Imagineer Podcast

Disney Vacation Club has been creating "vacations you never outgrow" since 1991. Breaking all the rules of traditional timeshare, Disney created a vacation ownership program with an unprecedented amount of flexibility coupled with their world-class Cast Member service. Originally, Disney Vacation Club just had one resort: Disney's Old Key West Resort (then called "Disney Vacation Club Resort"). Today, Disney Vacation Club Members can use their points at more than a dozen Walt Disney World resort hotels, Aulani Disney Resort and Spa (Hawaii), Disney's Hilton Head Island, Disney's Vero Beach Resort, and Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa. Members can also trade in their points to use on a vacation with Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or thousands of possible locations around the globe. One of the most frequent questions I'm asked through Imagineer Podcast is whether Disney Vacation Club is worth the purchase. While I see a tremendous amount of value, it's a serious investment that requires a

Floyd Norman is an icon in the world of animation. Beginning with the Walt Disney Studios in 1956, Floyd worked as an animator on films like Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Sword in the Stone (1963), and The Jungle Book (1967). After Walt's death in 1966, Floyd left Disney to co-found his own animation company, and he continued to work on projects for Disney and Pixar throughout his career, including Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), Robin Hood (1973), Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Mulan (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), and more. In 2007, Floyd was named a Disney Legend, and in 2013, he published his own book, Animated Life: A lifetime of tips, tricks, and stories from a Disney legend with publisher Focal Press. In 2016, Floyd's career was memorialized in a documentary called Floyd Norman: An Animated Life from Directors Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey and Fiore Media Group, which you can buy at http://www.floydnormanmovie.com. The documentary appeared on Netflix for 3 years and recently aired on Turner Classic Movies

Dan Cockerell is a former executive at The Walt Disney Company who served a number of leadership roles at Walt Disney World, including the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom, Vice President of Epcot, Vice President of Disney's Hollywood Studios, General Manager of Disney's All Star Resort, General Manager of Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campground, and more. Starting in the Walt Disney World College Program in 1989, Dan quickly climbed the ranks at Disney. After graduating from Boston University, he began parking cars at Epcot before moving to France to participate in a management training program for the opening of Disneyland Paris (formerly called Euro Disney). Throughout the next quarter century, he assumed many leadership roles at Disney, retiring in 2018 to pursue his own company, Cockerell Consulting. In this episode, I chat with Dan about his work at The Walt Disney Company. We also chat about his new book, "How's the Culture In Your Kingdom", which is available to pre-order with a s

Russell Brower is a three-time Emmy Award winner, Composer, Musical Director and Conductor. For over a decade, Brower was the Senior Director of Audio and Lead Composer at Blizzard Entertainment, developer and publisher of the World of Warcraft, Diablo III, StarCraft II, Overwatch and Hearthstone franchises. Previously, Brower served as a Principal Media Designer and Music Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, creators of Disney's theme parks worldwide. As an independent composer and sound artist, he has worked on such projects as Animaniacs, Batman: The Animated Series and many other series, specials and films. He serves on the Boards of Directors of the Society of Composers & Lyricists and the Game Audio Network Guild and is a member of NATAS and NARAS, and is a Film Scoring instructor for the UCLA Extension Program. "Invincible", from his score for World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, made its first appearance in the Classic FM Hall of Fame Top 300 in April 2014 at no 52. In this episode, I chat

[Part 3 of 3]: This two-hour tour of Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida) includes in-depth analysis and history of this historic land at Disney. In this entertaining and informative tour, we discuss the history of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, the design of Main Street USA, hidden details you might not have noticed in the parks, and the stories of the people who helped develop the parks. Imagineer Podcast Tours is a premium podcast series that can be enjoyed as a walking tour in the park or streamed virtually at home or on the go. You can stream this episode for free with advertisements, or you can stream a premium, ad-free version for a one-time fee at ImagineerTours.com. Matthew Krul, the writer and narrator of this series, is the founder and host of Imagineer Podcast and a lifelong Disney historian. Matt is also a former Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company who has spent thousands of hours exploring the Disney Parks and Resorts. Important Disclaimers

When you visit Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or any other Disney destination, it's important to remember to make healthy choices to maximize not only your health but also your happiness at the most magical place on earth. This extends not only to the food that you eat but so much more. In fact, food only makes up a small part of this conversation. In this episode, I'll chat with The Kingdom Insider's Wellness Expert, Jamie Lee, MS, RDN to discuss decisions you can make to keep your family healthy when traveling to Disney. Follow Jamie Lee on Social Media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/JamieLeetheRDN Website: www.jamieleerdn.com  Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamieLeeRD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamieLeeRDN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHe7w1Fg3lov6keW1SsIQ/featured LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-lee-mcintyrerdn/  What are some tips you can offer that help keep you healthy at Disney? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the f

