CFB: You took over as the vice president in charge of Disney's Hollywood Studios a month after it changed its name from Disney-MGM Studios. How has the park changed thematically since then, or has it?

I don't think it's changed thematically. I think it's grown up, let's put it that way. I think at one time it was the golden age of movies, which was always exciting. But now I think it's the new entertainment of today. I think it resonates a lot more with our guests today. There are many, probably, of our guests, especially younger guests, who may not even know what it means when you said Disney-MGM Studios. But Hollywood they do understand.

CFB: SeaWorld just opened Manta, and Universal should open Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit soon, both big roller coasters and major new attractions. Disney World's biggest addition this year is American Idol Experience in the Studios. How does that stack up against the competition?

Well, we continually challenge ourselves to exceed our guests' expectations. Just to give you an example, this morning we had Kris Allen, the recent winner of American Idol, here. He paraded down Hollywood Boulevard, went to the front of the theater, sang a song, and then surprised guests by coming to the theater. Now guests there are getting autographs, photos and things like that. I think those are experiences that they'll never forget. And I think what we try to do is really get our guests involved and immerse them in the experiences. Creating experiences for our guests, whether they are on stage singing at the American Idol Experience or getting an autograph from Kris Allen, I think those are the kinds of things that they'll come back here for again and again.

CFB: You work in theme parks so we have to ask: What's your favorite ride?

I almost hate to say Toy Story Mania! But you know, actually, some days I'll go through the Great Movie Ride again. You go through that and it still has that — it tugs at the heart strings. Because you see things that you saw many, many years ago. Whether it's John Wayne or Humphrey Bogart — I love old Western movies, and I love Humphrey Bogart movies — so I can see those kinds of things and those, to me, are very pleasing. But I like Toy Story Mania! as well. I think because of the fact that everyone can ride Mania, as we call it — Toy Story Mania! — that makes it one of my favorite attractions.

CFB: I understand you used to be general manager for food and beverage at Epcot, where restaurants are some of the biggest attractions. Do you have a favorite meal?

Well, it's tough to pick a favorite meal. It depends on where you're going to eat. The catfish with the grits, the Cajun catfish, over at Coral Reef is one of my favorites. And also then I have to go to Le Cellier. There's no better filet anywhere. You can cut the thing with a fork. Everyone who goes there loves the filet. We sell more filets there than anything.

CFB: You also worked in Cleveland at one point before you joined Disney. So are you a Cavs guy or a Magic guy?

Magic all the way, man. You've got to be kidding me. I'm not sleeping, I'm staying up every night watching these games going, "It should be over by now!" ... I think it's been fantastic for the city, especially at a time like this, in this economic downturn.