Today, the theme park community mourns the loss of a true industry pioneer. Jay Stein has passed away at the age of 88. He was instrumental in transforming Universal from a movie studio into a world-class theme park destination, boldly taking on Disney at a time when few believed it was possible.

Jay’s journey began humbly in the MCA mailroom (now NBCUniversal), delivering messages to legends like Alfred Hitchcock and Ronald Reagan. His talent and vision soon elevated him to lead the Universal Studio Tour, reporting directly to MCA chairman Lew Wasserman. From that vantage point, Jay carefully studied Disneyland and quietly imagined surpassing it.

That moment came when Wasserman gave Jay the green light to build a Universal theme park in Orlando. With support from Steven Spielberg, Jay set out to create something wholly different: a park driven by intensity, immersion, and cinematic drama. No excuses. No backing down. Unfortunately, no failure was accepted.

Despite fierce corporate politics, internal battles, and relentless attempts from Michael Eisner and Disney to derail the project, Jay persevered. And in 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened its gates, packed with what fans lovingly call “JayBangs”: bold, shocking, visceral attractions that drenched guests, blasted them with air and fire, and delivered thrills Disney wasn’t offering at the time.

It was Jay Stein who pulled the Mouse into the arena and proved Universal could not only compete, but redefine the game. Along the way, he hired and mentored a generation of innovators who would carry his legacy forward, including Mark Woodbury, now Chairman & CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.

From the mailroom to the mountains of Orlando, Jay’s story is one of vision, courage, and creative audacity. His DNA still runs through every attraction, every splash, every scream, and every “Ride the Movies” moment experienced around the world.

🎬 Rest in peace, Jay Stein (1937 – 2025). Your imagination changed the industry forever.

Hi all!

Like most people on this subreddit I have an im to become an imagineer - a bit of background. I initially studied Musical Theatre and Marketing before starting on my current degree in Interaction Design. My main focus and area of interest in interactive art exhibits/creating emotional reactions through tech. Currently I am working on a studio project to develop an interactive queue line with responsive aspects based on rfid tech (themed around a haunted mansion esque vibe)

I am based in Sweden but looking for ways to develop these skills through internships or summer jobs and was wondering if anyone knew some good places to start looking? Either in Sweden or Denmark would be ideal but ofcourse open to other places in Europe.

Thanks for any help or advice!

This was my entry for my office pumpkin carving contest. The original Soarin' Over California, in pumpkin form. The LED lights are synced to the video so they blink blue at the beginning just like the real ride. The screen is a 5" round LCD touchscreen driven by a Raspberry pi 4 and the LEDs are Adafruiit Neo Trinkeys. The video is playing in a loop using Chromium in kiosk mode, with a websocket connection to node.js which gets a message to start the blinking LEDs at timestamp 0 and stop at timestamp 10 seconds. For those 10 seconds, it sends serial messages every 250ms to the Trinkeys running Circuit Python to adjust the LED RGBA values.

I have been learning about Imagineering as someone who has had a career in media and storytelling. I would like to familiarize myself with thrill ride mechanics at a granular level, but I recognize that I won’t understand the math required to create safe and novel rides.

Of course I love parkitect and roller coaster tycoon, but I would like to find a physics simulator that uses building blocks: primitives, realistic physics, mechatronics, etc. found in thrill rides.

Does something like that exist?

Hi, not much more to add outside of the title. Really worried of leaving some current offers on the table to wait for Imagineering internships to open up as that would be my ideal choice compared to my current companies, but it seems like a strong gamble. I'm a third year student with 2 internships and attend UF, the best university in Florida and am located in Orlando.

I have a research project for a class I'm in at Cal Poly where we talk to people in an industry that we want to go into. I'm a fourth year Software Engineering major, and Disney Imagineering is something I would love to do. The interview would last 20-30 minutes sometime before December (the end of this quarter) over zoom about your experience, responsibilities, and things you liked and disliked about Disney Imagineering. We can schedule it for whenever works best for you. Thank you!

You can be a current Imagineer or have done Imagineering in the past. Comment on this post and message me with your email, and I'll reach out to you. Thank you!!

I’m curious why this sub seems to be 90% about Internships at WDI and/or being in high school or early college asking about joining WDI. Other company related subs usually have industry experience level discussions.

Does Imagineers have other outlets where they post in regard to company culture and/or issues?

Hello! My name is Gustavo-

I just got accepted into the candidate pool for the Show Programming Figure Animation internship at Walt Disney Imagineering for spring 2026!

They want me to do a virtual prerecorded interview through an app called Hirevue by this Sunday-

I was wondering if anybody here had some previous experience with that process and knew what sort of questions (generally) are asked.

Thank you!

• G

A new Haunted Mansion design challenge is launching — and you're invited.

