Podcast appearances and mentions of Walt Disney Imagineering

Morgan McDowell, senior software project manager for Walt Disney Imagineering, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the renovated Star Wars Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction which now has new animation and new functionality for the team members who crew the spaceship and more For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and www.disneytravelagents.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

This week on Beyond the Mouse, we welcomes two special guests for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting additions to Disney's Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets! Joining the show are Dani Iglesias from The Muppets Studio and Justin DeTolla from Walt Disney Imagineering.Together, they pull back the curtain on how the beloved coaster was transformed into a Muppet-fueled rock-and-roll adventure. From crafting the attraction's story and selecting its unforgettable soundtrack to bringing celebrity cameos into the experience, Dani and Justin share the creative process behind making this wild new ride a reality. Plus, hear stories from development, collaboration between Imagineering and The Muppets Studio, and what fans should keep an eye out for on their next ride through the chaos.Whether you're a lifelong Muppet fan, a theme park enthusiast, or just curious how Disney attractions come to life, this is an episode you won't want to miss!Featuring: Craig McFarland, Vanessa Ferguson and Brett Rutherford JOIN OUR PATREON: ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/BeyondTheMouse⁠⁠⁠⁠__________________________________________Named one of the top 50 Disney Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠blog.feedspot.com/disney_podcasts⁠⁠⁠

Monstropolis: The City Frightful now has an official backstory from Walt Disney Imagineering. In this Walt Disney World news episode, we discuss the latest information from Disney about the Monsters Inc. land, the new area inspired by the animated Disney-Pixar film coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Details include the story behind the land and the attractions coming to the park, such as the suspended doors roller coaster and Harryhausen restaurant, along with my personal predictions about what we can expect. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Wyatt, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering overseeing the reimagination of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what's changed and updated on this classic attraction. It's all part of the summer launch of Disney World's One Cool Kids' Summer, with updated attractions, new and updated shows and new experiences. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com  or www.disneytravelagents.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

Walt Disney World Resort hotels include their own medley of music loops, from the cozy acoustic sounds of Disney's Wilderness Lodge to the whimsical, Disney-inspired songs at the Disneyland Hotel. In this episode, we analyze the music loops of the Disney Resort hotels in the EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland resort areas. We also discuss how Walt Disney Imagineering selects music to match the theme of each Disney resort hotel. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Walt Disney World Resort hotels include their own medley of music loops, from the African medleys of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to the contemporary jazz played at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. In this episode, we analyze the music loops of the Disney Resort hotels in the Disney's Animal Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Disney Springs resort areas. We also discuss how Walt Disney Imagineering selects music to match the theme of each Disney resort hotel. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

This week, MagicBands have been disappearing from shelves, wishes come true for some extra special super heroes, a former CEO is honored with a lifetime achievement award, we talk with Haley Clair about her legendary grandmother Harriett Burns and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: The past couple of weeks, we had been seeing reports that MagicBands were becoming more and more difficult to purchase at the Disneyland Resort. Officials have now confirmed that Disneyland is ending on-property sales of MagicBand˖ Existing interactive features, like Batuu Bounty Hunters, will remain functional for current owners, however no new shipments are expected once stock sells out at the few remaining retail locations. This change is exclusive to Disneyland Resort, as MagicBand+ will continue to be supported and sold at Walt Disney World, on Disney Cruise Line, and via the Disney Store online. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/magicband-plus-disneyland-phase-out/ Star Wars fans can now head to the Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney to create their own custom Galactic ID badges. For $15, fans can step into a specialized booth to choose their affiliation and have their photo printed on a unique, transparent plastic card that mimics the high-tech look from the films. The experience has become very popular! – https://www.micechat.com/435362-disneyland-hews-star-wars-land-awakens-vader-music-construction-more/ Disney has unveiled a “shriek peek” at its 2026 Halloween merchandise, featuring a massive collection of apparel, headwear, and home décor for the upcoming spooky season. Highlights include new “Create-Your-Own” headbands with mini plush characters, a Vampire Stitch plush, and a special collection inspired by the Haunted Mansion's tightrope walker. Exclusive designs for Oogie Boogie Bash were also shared. – https://disneyparksblog.com/products/shriek-peek-at-disney-halloween-merchandise-materializing-this-year/ In celebration of “Disney Week of Wishes,” the Disneyland Resort hosted the “Wishes Assemble” event, officially recruiting nearly 40 wish kids and their families into the ranks of the Avengers. These young heroes enjoyed a private party at the resort with special appearances by Marvel stars Anthony Mackie and Paul Bettany, followed by a day of “heroic” activities within the park. This special celebration highlights Disney's 45-year partnership with Make-A-Wish, focusing on creating life-changing memories for children with critical illnesses. – https://disneyparksblog.com/community-outreach/celebrating-disney-week-of-wishes-across-disney-experiences/ Former Disney CEO Bob Iger was recently honored with the inaugural WishMaker Lifetime Achievement Award during a special “Wishes Assemble” event at the Disneyland Resort. Presented by Make-A-Wish America, the award recognizes Iger's massive impact on the organization, specifically overseeing the granting of more than 110,000 wishes during his tenure. – https://disneyparksblog.com/community-outreach/celebrating-disney-week-of-wishes-across-disney-experiences/ To celebrate May the 4th, Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the technical innovation used to create the hologram of Tohan Lege for Disneyland's “Shadows of Memory” show. Since true holograms don't exist, Imagineers combined specialized projection tricks and visual effects to capture the authentic, flickering aesthetic of a Star Wars transmission. This “lore-weaver” character marks a significant narrative expansion for Galaxy's Edge, anchoring the land's story further into the Skywalker legacy. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/hologram-star-wars-shadows-of-memory/ SnackChat: Returning Halloween Treats – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-halloween-food-2026-returning/ Discussion Topic: Imagineer and Disney legend Harriet Burns with actress Haley Clair – www.imagineerharriet.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopened at Magic Kingdom on May 3 with a new track, updated trains, and enhanced special effects alongside an updated story from Walt Disney Imagineering. In addition, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tickets go on sale May 12 (or May 5 for guests with a qualifying Walt Disney World Resort reservation) for party dates spanning August 7 through October 31. In this Disney Parks news episode, we also discuss Disney Week of Wishes, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, and a fourth Seven Seas Lagoon ferry boat launching in 2027. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

Russell Brower, ​former ​music ​director at Walt Disney Imagineering​, join​ed Tammy on The Tammy Tuckey Show to discuss his career at Disney, including his famous Innoventions background loop at EPCOT!   Follow me on: Facebook - www.facebook.com/singertammytuckey Twitter & Instagram - @TammyTuckey www.tammytuckey.com

fWotD Episode 3272: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Monday, 20 April 2026, is Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is a theme restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of the four main theme parks at Walt Disney World. Established in May 1991, the restaurant is modeled after a 1950s drive-in theater. Walt Disney Imagineering designed the booths to resemble convertibles of the period, and some servers act as carhops while wearing roller skates. While eating, guests watch a large projection screen displaying clips of 1950s and 1960s films such as Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster, Plan 9 from Outer Space, and Attack of the 50 Foot Woman.The restaurant serves traditional cuisine of the United States. Popcorn functions as a complimentary hors d'oeuvre. Initially, the menu listed items with themed names, such as "Tossed in Space" (garden salad), "The Cheesecake that Ate New York", and "Attack of the Killer Club Sandwich", but these playful names were later altered so that they now describe the dishes in a more standard and straightforward manner.In 1991, the Sci-Fi Dine-In opened along with nineteen other new Walt Disney World attractions marking the complex's twentieth anniversary. By the following year, the Sci-Fi Dine-In was serving upwards of 2,200 people daily during peak periods, making it the park's most popular restaurant. Thai movie theater operator EGV Entertainment opened the EGV Drive-in Cafe in Bangkok in 2003, in a very similar style to the Sci-Fi Dine-In.The Sci-Fi Dine-In has received mixed reviews. USA Today's list of the best restaurants in American amusement parks ranks the Sci-Fi Dine-In fifteenth, but many reviewers rate it more highly for its atmosphere than for its cuisine. Ed Bumgardner of the Winston-Salem Journal wrote that the food is more expensive than it is worth, specifically calling the restaurant's roast beef sandwich both delicious and a ripoff. In their book Vegetarian Walt Disney World and Greater Orlando, Susan Shumaker and Than Saffel call the Sci-Fi Dine-In "the wackiest dining experience in any Disney park".This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:07 UTC on Monday, 20 April 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Emma.

