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Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

The Idiots: Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa

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Welcome to Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, the podcast where creativity meets the magic of Disney! Hosted by passionate former Disney Cast Members, we bring a fresh, thoughtful, and wildly fun approach to reimagining Disney Parks. As self-proclaimed "Idiots"—a title we wear with pride—we dive headfirst into the art of Imagineering, balancing storytelling, innovation, and a deep love for theme park design. Combined with immersive audio production, our episodes transport you into the worlds we ...
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Summer’s heating up—and so is Epcot! This week, Project Manager Kaity leads the charge as the Idiots head to South America to dream up a long-awaited addition to World Showcase: a brand-new Brazil pavilion! Complete with Baroque-inspired architecture, vibrant street markets, a churrascaria with sunset views, and an interactive attraction starring a…
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This week, the Idiots tackle the heat—and the lack of hydration—at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the only Florida Disney park without a water ride, the team agrees it’s time to make a splash. Stephen steps into the project manager role with a bold proposal: bring The Incredibles into the spotlight with a high-energy, super-soaked attraction that b…
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With the announcement of Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, Imagineering faces a rare opportunity: building a brand-new Disney destination from the ground up. But what does it really mean to design a park for an entirely new audience—one shaped by different cultural norms, expectations, and stories? In this episode, Stephen takes th…
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For the first time ever, the Idiots are stepping aside and handing the mic to a special guest. This week, Stephen welcomes multi-talented creative and Broadway star Tyler Davis for a guest-led episode that flips our usual format on its head. Instead of pitching our own idea, we’re reacting to a fully imagined, fully epic attraction inspired by Marv…
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What if you could relive the magic of all four Walt Disney World parks—without a park ticket, without standing in line, and yes, without leaving your dinner table? This week, Stephen is pitching a dazzling new experience that’s part dinner show, part skating spectacular, and all Disney magic. Think parade floats gliding across ice, a cameo from the…
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It’s opening week at Epic Universe, and the buzz is palpable! The park is finally here, and fans are flooding in to experience all that Epic has to offer. But before you get lost in the crowds, we’ve got something else exciting—an original concept that could take Epic Universe to the next level! This week, Stephen steps outside the Disney bubble to…
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Stephen is back from Japan and sharing his full experience at Tokyo Disney Resort. From the sleek nostalgia of the Disney Ambassador Hotel to the stunning new Fantasy Springs Hotel, plus days spent at both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea—this episode unpacks the details, the atmosphere, and what makes this resort feel completely different from anywh…
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This week, Stephen dives into an exciting and culturally vibrant concept for reimagining Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Inspired by the magical world of Coco, this proposal brings the colorful and musical heart of Santa Cecilia to life in a way that only Disney can. We explore how the film’s themes of family, tradition, and music could be seamle…
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Buon Giorno! This week, Kaity takes the lead on reimagining a new adventure ride for Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, Portorosso Rush! Inspired by the animated film Luca, this high-energy ride lets guests race through the picturesque coastal town of Portorosso, chasing down the thrills of a triathlon while avoiding the watchful eyes of the locals. With sea …
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Animal Kingdom was meant to be a kingdom of more than just real-world creatures—it was supposed to be a land of legends, where dragons soared, unicorns roamed, and myths came to life. But somewhere along the way, those grand plans disappeared. This week, we’re diving into the lost dreams of Beastly Kingdom and the mythical creatures that never got …
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While the Idiots are off enjoying Spring Break, Kaity takes us on a special trip back in time to uncover the hidden VIP lounges of EPCOT’s past. Before Club 33 and DVC spaces, there were secret spots tucked inside Future World pavilions—exclusive to employees of corporate sponsors like Siemens, Exxon, and GE. From the high-tech Explorer’s Lounge in…
