Bob Weis spent his career at Walt Disney Imagineering across four decades before retiring from Disney in 2023. Beginning at WED Enterprises in 1980 right out of college, Bob worked on Tokyo Disneyland before taking a lead role on Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios). Later in his career, Bob's design work extended to Tokyo D…

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival blooms at Walt Disney World every spring, and this year's festival includes many fresh new offerings. With over 20 outdoor kitchens featuring hundreds of food and drink options, dozens of character topiaries and gardens, two scavenger hunts, limited-time merchandise, and the Garden Rocks Concert Se…

Martha Blanding is the first Black Disney Parks employee inducted as a Disney Legend (2024). Starting with the company in 1971, Martha became the first ever full-time Black Tour Guide at Disneyland, the first Black female in management at Disneyland, and the co-founder of PULSE, a resource group for Black cast members. She’s also an official pionee…

Bob Weis spent his career at Walt Disney Imagineering across four decades before retiring from Disney in 2023. Beginning at WED Enterprises in 1980 right out of college, Bob worked on Tokyo Disneyland before taking a lead role on Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios). Later in his career, Bob's design work extended to Tokyo D…

World Showcase at EPCOT currently features eleven pavilions, representing eleven countries around the world: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, American Adventure, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. Disney fans often speculate what could be a twelfth World Showcase pavilion at Walt Disney World. In this episode, we brainstorm n…

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024 raised the bar for D23 Expo in Anaheim. This year's list of announcements for the Disney Parks and Experiences (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond) and Disney Entertainment (Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios) included…

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024 raised the bar for D23 Expo in Anaheim. This year's list of announcements for the Disney Parks and Experiences (Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond) and Disney Entertainment (Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios) included…

Tiana's Bayou Adventure officially opened on June 28, 2024 at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and is scheduled to open later in 2024 at Disneyland. Replacing Splash Mountain, Tiana's Bayou Adventure offers the same ride layout and system with an entirely reimagined storyline. Complete with incredible details from The Princess and the Frog, N…

Shiki-Sai opened at the EPCOT Japan pavilion in 2023 as a replacement to the former Walt Disney World dining experience, Tokyo Dining. Offering fine dining, sushi, and an authentic izakaya experience, Shiki-Sai is a culinary and cultural experience. In this episode, we review this restaurant live on location. Plus, we offer some insightful travel t…

D23 The Official Disney Fan Club is the first official club of its kind, helping bring Disney fans closer to the magic since 2009, offering members one-of-a-kind experiences, quarterly publications, special events, unique merchandise offerings, and exclusive online content. As part of D23's biannual tentpole event, this year's D23 The Ultimate Disn…

The Disney College Program internship hosts thousands of Cast Members each year at Walt Disney World and Disneyland as the students participating gain experience as they progress toward a college degree. I had the privilege of being a part of the Disney College Program in 2007, working at Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom. In this epis…

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers Walt Disney World guests the enchantment of an African reserve lodge in Central Florida, with sweeping savanna views where over 30 species of African animals roam, table-service African cuisine (Sanaa, Boma, and Jiko) and quick-service offerings (The Mara), shopping, and some of the best pools on Disney property…

1900 Park Fare recently reopened at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and I returned with my family to enjoy the new experience. While some elements of this Walt Disney World restaurant remain the same (Big Bertha as a centerpiece and the return of the famous strawberry soup), the venue takes on a new theme of "wish fulfillment" and some new c…

EPCOT is just about to complete a multiyear transformation, concluding on June 10 as the final walls of World Celebration come down to reveal CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza. With the addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Journey of Water Inspired by Moana, Connections Cafe, Connections Eatery, Creations Shop, Remy's Ratatouill…

Disney's Hollywood Studios turns 35 at Walt Disney World this May, opening as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989. Over its 35-year history, the park has undergone a large evolution, so extensive that its five opening day attractions (including the Great Movie Ride and Backlot Studio Tour) are all no longer a part of the park. Nevertheless, this is a park t…

