Imagineer Podcast

Soarin' Over California opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and was added to EPCOT a few years later in 2005. The attraction was later refurbished to Soarin' Around the World and added to Shanghai Disneyland as Soaring Over The Horizon. In 2019 the attraction was then added to Tokyo DisneySea as Soaring Fantastic Flight. The attraction has a rich history as the modern benchmark for a theater-based simulator at the Disney Parks. Soarin' remains a Disney fan favorite and has now delighted millions of guests around the world for over 20 years. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of Soarin', including its various ride versions, locations, music, and Imagineering, along with some fun facts, details, and audio recordings of the attraction. What do you love most about Soarin'? 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 Instagra

It's Tough To Be A Bug opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998 and Disney California Adventure in 2001 (closed in 2018), both on the parks' respective opening dates. This 4D show pays homage to the Disney-Pixar film A Bug's Life while sharing the importance of insects and bugs throughout the world. Located inside The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this attraction features some frightening moments for some guests but is otherwise a family-friendly attraction at Walt Disney World. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of It's Tough To Be A Bug, along with some fun facts, details, and audio recordings of the attraction. What do you love most about It's Tough To Be A Bug? 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/imag

Disney Parks are filled with thousands of hours of music. From area music loops to attraction soundtracks, Disney's Imagineers infuse a tremendous amount of work creating and selecting music and sounds that best fit every corner of the resort. Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) is no exception. Disney's Imagineers worked tireless to select the best music for each distinct area of the park as they attempted to evoke the appropriate mood and setting for each location. In this two-part podcast episode, we offer a deep-dive discussion of the music at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Part 1 offers insights about the park as a whole, the entrance, Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Commissary Lane, and Grand Avenue. In part 2, we return to discuss Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard. Which music loop is your favorite from the areas of Disney's Hollywood Studios we discussed in this episode? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public mess

Disney Parks are filled with thousands of hours of music. From area music loops to attraction soundtracks, Disney's Imagineers infuse a tremendous amount of work creating and selecting music and sounds that best fit every corner of the resort. Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) is no exception. Disney's Imagineers worked tireless to select the best music for each distinct area of the park as they attempted to evoke the appropriate mood and setting for each location. In this two-part podcast episode, we offer a deep-dive discussion of the music at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Part 1 offers insights about the park as a whole, the entrance, Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Commissary Lane, and Grand Avenue. In part 2, we return to discuss Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard. Which music loop is your favorite from the areas of Disney's Hollywood Studios we discussed in this episode? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public mess

Journey Into Imagination opened at EPCOT in 1983 and has been a part of Walt Disney World ever since. As part of the Imagination Pavilion conceived by Walt Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter, Journey Into Imagination took guests aboard a whimsical flight into the imagination, with Dreamfinder and Figment reminding guests that "One Little Spark" (a song written by Richard and Robert Sherman) can lead to an unlimited number of ideas. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of Journey Into Imagination, including its replacements, Journey Into Your Imagination and (currently) Journey Into Imagination with Figment, along with some speculation as to what might be in store for this attraction's future. This episode includes fun facts and some audio recordings of the attraction. What do you love most about Journey Into Imagination with Figment? 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: h

Frequent Walt Disney World guests will often ask me if Disneyland is worth a visit. Not surprisingly, the answer is a resounding yes! Disneyland is an especially magical place for Disney fans, and even for those who infrequently visit Disney, there's a good reason Disneyland is called the "happiest place on earth". With two incredible theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), Downtown Disney, and three Disney Resorts (The Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian, and Disney's Paradise Pier), Disneyland packs an enormous number of attractions, dining options, entertainment and activities into a space so small that you can easily walk from one end to the complete opposite end of the resort in a matter of 10-15 minutes. In this episode, I'm joined by Brooke McDonald and Philander Butler to discuss our tips, strategies and advice for planning a first visit to Disneyland. We discuss the reasons you should consider making the pilgrimage to Disneyland, differences between the Disneyland Resort an

Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Wish sets sail this summer (2022), and I had the opportunity to chat with former Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Creative Executive of Disney Cruise Line, Theron Skees about the design of this newest ship. In this episode, I chat with Theron about the Imagineers' approach to designing a cruise ship, attractions and amenities we can look forward to aboard the Disney Wish (including the Aquamouse, Disney's first ever attraction at sea), and reasons to consider sailing with Disney Cruise Line. Be sure to learn more about Theron and follow him online by visiting his website. When will you next set sail with the Disney Wish or another Disney Cruise Line ship? 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.co