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You’re strapped in, the doors open, and Hollywood Boulevard stretches before you. Then—DROP! But will your next ride be the same? Maybe… maybe not. In this Spring Break Micro Magic episode, Stephen dives into the Imagineering magic that makes Tower of Terror’s drop sequence so unpredictable. We’re taking a short break from Imagineering projects, bu…
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Spring is in the air, and we’re taking a quick break from Imagineering projects! While the Idiots are on Spring Break, we’re still bringing the magic with 3 special Micro Magic episodes. This week, Marissa dives into one of EPCOT’s most stunning seasonal traditions—the International Flower & Garden Festival! From towering topiaries to nearly 30 mil…
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Get ready for another thrilling round of the Crossover Creation Challenge, where we fuse Disney magic with a whole new universe of possibilities! This time, the entire Idiots team is joining forces for our first-ever full-group project, and let’s just say—things are about to start defying expectations. With our signature blend of brainstorming chao…
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Lace up your running shoes—it’s race day on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering! This week, we’re hitting the pavement for a brand-new runDisney experience designed for Walt Disney World. From thrilling course themes to unforgettable character moments, we’re breaking down every magical mile with two very special guests. They’re runDisney veterans, podcas…
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This week, Kaity takes the lead as she reimagines the Seas Pavilion at Epcot! Joined by Stephen, Marissa, and special guest Olivia from the Soarin’ Around WDW Podcast, Kaity dives into the possibilities of transforming the pavilion into an immersive National Geographic experience. With 71% of the Earth covered by oceans, it’s time to showcase the d…
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Mt. Fuji is canceled! Well… at least at EPCOT. We’re zooming into one of EPCOT’s most thrilling unbuilt attractions—the Japan Pavilion’s Mt. Fuji roller coaster. Why was it scrapped? What could have been? And most importantly, how would we bring it back today? Amanda, is here to take on the project with Stephen, bringing a fresh take to this legend…
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From cracking jokes on the Jungle Cruise to crafting the backstories of Disney’s most immersive attractions, Kevin Lively has left his mark on theme park storytelling. As a former Walt Disney Imagineering Show Writer, Kevin helped bring Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Jungle Cruise refresh, and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland to life. He eve…
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A brand-new adventure awaits in the Magic Kingdom! This week, Stephen takes the lead as we imagine an expansion beyond the berm—introducing New Adventureland: Polynesia! With two breathtaking islands to explore, guests will set sail to Motunui, home of Moana, and step into the lively village of Kokaua from Lilo & Stitch. From high-energy fun to tra…
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Calling all movie lovers and theme park dreamers! Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for a blockbuster episode filled with silver screen magic, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a brand-new attraction concept that's shaking up Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay has overstayed its welcome, and we’re giving it a short-term replacement that fin…
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This week, Kaity takes us into the jungle, where the bare necessities of life come to life in our first Animal Kingdom project of the season! Joined by special guest Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme), the team explores a brand-new Jungle Book-inspired attraction that brings Baloo and the gang to life through augmented reality and "gliding" technology. W…
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Get ready to gallop into a world where the thrill of horse racing meets Disney magic! We’re diving into a bold new concept for Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa that captures the excitement of race day in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Picture yourself surrounded by vibrant racing colors, lively sounds of the track, and whimsical nods to Sara…
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In the first Magic Makers episode of the season, the Idiots sit down with Josh Shipley, a seasoned creative force in the theme park industry. From his early days as a gangster on The Great Movie Ride to over two decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, Josh shares his journey through shaping iconic attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians…
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Ever wondered what would happen if Disney’s most iconic attractions collided with unexpected non-Disney worlds? We’re taking you there—and this time, we’re not doing it alone. For our first Crossover Creation Challenge of Season 3, we’ve invited Bryan from Miles from Main Street Podcast to join the chaos! Here’s how it works: Two wheels. One with D…