PASSENGER 50: Legendary Disney Imagineer, Animator, Illustrator, Designer, Author, Speaker, & Cocktail Connoisseur Joe Lanzisero   After graduating from the inaugural 1975 CalArts Character Animation class ("the Class that Roared"), Joe Lanzisero fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a Disney animator before working his way up to the top of Walt Disney Imagineering. Over 37 years, Joe served as creative lead on some US$9 billion in E-Ticket lands and attractions, including Mystic Point (Mystic Manor), the world's first Toy Story Land and Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland; Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, Mermaid Lagoon and Arabian Coast at the Tokyo Disneyland Resort; Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland;  and the Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course at Walt Disney World. Joe also oversaw the creative development and implementation of multiple entertainment and dining experiences for Disney Cruise Lines, including the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Castaway Cay. Set your pocket watch now for our 50th time travel journey as we explore the wild, wonderful and whimsical world of Joe Lanzisero!

This episode is a trip report from California, and an Adventures By Disney Trip that takes you backstage at Disneyland, Walt Disney Imagineering, and the Disney Studios at Burbank. Find out what goes on behind the sacred doors that most people don't get to go to, what it's like to hold an Oscar, and bumping in to Bob Iger outside the main HQ. Not to mention the shopping, where only cast members and Imagineers usually get to go.Plus, the latest news from Walt Disney World, including opening dates for some attractions, and if you can get discounted Disney giftcards in the UK.

This week, more details on the Women Who Make the Magic tour, a modified Star Wars season this year, egg hunting returns to the resort, A peek behind the scenes of construction at Avengers Campus, Tony Baxter will be talking Indy at an event in San Francisco, we finish our conversation with Philander, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos News: We previously mentioned the new Women Who Make the Magic Tour, but there are more details. The tour will highlight some of the women who helped bring Disneyland to life. The tour will. feature “beautiful music, the realms of whimsy, and more.” Harriet Burns, Alice Davis, Mary Blair, Ruth Shellhorn, Leota Toombs, Kim Irvine, Dorthea Redmond, and more will be explored. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/02/26/everything-you-need-to-know-about-disneys-new-tour/#more-1109176 While “Season of the Force” is not officially taking place this year, there is still Star Wars events happening around the resort! Hyperspace Mountain will return on April 28, along with a new adventure for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu. Starting April 29th, the timeline will expand in Galaxy's Edge when they welcome Leia, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader join Chewbacca, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, The Mandalorian, Grogu, and R2-D2 on Batuu. The themes, by Disney Legend John Williams, from the first six films will also be heard throughout the area as well as some merchandise locations receiving an update. – https://www.micechat.com/431510-disneyland-update-less-food-more-walls-star-wars-land-changes/ With Easter just around the corner, the Eggstraviganza egg search has returned! The search will be available from now until April 6, 2026. The map and stickers will be $11.99, and can be purchased at multiple locations around Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney. Redemption locations are Pin Traders and World of Disney in Downtown Disney, Disney Showcase in Disneyland, and Elias & Co. in DCA. The egg keepsakes are back this year, with some fun new designs featuring Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Thumper, and the White Rabbit. – https://www.micechat.com/431510-disneyland-update-less-food-more-walls-star-wars-land-changes/ The construction to expand Avengers Campus has been going for a while, with glimpses of the additions every now and then. Walt Disney Imagineering shared on their Instagram a behind the scenes look at the structural engineering behind all the work. Not only is this a super interesting look at something that is so important for the attractions themselves, but it is so cool to see the attraction “shell” before the completion. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/avengers-campus-construction-expansion/ Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye adventure opened 31 years ago! Fans can celebrate this beloved attraction and its history with none other than Tony Baxter at the Walt Disney Family Museum. On April 4th, at 1pm a special presentation will be held to give theme park fans a peek behind the attraction with the Disney Legend. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/wdfm-tony-baxter-indiana-jones-adventure/ World Compliment Day is celebrated on March 1st every year, and Disney got in on the fun to celebrate – and compliment – cast members! More than 3 million mobile cast compliments have been shared by guests at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. At Disneyland, we have had personal experience with the most complimented cast member, Luis, who is a PhotoPass photographer. Remember, next time you are in the park and have a great guest experience, add a cast compliment through the Disneyland App! – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-world-compliment-day-cast-members/ SnackChat: Disneyland After Dark: 70 Years of Favorites – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/02/25/first-look-at-snacks-coming-to-new-disney-event/#more-1108895 Discussion Topic: Epic Universe and being a Legacy Award Recipient with theme park fan and Disney Cast Member Philander – https://www.instagram.com/philanderc85/?hl=en Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 1, 1951. Two Texas horse trainers sit down to lunch with Walt Disney. They assume he wants to use their animals in a movie. Instead, Walt leans in and tells them about something that doesn't exist yet. Not a carnival. Not an amusement park. Something movie-like in the real world. And if he's going to build it, he'll need horses. At that moment, Disneyland is just an idea in Walt's head. But within a few years, he'll clear 160 acres of orange groves in Anaheim and attempt to build that dream in barely twelve months. The budget will balloon. The rivers will drain into the soil. The rides will be welded together overnight. And Walt will stake his company — and his personal fortune — on opening the gates on time. Why was Disneyland such a gamble? And how did Walt essentially invent a whole new form of live entertainment?   Special thanks to our guests: Leslie Iwerks,  director of Disneyland Handcrafted; Mark Catalina, producer of Disneyland Handcrafted;  Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives; and Tom Fitzgerald, chief storytelling executive and senior creative executive  at Walt Disney Imagineering. Get in touch: historythisweek@history.com  Follow on Instagram: @historythisweekpodcast Follow on Facebook: ⁠HISTORY This Week Podcast⁠ To stay updated: http://historythisweekpodcast.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

855 · Tony Baxter, Figment, and the Art of Imagination at DisneyHow did Figment become one of the most beloved and enduring symbols in Disney Parks history?Disney Legend Tony Baxter reflects on Figment, imagination, and creative legacy in a rare conversation recorded at EPCOT's International Festival of the Arts. Joined by Michael Young, CEO of Disney Fine Art, this episode explores how Disney art and storytelling connect generations of fans.Tony Baxter is one of the most influential creative leaders in Disney theme park history. Over his decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, he helped shape iconic experiences including Journey Into Imagination, Figment, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain, and the creative vision behind Disneyland Paris.In this episode, Tony looks back on imagination as the emotional heart of EPCOT, the mentors who shaped his creative philosophy, and the personal artwork he created years before many of his most famous Disney projects ever existed. He also shares what he hopes fans feel when they live with a piece of Disney art in their home.Lou is also joined by Michael Young, who offers insight into Disney Fine Art's role in preserving artistic legacy, curating storytellers across generations, and why Disney art is about far more than what hangs on a wall.This is a conversation about imagination, mentorship, legacy, and the enduring emotional connection Disney fans have with art and storytelling.

