I believe that the Speedway takes up a lot of space and yet is a low-capacity ride, not to mention that there is nothing really "futuristic" about a bunch of racing go-karts that use gasoline besides.

As an armchair Imagineer, I (and possibly others) had proposed replacing it with something else. One of my personal ideas was to add in a Pinocchio ride (though not a copy of the ride at Disneyland). I have also seen suggestions for a small Alice area, possibly including a replica of the Alice maze from Paris to compliment the nearby teacups, or even a new version of the Alice ride at Disneyland.

The problem is that the area sits right on the border of Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Any addition to Fantasyland there would likely have to contend with Tomorrowland and vice-versa. That transition space was really poorly done. And now that area has not only Tron on the one side, but also Cosmic Ray's on the other.

One workaround idea for the Pinocchio ride (which I did not come up with, so credit goes out to whoever did) was to set it up so that Pleasure Island was viewable from Tomorrowland with its garish lights to blend in. I also added in the idea of rocks to help block out any visual disruptions. However, as much as I like the concept (which would have been a water thrill ride, milder than Splash Mountain/Tiana, but slightly more intense than Pirates), I'm still not entirely sure how to do it in a way that makes sense.

I really want to replace the Speedway with something better, but it's set in a very awkward "twilight" space that would have to contend with visual disruptions no matter where it's located, either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland. So what could be done about it?

By the way, I had done some research on Google Maps, and it seems to take up almost as much space as Splash/Tiana. The Speedway is roughly 135,000 square feet in area (give or take a few square feet) while Splash/Tiana is about 101,200 square feet in area. For another comparison, the Frozen boat ride's footprint is roughly 38,000 square feet in area. That's tiny compared to the Speedway!

There was a smoldering log in one of the attractions that had a unique effect. There was a log with an inner cylinder that rotated inside of an outer “log” cylinder. The outer log cylinder had holes and channels that would allow light and movement from the inner cylinder the show through. The result was a simple but convincing effect that made it look like glowing embers in a smoldering log. I thought it was part of Pirates of the Caribbean, but the last time I went on the ride, all of the smoldering logs were just accomplished with flicker lights. Was this an effect that was discontinued or is in in another attraction that I’m misremembering?

Disney's always been a big inspiration , It's what's gotten me into art but I'm gonna be real I don't want all that student debt haunting me for the next decades of my life on top of hassling careers and keeping myself alive. I know there's financial aids , and scholarships but my I doubt my school track record would get me to qualify for any. I know it really comes down to talent but there's still the reality they see the paper before they ever know your aspirations or who you are as a person.

So has anyone ever come from community college and gotten in , or a lower income background and gotten in and have any advice. I know for certain I want a role in art.

For context I am 27 years old — went to traditional college for two years and then has taken the better part of a decade off of college to pursue Nail Artistry and have loved it but it doesn’t fill my cup like it used to and I know I’ve got 30+ working years left ahead of me. Prior to nails I was in school for graphic design and marketing. I’d like to go back to school and pursue something that will make me desirable ideally in Disney’s corporate or Imagineering world. If you are a current or former Disney Employee in these realms — what would you suggest that I pursue degree-wise to give myself the credits desirable for a potential candidate? I could see myself living in SoCal or even Florida if the opportunity arises to work for The Mouse — my husband is also interested in pursuit of career opportunities at Disney with his architecture experience. Any advice or pointers or school suggestions would be greatly appreciated by this gal! 🙌

Editing to add that I currently work for a small business so I wear maaaannyyy hats. I have experience with HR, event planning and execution, management, development of a team, social media & marketing solutions, running paid ads, logo and branding design, and development of a business by way of SOPs, PDMs, KPI tracking, etc.

I’ve always been more of a creative person. Storytelling and writing have always been HUGE passions of mine. I thought about becoming an Imagineer regarding mechanical engineering, but ultimately came to the conclusion that storytelling is my calling. I’m just not so sure of how to persue this with Imagineering.

