At Disney, Chick Russell collaborated with Oriental Land Company representatives to develop a whole new kind of Disney park that would attract Japanese repeat visitations. He wrote the park and land descriptions; wrote the concept scripts for all rides, attractions, and live shows; and wrote the descriptions for all shops, and restaurants. Mr. Russell was also the producer of two Tokyo DisneySea lands: Mediterranean Harbor and American Waterfront.
For Mediterranean Harbor Mr. Russell led creative and technical teams in development of the Venetian Gondolas ride, the Transit Steamers ride, the nighttime spectacular water and fireworks show, as well as 11 restaurants, 16 shops and the 500-room 5-star hotel, all highly themed to 1900 Italy.
For American Waterfront Mr. Russell led creative and technical teams in development of the Electric Railway ride, the Automobiles ride, the Broadway Theater live show, the Bon Voyage live show, as well as 11 restaurants and four shops, all highly themed to 1900 New York City.
Tokyo Disney Resort Posts Record Profit for 35th Anniversary Year
“Tokyo Disney Resort operator Oriental Land posted record full-year earnings and revenue on Thursday, thanks to attendance boosted by its 35th anniversary celebrations. The profit for the fiscal year ended in March came in at $1.2 billion, up 16 percent, while revenue rose nearly 10 percent to $4.7 billion.
Combined attendance at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea reached an all-time high of 32.6 million, up nearly 2.5 million from the previous year and topping the 30th-anniversary-year performance. Total attendance at the resort since it opened has now crossed the 750 million mark. The resort posted improved revenue in all sectors, including hotels, merchandise, food and drinks.”