Imagineer Podcast

Magic Kingdom includes some of the most iconic Disney songs of all time. From "it's a small world" to Grim Grinning Ghosts, Yo, Ho! (A Pirate's Life for Me), The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room and beyond, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World includes music that spans generation of Disney fans. Meanwhile, newer musical scores and area music loops, including the soundtracks to TRON Lightcycle Run and Country Bear Musical Jamboree, keep the park updated for modern Disney fans and park visitors.   In this two-part episode, we discuss the background music, soundtracks, and scores across the six themed lands of Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World.   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.c

Magic Kingdom includes some of the most iconic Disney songs of all time. From "it's a small world" to Grim Grinning Ghosts, Yo, Ho! (A Pirate's Life for Me), The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room and beyond, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World includes music that spans generation of Disney fans. Meanwhile, newer musical scores and area music loops, including the soundtracks to TRON Lightcycle Run and Country Bear Musical Jamboree, keep the park updated for modern Disney fans and park visitors.   In this two-part episode, we discuss the background music, soundtracks, and scores across the six themed lands of Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World.   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.c

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: http

Disney's BoardWalk (Inn and Villas) opened in the EPCOT Resort area in 1996 and remains one of the most highly-coveted deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. With its convenient access via Friendship boat, walkway, and Disney Skyliner to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios (buses are offered to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs), Disney's BoardWalk is perfect for EPCOT festivals and beyond. From standard resort rooms to garden room suites and grand villas, the resort offers accommodations for families of all sizes, and its promenade provides a wide range of dining and shopping options, plus daily entertainment and recreation.   In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about staying at Disney's BoardWalk, reveal Imagineering details that make this property noteworthy, share reasons why you might want to stay here, and offer suggestions about how to make the most of your stay.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and mor

The Disney Wish set sail with Disney Cruise Line in 2022 and became the largest ship in the fleet (the same size as its 2024 sister ship the Disney Treasure and soon the 2025 Disney Destiny). With spaces dedicated to the fantastic worlds of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, this ship offers Disney's signature service experience, luxurious amenities, spacious staterooms, and delectable dining. Whether you're dining in the enchanting Kingdom of Arendelle, sipping on a beverage in the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, retreating to the Senses Spa, having your young kids enjoy the action-packed Kids Club, viewing Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular, or enjoying Disney's first ever attraction at sea (AquaMouse), the Disney Wish offers fun and relaxation for the entire family.   In this episode, we review a four-night Bahamian cruise aboard the Disney Wish, offer advice for traveling on Disney Cruise Line with infants and toddlers, and discuss how Disney Cruise Line might be a perfect vacation for all family me

Island Tower opened at Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows on December 17, 2024. As a modern addition to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and the newest Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World, Island Tower brings the adventurous spirit of Polynesia to life with some of the best views available of Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom.   In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about staying at this Disney Vacation Club resort, reveal Imagineering details that make this property worth visiting, share reasons why you might want to stay here, and offer suggestions about how to make the most of your stay.   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

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort opened at Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971, making it only one of two opening day hotels on property (the other is Disney's Contemporary Resort; Fort Wilderness Campground opened at a month later). Inspired by the South Pacific, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort feels like its own tropical oasis on Seven Seas Lagoon (a short monorail or boat ride away from Magic Kingdom). With world-class restaurants and lounges ('Ohana, Kona Cafe, Trader Sam's and more), iconic pools, breathtaking views, a wide range of unique room options (including honeymoon suites and Bora Bora Bungalows), and a rich history at Walt Disney World, Polynesian is a fan-favorite resort.   In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about staying at this deluxe-level resort, share reasons why you might want to stay here, and offer suggestions about how to make the most of your stay. And stay tuned because our next podcast episode will feature more information specifically about Island Tower,

Noel MacNeal is a puppeteer, writer, and Emmy award winning director whom many Disney fans will recognize as Bear from the Playhouse Disney series, Bear in the Big Blue House (now on Disney Plus). In addition, Neal has performed on such series as Sesame Street, Eureeka’s Castle, Little Shop of Horrors, Between the Lions, Blue’s Clues, The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Book of Pooh, and more. In this episode, we chat about Neal's career and his upcoming show, "Hey, This Was Really Fun", taking place on March 24, 2025.   Buy tickets to Neal's March 24th show on the 54 Below website to attend in person in New York City or watch online from the comfort of home. You can also follow Neal on Instagram and TikTok.   Neal mentioned on the show that his wife (Susan Elia MacNeal) has new books available. You can learn more about them on Amazon.   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 c

Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph has been developing Disney Parks illusions and special effects for Walt Disney Imagineering since 2006. As a part of the Illusioneering Lab, Daniel has created effects used in The Haunted Mansion (including the Hatbox Ghost installations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World), Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Trader Sam's, Space 220, and Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland), among countless others. In this episode, we chat about his work at Walt Disney Imagineering, his admiration for Imagineer Yale Gracey, and his thoughts about the future of Disney Parks.   Be sure to follow Daniel on Instagram at instagram.com/imagineerdaniel   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