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened at EPCOT in Walt Disney World on May 27, 2022. Replacing the Universe of Energy pavilion (Ellen's Energy Adventure), this attraction became the first roller coaster at EPCOT, the first backwards launching coaster for the Disney Parks, the first E-ticket Marvel attraction at Walt Disney World, and one of the longest indoor roller coasters in the world. Featuring six unique soundtracks (Disco Inferno, September, Conga, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, One Way or Another, and I Ran (So Far Away)), this attraction is the first of its kind (an omnicoaster), taking EPCOT travelers to the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion. In this podcast episode, I chat with Senior Producer of Walt Disney Imagineering, Wyatt Winter, who assumed the same role for Cosmic Rewind. Wyatt and I discuss his role on the attraction, the ride's storyline, the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, the innovative ride system, Easter eggs, and more. What are you looking forward to most when you next experience Gua

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is an immersive 2-night adventure that opened at Walt Disney World in March 2022. Disney calls Galactic Starcruiser the most immersive Star Wars story ever created, and it's an accurate statement. This overnight experience combines elements of a cruise, a theme park, and an interactive stage show. Guests who board the Halcyon will truly feel as if they've stepped into a Star Wars story and will be fully immersed nonstop from beginning to end (it might sound like hyperbole but is quite an accurate statement, as you'll find out in this episode). In this two-part podcast episode, I chat with Stephanie & Danny Shuster, owners of WDW Magazine, to learn about their experience aboard the Halcyon. In our previous episode (Part 1), we discuss their Disney media preview day, the booking process, arrival and departure, and dining. In this episode (part 2), we discuss the state rooms, merchandise, itinerary, story, and recommendations for guests considering Galactic Starcruiser. We als

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is an immersive 2-night adventure that opened at Walt Disney World in March 2022. Disney calls Galactic Starcruiser the most immersive Star Wars story ever created, and it's an accurate statement. This overnight experience combines elements of a cruise, a theme park, and an interactive stage show. Guests who board the Halcyon will truly feel as if they've stepped into a Star Wars story and will be fully immersed nonstop from beginning to end (it might sound like hyperbole but is quite an accurate statement, as you'll find out in this episode). In this two-part podcast episode, I chat with Stephanie & Danny Shuster, owners of WDW Magazine, to learn about their experience aboard the Halcyon. Part 1 includes a discussion of their Disney media preview day, the booking process, arrival and departure, and dining. In part 2, we'll discuss the state rooms, merchandise, itinerary, story, and recommendations for guests considering Galactic Starcruiser. We also discuss who would find

The Seas with Nemo and Friends opened at Epcot in 1986 as The Living Seas Pavilion. The original version of this Walt Disney World attraction took guests to the depths of the ocean via hydrolators to an underwater research facility known as SeaBase Alpha. Up until 2005, the pavilion featured the world's largest saltwater tank, home to 3,000 oceanic creatures representing 200 species. Between 2003 and 2007, the pavilion began to transform to The Seas with Nemo and Friends as the Imagineers added Turtle Talk with Crush, replaced the original seacab omnimover ride with an updated Finding Nemo experience, and replaced the hydrolators and preshow with an expanded queue and ride experience. In this podcast episode, we discuss the history of The Living Seas Pavilion, including early concepts, and its ultimate transformation to today's attraction experience. Special thanks to Martin Smith for lending audio recordings to this episode. Be sure to check out Martin's full Living Seas video and subscribe to his YouTube ch

In hosting Imagineer Podcast, I receive many questions about how to best plan for and make the most of a Disney vacation, whether it's a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination. To further complicate planning, Disney has created many new systems, procedures, and options in recent years. Despite these changes and additions, a trip to Disney can still be just as magical, if not even more. It just requires knowing what to expect and planning out the optimal vacation experience for you and your family. In this podcast episode, I chat with Colleen Bentley from WDW Park Planners and Kim Collins from Magical Park Vacations to answer your questions about traveling to Disney. We discuss such topics as Disney Genie+, traveling to Disney on a budget, choosing a resort, making the most of a one-day park visit, selecting dining options, and more. When is your next trip to Disney? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your perm

"How do I become an Imagineer?" Not surprisingly, it's one of the most common questions I'm asked on Imagineer Podcast. As I've continued to interview Walt Disney Imagineers, I've found there's no easy answer to this question, but there are a few pieces of wisdom that can help get you started, whether you want to work with this legendary Disney team as an engineer, artist, architect, programmer, project manager or beyond. In this podcast episode, I compile some of the advice I've received from Imagineers interviewed on the show, including advice from McNair Wilson, Jim Sarno, Bob Gurr, Leslie Iwerks, Russell Brower, Brian Collins, Timmy Britt, Theron Skees, Brian Crosby, Tony Baxter, and more. Whether you're an aspiring Imagineer or just need some career advice, I hope this episode will provide you with some inspiration and wisdom on your journey to accomplish your career goals. I also strongly encourage you to head back to previous Imagineer Podcast episodes to listen to the full discussions with each of th