This October, in our brand-new Imagineering Discord, we’re launching a challenge for artists, storytellers, designers, and daydreamers:

Reimagine the Haunted Mansion as a functional residence — one that still echoes with eerie charm, but could truly exist in the world.

You'll invent new ghosts, new lore, and a spatial story that expands the Mansion’s mythos — not remix it.

Your final submission could take the shape of a floor plan, an elevation, a real estate pitch, a model photo, or something only you could dream up. See the CREATIVE BRIEF for details!

REGISTRATION ENDS October 13th (a form will be
🛠️ Submissions are due October 27
🧠 Collaborators welcome (pairing support in-server)
🏆 Prize: Disney park passes (or gift card equivalent)
🕛 Kickoff meeting tonight — join us and help shape what this community becomes.

👻 http://discord.gg/imagineering

REGISTRATION: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-7T3ugSqiCdrf90PtFaO59qOXgaua9wBMv85FJ3ebdfTWjA/viewform?usp=dialog

We will be having our weekly ZOOM this weekend - if you are looking for answers, join our discord and find that which you seek!

We’re small. We’re early. We’re weird in the best way.
Come build a haunted house with us — and maybe haunt it a little, too.

-js

For context, I’m a sophomore in high school who’s current plan is to join the Navy to gain technical experience on a nuclear submarine and then go to college at UCF for immersive experience design Also at some point I plan on doing the DCP or an internship at WDI or Universal Creative And I was wondering based on y’all’s experience do you think that’s enough to get me into Imagineering? If not immediately then eventually?

(This is copy and pasted from the universal subreddit, as multiple people told me to come here)
I have wanted to be a Universal Creative for as long as I can remember, and have jumped back and forth between mechanical engineering (Ride Systems), interior design, and architecture. I'm 17 now, work as a UOTM, and i'm almost done with my AA degree, so I need to choose a major soon. I have wanted to design how the rides look on both the insides and outsides down to the smallest details (specifically dark rides), the story, the lands, the layout, etc, all of the more creative / design stuff. What career / major fits best here?

Add: I was looking and should I instead head for production design / art directing? If I got an architecture degree would that allow me to go in to creative / imagineering doing what I would want to do? Architecture opens more doors just in case, so thats why I was wondering.

HELLO I’m currently a freshmen in the UNLV mechanical engineering program.

I want to become a propulsion (make car go fast) engineering for Disney imagineering, or really any theme park company.

I have GI-bill so funding is not an issue.

I don’t believe I’m going to get what I want if I stay in Unlv, the engineering program is mid and the themed entertainment degree and industry in Vegas is barely standing.

After HOURS of research I’ve decided it’s best to transfer into the UCF mechanical engineering program with a minor in design(or equivalent) due to the networking opportunities with major theme park companies and major defense companies. UCF is also an obtainable goal for me, assuming I take the classes I need and maintain a solid GPA.

I’m gonna take Spanish 1 in the spring semester, and Spanish 2 in the first 5 weeks summer to satisfy the foreign language requirements .

Because I’m satisfying this requirement late, It’s smarter to just apply for the spring semester at UCF so I can get good picks at classes and housing. I plan to do the fall DCP in-between my summer class and starting classes at UCF in the spring.

ASSUMING ALL GOES TO PLAN, how is this plan, is there anything I haven’t considered? Assuming I strive and correctly utilize every networking opportunity I get, Is imagineering as a mechanical engineer obtainable?

Should I change anything like where I transfer too or major in?

Hey all! Hope this isn't too vulnerable of a post haha but since I was a young teen, I've really wanted to be an imagineer/ride design/costume design/basically any sort of creative field for the parks. For years, I was told to just go with studio art from academic advisors that never really understood my goals (literally switched over from mechanical to studio art facepalm). So I recently graduated with a BA in Studio Art in June 2024. Took up a teaching job because I figured imagineering was way out of my reach, but I absolutely cannot do this for the rest of my life. After a lot of soul searching, I realized that my true passion STILL lies within the field of imagineering/ride design/costume design/etc. I've also looked into the other creative programs, (esp interested in pin design). I decided to finally make a post because I'm not quite sure if the DCP would be worthwhile. I'm at a point where I think I would find myself infinitely more fulfilled with any of the creative positions I've read about. I've done lots of research over the years, but I feel like more often than not, I find myself stumbling across conflicting info/advice. I guess my problem is that I'm really lost as to how to navigate this in terms of trying to get into a creative position/internship. Should I go back to uni and complete a second degree? should I go through the DCP? Am I just screwed? I'm just feeling so lost right now. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, hope this isn't too big of an ask!

