Imagineer Podcast

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 1), 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 1, we discuss our favorites at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. In our next episode (part 2), we'll discuss our favorites at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure. What are your favorite attraction soundtracks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following a

Have you ever visited Walt Disney World and not visited the Disney Parks? While it's not a traditional Disney vacation, sometimes the most memorable trips to the most magical place on earth are focused around the resorts. Especially with Disney Vacation Club Resorts, there are so many amenities and activities to enjoy that you could easily fill a full vacation with enjoyable moments for the whole family. In this podcast episode, I chat with former Walt Disney World Ambassador Kerri MacPherson (now a part of DVC Rental Store) about the best ways to enjoy a vacation at the Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you frequent Disney's Old Key West, Grand Floridian Villas, Animal Kingdom Villas, Riviera Resort, or any other property, this episode might convince you to take an extra Disney vacation simply enjoying the resorts themselves. What would be your ideal Disney Vacation Club staycation? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'

Disney Springs might be a shopping district at Walt Disney World, but it was designed like a Disney theme park. In fact, the detail and complexity of this themed environment is so impressive that it could almost be considered a fifth gate at the resort. The transformation of Downtown Disney to Disney Springs took years to develop, and it involved a lot more than a simple facelift. The Imagineers changed the entire experience, including arrival and parking. With nearly 100 unique dining and retail vendors, four themed areas, and one cohesive story-driven environment, Disney Springs is a must-do at Walt Disney World. In this podcast episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming back veteran Disney Imagineer Theron Skees. Theron was the lead Imagineer on Disney Springs, and he has some incredible stories worth sharing about the development of this shopping district. I learned some incredible new facts, and I was impressed by some of the details Theron described. I have a feeling you'll have an entirely new apprecia

Timmy Britt is a former Imagineer and Cast Member of the Walt Disney Company. Timmy's Disney career began at the Animation Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where he taught thousands of Guests how to draw some of their favorite Disney characters. He later transitioned to working as a Scenic Artist, Art Director and Foreman on various projects for Walt Disney Imagineering, including Pandora - The World of Avatar, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar, Frozen Ever After and more. Timmy also worked on various aspects of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando, including Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Today, Timmy is an artist, mentor, instructor, illustrator and author. In this podcast episode, I chat with Timmy about his fascinating career journey. His life has been met with many twists and turns, but his determination, outlook and passion will be an inspiring story for listeners. You can learn more about Timmy and his book by visiting https://www.timmybritt

Visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination while pregnant can be an exciting way to celebrate your growing family. In fact, Disney might be the perfect place for any Disney fan to have a babymoon. While your vacation experience might feel a bit different while you're expecting or traveling with someone who's expecting, it is certainly just as magical. In this podcast episode, I chat with my wife (Joanna) and special guest Jerica of Medals & Tiaras about their experiences visiting Disney while pregnant. They share travel tips and strategies to make the most of a Disney vacation while expecting and discuss some of the ways you can make this experience even more special. You can follow Jerica at the links below: Website: https://www.medalsandtiaras.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medalsandtiaras/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MedalsTiaras  What advice would you offer for expectant parents and family traveling to Disney? Send me your feedback via ema

Tower of Terror opened at Walt Disney World in 1994, and its success prompted Disney to construct similar versions at Disneyland Paris, Disney California Adventure, and Tokyo Disney Sea. Part of the attraction's popularity has much to do with the level of detail the Imagineers infused into the experience, creating far more than a basic drop ride. The story is carefully woven throughout the full experience, even before guests enter the queue. In fact, many consider Tower of Terror to be a masterclass attraction, which is why it remains so popular even three decades later. In this podcast episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming back veteran Disney Imagineer Theron Skees. Theron not only helped to develop Tower of Terror for Disneyland Paris but also championed some guest-favorite updates to the original attraction in Orlando. We discuss some of the stories behind Tower of Terror, ride details, and Easter eggs. You can follow Theron and learn more about his work at the links below: Website: https://www.desi

Tony Baxter's career as a Disney Imagineer defined the second generation of Disney Park experiences. Tony's legacy includes Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Tours, Journey Into Imagination, and Disneyland Paris. As a lifelong Disney fan who grew up down the street from Disneyland, Tony always dreamed of becoming an Imagineer. He started with the company at the earliest age possible, scooping ice cream at Disneyland. After graduating from college, Tony was hired as an Imagineer to work on the opening of Walt Disney World. Tony concluded his career at Disney in 2013 as the Senior Vice President of Creative Development. For his many contributions to the themed entertainment industry, Tony was named a Disney Legend, received his own window on Main Street USA, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association, and was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. In this podcast episode, I have the honor of chatting with Tony about his 40-year career at Walt Disney

