INFO: Walt Disney Imagineers Talk Immersive Storytelling at Disney Parks

RecentlyDisney shared, we had the pleasure of hosting 25 of the country’s top female journalists at the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) Campus in Glendale, California. Members of the Online News Association’s Women’s Leadership Accelerator Program took time from a week-long event at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism to tour of the campus.

The visit included a panel of some of our top creative executives, who discussed the art, passion and creativity of storytelling in a way that captures the hearts of our guests around the world. The panel was moderated by our own Disneyland PR Director Michele Himmelberg, who was also an award-winning journalist. Panelists included:

Charita Carter, Producer: Charita’s scenic illusion team is responsible for advancing new creative technologies to bring storytelling to the next level, including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Jeanette Lomboy, Regional Executive WDI Pacific: Jeannette has been a creative force at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, and Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, among others.
Robin Reardon – Executive Creative Producer: Robin is one of the top creative executives working tirelessly on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Imagineers discussed their unique work at WDI and how it impacts our guests every day. Take a look at the video below for more, and stay tuned on the Disney Parks Blog to see updates on the exciting projects our Imagineers are bringing to life at Disney Parks.

About the Author: DBTN - FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DBTN

My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story