Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

Summer’s heating up—and so is Epcot! This week, Project Manager Kaity leads the charge as the Idiots head to South America to dream up a long-awaited addition to World Showcase: a brand-new Brazil pavilion! Complete with Baroque-inspired architecture, vibrant street markets, a churrascaria with sunset views, and an interactive attraction starring a mythical forest protector (and yes—giant flying c...

This week, the Idiots tackle the heat—and the lack of hydration—at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the only Florida Disney park without a water ride, the team agrees it’s time to make a splash. Stephen steps into the project manager role with a bold proposal: bring The Incredibles into the spotlight with a high-energy, super-soaked attraction that blends thrills, laughs, and retro-futuristic flair....

With the announcement of Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, Imagineering faces a rare opportunity: building a brand-new Disney destination from the ground up. But what does it really mean to design a park for an entirely new audience—one shaped by different cultural norms, expectations, and stories? In this episode, Stephen takes the lead as Project Manager to explore what Disney A...

For the first time ever, the Idiots are stepping aside and handing the mic to a special guest. This week, Stephen welcomes multi-talented creative and Broadway star Tyler Davis for a guest-led episode that flips our usual format on its head. Instead of pitching our own idea, we’re reacting to a fully imagined, fully epic attraction inspired by Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings . T...

What if you could relive the magic of all four Walt Disney World parks—without a park ticket, without standing in line, and yes, without leaving your dinner table? This week, Stephen is pitching a dazzling new experience that’s part dinner show, part skating spectacular, and all Disney magic. Think parade floats gliding across ice, a cameo from the Disco Yeti, and a nighttime finale that just migh...

It’s opening week at Epic Universe , and the buzz is palpable! The park is finally here, and fans are flooding in to experience all that Epic has to offer. But before you get lost in the crowds, we’ve got something else exciting—an original concept that could take Epic Universe to the next level! This week, Stephen steps outside the Disney bubble to craft an incredible expansion idea for Dark Univ...

Stephen is back from Japan and sharing his full experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. From the sleek nostalgia of the Disney Ambassador Hotel to the stunning new Fantasy Springs Hotel, plus days spent at both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea—this episode unpacks the details, the atmosphere, and what makes this resort feel completely different from anywhere else.  Send us Fan Mail Don't forget to c...

This week, Stephen dives into an exciting and culturally vibrant concept for reimagining Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Inspired by the magical world of Coco , this proposal brings the colorful and musical heart of Santa Cecilia to life in a way that only Disney can. We explore how the film’s themes of family, tradition, and music could be seamlessly woven into every corner of the resort, creat...

Buon Giorno! This week, Kaity takes the lead on reimagining a new adventure ride for Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, Portorosso Rush ! Inspired by the animated film Luca , this high-energy ride lets guests race through the picturesque coastal town of Portorosso, chasing down the thrills of a triathlon while avoiding the watchful eyes of the locals. With sea monsters and plenty of pasta-filled moments, it’...

Animal Kingdom was meant to be a kingdom of more than just real-world creatures—it was supposed to be a land of legends, where dragons soared, unicorns roamed, and myths came to life. But somewhere along the way, those grand plans disappeared. This week, we’re diving into the lost dreams of Beastly Kingdom and the mythical creatures that never got their moment in the spotlight. But we’re not just...

While the Idiots are off enjoying Spring Break, Kaity takes us on a special trip back in time to uncover the hidden VIP lounges of EPCOT’s past. Before Club 33 and DVC spaces, there were secret spots tucked inside Future World pavilions—exclusive to employees of corporate sponsors like Siemens, Exxon, and GE. From the high-tech Explorer’s Lounge in Spaceship Earth to the executive retreat in Horiz...

You’re strapped in, the doors open, and Hollywood Boulevard stretches before you. Then—DROP! But will your next ride be the same? Maybe… maybe not. In this Spring Break Micro Magic episode, Stephen dives into the Imagineering magic that makes Tower of Terror’s drop sequence so unpredictable. We’re taking a short break from Imagineering projects, but we’ll be back with brand-new episodes on April 2...