Barbara Wightman, former Show Concept Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, joined Tammy on The Tammy Tuckey Show to discuss her 44-year career with The Walt Disney Company (including her work at EPCOT, Disneyland Paris & more)!  Follow Tammy on:  Facebook - www.facebook.com/singertammytuckey  Twitter & Instagram - @TammyTuckey  www.tammytuckey.com 

The Wall Street Journal this week published an article entitled, "The 3,000-Person Team Working in Secret to Create Disney Magic". This article written by Ben Fritz makes a number of claims about the challenges Walt Disney Imagineering has in being able to do massive projects on time, under budget and on benefit. We will share these claims and weave these insights with a book I use in my leadership programming--How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project. It becomes a sense by which we can better understand why Imagineering experiences the challenges it does. We'll look at Imagineering Leadership and CEO leadership, and how it has had a big impact on how the work gets done as Disney seeks to spend 60 billion within the next ten years. And already one Imagineer, Joe Rohde has weighed in on his comments. So joining us for Walt Disney Imagineering: The Secret to Being on Time Under Budget & On Benefit. ________________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!  Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.  Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. ________________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena.  Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!

If you think storytelling is just for the stage, think again. In this week's episode of Consulting Matters, I sat down with not one but two former Disney executives—brothers Bob and Rick Allen—who know the real power of story: not just to entertain, but to lead, influence, and change minds. Their Disney roots run deep (102 years combined, starting with their dad, who worked alongside Walt himself). But what they reveal goes far beyond theme parks and parades. Tune-in To Hear: Why story—not data—is the consultant's real superpower A behind-the-scenes look at how Disney embeds story into everything (including spreadsheets) The 6 storytelling elements every coach and consultant should master Why does how you share your ideas matter more than how smart your ideas are How to use story to influence even the most results-driven executives And yes, we swap some epic Disney tales, from launching resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge to transforming a Disney division into a private company (and surviving 9/11 with a Navy contract!). If you love Disney, storytelling - or just want to coach and consult with more meaning - this episode is a must-listen. Chapters: 01:32 Disney Family Legacy and Its Impact 16:46 From Disney to Entrepreneurship 23:30 The Power of Storytelling 39:14 Engaging Through Anecdotes 43:54 Influencing Through Connection 56:32 Zenovation: Merging Mindfulness and Innovation 01:00:00 Tales of Mouse and Men: Insights from Disney 01:02:20 Building a Collaborative Network Next Steps: Notice where your message stops landing: Pay attention to the moments where you explain what you do, but people still look unsure. That is often a sign that the story is missing, not the expertise. Start with the picture before the process: In your next conversation or proposal, describe what changes when the work is successful before explaining how you get there. Stories help people see themselves in the outcome. Get support clarifying your message: If this episode made you realize you need help communicating the value of what you do, I created a free messaging guide to help. It includes four simple questions designed to help you move from confused to confident, with messaging that makes the right clients say, “Where have you been? I need you.” Download it here: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/confused-to-confident Other episodes you may enjoy: How to Shape What Clients Think You're Worth with Casey Brown (Ep143) Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140) The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message (Ep139) About my guests: Rick Allen began his Disney career sweeping the streets of Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, a role that launched a 43-year journey with Walt Disney World. Over the course of his career, Rick spent 24 years in executive leadership across theme parks and resort hotels, served on the grand opening team for Disneyland Paris, and led the operations design and opening of Disney's Art of Animation Resort. After retiring from Disney, Rick served as Chief Operating Officer for Give Kids The World and later as COO for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. He now consults with organizations in hospitality and experience design and serves on the board of Shepherd's Hope, a nonprofit providing free healthcare to the uninsured in Central Florida. Rick is passionate about unleashing the power of inspiration to elevate customer experience. Bob Allen is the Chief Storytelling Officer at IDEAS and brings decades of creative leadership from across Disney's entertainment and production legacy. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a musician at 16 and went on to hold key roles in Disneyland's Live Entertainment division, contributing to major productions including the Main Street Electrical Parade. Bob later worked as a writer and producer with Walt Disney Imagineering, helping develop attractions for EPCOT, and went on to lead film, tape, and multimedia production for Tokyo Disneyland. After relocating to Walt Disney World, Bob held senior leadership roles including Director of Film and Tape Production and Vice President of Disney Production Services, overseeing creative operations at Disney-MGM Studios. Today, Bob focuses on concept development, experience design, and branding, helping organizations harness the power of story to create meaningful, memorable experiences. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. And together, we're gonna have a conversation about what storytelling really is, why it matters so much more than most consultant-coaches realize, and how to use it to elevate your influence and impact.

This week, we have a date for a new Disneyland documentary, Disneyland Forward has its first step, a new color milk coming to Batuu, Imagineering is getting a new tool, refurbishments are heating up, a massive amounts of sweets and treats are coming to the resort, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: The newest Disneyland documentary we are all waiting for has a release date. Disneyland Handcrafted will premiere on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on January 22nd. The film covers the creation of Disneyland with rare, first-hand archival footage leading up to the opening in July, 1955. Leslie Iwerks and her team searched through over 100 hours of raw material from Disneyland in its earliest days. - https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/disneyland-handcrafted-release-date-and-more-details/ The first part of the Disneyland Forward project has a permit, with work beginning soon. The permit is for a 3.2 million square foot, 8-level open parking structure with 302 EV charging spots. This is the first part that needs to be completed before the additional capacity can be built and opened with the rest of the project. The new structure should hold 6,000 vehicles and feature a rideshare area, and transit hub. Construction is predicted to begin after runDisney at the end of January, since the space is currently used to facilitate the event. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-files-permit-for-eastern-parking-structure/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioc6c8v6HIY At the milk stand in Galaxy's Edge, we have had blue milk, green milk, and now a new color - pink milk! Starting January 8th, the new variation will be available at the milk stand in Batuu. No official word on what flavor the drink will be, but it could be something like watermelon. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/01/06/move-over-blue-milk-pink-milk-debuts-at-disney-this-week/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/pink-milk-star-wars-galaxys-edge-marvel-comics/ Walt Disney Imagineering is bringing a more and more common home process to the parks. Haddy, a 3D printing company, has partnered with Disney to create a boat that will be installed in The Jungle Cruise as a prop. The process from design to completion will be sped up with the 3D printing process, as opposed to the previous molding process that could take thousands of hours to get just right. The new 3D printing technique only takes 70 robot hours. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/12/22/news-disney-uses-3d-printing-to-create-new-ride-elements/ As the holiday season winds down, the refurbishment calendar is heating up. The Mark Twain Riverboat will be closing on January 12th through the 16th, the Haunted Mansion will return to the non-holiday overlay from January 11th through the 23rd. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is closed and will reopen January 23rd. The Incredicoaster is also currently closed and scheduled to reopen on February 6th. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/12/27/disneyland-just-updated-us-on-four-2026-ride-closures/ The first part of the construction to bring Porto's Bakery and Cafe to Downtown Disney has started. The two ticket booths closest to the old Earl of Sandwich location have been torn down to make way for the new eatery. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/old-disneyland-ticket-booths-demolished/ With the holiday season nearly over, the 70th Celebration can take center stage once more. Wondrous Journeys will return on January 8th, and the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade will return on January 9th. Paint the Night is also returning, but at the end of the month on January 30th. These join World of Color - Happiness, and Tapestry of Happiness through August 9th when the Halloween Time celebration returns. - https://www.micechat.com/429498-disneyland-update-soggy-new-year-perks-slashed-blues-brewing/ The Walt Disney Company took part in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California last week. The yellow horseless carriage from Disneyland featuring Mickey and Minnie lead the section, and Kermit the Frog appeared on the Visit Mississippi float, which is where Muppets creator Jim Henson was from. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-mickey-kermit-137th-rose-parade/ SnackChat: 2026 Sweets and Treats - https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-new-2026-sweets-and-treats-coming-to-disneyland/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PART II: Flight 48: Author and industry veteran, Thea Lifetime Achievement Recipient, and former President of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis. When Bob Weis joined WED Enterprise in 1980, Disney owned two theme parks. Forty-five years later, Disney operates twelve parks worldwide and Bob Weis played a role in at least half of them, including Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney Studios Parc, Disney California Adventure, and Shanghai Disneyland. After a short stint at his own firm, (Bob) Weis Design Island (WDI!), and Gensler, Bob is now a successful author, having recently published his autobiography, "Dream Chasing," and his first work of fiction, "Ghost Dog." Set your pocket watch now to join us as Bob climbs aboard the time machine to relive the trials and tribulations of overseeing the design and production of multiple Disney theme parks and being one only four individuals to ever hold the title of president of the world's first and most beloved themed entertainment design company.