I grew up with a Disney family. We were lucky enough to travel to Walt Disney World just about every year, and we visited Disneyland a few times during my childhood. My family not only instilled in me a love for Disney but also encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a Cast Member. They also continue to support Imagineer Podcast. Growing up in the 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's going to Disney, my family and I have so many memories to share about our Disney vacations, and we're looking forward to continuing our Disney traditions together with our own children. In this episode, I chat with my wife (Joanna), my sister (Michelle), and my cousins (Michael and Brian) about our Disney family memories. We share what it was like to be 80's/90's kids growing up during the Disney Decade, discuss our earliest Disney memories, and share our favorite moments at Disney over the last 30-35 years. We also dream about the future of our Disney travels, including taking our own children to the Disney Parks. Speaking of child

On Disney vacations, we often find ourselves running from one item on our itinerary to the next. From attractions to restaurants and even shows, we pack as much value into our trips as possible, which often means we miss the simple moments in between. I often find my favorite moments at the Disney Parks and Resorts are the times when I slow down, focus on the present, and appreciate the simple things that happen between the items on my checklist. In this episode, I chat with the Collin Kendall from Guide4WDW and Lisa DiNoto from The Castle Run about our favorite simple Disney moments. The discussion was so in-depth, that we're making it a two-part episode. Part two covers our remaining choices from the Disney Parks and Resorts. What simple moments at Disney do you enjoy most? 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.c

On Disney vacations, we often find ourselves running from one item on our itinerary to the next. From attractions to restaurants and even shows, we pack as much value into our trips as possible, which often means we miss the simple moments in between. I often find my favorite moments at the Disney Parks and Resorts are the times when I slow down, focus on the present, and appreciate the simple things that happen between the items on my checklist. In this episode, I chat with the Collin Kendall from Guide4WDW and Lisa DiNoto from The Castle Run about our favorite simple Disney moments. The discussion was so in-depth, that we're making it a two-part episode. Part one covers our first choices from the Disney Parks and Resorts. What simple moments at Disney do you enjoy most? 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/I

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room opened at Disneyland in 1963, followed by Walt Disney World in 1971 (although it was named Tropical Serenade for over 25 years). Created by Walt Disney and a team of Imagineers (Rolly Crump, Harriet Burns, and John Hench to name a few), the Tiki Room was the first attraction at Disney to feature audio animatronics. While the show has seen some changes over the years, most dramatically at Tokyo Disney, the current version is almost identical to its original form at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In this episode, we'll discuss the rich history of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, along with some fun facts and details you might not have heard before. The discussion also includes some related history about the famous Dole Whip and Citrus Swirl snacks at the Disney Parks. Thanks to Disney Archeologist Scott Wolf (mastermind behind Mouse Clubhouse), this episode also includes never-before-heard audio interviews with two Imagineers who worked on this attraction. Be sure to chec

Walt Disney World and Disneyland get an extra dose of magic during the holiday season. Whether you're visiting Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, a Disney Resort hotel, or any other Disney destination around the world, experiencing Disney at Christmas is worth the trip, and that's why I'm here to help you think about the holiday season about 5 months in advance! Posting this episode in July will help you plan out your next Disney vacation for the holidays, which I of course encourage you to do with our travel partner, Academy Travel. In this episode, we'll experience some holiday nostalgia with a trip to Magic Kingdom to experience Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, both available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (no confirmation from Disney on when they will return post-pandemic). We'll also head to Disney California Adventure to experience World of Color Winter Dream

Disney Parks and Resorts are so effective at evoking positive emotions that we often find ourselves experiencing tears of joy and even chills on our Disney vacations. In many cases, we get tears and chills for the same reasons every time we go. Whether we're visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or even the international parks, it's these moments of joy that can make our trips so memorable. In this episode, I chat with the hosts of Beyond the Mouse podcast about the things at Disney that give us tears of joy the most often. The discussion was so in-depth, that we're making it a two-part episode. Part two covers our remaining choices from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Be sure to check out Beyond the Mouse for some amazing Disney content! https://beyondthemousepodcast.wordpress.com  What moments at Disney give you the most chills or tears of joy? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission

Disney Parks and Resorts are so effective at evoking positive emotions that we often find ourselves experiencing tears of joy and even chills on our Disney vacations. In many cases, we get tears and chills for the same reasons every time we go. Whether we're visiting Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or even the international parks, it's these moments of joy that can make our trips so memorable. In this episode, I chat with the hosts of Beyond the Mouse podcast about the things at Disney that give us tears of joy the most often. The discussion was so in-depth, that we're making it a two-part episode. Part one covers some of our choices from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and even off property. Be sure to check out Beyond the Mouse for some amazing Disney content! https://beyondthemousepodcast.wordpress.com  What moments at Disney give you the most chills or tears of joy? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [wit