[Part 2 of 3]: This two-hour tour of Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida) includes in-depth analysis and history of this historic land at Disney. In this entertaining and informative tour, we discuss the history of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, the design of Main Street USA, hidden details you might not have noticed in the parks, and the stories of the people who helped develop the parks. Imagineer Podcast Tours is a premium podcast series that can be enjoyed as a walking tour in the park or streamed virtually at home or on the go. You can stream this episode for free with advertisements, or you can stream a premium, ad-free version for a one-time fee at ImagineerTours.com. Matthew Krul, the writer and narrator of this series, is the founder and host of Imagineer Podcast and a lifelong Disney historian. Matt is also a former Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company who has spent thousands of hours exploring the Disney Parks and Resorts. Important Disclaimers

One of the most premium experiences available at the Disney Parks and Resorts is taking a VIP Tour with a Guest Relations Cast Member. VIP Tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland come with an array of benefits, including having your day planned out by an expert Cast Member; having someone physically walk you around the parks, discuss the history and stories of your favorite attractions, and expedite your wait on attractions; and providing the best service that Disney can offer. In this episode, we'll discuss the reasons you should consider a VIP Tour on your next Disney vacation and some of the benefits you can expect. Thanks once again to Heather (@heatherpeggs and @peggsdodisney), Lizzy (@lizzie_in_adventureland) and Philander (@philanderc85) for lending their experience to this episode! Have you ever done a VIP Tour at Walt Disney World or Disneyland? What was your experience like? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'l

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout opened at Disney California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort in May 2017. While many thought the new attraction would be a simple retheming of Tower of Terror, which had lived at the park since 2004, Joe Rohde and his team of Walt Disney Imagineers thought about the new experience on a much deeper level, creating a ride that most Anaheim locals and even vacationing guests feel is an even greater experience than the park's version of Tower of Terror. As it turns out, the attraction would also be a proving ground for Avengers Campus, which would be announced for the park just a couple years later. In this episode, we'll discuss the history of Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and the Tower of Terror that it replaced. I'll also share a binaural audio recording of the full ride experience. Where does Mission Breakout rank on your list of favorite attractions at Disney California Adventure? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public messag

[Part 1 of 3]: This two-hour tour of Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida) includes in-depth analysis and history of this historic land at Disney. In this entertaining and informative tour, we discuss the history of Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, the design of Main Street USA, hidden details you might not have noticed in the parks, and the stories of the people who helped develop the parks. Imagineer Podcast Tours is a premium podcast series that can be enjoyed as a walking tour in the park or streamed virtually at home or on the go. You can stream this episode for free with advertisements, or you can stream a premium, ad-free version for a one-time fee at ImagineerTours.com. Matthew Krul, the writer and narrator of this series, is the founder and host of Imagineer Podcast and a lifelong Disney historian. Matt is also a former Cast Member of The Walt Disney Company who has spent thousands of hours exploring the Disney Parks and Resorts. Important Disclaimers

We're continuing our "Marvel-ous May" series with a Marvel This or That episode double-header! On one side of the bracket, we'll place various Marvel heroes into one-on-one face-offs, including Spider-Man, Ant Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Rocket and more. On the other side of the bracket, we'll place Marvel villains into a similar competition, including Dormammu, Hela, Ronan, Killmonger, and more. We'll then decide between the winning hero and villain who would win in an ultimate Marvel showdown. Honorable spectators of this competition include Captain America, Iron Man, and Thanos. Who would you select as the winning Marvel hero and winning Marvel villain from our brackets, and which of those two characters would you think would then win in a face-off? 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/

We're kicking off our "Marvel-ous May" series by counting down our favorite moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Whether these moments make us laugh, cry, cheer, or simply watch our childhood heroes come to life on the big screen, there's no doubting the impact that Marvel Entertainment has had on box office audiences for more than a decade. From Iron Man to Captain America, Thor to Doctor Strange, Black Widow to Spider-Man, Avengers to Guardians of the Galaxy, and more, this fun discussion is the best way to kick off a truly Marvelous month. Special thanks to Matthew and Jeff from the MCU Podcast for lending their time and opinions to this episode. Be sure to follow their podcast and social media profiles below: Podcast: https://mcucast.wordpress.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCUCast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcucast/?epa=SEARCH_BOX  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcupodcast/ Which moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe do you love most? Send me your feedback via email or

Leslie Iwerks is an Academy Award® and Emmy® nominated director and producer and the founder of Iwerks and Co. Over a span of more than 10 years, Leslie has produced films that include The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story, The Pixar Story, Industrial Light and Magic: Creating the Impossible, League of Legends Origins, and most recently, The Imagineering Story, which is now available to stream on Disney+. Leslie is also the granddaughter of Ub Iwerks and the daughter of Don Iwerks, two legendary icons in Disney history. In this episode, we'll discuss Leslie's filmmaking career with a particular focus on The Imagineering Story, her advice for aspiring Imagineers, and her family history. Thanks again to Leslie for taking the time to chat with me! Which of Leslie Iwerks's films do you love most, and what is your favorite episode of The Imagineering Story? 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