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Every year, millions of attraction visitors lose hours in line instead of making memories. Since its inception, accesso's virtual queuing has saved more than 4.5 billion minutes of wait time, freeing guests to pack their day with more rides, eats, and excitement. The result? Happier guests who spend more and a better bottom line for you. Ready to turn waits into wins? Visit accesso.com/ROIClinic. The queues are virtual. The results are real. Michael Acevedo is the Business Development Manager for Nassal. Growing up in Orlando, Michael turned a summer job at Universal Orlando into a two decade career that has spanned ride operations, tech services, engineering, Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, and now themed construction and fabrication. He has worked on projects such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers, the Fantasyland expansion, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, before moving into project management and business development at Nassal and its design build brand, nFusion. In this interview, Michael talks about reliability & guest experience, being yourself, full circle career moments. Reliability & Guest Experience “Every minute of downtime on this one attraction impacts the guest experience so much more than even 10 minutes of downtime at this other attraction.” Michael explains how his time in tech services engineering at Universal revealed the tight bond between reliability and guest satisfaction. By combining uptime data with daily guest ratings and information on which rides guests could or could not experience, his team could see which attractions caused the biggest drop in satisfaction when they went down and prioritize problem sensors and components accordingly. This moves reliability from a back of house statistic to a strategic lever, guiding where to invest time and resources so that technical decisions protect the most emotionally important moments in the visit. Being Yourself “So the most important piece of advice I would give people is just be yourself.” Looking back, Michael admits he spent years trying to match an imagined standard of who he should be at companies like Universal and Disney. Over time, he noticed that promotions, project invitations and leadership responsibilities tended to appear when he was showing up as his authentic self. In an industry that needs everyone from artists and engineers to plumbers, accountants and ticket sellers, he argues there is no single template for success. Bringing your real background, culture and personality into the work, and remembering that you are also a consumer of these experiences, is part of what makes you valuable. Full circle career moments “I don't know if I'll ever be able to top that moment, standing there with people who I looked up to, that I was right alongside them.” Michael recalls a defining full circle moment on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. After years of development, he stood at the exit on opening morning at Disney's Hollywood Studios and watched guests step off the attraction in disbelief, some in tears, thanking the team for making their Star Wars dreams real. He links that experience to seeing creative leader Scott Trowbridge at Universal years earlier and wondering what it would be like to work with him, then later sitting together as peers on Galaxy's Edge. Through mentoring students, hosting shop tours and sharing his story, Michael hopes to help others create their own full circle career moments.   Michael encourages listeners who want to learn more about Nassal to visit nassal.com, where they can explore the company's portfolio of themed projects and capabilities. He also invites anyone seeking career advice or interested in working with Nassal to connect with him directly on LinkedIn. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)

Zootopia Better Zoogether opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in November 2025. Featuring characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios' films Zootopia and Zootopia 2, the attraction invites guests to attend the Zoogether Day celebrations at a watch party happening at the Tree of Life. This show replaced the former "It's Tough to be a Bug" 4D show at the Tree of Life theater. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it features original character voice actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprising their roles as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. In this episode, we discuss what you can expect from Zootopia Better Zoogether and share an interview with Walt Disney Imagineer Danny Handke and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush, both of which were recorded at a media event at Walt Disney World. Thanks to CJ from WDW Magazine for joining me on this episode and for recording the interviews you'll hear in this podcast. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

"Guests have become more sophisticated and our product needs to follow suit." Disney Theme Parks have always been at the top when it comes to large scale, interactive entertainment attractions. Doris Hardoon is a legendary Imagineer, and we don't use that term lightly. Her creative vision has graced every Disney Castle Park on the planet, from EPCOT to Disneyland and Disneyland Paris to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond. Doris took a break from Disney to run her own design firm working on museums and other interactive design, but she returned to Disney as the executive creative director and producer for Shanghai Disney Resort. Her career at Disney theme parks and entertainment design has spanned over four decades. She joins us on REPOD to share her design philosophy and some life advice for aspiring designers. She's had a very interesting path in her career, starting with working as a model and becoming a well-known folk singer in Hong Kong in the 1960s and 70s. I especially enjoyed hearing her talk about working on the global theme parks and how “It's important to culturally understand who you're creating the happiest places on earth for.” She talks about how to design spaces that appeal to the local audience while still maintaining an authentic Disney experience. She's now turned much of her time to mentoring the next generation of entertainment designers. In this episode, Doris shares some reflections and advice on how to build the right team to support your creative vision. She also talks about how to manage corporate politics, especially when it comes to large creative companies like Walt Disney Imagineering. Doris Hardoon is a true legend, and I hope you find this episode as inspiring as I did.   Full Show Notes   Episode Sponsors We are immensely grateful to our sponsors this season: REA Patreon Backers, PG's Playhouse, Buzzshot, and COGS. We truly appreciate your support of our mission to promote and improve the immersive gaming community.   Support Us On Patreon Today Love escape rooms as much as we do? At Room Escape Artist, we've been analyzing, reviewing, and exploring the world of immersive games since 2014. We help players find the best experiences, and push the industry forward with well-researched, rational, and reasonably humorous escape room and immersive gaming content and events. By becoming a Patreon supporter, you're not just backing a blog — you're fueling a mission to make the escape room and immersive gaming community stronger, more thoughtful, and more connected. Access exclusive Patreon content such as: The Bonus Aftershow The Spoilers Club Early access to escape room Tour tickets and REA articles. Your Patreon support goes toward our mission: paying our contributors, funding our infrastructure, and supporting deep research and industry advocacy.   PG's Playhouse If you love wordplay, puzzles, and trivia, this is the podcast for you! PG's Playhouse recreates a fun game night, all in a short, 30-minute format. Of course, what's game night without making new friends? We bring on different guests for the different episodes. Each episode features a puzzle packed with wordplay and trivia, a short chat with the guest, and a segment exploring an interesting topic. I hope you'll take a listen and play along with us at PG's Playhouse.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Production Credits Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira Edited by Steve Ewing Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht  

