Imagineer Podcast

Expedition Everest opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 7, 2006 and is one of the highest rated Disney Park attractions. At 199 feet 6 inches tall, it's the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World and a thrilling Vekoma-manufactured roller coaster. Complete with a highly detailed Imagineering backstory, authentic story-driven details (many directly purchased in the Himalayas), and a monstrous yeti animatronic, Expedition Everest is one of the most beloved attractions at Disney. In this episode, we discuss the history and details of this Disney attraction and play a binaural scenic audio recording of the ride. What do you love most about Expedition Everest? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/imagineerpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/ Facebook: www.

Disney Revival (2009-2021) films include The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Encanto. These 12 films span a range of just 12 years and represent some modern favorites in Disney history. Like with our Disney Renaissance episodes, we argue that the music is perhaps the most memorable aspect of these Disney Revival Era films, and a few have gone on to become the most popular of all time. These Disney films are loved by so many Disney fans, and in this two-part podcast episode, we dive deep into the music. In Part 1 of the Music of the Disney Revival Era, we discuss the history of this period of time and the definition of the Disney Revival Era. We then dive deep into the music of The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck It Ralph, and Frozen, discussing why we believe these soundtracks are so beloved and memorable. In Part 2, we have the same conversations abou

Disney Revival (2009-2021) films include The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck It Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Frozen 2, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Encanto. These 12 films span a range of just 12 years and represent some modern favorites in Disney history. Like with our Disney Renaissance episodes, we argue that the music is perhaps the most memorable aspect of these Disney Revival Era films, and a few have gone on to become the most popular of all time. These Disney films are loved by so many Disney fans, and in this two-part podcast episode, we dive deep into the music. In Part 1 of the Music of the Disney Revival Era, we discuss the history of this period of time and the definition of the Disney Revival Era. We then dive deep into the music of The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck It Ralph, and Frozen, discussing why we believe these soundtracks are so beloved and memorable. In Part 2, we have the same conversations abou

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland this year (2023), this podcast episode is for you, but the advice we offer is not strictly limited to this year alone, as several points we offer can be applied to any Disney vacation. In this podcast episode, we share some advice about what's new at Disney for 2023 (including planned attraction refurbishments, seasonal events, and more), how to make the best use of Genie+ and Lightning Lane (or how to have a great time at Disney without either), where to stay on a Disney vacation, how to plan a first trip to Disneyland, improving your odds of getting your preferred dining reservation, and more. Remember that our travel partners Magical Park Vacations and The Park Planners can help make your next trip to Disney even more magical. As with most travel agencies, working with Magical Park Vacations is a complimentary service (they book your vacation at no additional cost, and the amount you pay for Disney is the same whether you use their services or no

Ride vehicles at Disney Parks are more than just a form of transportation. In every instance they are an integral part of the story. Disney's Imagineers work to create ride vehicles that fit within the theme of the attraction, efficiently transport guests to keep wait times low, and provide a safe and comfortable journey through the experience. For Disney fans, these ride vehicles also provide a source of nostalgia as we think back to our trips. In this two-part discussion, we unveil our favorite attraction ride vehicles at Walt Disney World and Disneyland and consider what makes for an unforgettable Disney ride vehicle. Huge thanks to our friends at Beyond the Mouse podcast for joining us in this episode! Be sure to check them out on your favorite podcast app. What are your favorite Disney attraction vehicles? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imag

Ride vehicles at Disney Parks are more than just a form of transportation. In every instance they are an integral part of the story. Disney's Imagineers work to create ride vehicles that fit within the theme of the attraction, efficiently transport guests to keep wait times low, and provide a safe and comfortable journey through the experience. For Disney fans, these ride vehicles also provide a source of nostalgia as we think back to our trips. In this two-part discussion, we unveil our favorite attraction ride vehicles at Walt Disney World and Disneyland and consider what makes for an unforgettable Disney ride vehicle. Huge thanks to our friends at Beyond the Mouse podcast for joining us in this episode! Be sure to check them out on your favorite podcast app. What are your favorite Disney attraction vehicles? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imag

Important Update: Imagineer Podcast will be known as Imagination Skyway starting with our next podcast episode. Learn more at imaginationskyway.com. Disney Renaissance films include The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, and Tarzan. They span a range of just 10 years but include some of the most beloved films of all time. Arguably, the music is perhaps the most memorable aspect of these Disney Renaissance films, and collectively, the music has produced 30 million album sales including 5 multi-platinum albums and even a diamond album. These films have also won 5 Academy Awards for Best Score, 6 Academy Awards for Best Song, and even a Grammy for Song of the Year. These Disney films are loved by so many Disney fans, and in this two-part podcast episode, we dive deep into the music. In Part 1 of the Music of the Disney Renaissance series, we discuss the history of this period of time and the definition o