This listener question-and-answer (Q&A) episode tackles the following many Disney-related questions, including but not limited to: Do you think the Avengers E-Ticket at Disneyland could be a roller coaster instead of a dark ride? I’m going on a solo trip in October… any tips to not feeling weird about it? What’s one restaurant recommendation you wo…

The EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival blooms at Walt Disney World every spring, and this year's festival includes many fresh new offerings. With over 20 outdoor kitchens featuring hundreds of food and drink options, dozens of character topiaries and gardens, two scavenger hunts, limited-time merchandise, and the Garden Rocks Concert Se…

Disneyland is not only the first Disney Park created around the world. It's also the only Disney Park that Walt Disney personally visited. Walt Disney helped to develop so many specific elements of Disneyland, many of which are still visible today, and there are countless stories that describe how Walt helped to create and transform "the happiest p…

Disneyland is not only the first Disney Park created around the world. It's also the only Disney Park that Walt Disney personally visited. Walt Disney helped to develop so many specific elements of Disneyland, many of which are still visible today, and there are countless stories that describe how Walt helped to create and transform "the happiest p…

Walt Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot was recently inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the first Imagineer and the second person at Disney to ever receive this distinction (the first was Walt Disney). With over 25 years as a Disney Research Fellow and Walt Disney Imagineer, Lanny Smoot has filed over 106 patents (74 for Disney), includin…

Disney Cruise Line takes the magic of a Disney vacation out to sea, providing Disney fans with the opportunity to literally travel the world while being immersed in the worlds of Disney. Disney Cruise Line offers some incredible experiences not just in port but also out at sea. With rotational dining, entertainment, on-board activities, kids clubs,…

Disney Cruise Line takes the magic of a Disney vacation out to sea, providing Disney fans with the opportunity to literally travel the world while being immersed in the worlds of Disney. Unlike a Disney Parks vacation, a trip aboard Disney Cruise Line includes some additional steps in the planning process, but it can also be a more relaxing vacatio…

Pixar's early years are defined by some iconic films, each telling a unique story in a way that made Disney-Pixar productions famous. The first 10 films in particular helped pave the way for Pixar's success and influenced Disney to acquire the studio. In addition to the stories, characters and animation that made these movies famous, the music help…

Pixar's early years are defined by some iconic films, each telling a unique story in a way that made Disney-Pixar productions famous. The first 10 films in particular helped pave the way for Pixar's success and influenced Disney to acquire the studio. In addition to the stories, characters and animation that made these movies famous, the music help…

Haunted Mansion Holiday at Disneyland transforms the Haunted Mansion every Halloween and Christmas season into a Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Town wonderland. Complete with iconic characters from the 1993 Tim Burton film (Jack Skellington, Sally, Oogie Boogie and more), memorable songs, and a unique narrative, Haunted Mansion Holiday brings…

Performing as Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Waldorf, Beauregard, and countless other Muppets for over 50 years, Dave Goelz has been working on this franchise since the beginning. He's one of two Muppet performers to have worked on all 8 Muppet theatrical releases, and his experience includes time with working other Muppets legends like Fran…

Disney Jollywood Nights debuted November 11, 2023 at Walt Disney World, and I was there (on a paid ticket, not by invitation) to experience the event for myself. With two live stage show performances (Disney Holidays In Hollywood and What's This? Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along), live street performances (Twilight Soiree at t…

Perhaps the most iconic ride of all time, "it's a small world" opened at the 1964-1965 World's Fair in New York at the UNICEF pavilion sponsored by Pepsi-Cola and was later moved to Disneyland, opening there in May 1966. Imagineers Mary Blair, Rolly Crump, Blaine Gibson, Marc Davis, Alice Davis, Harriet Burns and Claude Coats worked closely alongsi…

In this episode, we recap our experience at Oogie Boogie Bash at the Disneyland Resort, which takes place in September and October at Disney California Adventure. We discuss the villain treat trails (especially Ernesto de la Cruz, Judge Doom, and Agatha Harkness), the character meet-and-greets, the parade, the crowds, dining options and beyond. Oog…