This week, Disneyland After Dark events announced for 2026, a chance to see a new documentary before the general public, Dick Van Dyke is turning 100, D23 2026 member gifts announced, mobile order changes at the resort, purchasing tickets might become less predictable, we finish our conversation with Paul Briggs, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: Disneyland After Dark is coming back for 2026, with a new nite, along with some returning popular nites. New for 2026 will be Disneyland After Dark 70 Years of Favorites, which Disney describes as “weaving together the best of Disneyland happenings, including nods to favorite musical moments, shows, and characters.” Returning nites include Sweetheart's Nite, Disney Channel Nite, Star Wars Nite, and Pride Nite. Sweetheart's Nite will take place on 9 nights from late January to February 17th, with a new “Celebrate Love Cavalcade” and “Once Upon a Dream – A Musical Journey Through the Disney Songbook” featuring live singers and Disney royalty that ends with a ball underneath the stars. 70 Years of Favorites will take place on March 3rd and 5th, and feature swing dancing at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland, a Videopolis Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace, line dancing at The Golden Horseshoe, sentimental photo opportunities, and characters from days gone by. Tickets for both these events go on sale for Magic Key holders on December 9th, with general ticket sales starting on December 11th. Disney Channel Nite will take place on April 12th, 14th, and 16th, Star Wars Nite will span 4 dates on April 28th, April 30th, May 4th, and May 6th. Finally, Pride Nite will happen on June 16th and June 18th. - https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/dates-and-details-for-disneyland-after-dark-events/ https://www.micechat.com/427679-disneyland-news-holiday-hights-lows-pricing-woes-talking-tree/ Leslie Iwerks has a new documentary on Disneyland coming out named Disneyland Handcrafted. The documentary will premiere for general audiences on Disney+ later this winter, but D23 members can see it early in January! Tickets to the event include a conversation with Leslie Iwerks and other Disney Company people prior to the screening, a screening of Disneyland Handcrafted in the main theater on the Disney Studios Lot, an after-screening reception with light snacks and refreshments, and a commemorative event credential. To get tickets, visit the link in the show notes. Tickets go on sale December 5th. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/d23-premiere-disneyland-handcrafted-documentary/ Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke will be turning 100 in December! Fans are organizing a Dick Van Dyke 100th Birthday Fan Meetup at Disneyland on December 21st. Guests can dress up to honor the legend, with a group photo at 11am at Sleeping Beauty Castle, a group ride on King Arthur's Carousel at 11:30, lunch at Jolly Holiday at noon, and the Pearly Band at 1pm. - https://www.instagram.com/p/DRP3jSuknT6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== D23, the Official Disney Fan Club, has announced the member gifts for 2026. Members at the D23 Gold Choice or Complete plan will receive the 2026 membership kit, plus their choice of exclusive D23 premium items. These items include a Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey Mouse Collector Statue, Loungefly x Disney Oswald Backpack & Ears Bundle, RSVLTS x Disney Shirt, or D23 Gold Member 10-Piece Pin Box Set. D23 Memberships are available as Gold Member Essential, which for $49.99/year gets the membership kit only, Gold Member Choice at $119.99/year gets the membership kit and one premium item, or the Gold Member Complete at $329.99/year, which gets the membership kit and all four premium items. - https://d23.com/d23-in-2026-epic-events-outstanding-offerings-and-memorable-moments-to-come/ Mobile order has expanded over the last few years to a lot of locations at the Disneyland Resort. This past week, locations were removed from the service. Disney's Wonderful World of Sweets in Downtown Disney, Pooh Corner, and Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen in Disneyland, Bing Bong's Sweets, and Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure are no longer using the system. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/11/22/news-mobile-order-removed-from-some-locations-on-disneyland-app/ Buying tickets to the Disneyland Resort might start to look more like booking tickets on an airline in the coming years. Dynamic pricing, or the ability for Disney to change the pricing depending on several factors throughout the day, week, or year, is already in place at Disneyland Paris, and according to Disney Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston, might be coming to the US parks. Ultimately, this will remove flat-rate pricing for specific days, and go to a range of prices for a day, which can vary based on attendance and weather, to name a few. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-parks-dynamic-pricing-coming-to-domestic-parks/ As the expansion to Avenger's Campus continues, Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a behind-the-scenes look at the recent progress, which includes the canopy connecting Avenger's Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab being assembled. There is still no official opening date for these additions, but progress is moving quickly. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/11/20/new-behind-the-scenes-look-at-disneys-avengers-campus-expansion/ Weeklyteers who like Disneyland and McDonald's Happy Meals are in for a treat! To continue the 70th anniversary celebration of Disneyland, the two giants are partnering to offer 70 Happy Meal toys starting on December 2nd. Two toys will be provided in each Happy Meal and should run through January 12th. The toys feature figures from Disney Animation, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. A couple of parks specific toys are the Hatbox Ghost, and Sleeping Beauty Castle in regular and gold variations. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-70th-happy-meal-toys/ Walt Disney Imagineering is helping communities rebuild after the devastating fires that burned through the region earlier this year. $5 million dollars are being allocated to Altadena's Charles White Park, which will feature a new community center, and an enhanced playground. Enhancements will include play areas inspired by Altadena's Deodar Cedar pinecones, a splash pad, bridges, boulders, slides, swings… and what looks like a grove of giant clovers which might be from the old Bug's Land. - https://www.micechat.com/427679-disneyland-news-holiday-hights-lows-pricing-woes-talking-tree/ Olaf coming to Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoPN02bmzrE https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRcmtaHChvF/?igsh=MXN2d2t1aHBiaGxw SnackChat: Disney Recipe Ideas for Thanksgiving Leftovers - https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/disney-eats-thanksgiving-leftovers-recipes-from-disney-parks/ Lunch coming to River Belle Terrace - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-river-belle-terrace-adds-lunch/ TriviaLand: Pirates of the Caribbean ride through - https://youtu.be/SakgAjh6xc4?si=FsCigo3y89B7dePE Discussion Topic: Director, Animator, and Tiki Enthusiast Paul Briggs - https://instagram.com/paul_briggs_tiki https://archive.org/details/the-illusion-of-life-disney-animation Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Build a thriving, loyal community—without chasing members or cranking out content 24/7. Join us for free:

Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED Podcast to discuss how design influences human experience, storytelling through design, and how Disney shaped his view of architecture from his 40-year career with the company. 

Original airdate: March 23, 2021 Have you ever wondered what it really takes to come up with innovative and creative ideas? Do you have to just wait around until you have a stroke of brilliance? Fortunately, that isn't the case! According to my guest today, Joe Garlington, we can develop a creative mindset, with practice, and by finding the right sources of inspiration. Joe, as the former Vice President and creative lead of Interactive Projects at Walt Disney Imagineering, was responsible for the development of interactive attractions for Disney theme parks. Joe also led long-term visioning for Disney's Epcot theme park and played an important role in the development of new concepts for theme park entertainment. In this interview, Joe pulls from his vast experience of working in Disney, to share some important lessons on finding creative insight including the best process to follow and how we can tackle common obstacles.

How do you capture the feeling of blasting through the cosmos on Space Mountain? In the 1990s, Imagineers Eddie Sotto and Aarin Richard were tasked with adding a synchronized on-board audio track to Space Mountain in Disneyland California and creating a synchronized on-board audio track for the brand new Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris. In this episode of Imagination Skyway, we journey into the creation of Space Mountain's groundbreaking soundtracks for Disneyland (featuring Dick Dale) and Disneyland Paris. Join Disney Imagineers Eddie Sotto and Aarin Richard as they reveal how these iconic scores came to life—from creative experimentation and studio sessions to the storytelling choices that shaped the attraction's tone and tempo. Eddie Sotto has been called “a renaissance creative” with a proven track record in entertainment design that extends far beyond Disney. As Senior Vice President of Concept Design at Walt Disney Imagineering, he led the Concept Development Studio, producing and designing major attractions including Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris and Rocket Rods. Mentored by Disney Legends Tony Baxter and Herb Ryman, Sotto went on to found SottoStudios, applying cinematic design principles to television, restaurants, hospitality, ultra-luxury interiors, and even private aviation—earning an IYAA Award for “Best Private Jet Concept.” In 2020, Blooloop named him one of the Top 50 Theme Park Influencers. Aarin Richard served as a Walt Disney Imagineer starting in the 1990s working in the music group. His projects included the first synchronized on-board audio track for Space Mountain at Disneyland and Space Mountain at Disneyland Paris, as well as the music for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones Adventure, and beyond.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

