food IS a theme park
There are so many Cast Members that bring Disney Parks to life — who wouldn’t want to be part of that magic?
Magic Kingdom
We think just about every Disney adult has dreamed about becoming a Walt Disney Imagineer, and Disney just gave us an insider look at what that job REALLY looks like!
We often dream about what it would be like to be Disney Imagineers.
Disney Imagineers riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World
Being able to come up with the latest attractions, restaurants, lands, technology, and more is no doubt something to celebrate, but we love celebrating it from the fan side of things just as much! Imagineers are always looking to the future and creating the most innovative ways to bring Disney to life, and we had the lucky opportunity to see some of that new technology firsthand — come with us!
We know that Imagineers are usually working on dreaming up new experiences for us in the parks, and a lot of that work involves how things LOOK. Disney is known for its over-the-top theming, the “easter eggs” and Hidden Mickeys hidden throughout the parks, rides, cruise ships, resorts and just about everything Disney World does. But a lot of Imagineer time is also spent on how things WORK.
© @waltdisneyimagineering on Instagram at TRON Lightcycle/Run
Disney’s most accomplished inventor is Lanny Smoot, who holds 106 patents and counting! In a recent video, Disney shared more about Smoot’s amazing career with the company, and toward the end of the video, we got a sneak peek at his latest invention. And we can’t stop thinking about it!
One Disney Imagineer just received an honor that has only ever been awarded to one other person at The Walt Disney Company, and that other person was Walt Disney himself.
©Disney
Lanny Smoot is the mastermind behind several incredible special effects at the Disney theme parks, and now he has officially been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame! [Read more…]
Ever wanted to step into the world of Zootopia? Seeing all the colorful architecture and fun characters that reside in the city, we’ve totally daydreamed about going there. Well, good news — we can! Shanghai Disney Resort just opened a brand-new Zootopia land, and it is INCREDIBLE!
©Disney
The park expansion opened on December 20th, 2023, and there are so many fun new things to see and do inside. Of course, there’s a new attraction called Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, which features a trackless ride system and some interesting Imagineering technology. There are some wild new treats, a “one-of-a-kind atmosphere show,” a merchandise location, and more. Disney really made sure to immerse its guests fully into the world of Zootopia! Speaking of — wait until you see the SURPRISE that Disney just debuted during the land’s grand opening ceremony.
A VERY special and rare event is happening SOON in Magic Kingdom!
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
In fact, this event only happens once per year, and it only lasts for a few minutes each time. You’ve really got to be in just the right place at just the right time in order to experience it!
Remember those adorable droids that basically took over the internet when they first emerged in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland?
©Disney
The wandering droids are being tested right now by Disney’s Imagineering department, and it looks like they might show up in even more parks in the future!
A NEW attraction is opening this fall (2023) in EPCOT: Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana.
Journey of Water Concept Art as seen in The EPCOT Experience
We’ve been keeping a close eye on construction for this attraction and have seen lots of new rock formations, plenty of foliage, and even what appears to be the entrance go up in World Nature. Now, Disney has released NEW photos of the attraction! [Read more…]
Disney is constantly developing new technology to use in the theme parks.
It’s HULK!
Sometimes it’s things like My Disney Experience and Disney Genie+ that you can access on your phone, but other times it’s impressive new ride systems or animatronics that look so realistic it’s hard to believe they’re fake (we’re looking at you — Na’vi River Journey Shaman of Song!). But even with all the interesting things we’ve seen so far, Disney isn’t stopping yet!
Walt Disney Imagineers are the people who create and develop some of your favorite things in Disney Parks, from rides to hotels and more!
Imagineers in Disney World | Photo: Shared by Jeff Vahle via Instagram (@jeffvahle)
Without Imagineers, we wouldn’t have all the wonderful things we love in Disney Parks! Over the past several months and years, we’ve seen a number of Imagineers leave the Company, including Joe Rohde. And now one Disney Imagineer, Bob Weis, has announced his retirement.
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