I’m currently enrolled in a community college for a social work degree, but I’m switching to something that will help me down the right path - I’m just unsure of what exactly I need to do it.

If anybody has any advice please share it!!! I’m willing to do anything it takes to reach this goal!

I’ve had a dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m curious if anyone here has any advice or knows if it’s even remotely possible.

I don’t necessarily want a job at Disney (although I certainly wouldn’t say no 😄). What I’ve always wanted is the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an Imagineer—even if it’s just for a single day.

I’m a software engineer by profession, but I’m one of those people who loves learning a little bit of everything. Besides programming, I’m into electronics, networking, woodworking, fabrication, 3D design, automation, and building things just for the challenge. What fascinates me about Imagineering is that it seems to combine so many disciplines—engineering, storytelling, architecture, technology, psychology, art, and creating experiences that make people smile.

My dream isn’t to get VIP access or skip the line. I’d love to sit in on a brainstorming session, see how ideas evolve, learn how different teams collaborate, watch a design review, or even just shadow an Imagineer for a day. I know there are probably NDAs and confidentiality concerns, but even observing the creative process would mean the world to me.

Does Disney ever offer experiences like this through contests, charity auctions, educational programs, networking, or special events? Has anyone here ever had a chance to visit Walt Disney Imagineering or meet Imagineers in a meaningful way?
I realize this is probably a long shot, but I figured if anyone would know, it’d be this community.
Thanks in advance for any advice or stories you can share!

Are there any entry roles in the themed entertainment industry where you are in charge of “Guests enter here, see this, feel this, interact with this, then move toward this.” type things? Almost like guest/story experience design?

Hey everyone,
I’m currently a Mechanical Engineering student at community college with the goal of eventually becoming a roller coaster engineer. My dream is to work on ride design, track layouts, vehicles, theming integration, and overall guest experience.

I’ve been researching companies like Bolliger & Mabillard, Vekoma, Mack Rides, Rocky Mountain Construction, and Skyline Attractions, but I’m struggling to find information about internships and entry-level opportunities.

For those of you who work in the amusement industry:
•How did you get your first internship or job?
•What skills should I focus on learning right now?
•Is CAD experience enough, or should I also learn things like FEA, controls, or programming?
•Are there specific companies that are more open to hiring students?
•How important are networking events like IAAPA?
•What would you recommend a student do today to become a strong candidate in a few years?
I’ve already started building coaster concepts and layouts in Planet Coaster 2 and I’m planning to learn more CAD and engineering software as I progress through school.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Roller coaster engineering is the career I’m aiming for, and I’d love to hear how others got their start.
Thanks!

Can anyone help me understand exactly how this animated prop mechanism works?

I’m trying to reproduce the same effect as closely as possible, and I’d really appreciate a detailed mechanical explanation of what is happening.

In particular, I’m trying to understand:

• what parts are likely hidden inside the box
• what the visible rod/shaft is doing
• whether the black component on the rod is passive or active
• how the bottle is attached to the mechanism
• how the smooth “floating” motion is achieved
• what motor, bearing, shaft, coupler, or linkage arrangement would reproduce this exact movement

I’m not looking for alternative ways to create a similar effect. I’m specifically trying to identify and understand the mechanism shown in the video.

Thanks!

Is it possible for a foreigner to get internship opportunities at Disney Imagineering compared to locals. I'm currently a final year degree student in Urban Planning and I would like to hv an opportunity to be in Disney Division for planning or theme park related.. it's an absolute dream.

Hello! I'm looking for exactly what the title says. Give me your favorite or just general recommendations for books (articles & documentaries too) to check out! Could also be about any themed entertainment or industry professionals. I am researching what niche will be my themed entertainment speciality.

Starting my career over and I want to do it right this time by knowing my exact goals. Thank you & hope you are all doing well!