Sound is a crucial part of what makes Disney parks feel magical… and it all starts inside the closely-guarded rooms of Walt Disney Imagineering. In this episode, Imagineers John Dennis and Greg Lhotka break down how they use music and audio to bring attractions to life, from speaker systems hidden in rock work, to the intricate timing of a Frozen water ride. Then, they reveal the surprising story of how one of Disney's most iconic songs got a brand new verse, more than half a century after its debut. Watch Dallas' trip to Walt Disney Imagineering on ⁠Youtube⁠. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mystery.20k.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠20k.org/plus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Dallas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join our community on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reddit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Explore incredible speakers, soundbars and more at ⁠sonos.com⁠. Visit ⁠⁠quince.com/20k⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order & 365 day returns. Find a therapist who takes your insurance at ⁠⁠⁠growtherapy.com/20k⁠⁠⁠. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial at ⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/20k⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're thrilled to be joined by nationally known tech reporter Rich DeMuro, who recently had the incredible opportunity to tour Walt Disney Imagineering! Rich shares a behind-the-scenes look at Disney innovation — from stunt-performing Audio-Animatronics to droids, lightsabers, and more! It's an inside look at the imagination and technology that bring Disney stories to life in ways only the Imagineers can dream up! You can follow Rich DeMuro online at richontech.tv and on Instagram at @richontech. Thank you for downloading and listening to ResortLoop.com - The Gateway to the Magic! Shopping in Glendale?! Please Stand Clear of the Doors! To receive a free, no-obligation quote, visit us at Resort Loop Travel! If you would like to consider supporting the show, visit ResortLoop.com/support! Exclusive Resort Loop Gear is available at our TeePublic store! Join our Facebook group here! Thank you for downloading Episode 892 of The Resort Loop Podcast!  

Jake Lockwood began his professional career as an Equity actor at Walt Disney World, performing at 27 different stages over a 20+ year career. His performance career includes dozens of regional theatre credits, film, commercial work, and his most recent appearance as Luther Billis in Dayton Opera's production of South Pacific in 2024. Over the past 15 years, Jake has shifted his primary focus to writing and directing, assembling a client list of internationally recognized entertainment companies such as Walt Disney World, Princess Cruises, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Walt Disney Imagineering where he served as the show director for the development phase of the award-winning Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Scott had a blast chatting with Jake, and we know you're gonna have a blast listening to this interview!Email: TheMouseAndMePodcast@gmail.comSupport: www.patreon.com/themouseandmeFB and Instagram: “The Mouse and Me”Music by Kevin MacLeod from https://incompetech.filmmusic.io

Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.Dreaming of your next Disney trip but not sure where to start? In this episode, I'm joined by Disney content creator and author Becky Gandillon, who blends her love of the parks with her background in data analytics to help travelers plan smarter, save money, and skip the overwhelm.Becky is the co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney World and shares insider tips on:Budget-friendly strategies for resorts and ticketsWhy the Disney Dining Plan isn't worth it (and what to do instead)What's new at the parks in 2025, from refreshed rides to new landsHow to enjoy Disney as a family, with friends, or even soloMust-read Disney books for fans of all ages

Flight 45: Former VP of Interactive Projects, Show Producer & Interactive Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, Joe Garlington By 1990, it was believed that Disney park guests were tired of passive attractions and so the company brought back former EPCOT Center “Arcade of the Future” designer and the owner of LA-based Art & Technology Joe Garlington to tap into the latest computer hardware and software and transform Disney experiences into communal, personalized, and yes, interactive experiences. If you've ever immersed yourself in Stitch Encounter, Turtle Talk with Crush, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, Disneyquest or dozens of early interactive experiences at museums, aquariums and theme parks around the country, you've no doubt enjoyed the creative visions of Joe Garlington. Set your interactive calendar now and plan to join us as USC's Adjunct Professor and Advisor of Themed Entertainment Design climbs aboard the time machine to share his career highlights, collected wisdom, and predictions for the future of interactive technology in themed entertainment. It promises to be, well, interactive!

In this episode of Themed Attraction Podcast, Freddy and Mel sit down with Barbara Bouza, former President of Walt Disney Imagineering. Barbara shares her journey from architect to creative leader, reflecting on her time guiding Imagineering through the pandemic, collaborating with visionary leaders, and championing global perspectives in design. From Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, she opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and the lasting impact of people-first leadership in themed entertainment. Connect with Barbara on Instagram or shake hands with her on LinkedIn. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design & production: Barry R. Hill Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs. Give us a shoutout on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to us; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

 On this episode of The Best of Jiminy Crickets, we revisit an episode from the summer of 2017...August 2017 -  This week, Chris and Ruthie bring you the third installment of the Jiminy Crickets 1964 New York World's Fair Summer Series. This time they will take an in depth look at what is perhaps the least remembered Disney pavilion at the Fair, the Ford Magic Skyway.  Chris and Ruth discuss the pavilion's planning design and construction, take an extensive tour of all the exhibits you would have found there, and then discuss the many ways that, in its aftermath, the Magic Skyway would go on to impact Walt Disney Imagineering for many decades to follow. Download (right click / save as)Visit our on-line store for exclusive Jiminy Crickets and DisneyChris Website Merch!!!!https://jcpodcast.threadless.com/If you would like to help support the Jiminy Crickets podcasts and DisneyChris.com - Please consider becoming a Patreon Subscriber and receive exclusive rewards every month.  https://www.patreon.com/c/DisneyChris

This week, Lorcana is coming to Disney California Adventure, Disneyland is busy being a movie set, Magic Keys are off sale, Enhancements coming to two classic attractions, changes all over Downtown Disney, we celebrate our 400th episode, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: Weeklyteers who are big Lorcana fans can soon participate in a Collection Quest at Disney California Adventure. The Beast's Library area of the Animation Building will host the quest starting on August 29th. Illumineers will be given a specific quest and will need to assemble the cards to complete the mission. Players may need to trade cards to complete missions. The quest is not limited to the Animation Academy, that is just where the quest will be activated for players. Players who complete the quest can head to Off the Page to get a Belle – Accomplished Mystic promo card, while supplies last. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-lorcana-collection-quest-dca/ A new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit television show is coming to Disney+, with some of the filming taking place at Disneyland! Jon Favreau, along with a filming crew, have been seen around Disneyland filming. The show will feature live action – and animation. Some of the locations shooting has occurred at include Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise, and “it's a small world.” Filming is expected to continue in the park for a few weeks. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/07/31/celebrity-spotted-you-wont-believe-who-is-filming-a-new-tv-show-at-disneyland/#more-1055023 https://www.micechat.com/420220-disneyland-news-oswald-refurbishments/ If you were waiting to get a Magic Key to Disneyland, the time has passed. Magic Key sales are once again locked and not able to be purchased for new Key holders. Existing Magic Key holders can renew their passes still. Who knows when they will go on sale again, as they have gone back and fourth over the last couple of years. – https://www.micechat.com/420220-disneyland-news-oswald-refurbishments/ There are currently two attractions down in Fantasyland with some ehancements on the way. Storybook Land Canal Boats and Casey Jr. are both down for refurbishment, with permits from the city of Anaheim allowing for the installation of a new 10ft max height show element, and two aluminum tube trellis arches. No official word on what could be coming, but MiceChat thinks it may be a Tangled tower and a floating lantern archway. – https://www.micechat.com/420220-disneyland-news-oswald-refurbishments/ There is a lot going on in Downtown Disney! Sunglass Icon and Sephora have closed, likely for refurbishments. The Lego store has some external construction of new Lego elements in the works. The old ESPN Zone building continues its transformation for Lululemon, a boba shop called Bopo Go, and possibly an unconfirmed Funko store. Earl of Sandwich has once again remained open past the closing date, pushing Portos further down the line. – https://www.micechat.com/420220-disneyland-news-oswald-refurbishments/ A previous DLWeekly guest was asked by Walt Disney Imagineering to create a painting for Disneyland's 70th Anniversary. Eric Robison, who we spoke to back on episodes 302 and 303, added a lot of parts of Disneyland to the painting to celebrate 70 years of Disneyland. The painting features Walt and Mickey, Sleeping Beauty Castle with fireworks, Matterhorn Mountain, Jungle Cruise, the Mark Twain Riverboat, Haunted Mansion, and so much more. To see the painting, check out the link in our show notes. – https://www.micechat.com/420220-disneyland-news-oswald-refurbishments/ https://www.micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Eric-Robison-Disneyland-70th-painting-1068×812.jpg An annual fundraiser took place this week that helped to raise funds for the Children's Hospital of Orange County. The 2025 CHOC Walk in the Park started dark and early on August 3rd. Walkers were treated to the Disneyland 70th hot air balloon in the Hub, and DJ Wendy hosting opening ceremonies. A lot of characters who are not normally seen in the park were on hand to cheer on walkers. Meeko from Pocahontas, White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, and some regulars like characters from Star Wars, Toy Story, and more. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/choc-walk-in-the-park-2025-disneyland-resort-video-photos/ Magic Key holders, there is an upcoming discount to be aware of. From August 13th through August 18th, Lightning Lane multi-pass will be 50% off. The offer is only valid for Magic Key holders, subject to availability. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/50-percent-off-lightning-lane-multi-pass-at-disneyland/ SnackChat: Plaza de la Familia Foodie Guide – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-plaza-de-la-familia-at-disneyland-2025/ TriviaLand: Its a Small World link: https://disneyadulting.com/countries-small-world/ Discussion Topic: 400 Episodes!