Disney Renaissance films include The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, and Tarzan. They span a range of just 10 years but include some of the most beloved films of all time. Arguably, the music is perhaps the most memorable aspect of these Disney Renaissance films, and collectively, the music has produced 30 million album sales including 5 multi-platinum albums and even a diamond album. These films have also won 5 Academy Awards for Best Score, 6 Academy Awards for Best Song, and even a Grammy for Song of the Year. These Disney films are loved by so many Disney fans, and in this two-part podcast episode, we dive deep into the music. In Part 1 of the Music of the Disney Renaissance series, we discuss the history of this period of time and the definition of the Disney Renaissance. We then dive deep into the music of The Little Mermaid, The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, discuss

Pirates of the Caribbean is considered to be the last attraction that Walt Disney personally oversaw from beginning to end. This Disneyland classic opened in March of 1967, just a few months of Walt's passing, and has been an integral part of the park for over 55 years. Located in New Orleans Square, this iconic ride has inspired a blockbuster movie series and four additional Pirates of the Caribbean attractions around the world (Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland). It's also my personal favorite attraction at Disneyland Park. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of Pirates of the Caribbean (the original Disneyland version), including its design, story, music, and Imagineering, along with some fun facts, details, and an audio recording of the attraction (recorded in 2022). What do you love most about Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission]

Disney often provides us with inspiration throughout the year, and the same can be said as we turn the clocks to the New Year. As we begin the year 2023, a few Disney friends, Imagineers and I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and provide some Disney-inspired magic for the year ahead. Thanks to my special guests on this episode. Brian Crosby (Marvel): https://www.instagram.com/wizardofcroz23/ Amanda Hasaka (Disneyland Foodies): https://www.instagram.com/disneylandfoodies/ Brett, Craig & Vanessa (Beyond the Mouse): https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemousepod/?hl=en Colleen Bentley (WDW Park Planners): https://wdwparkplanners.com/ Conor Brown (WDW Opinion): https://www.wdwopinion.com/ Danny & Stephanie Shuster (WDW Magazine): https://www.wdw-magazine.com/ Kim Collins (Magical Park Vacations): https://magicalparkvacations.com/ Philander Butler (Disneyland Resort): https://www.instagram.com/philanderc85/ Scott Wolf (Mouse Clubhouse): https://mouseclubhouse.com/ Timmy Britt (Timmy Britt Studios): htt

Doris Hardoon became a Disney Legend in 2022 and was recognized at the D23 Expo that same year. Starting at Walt Disney Imagineering (WED Enterprises at the time), Doris worked on the development of EPCOT alongside folks like Rolly Crump, Marty Sklar, and John Hench. As a designer and stylist, Doris's first official project was The Land Pavilion. Over the span of her 40-year career at Imagineering, Doris went on to work on every Disney castle park around the world. She also helped lead the development of Shanghai Disneyland as an Executive Creative Director and Producer and the Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland. In this podcast episode, I chat with Doris about his career at Walt Disney Imagineering, including some of the attractions she helped bring to life. We also discuss WESTCOT, which she helped develop as a potential project for California, and her work with her design consulting company, DDesign. What is your favorite Doris Hardoon creation? Send me your feedback via email or through dire

Rob't Coltrin became a Disney Legend in 2020 (inducted at the D23 Expo 2022 ceremony) after spending 30 years at Walt Disney Imagineering. As a show set designer, concept artist, art director, and creative executive, Rob't became a go-to artist at Walt Disney Imagineering for concept work, storytelling, and ride layouts. Rob't is famous for helping design such noteworthy attractions as Expedition Everest, Toy Story Mania, Radiator Springs Racers, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Enchanted Tales of Beauty and the Beast, Mystic Manor, Mickey's Philharmagic, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (to name just a few). His likeness can also be found as a Disney S.E.A. character (Prof. R. Blauerhimmel, which fittingly translates to "Blue Sky"). In this podcast episode, I chat with Rob't about his career at Walt Disney Imagineering, including some of the attractions he helped bring to life. We also "geek out" together about ride layout design and blue sky development. What is your

Disney attractions are incredible during the day, but certain Disney rides and shows take on new life after dark. Whether you're visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland, we want to share a few of our favorites at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure, plus some bonus answers beyond the parks. These attractions are not just great to experience in the dark; they're sometimes even better in the dark! In this episode, I'm joined by Colleen Bentley of WDW Park Planners, Kim Collins of Magical Park Vacations, and Conor Brown of Magical Park Tours. We run down the list of our top 10 favorite Disney attractions to experience after dark. What answers would you add to this list of attractions? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/imagineerpodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/Im

Disneyland Paris offers Disney fans the unique opportunity to visit a familiar destination (Disney) while experiencing French culture and cuisine. With two parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park) plus a half dozen Disney-owned resort hotels, Disney Village, and more, Disneyland Paris Resort offers attractions that are similar to ones you will find at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and many more you can only experience in France. Even if you're not a hard-core Disney fan, Disneyland Paris is worth seeing and provides a wonderful excuse to experience Paris, France, and other parts of Europe. In this episode, I'm joined by a former podcast guest (Kristina) and a new guest (Richard), both of whom have visited Disneyland Paris several times (in fact, Richard is an Annual Passholder). We discuss our tips, strategies and advice for planning a first visit to Disneyland Paris. We discuss the reasons you should consider making the trip to France, differences between the Disneyland Paris Resort and Disn