Spring is in the air, and we’re taking a quick break from Imagineering projects! While the Idiots are on Spring Break, we’re still bringing the magic with 3 special Micro Magic episodes. This week, Marissa dives into one of EPCOT’s most stunning seasonal traditions—the International Flower & Garden Festival ! From towering topiaries to nearly 30 million blooms, discover how Disney brings this...

Get ready for another thrilling round of the Crossover Creation Challenge , where we fuse Disney magic with a whole new universe of possibilities! This time, the entire Idiots team is joining forces for our first-ever full-group project, and let’s just say—things are about to start defying expectations. With our signature blend of brainstorming chaos and blue-sky imagination, we’re tackling a belo...

Lace up your running shoes—it’s race day on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering ! This week, we’re hitting the pavement for a brand-new runDisney experience designed for Walt Disney World. From thrilling course themes to unforgettable character moments, we’re breaking down every magical mile with two very special guests. They’re runDisney veterans, podcasting pros, and finally making their Idiot’s Guide...

This week, Kaity takes the lead as she reimagines the Seas Pavilion at Epcot! Joined by Stephen, Marissa, and special guest Olivia from the Soarin’ Around WDW Podcast , Kaity dives into the possibilities of transforming the pavilion into an immersive National Geographic experience. With 71% of the Earth covered by oceans, it’s time to showcase the deep blue with Expedition: Nat Geo , a new family...

Mt. Fuji is canceled! Well… at least at EPCOT.  We’re zooming into one of EPCOT’s most thrilling unbuilt attractions—the Japan Pavilion’s Mt. Fuji roller coaster. Why was it scrapped? What could have been? And most importantly, how would we bring it back today? Amanda, is here to take on the project with Stephen, bringing a fresh take to this legendary what-if. Meanwhile, Jenny is back for comment...

From cracking jokes on the Jungle Cruise to crafting the backstories of Disney’s most immersive attractions, Kevin Lively has left his mark on theme park storytelling. As a former Walt Disney Imagineering Show Writer, Kevin helped bring Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Jungle Cruise refresh, and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland to life. He even worked on Muppets Haunted Mansion and played...

A brand-new adventure awaits in the Magic Kingdom! This week, Stephen takes the lead as we imagine an expansion beyond the berm—introducing New Adventureland: Polynesia ! With two breathtaking islands to explore, guests will set sail to Motunui, home of Moana, and step into the lively village of Kokaua from Lilo & Stitch . From high-energy fun to tranquil island escapes, this land brings heart...

Calling all movie lovers and theme park dreamers! Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for a blockbuster episode filled with silver screen magic, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a brand-new attraction concept that's shaking up Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay has overstayed its welcome, and we’re giving it a short-term replacement that finally puts the studios back in Hollywood...

This week, Kaity takes us into the jungle, where the bare necessities of life come to life in our first Animal Kingdom project of the season! Joined by special guest Kim Millspaugh ( @disney.sme ), the team explores a brand-new Jungle Book-inspired attraction that brings Baloo and the gang to life through augmented reality and "gliding" technology. Will this idea find its perfect home in...

Get ready to gallop into a world where the thrill of horse racing meets Disney magic! We’re diving into a bold new concept for Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa that captures the excitement of race day in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Picture yourself surrounded by vibrant racing colors, lively sounds of the track, and whimsical nods to Saratoga’s legendary past, all while enjoying a me...

In the first Magic Makers episode of the season, the Idiots sit down with Josh Shipley, a seasoned creative force in the theme park industry. From his early days as a gangster on The Great Movie Ride to over two decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, Josh shares his journey through shaping iconic attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!. He reflects o...

Ever wondered what would happen if Disney’s most iconic attractions collided with unexpected non-Disney worlds? We’re taking you there—and this time, we’re not doing it alone. For our first Crossover Creation Challenge of Season 3, we’ve invited Bryan from Miles from Main Street Podcast to join the chaos! Here’s how it works: Two wheels. One with Disney attractions, the other with non-Disney IPs (...

In this thrilling new episode, we journey into the galaxy far, far away... and then we ask, what happened to the ambitious George Lucas-themed land that almost took over Disneyland? Get ready for a deep dive into the LucasPort project that never came to be, featuring an immersive Star Wars coaster and other mind-blowing concepts. We’re joined by our guest, Johnny J , a long-time friend and fellow...