In this episode, Michael and Tom discuss a presentation that Michael attended at Walt Disney Imagineering and the Grand Central Air Terminal, D23 Spotlight Series: Disneyland Fond Memories of the Past, hosted by Stacia Martin and Becky Cline, the Director of the Walt Disney Archives. Michael also shares a brief history of the Grand Central Air Terminal.Links:Michael's Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited Travel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered where the magic is really made? In this special episode of Living by Disney, I take you on a rare and exclusive journey behind the closed doors of the legendary Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters in Glendale, California. This is the creative engine of Disney Parks, a place not open to the public, where art and technology merge to create the attractions we all know and love.NEW: Video version is availble on Spotify or watch on YouTube!Join me as I walk the halls of history, see the future being built, and discover the secrets behind the magic. In this episode, you'll hear about:The Model Shop: Get a peek at the intricate, physical models for upcoming attractions like the new Lion King land for Disneyland Paris.The Sound Lab: Uncover the invisible art of 3D audio and learn how the chilling effects of the Haunted Mansion's stretching room are created.The R&D Lab: Step into the future and learn about mind-blowing technology like the HoloTile floor, the Stuntronics robots that bring Spider-Man to life, and the "real" Star Wars lightsaber.PLUS, I sit down for an exclusive interview with Ted Robledo, the Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Ted is one of the masterminds behind some of Walt Disney World's most iconic modern attractions, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. He shares his journey, his creative philosophy, and what it takes to lead the teams that build these incredible worlds.This is a must-listen for any Disney fan who has ever dreamed of seeing how the magic is made.Video link coming soon! Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

838 · Walt Disney Imagineering Chief Creative Officer Bruce Vaughn on the Future of the Disney ParksWhat happens when you sit down with the head of Walt Disney Imagineering… and just hit record? In this exclusive, unscripted conversation, Bruce Vaughn, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, shares stories, insights, and opens up for a behind-the-scenes look at the future of the Disney Parks - and the emotion, magic, and meaning behind it all.Over the past few weeks, we've explored the people, places, and legacy of Imagineering. This time, we look ahead. Join me for an authentic and personal discussion about creativity, storytelling, leadership, and the next generation of magic makers.We talk about Imagineering's evolving philosophy, lessons from Walt, reverse mentoring, innovation vs. nostalgia, and how emotion is the true product of everything Disney builds.Whether you're a Disney fan, creative professional, or entrepreneur, you'll walk away with inspiring insights on leadership, storytelling, and building experiences that last a lifetime.

On this episode of WD-FM, Chris and Bri discuss a special collaboration with Disneyland for its 70th anniversary. Hear highlights from Lillian Disney's window dedication, the museum's objects on loan at Disneyland, and how the museum was involved in the new attraction, "Walt Disney – A Magical Life", then enjoy an interview with Tom Fitzgerald, Senior Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering; Jeff Shaver-Moskowitz, Walt Disney Imagineering Portfolio Executive Creative Producer; and David Caranci, Manager of Creative Development for Opera House experiences.

Walt Disney Imagineering invited me on a very special and exclusive tour of their headquarters at 1401 Flower Street in Glendale, California. This tour gave me the chance to chat with Imagineers, visit multiple Imagineering departments (model shop, sculpting, sound, animation, and R&D), attend demonstrations and presentations, and experiment with some innovative Imagineering technology. I got to power on a realistic Star Wars lightsaber, play with the lovable BDX droids from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Disneyland and Walt Disney World), and touch and feel silicone samples from Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland), just to name a few exciting milestones. In addition, I had the opportunity to interview Imagineer Dave Crawford inside Walt Disney Imagineering. All of this will be shared in today's episode.   In this episode, I share more details about my behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney Imagineering, including what I saw and what I learned from the experience.   Thank you to Walt Disney Imagineering for this very special opportunity.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Create your own Disney travel memories with our sponsor KMV Travel.   Subscribe to WDW Magazine and receive 15% off with code SKYWAY when visiting https://www.wdw-magazine.com/shop/?ref=SKYWAY   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

837 · Walt Disney Imagineering Tour: Behind the Scenes Where Disney Magic Is MadeWhat if you could get a guided tour through the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering - the place where Disney dreams aren't just imagined, but engineered, designed, and brought to life?I was honored with the rare opportunity to step inside the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California... and this week, I'm taking you with me.Join me for a personal, behind-the-scenes tour through the models, soundscapes, animatronics, and innovations shaping the future of the parks and carrying on the legacy of Walt Disney's enduring dream.

Walt Disney Imagineering invited me on a very special and exclusive tour of their headquarters at 1401 Flower Street in Glendale, California. This tour gave me the chance to chat with Imagineers, visit multiple Imagineering departments (model shop, sculpting, sound, animation, and R&D), attend demonstrations and presentations, and experiment with some innovative Imagineering technology. I got to power on a realistic Star Wars lightsaber, play with the lovable BDX droids from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Disneyland and Walt Disney World), and touch and feel silicone samples from Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland), just to name a few exciting milestones. In addition, I had the opportunity to interview Imagineer Dave Crawford inside Walt Disney Imagineering. All of this will be shared in today's episode.   Dave Crawford is a creative ride engineering executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he started in 1998 as a mechanical engineer. He has worked on the ride systems for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, just to name a couple of familiar examples. Dave is also listed as an inventor on over 60 patents and has been involved in every aspect of attraction design and development from early Blue Sky to attraction installation, turnover and certification.   Thank you to Walt Disney Imagineering for this very special opportunity.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Create your own Disney travel memories with our sponsor KMV Travel.   Subscribe to WDW Magazine and receive 15% off with code SKYWAY when visiting https://www.wdw-magazine.com/shop/?ref=SKYWAY   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