Answering questions from listeners, this episode covers a wide range of topics, including Disney Vacation Club strategy (how many points to purchase and deciding on a home resort), suggestions for a honeymoon to Disney, annual passes, Muppets, Disneyland attractions, and more. Be sure to participate in future Instagram Live Q&A sessions by followin…

Destination D23 took place at Walt Disney World September 8-10, 2023. At the event, we learned more information about what Disney fans can expect from the Disney Parks (announcements and updates were shared for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Disney Cruise Line), Walt …

Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 23, 2023. This Walt Disney World restaurant combines casual bbq dining with Toy Story fun, turning guests into their very own cowboy toy set. While you dine, Cast Members and restaurant entertainment make you feel like a toy in Andy's room (you'll even have to watch o…

Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 23, 2023. This Walt Disney World restaurant combines casual bbq dining with Toy Story fun, turning guests into their very own cowboy toy set. While you dine, Cast Members and restaurant entertainment make you feel like a toy in Andy's room (you'll even have to watch o…

Getting to play armchair Imagineer is one of my favorite pastimes. As a Disney fan, it's fun to imagine what could possibly one day come to the Disney Parks. Blue sky concepts from Walt Disney Imagineering are imaginative, inspiring, and downright exciting, teasing out what we might be able to expect at the Disney Parks one day. In this episode, we…

The Disneyland Resort in California is an amazing place for families of all ages, which includes toddlers and infants. With countless attractions for little ones to enjoy across two parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure), character experiences, dining, and more, Disneyland is worth visiting with the whole family. In this episode, w…

The Norway Pavilion at EPCOT (including Frozen Ever After and its predecessor, Maelstrom) is full of authentic details that speak to the culture, history, music and cuisine of Norway. Opening in 1988, the pavilion features a table-service restaurant (Akershus), a quick-service bakery (Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe), a main attraction (Frozen Ever After), …

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort opened at Walt Disney World in 1997 across from Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. Closely situated near Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, Coronado Springs includes 10 dining locations (Toledo, Maya Grill, Three Bridges, Rix Sports Bar, Barcelona Lounge, Dahlia Lounge and mor…

Originally called Countdown to Extinction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, DINOSAUR has been thrilling guests at Walt Disney World since April 22, 1998. As an Enhanced Motion Vehicle (EMV), Walt Disney Imagineering used the same ride design and track layout as Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland. For DINOSAUR, the story instead revolves around the CTX…

Space Mountain opened at the Magic Kingdom in Walt DISNEY WORLD in 1975, becoming the first indoor tubular steel roller coaster. The original idea was conceived by Walt Disney for Disneyland, but after he passed away, the attraction was shifted to Florida, with Imagineer John Hench leading a team of talented Imagineers to bring this iconic attracti…

Disney Vacation Club offers Disney fans the opportunity to unlock years of magical vacations at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani and beyond. This year, my family finally made the decision to become Disney Vacation Club Members, buying directly from Disney with our home resort set to the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian. In this episode, we d…

Disney Vacation Club offers Disney fans the opportunity to unlock years of magical vacations at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani and beyond. This year, my family finally made the decision to become Disney Vacation Club Members, buying directly from Disney with our home resort set to the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian. In this episode, we d…

The Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT (including Gran Fiesta Tour and its predecessor, El Rio Del Tiempo) is full of authentic details that speak to the culture, history, music and cuisine of Mexico. Opening in 1982 with the park, the pavilion now features two table-service restaurants (San Angel Inn Restaurant and La Hacienda de San Angel), a quick-service…

Taking a solo trip to Disney can sometimes seem intimidating, especially if we're used to traveling with our family and friends. In today's episode, we discuss some of the reasons you might want to consider a solo trip to Walt Disney World, whether it be an add-on to a local conference for work, a solo trip for a Disney event, or a relaxing vacatio…

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 di…

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 Renais…

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 Renais…

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 att…

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…

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…

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 sp…