When we think about Disneyland, usually very vivid images come to mind: your favorite roller coasters, the castle, the mountains. But in between these epic moments are the subtler sights and sounds that work together to give Disneyland its atmosphere. And one of the Imagineers that lent her hand to these details is Joyce Carlson. […] Read more…
The very first land visitors ever encounter when crossing into the happiest place on earth is quite a pressure-filled position. Main Street USA has to instantaneously transport you from everyday life into the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. As you can imagine, that means Imagineers put tremendous care into designing this important land. Through […] Read more…
If you have ever met a succession of princesses in the Fantasy Faire or watched Mary Poppins ride the King Arthur Carrousel, you know that characters are such an important piece of Disneyland’s storytelling. The special moments characters create often become some of visitors’ best trip memories. But characters weren’t always so seamless to interact […] Read more…
Tucked into the lively streets of Hollywood Land, the Hyperion Theater stands tall and proud, a grand stage where California Adventure brings its stories to life (that is, when it’s not sadly dormant like it is now!). While most guests race toward rides or snacks, the Hyperion quietly celebrates something different: the magic of live […] Read more…
If you find yourself wandering Pixar Pier, there are probably three major structures that you notice right away: the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, and the restaurant on the water. But if you walk through the boardwalk section, you’ll notice a more subtle building that takes up a lot of real estate and does some […] Read more…
Peggie Fariss may not be a household name among Disney fans, but without her, some of the parks’ most iconic features might look very different today. For over 50 years, Fariss dedicated her career to Disney—spanning multiple parks, groundbreaking projects, and pioneering roles that shaped how Imagineering works behind the scenes. While her illustrious career […] Read more…
Nestled in the heart of Adventureland, the Enchanted Tiki Room is more than just a beloved attraction; it’s a masterclass in immersive storytelling and themed design. But what’s the story behind this tropical hideaway? How did a Polynesian paradise, filled with singing birds, crooning flowers, and comedic tiki statues, come to be? Grab your Dole […] Read more…
The more I read about individual Imagineers and their contributions to Disneyland, the more I see they all seem to have one trait in common: a deep understanding of storytelling, whether they’re more technical roles like architects or engineers, or more artistic roles like illustrators and decorators. Blaine Gibson is one such storyteller – who […] Read more…
Many imagineers leave a mark on one specific attraction or land – really immersing themselves in that creative piece of the Disney puzzle. But a select few have a much broader influence, touching many parks throughout the course of their careers. Herbert Ryman falls into the latter category, leaving his artistic fingerprint across the wide […] Read more…
Right at the front of Main Street USA, Disneyland’s City Hall proudly welcomes guests into the park every day. Even if you haven’t paid much attention to it, you’ve undoubtedly seen the building as you entered or exited the park. But if you stop to take a closer look, this unassuming building is an important […] Read more…
All Imagineers bring a magic touch to the parks – from artists to engineers to architects. And some don’t neatly fall into one category. That’s the case for today’s spotlight, C. Randy Bright, a true renaissance man within Imagineering. Â Source: D23 Long Beach native Bright (born in 1938) started out on a very non-artistic track, […] Read more…
If you’ve ever seen or attended a media event involving any of the Disney Parks, you’ve probably seen Disney Ambassadors. These figureheads (now appointed for roughly a year term each) make appearances at big events, travel to promote their respective parks, and host special VIP visitors, among other miscellaneous promotional duties. But this program started […] Read more…
You know the old adage, “underpromise, overdeliver”? Well, I unfortunately think Avengers Campus is a really good example of doing the exact opposite. I was looking through concept art for this pretty new land, and was amazed at some of the big differences between what we saw then and what we see now. It’s not […] Read more…
I’ve talked at length on this blog about the powerful ability Disneyland has to create nostalgia, joy, and real *magic* for park visitors. So you can imagine my excitement when I learned about a new book: How Does Disney Do That? How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters. The book is all about […] Read more…