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In this thrilling new episode, we journey into the galaxy far, far away... and then we ask, what happened to the ambitious George Lucas-themed land that almost took over Disneyland? Get ready for a deep dive into the LucasPort project that never came to be, featuring an immersive Star Wars coaster and other mind-blowing concepts. We’re joined by ou…
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Step into the bustling streets of Agrabah and prepare to be amazed! In this week's Idiot's Guide to Imagineering, the Genie takes center stage as Stephen pitches a dazzling new addition to EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion. Joined by Kaity, Marissa, and special guest Michele Schwartz (@jetsettingwithmichele), the team dives into a magical musical spectacle …
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It’s time to descend into the darkness! Your favorite idiots are back, and we’re kicking off the Season 3 premiere of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering with our most wicked ideas yet. Grab your cauldrons and summon your curses, because this episode is all about embracing the villainy we love to hate. But don’t expect the obvious—we’ve got something far…
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It’s our Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering New Year’s Party, and we’re ringing in 2025 with some bold opinions on what Disney parks should leave behind and what they should embrace. Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa each share their "INS & OUTS" for the upcoming year, including things that have overstayed their welcome, and we also dive into the exciting cha…
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Join Marissa as she celebrates the holiday magic at Walt Disney World in this festive Micro Magic episode. From secret warehouses filled with over 50,000 holiday decorations to stunning gingerbread displays at the resorts, Marissa takes us behind the scenes to explore how Disney transforms for the season. Learn about the iconic holiday setups at th…
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Surprise! We're back with a holiday treat—a special off-season episode of Magic Makers! Meet Becky Browne Allen, a Former Disney Imagineer and accomplished Interior Designer. From her start as a Disney College Program participant at Columbia Harbor House to her creative contributions at Walt Disney Imagineering, Becky shares her inspiring journey. …
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In this special Micro Magic episode of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Kaity takes us back to 2002, when Disney's Animal Kingdom was struggling to find its footing. Explore how Imagineer Joe Rohde’s vision of a park beyond your average zoo faced challenges, and dive into the iconic marketing campaign that coined the phrase "Nahtazu!" Was it really e…
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In this Thanksgiving mini-episode, Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa take on a holiday twist with their Disney Parks Thanksgiving Roulette! Join in as they "invite" Disney Parks-exclusive characters—think Figment, Orange Bird, and José from The Tiki Room—to a fictional Thanksgiving feast. With a spinner wheel choosing the guests, each host builds their t…
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In this Micro Magic episode, Stephen explores Disney's “five-year rule”—the idea that unique attractions at each international park keep them distinct. He discusses how exclusivity agreements, like for Shanghai’s TRON Lightcycle Run and Paris’s Ratatouille, ensure each park has its own standout experiences before appearing elsewhere. Curious why Di…
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Ni hao! Stephen is back from China with fresh stories and insights from Shanghai Disney Resort! From iconic attractions and exclusive characters to Halloween festivities under a typhoon and memorable moments with family, Stephen shares the highlights and surprises of exploring Disney magic in a whole new setting. Kaity and Marissa join in to round …
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In this special Micro Magic episode, Marissa takes listeners on a quirky journey back to 1972 for Disney’s whimsical “Pooh for President” campaign. Amidst the real-world political turmoil of the 1968 election, Disney decided to throw their most lovable candidate into the mix: Winnie the Pooh! Marissa digs into the campaign’s origins, how Pooh and h…
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In this spine-tingling Micro Magic episode, Stephen takes us on a chilling journey into one of Disney's most unsettling legends: the ghost of George at Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom. As a former cast member, Stephen shares eerie firsthand experiences of working the ride after hours, where animatronics seem to come alive in the silence, …
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We’re back with another spotlight on one of our favorite Idiots! This time, Marissa takes center stage to reveal her top 7 Disney picks and offers a behind-the-scenes peek into her world, both on and off the show! Tune in and stay connected as we roll out more exciting new content over the course of our off-season! Send us a text Support the show D…
