Disney: It's All About Family!

Disney in Hawaii...Once a thought, now a reality! Following a November 19th ground-breaking ceremony for a 21-acre Disney Resort at Ko'Olina, the Voice Of Kapolei interviewed Mr. Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawaii. Over the past five months, Mr. Rivers has been working with area and business and government leaders in preparation for the resort's construction at the oceanfront property.

The Voice of Kapolei (VOK): http://thevoiceofkapolei.com/index.php
"In addition to being a top vacation stop for guests from our other 49 states, Hawaii is a magnet for visitors from the Far East, Australia, and locations all over the Pacific. What are your tourism expectations for the new family resort coming to Ko'Olina?"

Mr. Rivers:
"The Disney resort project is all about family. We start with the family in mind. It's the basis for how we design our resorts. Coming to Hawaii is an objective for many of our resort members, most of who are from the U.S. East coast. When we ask them where do they want to go, Hawaii is initially on the list! From an international standpoint, Asia is very valuable, specifically Japan. We have millions and millions of guests who visit Tokyo Disneyland and are just waiting for something to happen in Hawaii. We want to take advantage of that market. Our investment in Hawaii is for the long term, and we plan to definitely make those great family memories."

VOK:
"The label Disney is synonymous around the world with family fun and world-class vacation destinations. Hawaii is known virtually the world over as the perfect vacation spot. Do you see these factors possibly merging at your Ko'Olina Resort location to make it among the leaders in Hawaii state tourism and Disney attendance worldwide?"

Mr. Rivers:
"I won't be so bold as to say we'll have total impact, however, I do know guests have tremendous interest in coming to Hawaii. Ko'Olina is fantastic with all the amenities that a family could possibly want with the marina, and golf course. It sincerely is a destination for families. We will go after those who have a high affinity for the Disney brand. Those are the ones who have a high kinship for family-type environments. Being able to take advantage of the crystal blue lagoons and stunning white beaches...You can't beat it!"

VOK:
"Walt Disney Imagineering is renown for its innovative blend of imagination and engineering when developing resorts and parks. What is the imagineering theme for this new Disney resort?"

Mr. Rivers:
"Most people when you hear the name Imagineering, they think it's a spin off of engineering. In reality, Imagineers see themselves as storytellers. Think about Disney being a storytelling company, and Hawaii being a storytelling convergence, and the idea to marry these two great storytelling cultures to embrace on constructing a project that families can totally immerse themselves. Being able to translate the legacy of Disney storytelling and the wonderful history and culture of Hawaii into a physical structure where people can have an immersive experience is something we are very excited about doing."

VOK: http://thevoiceofkapolei.com/index.php
"What type of programs will Disney implement to promote helpful interaction with Kapolei's schools, businesses, and area residents?"

Mr. Rivers:
Becoming a part of the ohana is very, very important for us. I've had an opportunity to go out into the community. I find our principles match up exactly with what people are saying: The importance of kids and nurturing. Children are the hallmark of who we are. You'll hear this a lot in our theme parks: Disney is where dreams come true. A lot of those dreams start even earlier in the classroom; kids dreaming about their future. Our gift of $100,000 for Hawaii schools programs is our way of saying we are invested in the children.
We plan to take advantage of the splendid talent that exists in Hawaii and the natural aloha spirit. Construction jobs will start relatively soon, with operational and other placement for over 1000 employees over a three-year phased opening, starting Fall of 2011. Additionally, we have great partner organizations and can offer unique careers that may not be present at other resorts. Employment opportunities are at the top of our list."


Mr. Rivers, a 21-year veteran of Disney, has helped open nine resorts in Florida and Paris. He has held various other leadership positions and most recently served as Vice President of New Business Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.