836 · Inside Imagineering: Zsolt Hormay on Sculpting Stories in Disney ParksDo you ever walk through the Disney Parks and say, "How did they do that?" or better yet, "WHO helped bring these incredible places and spaces to life?"I was recently invited into the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Imagineering to discover the answers to those questions, and will have a full recap of what (and who) I saw, as well as just some of Imagineering's legacy, people, and projects as I was taken behind the scenes into where Disney magic is made. And while I was there, I has the privilege of sitting down with Zsolt Hormay, Creative Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering and the sculptor behind some of Disney's most breathtaking environments – from the Tree of Life to Cars Land to the floating mountains of Pandora and Galaxy's Edge. I have known of him and admired his work for decades, so this was not only a special moment for me personally, but we had a wonderful, one-on-one conversation not just about his journey from Hungary to becoming a leading figure in theme park design, but how rockwork becomes storytelling, and the emotional and cultural depth behind the places and spaces he and his team create. From the Tree of Life to Fantasy Springs in Tokyo DisneySea, his work is quite literally etched into the parks we love.I also posted the entire video version on the WDW Radio YouTube channel, and will share even more about what I saw, experienced, and learned during my unforgettable visit to Imagineering on an upcoming podcast episode, so stay tuned!

Ryan and Byron were invited by Walt Disney Imagineering to tour their Headquarters! In this episode, the boys unpack their once-in-a-lifetime experience before interviewing Imagineer Zsolt Hormay (Cars Land, Pandora, Galaxy's Edge and much more!). Consider supporting us on our FourthWall for Bonus Episodes, Merch, and More! www.fyapod.com CREATED & HOSTED BY Ryan Bergara & Byron Marin EDITOR Byron Marin EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Ryan Bergara Byron Marin Social: http://www.instagram.com/fyapod http://www.instagram.com/ryanbergara http://www.instagram.com/byronamarin FYA Logo by Arthur Kierce (@theonekierce) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan and Byron were invited by Walt Disney Imagineering to tour their Headquarters! In this episode, the boys unpack their once-in-a-lifetime experience before interviewing Imagineer Zsolt Hormay (Cars Land, Pandora, Galaxy's Edge and much more!). Consider supporting us on our FourthWall for Bonus Episodes, Merch, and More! www.fyapod.com CREATED & HOSTED BY Ryan Bergara & Byron Marin EDITOR Byron Marin EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Ryan Bergara Byron Marin Social: http://www.instagram.com/fyapod http://www.instagram.com/ryanbergara http://www.instagram.com/byronamarin FYA Logo by Arthur Kierce (@theonekierce) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Summer is just beginning, but Halloween is coming, what is staying from the 70th during Halloween, a huge book event this weekend, construction updates around the parks, new infrastructure at the entrance, a new Magic Band spot, an adorable dinosaur comes to Pixar Pier, we talk about our Disneyana experience, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: It is that time of the year to start planning for the Halloween season at Disneyland. Next week, Oogie Boogie Bash tickets go on sale. This is a competetive event to get tickets for, so be sure to get in early and pick your dates. Inspire Magic Key holders can get tickets starting on June 24th no earlier then 9am Disneyland time, with all other Magic Key holders having an opportunity starting June 25th. General public sales start on June 26th. Dates start even before the Halloween season on August 17th, and run through October 31st. – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/2025-halloween-at-disneyland-oogie-boogie-bash-dates-and-more/ There are some other updates on the Halloween season at the resort. For 2025, Halloween Time will start on August 22nd and run through October 31st. Mickey and Minnie will get new outfits for the occasion, as usual. This time they will be a twist on the 70th costumes! Haunted Mansion Holiday is returning, along with Halloween Screams. Over in Disney California Adventure, Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween, Mater's Junkyard JamBOOree, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark are returning. Mickey's Trick and Treat is coming to the Disney Theater for the fall, replacing Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Of course food and merchandise will be along as well. – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/2025-halloween-at-disneyland-oogie-boogie-bash-dates-and-more/ With Halloween Time and Disneyland's 70th happening at the same time, you might wonder what is staying from the 70th during the spooky season. Paint the Night, World of Color – Happiness, and Tapestry of Happiness will continue to run throughout the season. Disney says “areas and attractions around the resort will retain special touches, including decorative accents and the colorful castle photo opportunity in the esplanade.” – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/2025-halloween-at-disneyland-oogie-boogie-bash-dates-and-more/ This Saturday, a few authors of Disneyland books will be at Wonderground for a book release and signing. Don Hahn and Christopher Merrit will be on hand to sign The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland, Martha Blanding and Tim O'Day for Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman's Journey Through the Happiest Place on Earth, Matthew Reinhart for Disneyland Park (a Pop-Up Park Tour), and finally Bob Weis with Dream Chasing: My Four Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering. The event is from 10am-11:30am. – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ A couple of construction items that we have been following at the resort have some updates. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room has a reopening date of July 3rd! Pixie Hollow has been behind construction walls for a while now, and looks to be returning on June 29th. – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ When we were in the parks a few weeks ago, we noticed new lamp posts in front of Main Street Station, by the Mickey floral. Walls are back up in this area to install more of these lamp posts. The new lights look like gas lamps, but use regular bulbs with a mesh over them to give a vintage look. – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ We talked about the neat Magic Band touch points around Disneyland in a previous episode, but there was still one location that had not come online yet. The last point in Tomorrowland, themed to Autopia is finally online. This one is a bit of a letdown as this one only makes car noises when activated. – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ An update that came to Epcot at Walt Disney World has made its way to DCA! Soarin' Around the World has been updated to fix the skewed Eiffel Tower in the attraction. – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ Over on Pixar Pier, the new Rex meet-and-greet is available. Rex is out and looks as adorably scary (if you can say that about Rex). – https://www.micechat.com/417417-disneyland-update-guest-injury-expansion-blues/ SnackChat: Trip Food (Savory Eats Treats) Discussion Topic: Spring 2025 Disneyana Event The Happiest Place on Earth- Chris Merritt and Don Hahn – https://www.laughingplace.com/w/disney-parks/d23-live-stream-happiest-place-on-earth/

In this episode, Michael shares with Tom his thoughts about two events he attended at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco that focused on Walt Disney Imagineering. First up, Imagineer Eddie Sotto shares the challenges of building Disneyland Paris. Then, WDI President Bob Weis talks about his start in Imagineering through his transition to management.Links:Michael's Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelOzCon International - Discount code: CWOZCON2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

826 · How Disney Brings Star Wars to Life: Reveals and Stories from Star Wars Celebration Japan Have you ever dreamed of living your own Star Wars story? This week, I take you inside Star Wars Celebration Japan for a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Parks and Lucasfilm are transforming the way we experience Star Wars - and reveal new stories, secrets, and adventures you need to know about. Join me for exclusive interviews with leaders from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment, exciting updates to Galaxy's Edge, new droids, and the future of Star Wars storytelling in the parks. Plus, I host a live panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan all about how you can live your own Star Wars story - and how emotional, immersive storytelling is changing Disney Parks forever. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or just love Disney's magic of storytelling, this is one journey to a galaxy far, far away you won't want to miss.

Disney Imagineer Tom Mulally supported the media and video production team as a Principal Media Designer between 1991 and 2016. Installing media at Tower of Terror, Spaceship Earth, Star Tours, Conservation Station, Rafiki's Planet Watch, Enchanted Books of Mystery, and various projects at Disneyland, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Walt Disney World, Tom helped bring these projects to life. In this episode, we chat about Tom's career at Walt Disney Imagineering and his advice for aspiring Imagineers.   Create your own Disney travel memories with our sponsor KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!