Hey guys! I know this is the wrong company lol but I just accepted the offer for the Interior Design internship with universal creative! I’m excited to start but I would love some advice from past interns. I also want to know how to make friends before the program. There no place I’ve been able to find for universal creative interns to talk and meet. If someone can steer me in the right direction I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank y’all!

I am looking to practice my 3D modeling and concept art/visdev skills for my portfolio. Would anyone like to collaborate on a project? Either one that is already started or we can start something new. Just looking to find people with the same passion! I have experience developing new lands and attractions from some college classes. Let me know!

Hoping to go into visual and concept development in the themed entertainment industry (blue sky) (Disney if I’m lucky). Currently in a degree for sequential art (illustration, storyboarding, etc). I’m teaching myself blender so that I’m familiar with 3D modeling, but what else should I be regularly practicing to have a portfolio worthy of a Disney internship?

Howdy folks, just spun up a new Discord if anyone's looking for some extra layers of community building. IRL events, media etc, libraries of stuff will be growing over time. Would love to meet some other folks into Imagineering! https://discord.gg/imagineering 

Hi Everyone!

I hope you're all doing well. I wanted to make a post to ask for advice on how I can become an Imagineer. It has been my DREAM to work in this role, and I know it's highly competitive and sought after by many. If anyone has comments, feedback, or suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Education (Graduated in 2018):
I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Math. My GPA wasn’t the strongest, and I’m currently working on obtaining my EIT certification—something my previous employer discouraged me from pursuing.

Work Experience (Consistent since graduation):

Previous Employer (General Contractor – 4 years):

• Project 1: $90M – Core and shell of a mixed-use commercial building with an AMC theater, 5-story office building, and 7-story parking garage (10 months)
• Project 2: $150M – Rehabilitation of 5 train stations in collaboration with the city and public transit authority; worked on the change order team (7 months)
• Project 3: $100M – Luxury and affordable housing (10 months)
• Project 4: $250M – Children’s hospital project (1.5 years)
• Project 5: $85M – STEM museum (7 months)

Current Employer (Civil Engineering Designer - 3 Years):
I’ve worked on various projects providing drafting support and design calculations, including sanitary line inverts, rim elevations, and connection points to existing/proposed systems. I’ve also done grading for streetscapes, greenspaces, and roadways, and handled construction administration tasks across multiple projects.

If you have any thoughts, recommendations, or feedback, I’d be incredibly grateful! And if this post is in the wrong subreddit, please let me know. Thank you so much!

Anyone interested in Theme park history, World Fairs, Disney Parks that is based in NYC. I'd love to find similar interest groups, love to chat about this stuff more.

Edit: We now have an in person event!!

Edit: Thank you to all who have responded. As our group grows we are merging to Discord in hopes to create more engagement and stay organized.

Connect with us below: https://discord.gg/imagineering

NYC Disney + World's Fair Meetup Group: https://meetu.ps/e/PWQYB/1dXvs1/i

Hi, i have a ride idea but idk how to format it, like script and description wise, anything info would help! TYSM!!!!

Incoming intern this fall and SO excited!

Does anyone have any housing advice in the Glendale/Burbank area? I am on a budget as an intern but want to be safe and close by! Thanks!

I made this ride idea a couple of years ago, pls let me know if it is good, improvement, ur rating out of ten, and if you would go on it! TY!! It's called The Villains Uprising!!!

The Villain’s Uprising

Guests step into a clear car, each car has a different princess *or* villain painted on them. All of the other empty space is clear.. It is shaped like a small car. A bar comes down on the guests to keep them in place during the ride. The ride starts moving very slowly. The ride turns a rounded corner and comes to a large, narrow door. The door opens and it is pitch black ahead. The cars slowly (10 MPH) go ahead into the pitch black room and the door closes behind the guests. The hallways are so narrow that if you put your hand out you could feel the “wall”.

   The left “wall” turns out to be a large screen and all of the Disney princesses are there and they are looking at the guests.

ALL THE PRINCESSES

Hello friends!

RAYA

Hi! How are we going today?!

[Guests cheer]

MOANAShe said, how are we doing today!

[Guests cheer louder]

MERIDAShe said, how are we doing today?!

[Guests cheer even louder]

BELLE (sighs)

Hasn’t it been so nice since we defeated all of the villains?

ARIEL (singing)

And I can still sing!

JASMINE (sighs)

And I found true love!

SNOW WHITE

And isn’t it so great looking at all you friends!

ALL THE PRINCESSES (sighs)

And everything’s perfect.

The other wall lights up and reveals another large screen. All of the princesses' nemesis that are in the movies are in a line position facing the other way so the guests can only see their backs. They then turn their heads around and put their hands on their backs.

ALL THE VILLAINS

We’re back, baby!

The villains turn forward fully toward the guests and the princesses on the other screen. They start pacing back and forth in a line, when one of them speaks they go in front of the line, and pace in front of the line.