Disneyland Paris offers Disney fans the unique opportunity to visit a familiar destination (Disney) while experiencing French culture and cuisine. With two parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park) plus a half dozen Disney-owned resort hotels, Disney Village, and more, Disneyland Paris Resort offers attractions that are similar to ones you will find at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and many more you can only experience in France. Even if you're not a hard-core Disney fan, Disneyland Paris is worth seeing and provides a wonderful excuse to experience Paris, France, and other parts of Europe. In this episode, I'm joined by a former podcast guest (Kristina) and a new guest (Richard), both of whom have visited Disneyland Paris several times (in fact, Richard is an Annual Passholder). We discuss our tips, strategies and advice for planning a first visit to Disneyland Paris. We discuss the reasons you should consider making the trip to France, differences between the Disneyland Paris Resort and Disn

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring Aerosmith opened in July of 1999 at Disney's Hollywood Studios (called Disney-MGM Studios at the time) and has remained one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World and arguably one of the most popular roller coasters at the Disney Parks. This attraction has a fascinating history and came to life at a time when Disney was looking to add more thrill rides to Walt Disney World. This Disney roller coaster was the first in the United States to be built with a synchronized on-board ride soundtrack (featuring hit songs from the popular classic rock band, Aerosmith) and the first to include inversions (upside down maneuvers) at Walt Disney World. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, including its design, story, music, and Imagineering, along with some fun facts, details, and audio recordings of the attraction. We also briefly discuss Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Avec Aerosmith (extinct attraction) at the Walt Disney Studios Park at the D

D23 Expo 2022 presented new and updated information about the Disney Parks and Resorts ("Boundless Future" showcase presented by Walt Disney Imagineering), Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Disney Branded Entertainment, and so much more. The expo also included exhibits (including the Walt Disney Imagineering Wonderful World of Dreams exhibit and Walt Disney Archives 100th Anniversary exhibit, among many others), sneak peaks, panels, and beyond. In this two-part podcast episode, we'll discuss our strategies and advice for someone looking to attend any D23 Expo in the future (Part 1). We also highlight some of our favorite moments from this year's event (Part 2). Remember you can also become a D23 member on the official D23 Website. What were your takeaways from D23 Expo 2022? What advice would you offer to anyone looking to attend a D23 event in the future? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your per

D23 Expo 2022 presented new and updated information about the Disney Parks and Resorts ("Boundless Future" showcase presented by Walt Disney Imagineering), Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Disney Branded Entertainment, and so much more. The expo also included exhibits (including the Walt Disney Imagineering Wonderful World of Dreams exhibit and Walt Disney Archives 100th Anniversary exhibit, among many others), sneak peaks, panels, and beyond. In this two-part podcast episode, we'll discuss our strategies and advice for someone looking to attend any D23 Expo in the future (Part 1). We also highlight some of our favorite moments from this year's event (Part 2). Remember you can also become a D23 member on the official D23 Website. What were your takeaways from D23 Expo 2022? What advice would you offer to anyone looking to attend a D23 event in the future? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your per

This summer, we had the opportunity to bring our 7-month-old daughter to Walt Disney World for the first time. Traveling by plane and spending a week at Disney, we learned a lot about how to navigate the parks with an infant, toddler, or young child. From planning to packing, choosing a stroller, arranging transportation, feedings and more, we discuss how to best plan a trip to Disney with a baby. This two-part episode includes tips, strategies, travel gear, and more. References from the Episode: Kingdom Strollers (affiliate link): https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=matthewkrul JLS Transportation: https://jlstransportation.com  Sunveno Hip Carrier (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3Q4nBgb  Packing List (see bottom of episode description) Travel Sponsors and Partners: Magical Park Vacations: plan a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, or any other Disney (or Universal) destination. These services are complimentary. WDW Park Planners: work with a concierge vacation planner t

This summer, we had the opportunity to bring our 7-month-old daughter to Walt Disney World for the first time. Traveling by plane and spending a week at Disney, we learned a lot about how to navigate the parks with an infant, toddler, or young child. From planning to packing, choosing a stroller, arranging transportation, feedings and more, we discuss how to best plan a trip to Disney with a baby. This two-part episode includes tips, strategies, travel gear, and more. References from the Episode: Kingdom Strollers (affiliate link): https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=matthewkrul JLS Transportation: https://jlstransportation.com  Sunveno Hip Carrier (Amazon Affiliate): https://amzn.to/3Q4nBgb  Packing List (see bottom of episode description) Travel Sponsors and Partners: Magical Park Vacations: plan a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, or any other Disney (or Universal) destination. These services are complimentary. WDW Park Planners: work with a concierge vacation planner t