TA Episode 52: How Does Disney Do That?: How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters

Our guests this episode are collaborators on the new book How Does Disney Do That?: How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters, James Warda and Theron Skees. Many books cover Disney, but James Warda and former Imagineering executive Theron Skees take a unique approach: exploring “why” and “how” Disney creates such powerful, emotional…

TA Episode 49: Jason McManus

There’s no shortage of big ideas when you’re with our guest today, Creative Executive Jason McManus. Jason’s journey has taken him around the world from Disney’s magic factory to the themed entertainment frontier of the Middle East bringing the seeds of ideas to fruition in some of the most innovative projects we can think of.…

TA Podcast E47: Jeff Burton

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the project management realm. Our guest today is Jeff Burton, a former WED Enterprises Imagineer who has played a pivotal role in some of the most renowned attractions worldwide, such as Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Sea World. Jeff, a second-generation Imagineer, is celebrated…

TA Podcast E45: Linda Alcorn

Our guest is show control engineer, Linda Alcorn. Linda is a groundbreaking Theme Park show control engineer with over 40 years of experience bringing some of our favorite experiences to life. Linda, the first female electronic engineer at WED, played a pivotal role in shaping iconic projects like EPCOT and pavilions in Canada, France, and…

At Home Imagineering with SceneForge Studio

Over the years, the process of creating themed experiences has evolved significantly. From pen-and-paper designs, to physical mockups, to 3D renderings, creating your own immersive experience has never been easier!
While there are plenty of video games out there that allow you to build your own theme park, I was personally frustrated by the lack of beginner-friendly, professional options for designing themed attractions and dark rides. Many of the options currently available require highly-technical developer knowledge to get started, which wasn’t something I was prepared for.
So… I built my own!

TA Podcast E38: Themed Entertainment Masters—Ride Capacity (feat. Bob Rogers, Mike West, John Wood)

Our guests are Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts, Mike West from Universal Creative, and John Wood of Sally Dark Rides. They share their perspectives on ride capacities and THRC. Connect with Bob at BRCweb.com, Mike via his company’s LinkedIn “Innovative West,” and John at SallyDarkRides.com. Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin Show design…

TA Podcast E36: Christian Hope

Our guest is Christian Hope, Vice President of Paramount Studios Theme Parks & Resorts. Christian has contributed concept designs in development of world-class attractions here in the US and around the world. His concepts have resulted in some of the most visited location-based entertainment sites around including Disneyland Paris, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and The…

TA Podcast E35: Tony Bruno

Our guest is Tony Bruno, former VP of the Disneyland Resort Hotels & the Downtown Disney District. Under his guidance, over 4000 cast members operated The 4 Diamond Grand Californian Hotel & Disneyland Hotel – as well as the 49 unique brands that comprise Downtown Disney. Today he leads Hospitality Development at Storyland Studios helping…

TA Podcast E33: Doris Hardoon

Our guest is Walt Disney Imagineering designer and art producer, Doris Hardoon. Doris joined the company for the Epcot project in 1979 helping to develop the China Pavilion. She lent her unique cultural perspective to international projects with Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Her crowning glory is found at Shanghai Disneyland, where she developed the…

TA Podcast E32: Jason Surrell

Jason Surrell is the Executive Creative Director at Storyland Studios. He was previously the Senior Creative Director on Universal’s newest theme park projects, Universal Studios Beijing and Epic Universe, as well as a creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Jason is an amazing storyteller, whether it be in the shows, attractions, or books he’s written.…

TA Podcast E27: Joe Lanzisero

Joe Lanzisero is a 30-year Disney veteran who began his career in Disney animation and made the switch to Imagineering where he eventually became known as the theme park land expansion guy—think Critter Country & ToonTown in Anaheim, and Toy StoryLand, Grizzly Gulch and Mystic Point in Tokyo. Today, Joe is Executive Vice President at Zeitgeist…

TA Podcast E26: Eddie Sotto

Eddie Sotto is a fixture in the themed entertainment industry best known for his contributions at Walt Disney Imagineering. He creative directed dozens of attractions at Disney Parks, including Main Street USA at Disneyland Paris, Mission: Space at Epcot, and the first ever trackless dark ride, “Pooh’s Hunny Hunt” at Tokyo Disneyland. Eddie’s work extends…