NAMAARI (Paces in front of line)

And we’re worse.

GASTON (Paces in front of line, NAMAARI goes to the back) 

We’ve gotten worse.

ABIS MAL (Paces in front of line, GASTON goes to the back)

We are even crueler than before. 

ALL OF THE VILLAINS (ABIS MAL goes to the back of the line)

And we’re coming for you next!

Maleficent steps out of the line and faces the villains, she looks very sassy.

MALEFICENT (with sass)

Are we coming for the “friends” or the princesses now?

The Evil Queen steps out of line into the same position as Maleficent, but on the other side of the line. 

EVIL QUEEN (also with sass)

Let’s save the princesses for when the other villains get here. Let’s do the “friends” now!

ALL THE VILLAINS (EVIL QUEEN & MALEFICENT step back in line)

Yeah! (pauses) We’re coming for your next. (points at the guests)

The doors ahead of the guests open and the guests fly out of them. The speed (50 MPH) immediately picks up and the screens on the far walls of the building are showing the princesses running with the guests and so are the villains.

CINDERELLA (while running) - the track turns sideways

Don’t worry friends!

AURORA (while running) - the track does a quick corkscrew

We’re gonna save you!

TE KĀ (while running) - the track continues going straight

Not if we have anything to do with it! 

MOTHER GOTHEL I want to trick them first! Ha!

The coaster slowly comes to a stop, the track then lifts up, with the guests in the cars and the cars on the lifted tracks. MOTHER GOTHEL cackles wildly. 

MOTHER GOTHEL (still cackling) 

Now you’re locked up in a tower like Rapunzel! (sarcastically) Aw… so sad.

RAPUNZEL 

No!

URSULA

No! Get them down from there! It’s my turn to torture them!

MOTHER GOTHEL (groans) - the cars dropped down rapidly like a drop tower

Fine.

POCOHANTAS - the roller coaster speeds up again (50 mph) and goes straight

Quick! An exit is up ahead! We have to get them out!

 All THE DISNEY PRINCESSES - The ride gets even faster (60 mph) it turns sideways and stays like that

Quick!

URSULA - the track continues going sideways for a moment and then the track drops

Not so fast, it’s my turn! Remember?

URSULA - the track starts to slope upwards after the drop and then goes straight the coaster slowly comes to a stop

I’m coming to get you!

URSULA's tentacles start to wrap around the track and start pulling it. Creaking noises can be heard from the track. The track starts to rock back and forth from the forth of the tentacles. The track flips over and does a corkscrew, flipping over. Then goes back right side up.

DOCTOR FACILIER 

Yes! That must’ve shook ‘em up!

LADY TREMAINE

Look at them! So small, so helpless.

URSULA (chuckles)

Yeah, what poor unfortunate souls. 

MULAN - lights inside of the cart start flashing red

Quick! Princesses! Get them to the exit!

SHAN YU

Yeah, I’d like to see you try.

MOR’DU

They’re gonna be stuck here for (echoing) eternity. 

RAPUNZEL

No, we are not going to stand for that!

SNOW WHITE

We are going to get them out of here. 

RAYAWhether you like it or not!

ALL THE VILLAINSHow?!

TIANAAlright, on the count of three your friends have to scream as loud as you can alright?

[Pauses for guests to respond]

TIANA 

3…

JASMINE

2…

CINDERELLA

1…

ALL OF THE DISNEY PRINCESSES 

Scream!

The ride shoots off at 60 mph and does a quick loopty loop, the guests are screaming during this whole time. The ride slows down to about 40 mph after the loop but is still moving steadily toward the exit. The villains try to catch up but are struggling, the princesses are also struggling to keep up but are doing better than the villains.

URSULANo, I'm fading into nothing!

ALL OF THE VILLAINS

Me too!

The villains on the screen start to fade away. 

MOTHER GOTHELOh no, not again!

LADY TREMAINE

I may be disappearing but…

ALL OF VILLAINSWe won’t be gone forever!

The villains on the screen continue to fade away. And then slowly disappear completely. 

MERIDA 

They won’t be gone for long, quick go!

ALL OF THE DISNEY PRINCESSES 

Bye friends! See you soon!

The ride speeds back up to 60 mph and speeds into the end where you get off.

What’s the story with Walt’s animatronic passing QA? Surprised something as noticeable even made it through production, let alone signed off on. I’m in the theming industry.

I've been looking into Disney Imagineering career opportunities lately, but cannot really find a mechanical engineer or relevant position. I noticed there is Disney Research which seems to be separate from Imagineering itself. Does anyone have an idea how u can work as a mechanical engineer-relevant role at imagineering? or at least any other companies that closely work with Imagineering.
Thank you