By Bill Diercksen, Senior Vice President, Disney Vacation Club & Aulani
Guiding everything from improvised comedy to corporate brainstorms, the “Yes, and…” approach fosters the uninhibited exchange of ideas, urging collaborators to accept and expand upon the creativity of others. It’s a mindset you can trace to the very beginnings of The Walt Disney Company.
“What if we tried our hand at animation, like that fellow Winsor McCay and his Gertie the Dinosaur?” “Yes, and…what if our animation told a narrative story?” “Yes, and…what if it had synchronized sound… or color? What if it played in cinemas before the feature? What if it was the feature?” “Yes, and…what if audiences could experience those stories, not just in cinemas, but in a park – where parents and their kids could have fun together?”
Fast forward a few decades, and that mindset leads to what would become Disney Vacation Club. “What if guests could, not just visit, but own a piece of the magic?” “Yes, and…unlike a typical timeshare, what if they could vacation when they want, where they want and for how long they want, in any given year?” “Yes, and…what if, in 30 years or so, a guy named Bill writes a magazine column that really runs this whole ‘Yes, and…’ thing into the ground?”
The point is, here at Disney Vacation Club, the “Yes, and…” approach continues to guide our creative process and commitment to continuous improvement. It also tends to be the answer to many of your questions about the places we create. For example…
“Is the Member Lounge* at Disneyland Park like the one at EPCOT, where Members can relax, recharge and reconnect?” “Yes, and…it’s also an attraction unto itself, filled with archival art and artifacts celebrating Walt’s space-age optimism and the Disney Legends he inspired.”
“I heard the Member Lounge* at EPCOT recently closed for refurbishment. Has it reopened?” “Yes, and…it reopened with a new elevator, a more distinctive name (Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium – A Member Lounge), a new sponsor (PPG – The Official Paint of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort) and an engaging new exhibit of archival images.” (Learn more on page 24)
“Is construction still scheduled to begin this year on a new Member Lounge at Magic Kingdom Park?” “Yes, and…it’s going to be in the heart of Frontierland, ideally positioned near the recently opened Tiana's Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree attractions.
“With The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort beginning to open this summer, are they now available for Member reservations?” “Yes, and…if you’re looking for accommodations for 5-6 people, you’ll find that these cabins have some of the lowest vacation points requirements in the neighborhood.” (See a vacation point example on page 6.)
“I saw that Golden Vine House – A Disney Vacation Club Welcome Home Center recently opened at Disney California Adventure Park. Is it a sales center?” “Yes, and…it’s also a flexible space designed to host special Member events.” (Learn more about the place on page 23.)
“Is construction going well at the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows?” “Yes, and…we’ll share more about that incredible new development in your next edition of Disney Files Magazine.”
*See important eligibility information at the bottom of page 1.
