Imagination Skyway

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 restaurant (La Cantina de San Angel), a lounge an...

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 vacation as a party of one. We also discuss some specific...

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 directly purchased in the Himalayas), and a monstrou...

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 Renaissance episodes, we argue that the music is perhaps...

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 Renaissance episodes, we argue that the music is perhaps...

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 attraction refurbishments, seasonal events, and more)...

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 Disney fans, these ride vehicles also provide a s...

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 Disney fans, these ride vehicles also provide a s...

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 span a range of just 10 years but include some of t...

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 span a range of just 10 years but include some of the most beloved films of all time. Arguably, the music is perhaps the most memorable aspect of these Disney Renaissance films, and collectively, the m...

Pirates of the Caribbean is considered to be the last attraction that Walt Disney personally oversaw from beginning to end. This Disneyland classic opened in March of 1967, just a few months of Walt's passing, and has been an integral part of the park for over 55 years. Located in New Orleans Square, this iconic ride has inspired a blockbuster movie series and four additional Pirates of the Caribb...

Disney often provides us with inspiration throughout the year, and the same can be said as we turn the clocks to the New Year. As we begin the year 2023, a few Disney friends, Imagineers and I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year and provide some Disney-inspired magic for the year ahead. Thanks to my special guests on this episode. Brian Crosby (Marvel):  https://www.instagram.com/wizardofcroz2...

Doris Hardoon became a Disney Legend in 2022 and was recognized at the D23 Expo that same year. Starting at Walt Disney Imagineering (WED Enterprises at the time), Doris worked on the development of EPCOT alongside folks like Rolly Crump, Marty Sklar, and John Hench. As a designer and stylist, Doris's first official project was The Land Pavilion. Over the span of her 40-year career at Imagineering...

Rob't Coltrin became a Disney Legend in 2020 (inducted at the D23 Expo 2022 ceremony) after spending 30 years at Walt Disney Imagineering. As a show set designer, concept artist, art director, and creative executive, Rob't became a go-to artist at Walt Disney Imagineering for concept work, storytelling, and ride layouts. Rob't is famous for helping design such noteworthy attractions as Expedition...

Disney attractions are incredible during the day, but certain Disney rides and shows take on new life after dark. Whether you're visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland, we want to share a few of our favorites at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disneyland Park, and Disney California Adventure, plus some bonus answers beyond the parks. These attractions a...

Disneyland Paris offers Disney fans the unique opportunity to visit a familiar destination (Disney) while experiencing French culture and cuisine. With two parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park) plus a half dozen Disney-owned resort hotels, Disney Village, and more, Disneyland Paris Resort offers attractions that are similar to ones you will find at Disneyland and Walt Disney World,...

Disneyland Paris offers Disney fans the unique opportunity to visit a familiar destination (Disney) while experiencing French culture and cuisine. With two parks (Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park) plus a half dozen Disney-owned resort hotels, Disney Village, and more, Disneyland Paris Resort offers attractions that are similar to ones you will find at Disneyland and Walt Disney World,...

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring Aerosmith opened in July of 1999 at Disney's Hollywood Studios (called Disney-MGM Studios at the time) and has remained one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World and arguably one of the most popular roller coasters at the Disney Parks. This attraction has a fascinating history and came to life at a time when Disney was looking to add more thrill rid...

D23 Expo 2022 presented new and updated information about the Disney Parks and Resorts ("Boundless Future" showcase presented by Walt Disney Imagineering), Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Disney Branded Entertainment, and so much more. The expo also included exhibits (including the Walt Disney Imagineering Wonderful World of Dreams exhibit and Walt Di...

D23 Expo 2022 presented new and updated information about the Disney Parks and Resorts ("Boundless Future" showcase presented by Walt Disney Imagineering), Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Disney Branded Entertainment, and so much more. The expo also included exhibits (including the Walt Disney Imagineering Wonderful World of Dreams exhibit and Walt Di...

This summer, we had the opportunity to bring our 7-month-old daughter to Walt Disney World for the first time. Traveling by plane and spending a week at Disney, we learned a lot about how to navigate the parks with an infant, toddler, or young child. From planning to packing, choosing a stroller, arranging transportation, feedings and more, we discuss how to best plan a trip to Disney with a baby....

This summer, we had the opportunity to bring our 7-month-old daughter to Walt Disney World for the first time. Traveling by plane and spending a week at Disney, we learned a lot about how to navigate the parks with an infant, toddler, or young child. From planning to packing, choosing a stroller, arranging transportation, feedings and more, we discuss how to best plan a trip to Disney with a baby....

Soarin' Over California opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and was added to EPCOT a few years later in 2005. The attraction was later refurbished to Soarin' Around the World and added to Shanghai Disneyland as Soaring Over The Horizon. In 2019 the attraction was then added to Tokyo DisneySea as Soaring Fantastic Flight. The attraction has a rich history as the modern benchmark for a the...

It's Tough To Be A Bug opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998 and Disney California Adventure in 2001 (closed in 2018), both on the parks' respective opening dates. This 4D show pays homage to the Disney-Pixar film A Bug's Life while sharing the importance of insects and bugs throughout the world. Located inside The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom, this attraction features some frighten...

Disney Parks are filled with thousands of hours of music. From area music loops to attraction soundtracks, Disney's Imagineers infuse a tremendous amount of work creating and selecting music and sounds that best fit every corner of the resort. Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) is no exception. Disney's Imagineers worked tireless to select the best music for each distinct are...