Disney Lorcana by Ravensburger is a trading card game that gives players the ability to build decks around their favorite Disney franchises. Teaming up with your favorite Disney characters, heroes and villains, players will strategically compete to collect lore, challenge other players, and complete quests. Whether wielding legendary items, singing iconic songs, or visiting familiar locations, this game offers Disney fans of all ages an exciting adventure. In this episode, we unbox our first ever Disney Lorcana decks, review the rules, play our first match, and share our initial thoughts. Learn more about the game at https://www.disneylorcana.com/en-US.   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/

Joanna and I have been traveling to Walt Disney World together since 2011 when we were still under a year into our relationship. Over the course of our courtship, engagement, and marriage, we've amassed a growing list of Disney travel memories. From a pair of young Disney adults to a family with kids, we discuss some of our favorite personal stories over the last 15 years (and counting) of Disney travel memories.   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 Suppor

Joanna and I have been traveling to Walt Disney World together since 2011 when we were still under a year into our relationship. Over the course of our courtship, engagement, and marriage, we've amassed a growing list of Disney travel memories. From a pair of young Disney adults to a family with kids, we discuss some of our favorite personal stories over the last 15 years (and counting) of Disney travel memories.   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 Suppor

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, "The Wildest Ride In The Wilderness", has been delighting Disney fans at Disneyland since 1979, with other versions created for Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Imagineer Tony Baxter, carrying forward an idea from Imagineer Marc Davis called Thunder Mesa and Western River Expedition, led a team to create this pivot storytelling roller coaster, setting a new standard for Disney mountain attractions (previous ones included Space Mountain and Matterhorn Bobsleds) that have resulted in such iconic attractions as Expedition Everest and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.   In this episode, we discuss the history, story, mythology, lore, and Imagineering details for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris. Be sure to follow Kelly Washington on Instagram.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Ta

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   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!

In this listener question/answer episode, we discuss Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and beyond, including our thoughts about the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Premier Pass options, hotel options at the Disneyland Resort (on property and off property), tips for a first trip to Disneyland, must-do activities at Walt Disney World for the holiday season, Disney Vacation Club, Disney's guided tour options, and more.   Thanks to Kelly from KMV Travel for joining me in today's episode. Get started planning your next Disney vacation at KMVtravel.com/skyway.   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

Disney's Pop Century Resort offers Walt Disney World guests a charming tribute to the popular fads of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s: the catchphrases, toys, recreation, movies, and music that defined each decade. As a value resort with Disney Skyliner access, Pop Century provides guests with three pools, shopping, dining, and Skyliner access to EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and 10 additional Walt Disney World resort hotels (including Disney's Art of Animation Resort across hourglass lake).   In this episode, we discuss everything you need to know about staying at this value-level resort, share reasons why you might want to stay here, and offer suggestions about how to decide between Pop Century, All Star, and Art of Animation.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginat

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. In this episode, I chat with Aarin about his early career, his work at Disney, and his favorite projects beyond Imagineering.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Book your next Disney vacation with our partners at KMV Travel.   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:

Bob Weis spent his career at Walt Disney Imagineering across four decades before retiring from Disney in 2023. Beginning at WED Enterprises in 1980 right out of college, Bob worked on Tokyo Disneyland before taking a lead role on Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios). Later in his career, Bob's design work extended to Tokyo DisneySea and the revitalization of Disney California Adventure. He also led the development of Shanghai Disney Resort and spent 6 years as the President of Walt Disney Imagineering. He concluded his Disney career as the Imagineering Global Ambassador.   In this episode, I chat with Bob about the history and Imagineering of The Haunted Mansion and his latest work of fiction inspired by this Disneyland attraction, Ghost Dog, available for purchase October 15, 2024.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Book your next Disney vacation with our partners at KMV Travel.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival blooms at Walt Disney World every spring, and this year's festival includes many fresh new offerings. With over 20 outdoor kitchens featuring hundreds of food and drink options, dozens of character topiaries and gardens, two scavenger hunts, limited-time merchandise, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series, there's a lot to discover at this annual festival.   In this two-part episode, I chat with AJ from Disney Food Blog about this year's festival. We discuss some of the highlights of this EPCOT event, share recommendations for how to make the most of Flower and Garden, and recap our favorite experiences. Be sure to also check out the DFB Festival Guide.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Book your next Disney vacation with our partners at KMV Travel.   What is your favorite EPCOT Festival? Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.

Martha Blanding is the first Black Disney Parks employee inducted as a Disney Legend (2024). Starting with the company in 1971, Martha became the first ever full-time Black Tour Guide at Disneyland, the first Black female in management at Disneyland, and the co-founder of PULSE, a resource group for Black cast members. She’s also an official pioneering producer of the Official Disneyana Convention, a forerunner of today’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Tim O’Day is a producer, publicist, and consultant, and a popular host you have likely seen on such popular series as Behind the Attraction, live at D23 events and so much more.   In this episode, I chat with Martha and Tim about Martha's career and their latest book, Groundbreaking Magic, available for purchase October 1, 2024.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Book your next Disney vacation with our partners at KMV Travel.   What is your favorite EPCOT Festival? Tag me and join the conversation be