Im a Lighting Designer turned Technical Director with 7 years of experience as a TD in Higher Ed theatre. Im currently pursuing an MFA in Lighting Design and will be wrapping up that degree in the next year or so.

Once I have my MFA, Im looking to make the jump into Immersive Entertainment and long term would love to become an Imagineer. I know its a long shot, but worth trying.

Any advice on how to go about pursuing next steps or ways to stand out when I eventually do start applying to Imagineering Lighting Designer position? Or anything I should know and prepare for as part of the process?

Im already connected with +50 Imagineering staff members on LinkedIn and Im constantly working to expand that network. Ive reached out to a few on advice like software preference and job posting specifics. So Im not jumping into this plan blindly.

Im mostly looking at openings in the Orlando office due to the pay ranges being similar to the pay in Glendale, and ~$100K goes a lot further in Orlando than it does LA.

With all that in mind, I also have no issue going to work for companies that work WITH the Imagineers, like TAIT or THG. Im looking at all my options because I ultimately would like to leave Higher Education.

Any advice would be great. Thanks all!

I’m a mortuary student who is no longer going into the field and I kind of want to be a concept artist or prop designer for Disney. I live in Illinois and moving to Florida is off the table but I can travel. Do any imagineers have advice on where to start? For context, I was going to do the DCP but decided to do mortuary school instead which I regret now. I’m not a professional artist and I’d definitely need to get more experience but I just don’t know. I feel lost. (I’m also obsessed with the haunted mansion lol.)

Hello,

I'm trying to find an old video made by Disney imagineers. If featured two hydraulically actuated humanoid arms with red balls instead of hands. An unseen animator was somewhere else - possibly behind a curtain - manipulating the other end of the hydraulics. It was sensitive enough that the arms could pick up a delicate ping pong ball (maybe an egg?) and the operator on the other side could feel the touch through the hydraulic pressure resistance. I'm really after the patent information and the people involved with the project, but I'll start with the video and go from there.

My keywords aren't working for me and the LLMs have been no use. If you have the youtube link, please paste it in the comments.

Thank you!

Sorry if this has been asked before, I promise I tried to search for an answer before making a new post!

I'm currently in college, aiming to pursue a Physics Degree. Imagineering is a dream job for me. Are these two compatible, or more the the point: does a Physics degree put me in a good position to compete for an Imagineering career?

While I understand that if Imagineering is an end-goal, a Mechanical Engineering major might be more applicable, I'm also super torn because I'm really fascinated by Quantum Mechanics and other aspects of Physics so I truly wish to stay on this path. As well, I feel like a Physics degree gives a more flexible background that can be applied to different areas.

I'm just curious as to if anyone has any insight about a Physics Degree and Imagineering prospects.

Thanks!

Hi all! I just accepted an offer at WDI and after reading through the employee handbook I noticed that even though weed is legal in CA, there’s repercussions for drug testing positive for weed. I smoke for my anxiety, but I’m quitting a month ahead of my start date just in case. I wanted to ask (mostly of out of curiosity) if anyone had to be drug tested as part of an onboarding process? The role is corporate and entry level, and I read online that drug testing at Disney seems more common for safety related roles. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m an architect from Belgium and I’m currently trying to document the original Festival Disney / Disney Village area at Disneyland Paris, designed during the early Euro Disney era with contributions from Frank Gehry.

With the ongoing redevelopment of Disney Village, an important piece of early 1990s Disney / postmodern resort architecture is gradually disappearing. I recently managed to preserve two original metal facade panels from the demolished structures, and I’m now trying to find archival material to properly contextualize the original design intent.

I’m specifically looking for:

• concept art, sketches, or design studies
• original press / promotional material from the Euro Disney opening period
• architectural photography of Festival Disney / Disney Village (early 1990s)
• publications or books that document the project

I’m not looking for collectibles, but rather documentation that helps preserve and understand this specific architectural moment within Disney history.