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In this episode of Micro Magic, Kaity explores the history and challenges of Disneyland Paris, Disney's fourth resort destination, and asks the big question: what went wrong? From cultural resistance and poor location choices to missed expectations and harsh weather, Disneyland Paris faced an uphill battle from the start. Was Disney’s approach to E…
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We're back with another exciting reintroduction of one of our favorite Idiots! Kaity is spilling the tea on her top 7 Disney picks and giving you an exclusive backstage pass into her world—both on the show and off. Trust us, you won't want to miss this! Tune in and stay connected as we roll out more exciting new content over the course of our off-s…
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In this short, but action-packed episode of Micro Magic, Stephen unravels the twists and turns of the Marvel theme park battle in Orlando. Ever wondered why Disney can’t use Spider-Man or the Avengers in Florida? Stephen unravels the tangled web of licensing agreements between Universal and Disney, exploring how each has navigated the Marvel rights…
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We’re kicking off our first of many short off-season episodes to keep the magic alive while we prep for Season 3! Stephen is here to reintroduce himself Disney-style, sharing his top 7 Disney picks and giving you a glimpse into his Disney obsession that started as a child and led him to work at Walt Disney World. Tune in and stay connected as we ro…
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Welcome to the Season 2 Finale of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering! The original Fab 5 Idiots are reunited for an epic showdown you won’t want to miss. We’re hosting a thrilling competition with three original Imagineering projects inspired by the latest D23 announcements. Marissa’s dreaming up a Walt Disney animatronic, Stephen’s designing a Spaceshi…
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This week, we're leaping into an exciting new attraction idea that brings the world of Big Hero 6 to life at Epcot! Join the Idiots as we explore the innovative San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, where technology and creativity collide in a thrilling new E-ticket experience. Kaity walks us through her vision for Quantum Leap, a cutting-edge rid…
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Joe Lanzisero's remarkable 37-year career with Disney has solidified his legacy as a master of entertainment and storytelling. Starting in Disney animation, where he contributed to classics like Fox and the Hound, Joe later transitioned into Imagineering, where he played a key role in creating beloved attractions such as Mystic Manor and Toontown a…
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Grab your safari gear, because we are headed into the Pride Lands like never before! A few weeks back, we speculated about a Lion King attraction possibly making its way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but alas, no official announcement came. But if you know the Idiots, you know we don’t let that stop us. We’re taking matters into our own hands and cra…
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The Idiots are splashing into a fresh reimagining of "Tiana’s Bayou Adventure" at Magic Kingdom and soon-to-open in Disneyland. Drawing inspiration from our own June trip down the bayou, we’re unveiling a reimagined storyline that sidesteps spoilers and avoids direct comparisons to the current ride. Stephen leads the discussion, proposing an altern…
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We’re jumping into an exciting new concept for Disney's All-Star Resorts. After a bit of creative exploration, we’ve come up with a unique vision for a new Disney Vacation Club section, inspired by the 1998 film The Parent Trap. We’re reimagining part of the All Star Resorts with a new area called Camp Walden, featuring 40 cabin-style villas situat…
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In this special episode, we're live from the D23 Fan Experience, and the announcements were incredible! We're recapping everything from top to bottom, sharing our thoughts and opinions on what each new development means for Disney fans. From new ride concepts to park expansions, we're breaking down all the details on what the future holds for Disne…
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In this episode, we shake things up by diving into the latest Disney rumors ahead of the Disney Experiences Showcase at the 2024 D23 Fan Experience. We discuss potential announcements such as the long-awaited Tropical Americas, a new Moana attraction, a Lion King ride, and a possible nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. We also speculate on various o…
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Welcome to Part 3 of Building Port Disney, where we uncover the past of an abandoned project and reimagine what it could be today! We'll discuss what happened to the scrapped concepts from the canceled park along with what eventually got built on the site at Long Beach, Plus, get ready to explore Atlantis, Australia, and a mystical sea village as w…
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