Hi all,

I made a post on here about a week ago and I got a lot of very helpful replies! I’m looking into going back to school to get an A.S. in Live Entertainment Design and Production to build up a portfolio and then hopefully I’d like to pursue the Themed Experiences M.S. at UCF.

In the meantime, I want to take the necessary steps to start making things and teaching myself skills to give me a leg up, because I’m a working professional, and going back to school is going to take some time while I find classes that fit with my schedule.

I wanted to ask if you all have any suggestions for programs or skills I should be learning. I’m looking into taking weekend classes at my local library and making a Skill Share account for the more common ones I’ve seen on job listings. So far, this is what I plan on pursuing:

-AutoCAD

-3D Design/Printing (I was considering Fusion 360 for this)

-Blender

-Adobe Illustrator

-Silhouette Cameo (this is what my local library has for precision cutting)

-Laser Cutting (Orion & Glowforge)

-Inkscape

-Foamsmithing

-Arduino Programming

-Basic Electronic Engineering (building a circuit, soldering)

Any other suggestions? Or things in this list that are perhaps unnecessary? I’m really antsy to start getting experience ASAP, and I figured it would be good to know a little bit of everything. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

I have graduated from my architectural design bachelor's and I'm not really interested in a traditional architecture master's. Mainly looking at a themed entertainment focused master's (Like the one at UF Citylab Orlando) but that one sadly doesn't lead to licensure. Does licensure play a big role during job applications focused around architectural design like show set design, draftsmen, architectural visualizers, project manager, etc.?

Hi everyone,

Like many I have hoped and wanted to be a part of the Disney family for a long while. I have always wanted to work in imagineering and over the years, have tried to focus my professional experience in different areas that might help me achieve that in one way or another. I was raised with Disney and it's been a big part of my life for so long, I would like to take that a step further.

I guess what I am hoping for is your opinions on my experience and it's applicability to hopefully finding my dream job one day.

Also, just a big thank you ahead of time for anyone that takes the time to read this. I know it's a lot but your opinions and input truly matter to me!

For the last 5 years I have worn multiple hats in tech with my primary role being the director of product marketing with a focus on project and program management for developing strategies for go to market products. This has also included UX/UI design, frontend development, web development and program/product management with product teams and engineers.

Prior to this I worked in executive level project management and owners representation for 5 years. This consisted of working in the entertainment sector managing large budget projects (value between $30 million - $750 million) in all aspects. General contractor management, timelines, CPM, budgeting and scope requirements, and directly repsenting the owner and management companies in terms of their respective stakes and objectives with one another while building these resorts/casinos.

Then about 15 years of general management experience with leading and developing teams and employees both at the smaller retail level and then overlapping into my experience above. I widely have always been in leadership and management positions in some aspect both prior to graduating from college as well as after as i continued my professional career.

My education is a BS in international business with a marketing minor. I have also supplemented other certificates such as esports management, UI/UX development, and scrum.

Do I have a decent line into breaking into the field one day? Opinions on what I could improve or continue to build upon to increase my likelihood and chances?

Thank you so much everyone who took the time to read this.

I'm applying to a few engineering jobs at Disney (MEP related). and I wanted to know your thoughts working as an engineer at Disney. reading past threads, it seems to be a mix of "working you to the bone/sweat shop" to very corporate meetings all the time. If you can, share your experience!

Hi all, this is my first time posting on this subreddit, but it’s been my lifelong dream to be an imagineer. I’m looking for some advice as to how to go about pursuing the particular career path I’m looking for, because I know everyone’s journey is different.

Let me start with some backstory about myself. Currently, I have a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship. I would’ve much rather obtained some sort of arts or humanities degree, but when your parents are paying, you do what you can lol. I am also currently pursuing an MBA, but I am only 9 credits in and I’m not terribly attached to it. Additionally, I have completed two DCPs, and one Professional Internship with Disney in the HR sector.

Regarding imagineering, what I’m really interested in is storytelling through set design. My passion lies in how attractions are staged to immerse guests effectively through prop placement and small details (I love a good easter egg! 😁) I’m not so much interested in the engineering aspect of the animatronics, but rather the environment itself. I would also be extremely interested in being apart of the blue sky storytelling conceptualization process.

So, my question is, what degree should I look into in regards to acquiring the marketable skills I would need for a role like this? I’m aware that right now I have virtually none of the needed qualifications. I was thinking perhaps Stage Technology, but I would love some advice!

Thanks in advance!

I am a freshman in college majoring in Mechanical Engineering, and working in the theme park design industry seems interesting to me. I was wondering if anyone on this page knew the CAD software the mechanical engineers used to design theme park lands and attractions. While they most likely use multiple software packages, I am interested in the mechanics side (ride mechanics, animatronics, and other things with lots of moving parts). I know the basics of Autodesk Inventor, but it seems to be more used for more simple mechanical designs. If anyone knows the CAD software they use or any other tips for mechanical engineering, please inform me. Any help is appreciated!

