By Jill Chabot
Disney Files Magazine is pleased to present “Membership Magic Makers,†a series of profiles spotlighting one of the most meaningful pillars of Membership Magic – the Disney Vacation Club Cast Members who fuel #ThatMagicalFeeling. Shining in this edition’s spotlight is Taki Papadatos, an Associate Coordinator at the Discovery Studio at Disneyland Resort whose dedication to world-class service and community outreach inspired a longstanding career with Disney Vacation Club.
With the recent opening of Disney Vacation Club Star View Station – A Member Lounge in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park, and this fall’s debut of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, the Disney destination that started it all is drawing more guests than ever to the magic of Membership. And for many Disneyland Resort guests, the journey to Membership begins at the resort’s Disney Vacation Club Discovery Studio, professional home to Membership Magic Makers like Stamati (Taki) Papadatos.
As one of the studio’s Associate Coordinators, Taki welcomes families “home†and, among numerous other responsibilities, ensures that its model rooms are always “show ready.â€
Originally born in Ethiopia but of Greek descent, Taki’s family moved to Southern California in 1958. Quick to embrace his newfound Disney roots and Walt’s ever-evolving vision for “The Happiest Place on Earth,†Taki dedicated most Sunday evenings to staying in the “Disney†know by tuning into “The Wonderful World of Disney†television show.
Taki recalls being drawn to one particular episode. Released in 1968, “Disneyland: From the Pirates of the Caribbean to the World of Tomorrow†introduced a newly minted, treacherous voyage into the 17th century Caribbean islands. Plunging Disney fans like Taki into the story of ransacking pirates, the episode revealed original concept art and figurines of our ruthless animatronic bandits, who continue to make their mischievous mark at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
“I was blown away by Walt’s creation,†Taki reminisced. “Even then, I knew this place was special and wanted to be a part of it.â€
An admirer of innovation, storytelling and history, Taki is chockfull of interesting Disney facts and enjoys sharing these anecdotes with Guests and Members. His favorite to tell is the story behind the Team Disney building in Burbank, California, where the Seven Dwarfs can be seen holding up its foundation.
“This design decision is by no coincidence,†Taki said. “It’s a direct nod to the highly successful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs film, which provided enough funds for Walt to create Walt Disney Studios.â€
Before joining the Disney Vacation Club Cast family, Taki worked in the company’s corporate travel department for 12 years and, in keeping with his dedication to service, volunteered with the Walt Disney Studios Fire Department as part of the Disney VoluntEARS program.
“There weren’t a lot of emergencies,†he thankfully recalled of a volunteer role to which he dedicated more than 1,000 hours a year. “But I do remember responding to a small brush fire at Golden Oak Ranch – the property Walt transformed into a movie set during the late 50s.â€
Taki’s focus on community and world-class service ultimately drew him to Disney Vacation Club. His dedication to those values inspired Disney Vacation Club Strategy & Development Project Manager Christina Bautista to recommend he be featured in this “Membership Magic Makers†series.
“When I heard about the series, Taki instantly came to mind,†Christina said. “He’s such a vital part of our operations team. There’s something to be said for someone who makes an effort to stay connected with guests. I’ve heard of Members stopping by to say ‘hello’ to Taki and even bringing him gifts. It’s heartwarming and well-deserved.â€
Throughout Taki’s 13 years with Disney Vacation Club, his roles have ranged from Disney Vacation Club Advisor and Guide (typically the first Cast Member to interact with guests interested in Membership) to Preview Center Assistant (managing open house tours).
Reflecting on his own experiences as a Member himself (since 2003) and his ongoing motivation as a magic maker (25 years and counting), Taki pointed to Disney Vacation Club’s tried and true greeting of “welcome home,†while also (perhaps unintentionally) to the now streaming Disney Vacation Club theme song.
“Taking care of people is what Disney is all about,†he said. “And as a people-pleaser by nature, it seems I’m right where I belong.â€
Look for more profiles of “Membership Magic Makers†each month in our “Membership Magic Insider†email newsletter and on the Disney Parks Blog (visit DisneyParksBlog.com and explore the “Disney Cast Life†section), as well as in each edition of Disney Files Magazine.
