Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

Hollywood, 1940. The Hollywood Tower Hotel is reopening after a year-long closure following the tragic events of 1939—you know, the one where an elevator cab carrying five people was struck by lightning and never seen again? After taking the year off to “renovate,” the hotel is opening back up with its newest, exclusive lounge—The Twilight Zone. Management decided they needed a flashy hangout to a...

To celebrate the 69th Anniversary of Disneyland, we decided it was time to take on a project restoring the park to its former glory. Forget what you've heard about Disneyland Foward as we present: Disneyland Backward. Join the Idiots as we approach a controversial topic including an IP eviction and a brand new land. With a focus on innovation, we found a way to incorporate some original Disne...

After a recent visit to the Boardwalk at Walt Disney World, we realized it has so much untapped potential just waiting to be unlocked. What better way to revitalize it than by bringing the magic and excitement of the circus to town? Join us as Stephen unveils his exciting plans to introduce a state-of-the-art mini golf experience to the Boardwalk. This isn't just any mini golf course; it&apos...

Royce Alcoser is a former Disney Imagineer known for his remarkable contributions to entertainment and storytelling. Beyond his Imagineering work, he is a talented painter, sculptor, and host of the YouTube channel "Imagine with Royce." His creative journey with Disney began at a young age, quickly making a mark bringing numerous animatronic figures to life in the parks. Royce's exp...

For the first time on our show, we showed up to recording completely unprepared to pitch you a new project. But that’s on purpose. Today we are giving you a little bit of insight to what our planning process looks like live on the show! Welcome to the Crossover Creation Challenge.  We spun two wheels. One full of existing Disney Parks attractions and the other? Non-Disney IP. The challenge is for...

The Idiots have conquered Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and we have a lot of thoughts! As avid fans of Tiana, one of our favorite princesses, we were thrilled to get a sneak peek at the attraction. Kaity and Stephen attended the D23 preview event, while Marissa experienced it during the Cast Member preview. We also have our resident New Orleans local, Jenny, to provide commentary on the authentici...

We're back with Part 2 of our Building Port Disney Mini-Series! Today, we're diving into the original plans for DisneySea, which was actually intended for California in the 1990s. Discover all the fascinating details about this first-of-its-kind park that never came to be. And of course, we put on our creative idiot caps to reimagine how this park could look if it were built today. From...

It's time to play the music! It's time to light the lights! It's time to meet the Muppets on this episode tonight!  Join Marissa and Kaity as they dive into another episode of "Canceled." This week, they explore the ill-fated Muppet Studios, a planned land at Disney parks that never saw the light of day. In the early 90s, The Muppets were wildly popular, and a merger betwe...

In Part 2, we hear more about the remarkable career of Terri Hardin, exploring her groundbreaking work alongside legendary puppeteer Jim Henson. Terri's collaboration with Henson brought to life some of the most beloved characters in entertainment history.  Beyond her work with Henson, we explore Terri's innovative contributions to Disney, particularly her mastery of articulated characte...

Summer is almost here, and with the upcoming opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, it's time to shine a spotlight on another water ride receiving a new lease on life: Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Join us as we plunge into a reimagining of Kali River Rapids into Sisu's Dragon River Rapids, inspired by the vibrant world of Disney's "Raya and the Last Drag...

In Part 1, we explore the early life and career of former Disney Imagineer, Terri Hardin. We look into her childhood, marked by a boundless imagination and a deep love for art and storytelling. From her initial forays into the world of film, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities, Terri's path was paved with perseverance and creativity. Her transition to Disney Imagineering marked a...

Join us as we explore a new and unique addition to Epcot’s France pavilion, blending the educational spirit of the park with the rich cultural tapestry of Paris and the creativity of jazz. Kaity shares her vision of a daytime interactive music studio for children, while Marissa imagines a swanky nighttime jazz club for adults, complete with interactive elements and a VIP entrance from Monsieur Pau...

What started out as an episode of "Canceled" has turned into a new mini-series!  We're journeying back to California, exploring the ambitious Port Disney project announced in 1990. Join us as we reveal the grand vision for a revolutionary waterfront development that would have combined theme parks, resorts, and urban entertainment districts in Long Beach. You'll hear about the...

In this episode, we dive into the history and exciting (hopeful) future of the Disney Skyliner. The Skyliner currently serves four resorts and two theme parks at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the original Skyway gondola system that once connected Fantasyland and Tomorrowland in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom, the Skyliner combines nostalgia with modern innovation. Each gondola features designs with...

Prepare to be transported into a realm of wonder as we  transform Hollywoodland into Animation Boulevard at Disney California Adventure. We're thrilled to welcome a special guest project manager, Hannah from Learning the Magic Podcast , joining us to share her insights and Disneyland Resort expertise. Join us as we peel back the layers of history and unveil the birthplace of beloved Disney ch...

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with former Imagineer Ethan Reed, we delve deeper into his illustrious career, exploring his instrumental roles in bringing iconic Disney attractions to life. From his work on Expedition Everest to the enchanting Mystic Manor and the whimsical Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Ethan shares fascinating insights into the creative process behind these beloved experience...

Welcome to the Wonders of the Elements Pavilion! We begin by exploring the forgotten treasures of EPCOT, including the Wonders of Life Pavilion and its unique attractions like Body Wars and Cranium Command. Amidst tales of nostalgia, we uncover the mysterious disappearance of the beloved Buzzy animatronic, sparking intrigue and speculation about his fate. But the heart of our episode lies in the u...

In Part 1 of our Magic Makers conversation with former Imagineer Ethan Reed, we dive into his childhood dream of becoming the voice of Donald Duck, and how that passion ignited his journey to CalArts and eventually Disney Imagineering. Join us as Ethan shares captivating anecdotes, insightful reflections, and the pivotal moments that shaped his path towards bringing magic to life within the Disney...

Introducing Prime Time Junction, a classic expansion for Disney's Hollywood Studios. As we delve into the evolution of the park and express concerns about its direction, we propose a new land celebrating the rich history of television entertainment. Instead of developing the entire land, we've decided to focus on one area and leave the rest open for future projects on the show. One of th...

It's time to jam in the jungle once again! It's been 10 years since Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade was retired, and we couldn't wait another minute to bring traveling live entertainment back to the streets. Join our party with special guest project manager, Amanda, as we unveil an unforgettable parade experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom! With vibrant floats celebrat...

Behold, as we open the gates of Disney's Legends Resort, a sanctuary like no other, where myth and majesty converge. Prepare to be immersed in a world where the valor of Mulan and the strength of Hercules intertwine, weaving tales of courage and adventure into every corner of this legendary home away from home.  Dive into the heart of hero-themed sanctuaries, explore vibrant landscapes, and i...

We're back with our first CANCELED episode of Season 2. Join us as we dig up old plans for the renovation of Tomorrowland in Disneyland that never quite made it to lift off.  After that, we will share our plans for a refurb that will take us to the year 3055. We've even got an exclusive new music teaser from the one and only Stellara Vox. History meets creativity as we discuss the could-...

Step into the true world of Imagineering with our debut episode of Magic Makers , where we unravel the extraordinary career journey of Tom "Thor" Thordarson. Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of his path to Walt Disney Imagineering and beyond. From the early stages of his career to becoming one of the visionary Imagineers behind iconic attractions, Tom shares his remarkab...

Adventure is out there! Prepare to take flight up, up, and away on a thrilling hot air balloon tour of the American Frontier. With Russell as your guide, you'll embark on a journey to discover the sights and sounds of this iconic landscape, in an exciting new attraction set to debut at World Showcase.  Hold on to your hats and glasses, because this here's the wildest ride in...EPCOT. Did...

All aboard! The idiots are back with a brand new season! Set sail us for the creative cruise of a lifetime on our brand new ship,  the Disney Imagination. Allow us to take you from bow to stern as we cover design, staterooms, activities, dining, and entertainment on our ultimate version of a Disney cruise. Stay tuned all season long for a ton of new original ideas and surprises. Bon voyage! Projec...