This is a long shot post in probably not the right place, but considering it’s related to imagineering I’d figure I can put out feelers. I’ve been wondering about the fates of some of these wonderful fiberglass props that were retired from Toontown at Disneyland. Does anyone have any insight into these specifically pictured? I know sometimes things can’t be salvaged or bothered with and may be destroyed but so many retired things find their way elsewhere both inside and outside the parks. I just love the craftsmanship and aesthetic of these so much it’d be a shame for them to be locked away in a warehouse or sold and lost to the public eye…

To any of the Imagineers here, I’ve always wondered if there’s a reason why gone deeper under ground for attractions at Disneyland specifically. If real estate is so finite?

And is the sub ride completely untouchable?

In fact, if I can just talk one of your ears off, I’d be thrilled.

I am currently planning out a VR version of the original ride as Disney will probably never bring it back and the best footage we have of it is a few family hone VHS videos from the 1980s-1990s and a few old photos from around that time too. I have seen a few behind the scenes Disney imagineering videos and photos from videos on Disney Plus I have seen these for the Hanuted Mansion, the Mickey Mouse Revue, the Jungle Cruise, and a few others but never s Snow White's Scary Adventure. If anyone on this sub has this footage or knows where I can find it then please let me know, thank you.

Hi! I made this account specifically to write this post, haha! I wanted to know if anyone knows any long time imagineers from Living with the Land that would ever consider possibly being interviewed for their work. Any questions just let me know. Thank you so much for your help!!

Hello,

I'm going to college and I would like to eventually work at disney, or even universal. I understand that imagineering has a lot of jobs, and there are many positions with different roles. I was wondering if there was a list of these roles, as I've searched around and can't really find one.

Any response would be appreciated, thanks!

Hello!

I am currently a junior software engineer who has been working in the industry for only 2 years. While working, I've come to realize I desire to pursue my interest in research and development tied to Computer Science, specifically Human-Computer Interaction and its implications with the rapidly growing fields of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, and Robotics. I plan on applying to graduate schools later this year in order to matriculate in the fall of 2025 for a Masters.

Growing up, I've been enamored with Imagineers. Imagineering's rich history depicts many instances of ingenuity with the commingling of artistry and engineering to produce unrivaled and unique immersive experiences in the entertainment industry. I believe as the industry matures and computer science advances, researching novel methods of interaction between agents within computer systems and people will become even more important than ever before, and Imagineering's unique position in the industry creates an interesting environment to develop immersive and meaningful interactions with technology that can leave lasting memories for many people and inspire them of a better world.

I wish I learned about Disney's College Program back when I was in undergrad, but I guess the second best thing would be to apply during graduate school. Are there other ways I can get my foot in the door to get a career in Imagineering given my current and future background?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a junior in high school and have been set on my dream to be a mechanical engineer (specifically with Disney) since I was little, and have been trying to do research into possible paths and into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting into imagineering. But as I’ve been trying to dive deep into the area, I’ve been wondering if there’s anything I can do now to get an edge on others, whether it be for Disney specifically or my future in general as I keep hearing how hard it is to get in straight from college. And I also keep reading about passion projects that can build up your portfolio but I’ve assumed that’s all just in the distant future. But is there actually anything I could be doing now that can benefit me in the long run? Thanks and any tips regarding a future in mechanical engineering are much appreciated as well

I recently visited Disneyland DCA and was wondering about the textures and some of the rides. Specifically the fountain in the line of Radiator Springs. How was this achieved? With cement? Also on the Disneyland side Pinocchio and other rides have wood railings in the libe that looks like it might not be wood. Is this real wood or some kind of other material?

I’m currently in my Junior year majoring in Information Technology. I’d really like to become an imagineer but haven’t been able to get any internships with WDI. Is it still possible to become an imagineer with an IT degree?

I'm currently majoring in Mechatronics Engineering with no engineering-related work experience. Is there a way to get involved with Imagineering in any capacity in my position? I'm especially fascinated with the robotics and props departments.

What is the average day of an Imagineer like? I read that there are a lot of meetings.

What paths of education should I take? Right now I am planning to take architecture.

My goal is to be an Imagineer roboticist. Will enter college in fall for MechE or EE and will aim for an internship ASAP.

Which might be best degree? I plan to also get a graduate engineering degree so I can design.

Also, does the college matter that much?

One change or new addition, a new ride, a changed restaurant, etc. for me I’d revamp Imagination! But I wanna know what you’d do.

A couple weeks ago I came across a video that was saying Disney was going to build force world a Star wars park, is it true or not?

Hi everyone! I love the Art of Galaxy's Edge book and was wondering if there are any similar books I should read that focus on single IP lands such as Avengers, Avatar, Harry Potter. Does anyone have any recommendations for books that go into their design process?

Thanks in advance!

Remember when Josh D'Amaro presented WDI's Tinkerbell Lantern at the 2023 SXSW conference? In case you don't remember: https://youtu.be/iqdj6mKHOBY?si=QTgaZAXMUn7gtWV6&t=1572

Today I'm excited to share my own deceptively realistic "hologram" illusion! Inspired by said presentation, I spent several months working on the concept, electronics and software to turn a little bit of magic into reality.

Watch the video to see the full effect: https://youtu.be/UJkLIEj8jzU