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar opened at Disney Springs in September 2015 just prior to the formal renaming of this part of Walt Disney World from Downtown Disney. This Indiana Jones themed bar is the only one of its kind in the world, and it's loaded with Easter eggs from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and even Indiana Jones Adventure. The backstory of this restaurant focuses around Indy's friend and pilot, Jock Lindsey, who was featured in the first Indiana Jones film. Whether you visit this dining location for the food, drinks, or atmosphere, it's worth putting on your checklist for a future Disney vacation. In this podcast episode, I chat with Theron Skees, the lead Imagineer for Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar and Disney Sprigs, about this part of Walt Disney World (live on location). We discuss the location's backstory and many details, plus the food and connection to the rest of Disney Springs. Be sure to learn more about Theron and follow him online by visiting his website. What's y

Brian Crosby is the current Creative Director of Marvel Themed Entertainment for Disney, and it's a role he was practically destined to hold. Growing up near Disneyland in Southern California, Brian developed both a Disney and Marvel fandom from an early age. After winning the Imaginations competition from Walt Disney Imagineering, Brian began as an Imagineering intern before making the jump to a full-time role, where he spent the next decade of his career. A few years after the Marvel acquisition, Brian made the jump to working in Marvel Themed Entertainment, where he currently ideates how to bring Marvel characters and stories into the real world, both at the Disney Parks and beyond the berm. In this podcast episode, I chat with Brian about his Marvel and Disney fandom, his work on projects like the Iron Man Experience at Hong Kong Disneyland and Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout at Disney California Adventure, and his more recent work at Marvel. Be sure to also follow Brian on Instagram for Marvel

Joe Lanzisero began working at Disney as a Feature Animator just a few days after graduating from CalArts in 1979, working on movies like the Fox & and the Hound and The Great Mouse Detective. Less than a decade later, Joe made the jump to Walt Disney Imagineering, where he eventually rose to the rank of a Creative Senior Vice President. Perhaps what’s most amazing about Joe is that his projects literally span the globe. He developed attractions at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Some of Joe's most notable attractions include Toontown, Mystic Manor, Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea, Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land (Hong Kong Disneyland), and more. After nearly three decades at Imagineering, Joe retired from Disney in 2015, but his work continues today through his own company, Lanzisero Creative. In this podcast episode, I chat with Joe about his early years growing up near Disneyland, his time at Disney Animation, and his many years at Ima

Mornings at Disney are often my favorite time of day, and it's typically the time of day that I'm also enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. At Walt Disney World in particular, there are so many coffee options that even certain restaurants feature their own proprietary blend. Whether it's a large cup to jump start my day at a Disney Resort, an afternoon boost at the Disney Parks, or even an evening indulgence at a Disney restaurant, coffee (and tea) at Walt Disney World is one of my favorite simple indulgences. In this podcast episode, I chat with Matt from Disney Coffee Blog about our favorite coffee experiences at Disney. From a quick cup of Starbucks iced coffee on Main Street USA to an indulgent cappuccino after dining at Topolino's Terrace, we scour the parks, resorts, and even Disney Springs to find our favorite coffee (and tea) experiences. Be sure to follow Disney Coffee Blog online and on Instagram. What are your favorite coffee experiences at Disney? Send me your feedback via email or through direc

Avatar Flight of Passage might be the most thrilling and immersive attraction Disney's Imagineers have ever created. It also happens to be one of the highest rated Disney attractions in the world. Opening in 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Flight of Passage is the signature E-ticket attraction in Pandora—World of Avatar. The Imagineering details, story, and technology for this ride are so impressive that I knew I had to devote an entire episode to discussing what makes this attraction so remarkable. In this podcast episode, I discuss the backstory of Pandora and Avatar Flight of Passage, its connections to the film, story-driven details, ride design, technology, and memorable moments. I also feature a binaural audio recording of the ride and discuss why so many Disney fans consider it to be not only a thrilling and emotional attraction but also a spiritual one. What do you love most about Avatar Flight of Passage? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following a

The New Year presents each of us with the opportunity to reflect, reset, and reimagine where we can go and what we can accomplish, and Disney's stories and quotes offer endless wisdom for ways that we can better approach life. As we reset to the New Year, I wanted to take a moment to share some New Year wishes, with a dose of Disney magic, to provide some inspiration for the year ahead. What are you hoping to accomplish in 2022? 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: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/ Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital. Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit o

Music at the Disney Parks is so iconic that several attraction themes have been popular for generations. From Sherman Brothers classics like it's a small world and The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room to modern favorites like Golden Dream and even Nothing Can Stop Us Now, Disney attraction themes and scores help convey the story of the attraction and leave Disney fans singing along as they exit the experience. In this podcast episode (part 2), I chat with my cousin Mike (a music industry executive and lifelong Disney fan) about our favorite attraction soundtracks, including the stories behind them and why we love these themes so much. In part 2, we discuss our favorites at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure. Be sure to check out our last episode (part 1), where we discuss our favorites at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. What are your favorite attraction soundtracks at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure?