Weiss is planning on running for office.

 

[tjkraz]

This has all the appearance of Lewis being passed over because in the pecking order Karl Holz, to whom Lewis now reports, was not any higher and likely lower than Lewis before.

I'm not entirely sure who Holz reported to prior to this change but he was certainly no lower than Lewis. If Holz reported to Weiss, then he and Lewis were pretty much equals (with both having the "president" title.)

Holz may have even reported directly to Staggs.

Whatever the case, adding DVC to Holz' current responsibilities seems more logical than making DVC an entity unto itself or having Lewis take over DCL and AbD. Holz is about 10 years older than Lewis so this could be more a case of Lewis being groomed to take his place eventually.