Imagineer Influence

Imagineer Influence: Ruth Shellhorn

Imagineer Influence: Ruth Shellhorn

Sometimes the most important details in Disneyland are the ones you never think twice about. Easy example: landscape architecture. Do you notice the subtle changes in trees from land to land? Probably not. But these kinds of design elements shape the storytelling and help distinguish each land. Today, let’s talk about the woman behind this […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Tania McKnight Norris

Imagineer Influence: Tania McKnight Norris

In the era of Disney blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels, fans have access to more behind-the-scenes information than ever before. I’m loving the newfound excitement around celebrating Imagineering and celebrating contributions of particular Imagineers, which is why I started this “Imagineer Influence” series. Unfortunately, there are still tons of amazingly talented people that remain in […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Marty Sklar

Imagineer Influence: Marty Sklar

If you have any interest in Imagineering or the development of Disney Parks, you’re likely already familiar with Marty Sklar. He started working on Disney Parks before the first one ever opened, and left his mark on every single park that followed (until Shanghai, which opened after his death). Let’s get to know his story.  Source: […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Marc Davis

Imagineer Influence: Marc Davis

Imagineers contribute to more than just the parks – and sometimes, they’re best known for their work outside of Disneyland. Meet Marc Davis, the designer behind some of Disney’s most instantly recognizable animated characters.  Source: 50 Most Influential Disney Animators Marc didn’t start out in Hollywood. Born in 1913, his dad’s oil field development job […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Leota Toombs Thomas

Imagineer Influence: Leota Toombs Thomas

Imagineers leave traces of their artistry in everything they create. But one Imagineer left a special legacy behind: she shaped one of the most famous attraction characters ever to come out of the Disney parks…a character that was named after her. Let’s meet Leota Toombs Thomas.  Source: Disney Parks Blog Thomas started her career at […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Harriet Burns

Imagineer Influence: Harriet Burns

Imagineers undoubtedly pave the way for future theme park designers, often being the first to implement a new technology, style, or even standard that raises the industry bar. But sometimes, Imagineers themselves achieve firsts within Disney itself. Meet Harriet Burns, the first female Imagineer.  Source: D23 A born and raised Texan, Burns and her family […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: Alice Davis

Imagineer Influence: Alice Davis

A few weeks ago, I shared the first of a new series highlighting some amazing Imagineers that shaped Disneyland. For this post, I’d like to share the contributions of a lesser-known Imagineer: Alice Davis.  Source: The Kingdom Insider Alice Davis, born 1929, never set out to be an Imagineer. As a student as the Chouinard […] Read more…

Imagineer Influence: X Atencio

Imagineer Influence: X Atencio

Most Disneyland fans know that Imagineers are amazingly talented people. They design and create one-of-a-kind attractions, pushing the boundaries of both storytelling and technology. And unfortunately, many park visitors know so little about the people that created their favorites spaces within the parks. So welcome to a new series: Imagineer Influence, where we’ll take a […] Read more…