Tony Bancroft is an iconic Disney animator from the Disney Renaissance. As an award-winning animator and director, he has produced some iconic characters that Disney fans know and love to this day, including Pumbaa from The Lion King, Iago from Aladdin, Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast, and many more. Tony also co-directed Mulan (1998) with Barry Cook and went on to develop various other projects at Disney and beyond. Today, Tony co-hosts an animation-focused podcast with his twin brother, Tom Bancroft, and teaches at Azusa Pacific University while continuing to work on an array of animated film and television projects. In this episode, we'll discuss Tony's expansive and impressive career, his advice for aspiring animators, and his work with some other famed animators and directors. It was a pleasure chatting with him and I cannot wait to share this episode with all of you! Which of Tony Bancroft's movies or creations do you love most? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message a

The Canada Pavilion first opened at Epcot on October 1, 1982 (the same day that the park opened at Walt Disney World). In addition to its beautiful design, the Canada pavilion also features a CircleVision film attraction called "Canada: Far and Wide", which debuted in January 2020 and replaced the former attraction called "O Canada". Narrated by Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy, Canada Far and Wide takes Epcot guests on an enchanting journey through the nation that will inspire anyone to take a visit to the real place. In this episode, we'll discuss the history of this Epcot pavilion, including the former O Canada film versions, and take you on a binaural journey to experience the show in 360-degree audio. Where does the Canada pavilion rank on your list of favorite pavilions at Epcot? 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.i

Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart is perhaps best known as the Genie in the original cast of Disney's Aladdin the Broadway Musical, but his portfolio spans well beyond this role to a number of impressive performances. James has also performed as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton: An American Musical, Bobby in the original cast of Memphis, Lance Strongbow in Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (available on Disney Channel and Disney+), Coriolanus Burt in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (available on Netflix), and so much more. He's also a Disney and Marvel geek at heart who has now written three issues for Marvel Comic Presents. In this episode, we'll discuss James's expansive career; his love of all things Disney; his work with the likes of Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jonathan Freeman and beyond; and of course his advice for aspiring performers. It was a pleasure chatting with him and I cannot wait to share this episode with all of you! Which of James Monroe Iglehart's roles do you love mo

Festival of the Lion King was an opening day attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom when it opened at Walt Disney World on April 22, 1998. Throughout the last 22 years, the show hasn't changed much (other than a location change from Camp Minnie-Mickey to Africa) because it remains a fan favorite devoted to the 1994 Disney animated film. In this episode, we'll discuss The Festival of the Lion King in detail, covering its history, details, fun facts, and a binaural recording of the full attraction from 2019. We'll also discuss why it's a must-see attraction at Walt Disney World and is especially perfect for families with young kids. Where does the Festival of the Lion King rank on your list of favorite shows? 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 G

"Yehaa" Bob Jackson is a Disney Legacy Cast Member who has been performing at the River Roost Lounge at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort for more than 23 years (dating back to the days when the resort was known as Disney's Dixie Landings Resort). Bob's show is one that many visitors to Walt Disney World know well. Personally, many of my Disney trips as a kid were spent at Port Orleans Riverside and included an evening or two watching Bob's performance. When you watch Bob perform, it's incredible to witness his energy and stamina. His show is so electric that even minutes into his performance, kids and adults of all ages are doing loud Tarzan roars, forming conga lines, and singing classic Disney songs from the top of their lungs. Outside of Disney, Bob also performs for Gives Kids the World, for the Orange County Library system, and for his local church in Orlando, and he continues to compose new music, now completing his 15th original album. In today's episode, I have the honor of chatting with Bob ab

The Hall of Presidents was an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (opening day was October 1, 1971), but its history goes all the way back to Walt Disney and his team of WED Enterprise Imagineers in 1957. In addition to some incredible history, the Hall of Presidents is also perhaps the most authentic Magic Kingdom attraction. Disney even went so far as to affect a change in United States federal law to create a truly authentic experience for guests, which we'll discuss in this episode (I'll even reference the specific law, which took some digging to find). In this episode, we'll discuss The Hall of Presidents in detail, covering its history, details, connection to Walt Disney, and a binaural recording of the full attraction from 2019. We'll also discuss why it's a must-see attraction at Walt Disney World. What do you love most about The Hall of Presidents? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll

Bob Gurr's career is one many Disney fans know well. After being hired by Walt Disney to join WED Enterprises in 1954, Bob went on to build vehicles, ride systems, and other designs for a wide range of classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions. For example, Bob created the vehicles for Autopia, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Haunted Mansion, and the Ford Magic Skyway. He also designed the original version of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World monorails, the mechanics for Walt's Abraham Lincoln animatronic (as seen in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964 World's Fair), the omnimover ride system, and the world's first tubular steel roller coaster—Matterhorn Bobsleds. After concluding his career with Disney in 1981, Bob went on to design over 150 projects for Universal Studios, Steven Spielberg, Michael Jackson, and more. For his contributions to the theme park industry, Bob has been honored with the Disney Legends award, his own window on Main Street USA at Disneyland, and the Themed Enter