I am Hollywood

Chapter 487: Chapter 488: You Should See for Yourself



[Chapter 488: You Should See for Yourself]

After having breakfast, Eric met with guests attending the opening ceremony, as arranged by the staff.

At nine o'clock, the opening ceremony officially began. Eric, along with Jeffrey Katzenberg and the management team of the new park, took to the makeshift stage, interacting briefly with the media present for the event. As the CEO of Disney, Katzenberg stepped up to the microphone to deliver his customary speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Euro Disneyland. This is an exhilarating moment..."

Eric kept smiling as he observed everything around him. In addition to the guests and numerous reporters, a sea of visitors had already gathered in the park's square. He knew that various performances inside the park had also been prepared, and everything seemed to be unfolding as many expected.

With loud applause ringing out, Katzenberg concluded his speech and officially announced the opening of Euro Disneyland. Amidst the music and the sound of fireworks, countless visitors began rushing toward the gates.

Eric joined Katzenberg and the other guests as they entered Disneyland.

After socializing for over an hour, and since it was the park's opening day, the management team, including Katzenberg, had to remain vigilant about operations to handle any unforeseen circumstances. Soon, they dispersed to their respective posts.

...n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

As Eric was about to say goodbye to Katzenberg and head back to the hotel to catch up on sleep after last night's all-nighter, he heard Patrick Schneider's voice behind him. "Mr. Williams, please hold on a moment."

"Pat, what's the matter?" Eric asked, stepping aside to pause.

Patrick Schneider pulled a floppy disk from his pocket. "Well, Mr. Williams, concerning the visitor survey you mentioned, I don't think it's necessary. We've already conducted extensive research. Besides, today is just the opening day. From what I see now, we're definitely going to exceed 100,000 visitors. Everyone will be swamped and won't have time..."

Eric took the floppy disk, noting Patrick's dismissive expression. However, he didn't feel too concerned. The current situation at Euro Disneyland wasn't solely the fault of Disney's management. Everyone involved in the project had been overly optimistic and blind, leading to the current circumstances. Many believed that Euro Disneyland couldn't fail, so it was understandable if they overlooked some minor details.

"Well, if you're too busy, then forget it," Eric said, fiddling with the floppy disk. "But I happen to be available. Just assign fifty people to me, and I'll handle it personally. With thousands of employees at the park, fifty people shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Patrick Schneider's demeanor, which had just relaxed, tensed up again. Although Eric was twenty years younger than him, everyone knew who he was. Eric spoke casually, but Patrick couldn't allow the big boss to handle a survey himself.

Being middle-aged and having risen to a top position at Disney, Patrick was savvy enough. He quickly realized that Eric wanting to do the survey was simply a way of asserting his authority. The refusal Patrick had just given had likely triggered the boss's pushback.

"Mr. Williams," Patrick hesitated for a few seconds before making a decision. He reached out to Eric, seemingly wanting to take the floppy disk back. "Perhaps I should handle this. I'll submit the results to you within a week."

Eric smiled. Facing this rather oblivious executive, his earlier annoyance faded somewhat. His age had always been a vulnerability, and it wasn't the first time he had been underestimated. "Pat, you should just take care of your own responsibilities. Just give me fifty people. I'll make sure my assistant handles it."

Realizing Eric was giving him an out, Patrick nodded eagerly.

Eric handed the floppy disk back to him. Just as Patrick was about to leave, Eric couldn't help but stop him. "Pat, do you honestly believe there are no issues with Euro Disneyland?"

Of course, Patrick wouldn't make sweeping statements. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Mr. Williams, there will definitely be some issues. However, this new park was built to the same specifications as our domestic Disney parks. Even if there are some flaws, there certainly won't be major problems."

Eric felt an impulse to rub his forehead. He was starting to realize that building the park strictly to American Disney specifications was the biggest problem with Euro Disneyland! "Alright, you go ahead and be busy, and I'll have Allen contact you."

Patrick sensed some uncertainty in Eric's expression but didn't probe further. He agreed and left.

...

Eric had initially planned to attend the opening ceremony, rest briefly, and then return to Los Angeles. After all, post-production for Jurassic Park was in full swing, and staying away for too long was unwise. However, upon realizing the issues with Euro Disneyland, he had to extend his stay.

For the next week, while awaiting the survey results, Eric spent his time mingling at various parties. Besides the official party hosted by the French government to celebrate the opening of Euro Disneyland, he also received numerous invitations to private parties.

After another night of socializing, Eric stumbled out of a mansion in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, slightly tipsy, and bid farewell to the host.

This was a family party held by Nicolas Seydoux, the chairman of Gaumont. The guests included many renowned French filmmakers. Eric had never been particularly fond of French cinema, but he was intrigued by Gaumont, which had emerged alongside the film industry. Many French filmmakers Eric was interested in had collaborated with Gaumont, so he was happy to attend the party. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on his side; he didn't find any familiar faces among the attendees.

The driver pulled up the car, and Eric shook Seydoux's hand one last time. "Mr. Seydoux, thank you for the invitation. If you come to Los Angeles next time, be sure to visit me at the Liberty City Estate."

Nicolas Seydoux smiled and nodded. "I certainly will, Eric."

As Eric returned to the Disney hotel in the suburbs, he walked into the lobby and saw Allen waiting for him, seemingly for quite some time.

"Eric, the survey results have all been compiled. A total of 10,700 responses," Allen said

briskly, though finally, he looked serious as he handed Eric a thick envelope. "I think you should see this for yourself."

*****

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