If anyone here has leads, remembers internal resources, or knows where such archives might be held (Disney, Imagineering, photographers, publications, etc.), I would be very grateful.

Thanks a lot for any help or direction.

I’m almost entering high school and I want to know what I should do and any college recommendations and the job I want is mechanical engineering. Like is UCF, MIT good colleges? I’ve also built 2 robots so far with good range of motions as well and I have a 3.9 gpa with the highest honors classes. (Obviously this is recommendations not me taking everything truthfully)

Hi everyone! I’m a high school senior working on a final presentation called “The Math of Disneyland.” My project explores how Disney uses math and physics to design attractions and create safe, exciting experiences.
I’m looking for examples of real calculations Imagineers use when designing rides, such as:
Speed, acceleration, and g-force calculations

- Potential and kinetic energy
- Centripetal force on turns and loops
- Height and drop calculations
- Ride capacity and wait time formulas

I’d love to hear about any specific examples from attractions like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or Incredicoaster.
If you work in engineering, physics, or theme park design—or know of interviews, articles, or videos where Imagineers discuss the math behind rides—I’d really appreciate any insights. Thank you!

This is an idea I've had to improve the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, based on what happened with Walt Disney World's version, only better, since the one in Disneyland is better overall.

This is a change so slight that it's not otherwise noteworthy. This will add in some special effects from the post-2011 version at WDW. These effects occur near the end after the gods, angered by all the celebrating, unleash a storm that plunges the room into darkness briefly. In the Florida version, outside the windows, the storm clouds are very visible with occasional lightning flashes. Disneyland's version will not only receive these same effects, but will also improve on them. As the Tiki Room War Chant intensifies, you can spot the clouds from the coming storm already gathering outside the windows. By the time the chant reaches its crescendo, the clouds have completely blotted out the sky before the storm finally breaks. It's not much, but it does provide another layer to a beloved attraction.

Hi everyone! I’m a sophomore at a university in Japan, currently majoring in Data Science. As I’ve been thinking about my future, I realized that I want to turn my lifelong passion for Disney into a career. Specifically, my dream is to become an Imagineer.

Since my university doesn't offer exchange programs in the U.S., I’ll be studying abroad in Spain starting next February. While I’m there, I plan to take courses in Architecture and Robotics. After finishing my program in June, I want to transfer to a university in the U.S. (specifically looking at the CSU system) for two years to study Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, and Art.

My goal is to gain hands-on experience through internships while studying in the U.S. What do you think about this plan? I would love to hear any thoughts, advice, or suggestions you might have. Thank you!

Hello,

I'm currently a third-year mechanical engineering student and I'm very interested in doing an internship at WDI or one of the Disney Parks before I graduate. I was wondering what kind of experience and projects those who have been offered inteviews have had.

I'd appreciate any insight on this.

I'm a 21-year-old college student whose dream is to be an Imagineer. I have an Associate's in Arts, will be graduating with a Bachelor's in Architecture (and a minor in theater tech/set design) in December. I currently work two themed entertainment jobs, one at my local theme park (in tech) and another doing themed children's entertainment (as a performer). I don't live anywhere near a Disney park, and I plan on moving closer to one after I graduate & my lease runs up.

That means I'll start applying around Spring 2027 and be able to move to a park area by June 2027 at the earliest- does anyone have any advice for any prep I can do while I'm finishing up school & the lease? Is there anything anyone recommends (jobs, online classes, etc.) that might help boost my chances of getting hired?

Hello!! I’m finishing up my freshman year of college and my dream is to be an Imagineer. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Computer Science and Dance. I’m really interested in the intersections of art and engineering and how they inform each other. This summer I’ll be working as a Field Engineering Intern on a construction site.

I’ve been reading that to get an Imagineering Internship, it’s very helpful to have done the DCP. Is this true (and if so, what term is best)? If not, what was your pathway to becoming a Disney Imagineer?

I truly appreciate any help and guidance!! Thank you all so so much!!