The Great Movie Ride opened with Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) at Walt Disney World on May 1, 1989. Considered to be the signature attraction of the park, The Great Movie Ride was originally considered for a standalone Future World Pavilion at Epcot. Michael Eisner and the team soon realized that the idea was evolving beyond a simple pavilion, so they got to work on a new movie studio theme park, partnering with MGM Studios on the new venture. The Great Movie Ride, which closed in August 2017, included scenes from such classic movies as The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Alien, The Searchers, Singin' in the Rain, and dozens of other Hollywood films. In this episode, we explore the history and details of The Great Movie Ride, including some of the Easter eggs and historic movie props you might have missed, as well as a few plans and ideas that were never realized. We also talk about the decision to remove The Great Movie Ride to make way for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and w

Theron Skees spent 23 years at Walt Disney Imagineering as an Art Director and Creative Portfolio Executive. His work includes projects at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Theron also led the redesign of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World to Disney Springs, and he led the Imagineering team at Disney Cruise Line. Theron’s portfolio in themed entertainment is one that serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers, Imagineers, and anyone looking to turn a dream into a reality.  You can follow Theron and learn more about his work at the links below: Website: https://www.designerscreativestudio.com  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/209607574152654  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theron.skees/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWU0-KVHvIEeqoCi-miRfeA  In this bonus episode, Theron and I answer questions on Instagram Live about his career at Walt Disney Imagineering. This episode includes a lot of stories and advice not heard on

Theron Skees spent 23 years at Walt Disney Imagineering as an Art Director and Creative Portfolio Executive. His work includes projects at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Theron also led the redesign of Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World to Disney Springs, and he led the Imagineering team at Disney Cruise Line. Theron’s portfolio in themed entertainment is one that serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers, Imagineers, and anyone looking to turn a dream into a reality. You can follow Theron and learn more about his work at the links below: Website: https://www.designerscreativestudio.com  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/209607574152654  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theron.skees/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWU0-KVHvIEeqoCi-miRfeA  In this episode, Theron and I chat about his career at Walt Disney Imagineering. A couple of my favorite stories include an in-depth discussion about Disney Springs (the conversatio

Imagineer Podcast listeners like you will often send me questions about Disney's past, present, and future. Whether it's a question about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, the international Disney Parks, or even upcoming films for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar, I try to answer as many as I can. Once in a while, that means opening up my Instagram Live to answer questions in an open forum. In late February 2021, I opened up my Instagram Live for a Disney Q&A and recorded the discussion to be posted here. In this listener Q&A, we'll discuss my favorite Disneyland ride, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, upcoming changes to Epcot, Disney snacks, relaxing spots at Disney, my thoughts about Disney's live action remakes, and much more. What other questions would you like me to answer? 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.co

Scott Wolf’s official Disney work includes everything from the production team of Disney' original “DuckTales” and “TaleSpin” animated TV series to writing 700+ online articles about Disney history for the Disney Archives’ D23 website. His Disney photography has appeared in numerous books, newspapers and other publications, including two of his own Disney-authorized photo books, featuring his favorite subject, the small details of the Disney parks. He has been hired by various departments within The Walt Disney Company for his knowledge of Disney history, much of which stems from interviews he’s personally recorded with those who have been an important part of Disney history. Scott is also the historian behind Mouse Clubhouse and the amazing YouTube video series Keeping the Magic Alive (I adore this content and have learned so much from Scott's videos). In this episode, Scott and I finish our story about Walt Disney in Paris, talk about Imagineer Harriet Burns, discuss the history of the Golden Horseshoe at

Scott Wolf’s official Disney work includes everything from the production team of Disney' original “DuckTales” and “TaleSpin” animated TV series to writing 700+ online articles about Disney history for the Disney Archives’ D23 website. His Disney photography has appeared in numerous books, newspapers and other publications, including two of his own Disney-authorized photo books, featuring his favorite subject, the small details of the Disney parks. He has been hired by various departments within The Walt Disney Company for his knowledge of Disney history, much of which stems from interviews he’s personally recorded with those who have been an important part of Disney history. Scott is also the historian behind Mouse Clubhouse and the amazing YouTube video series Keeping the Magic Alive (I adore this content and have learned so much from Scott's videos). In this episode, Scott and I have a blast talking about his work at Disney (from TV production to photography and working with the Disney Archives and D23).