The Tomorrow Society Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dan Heaton
We’re back for a special bonus episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast. I’ve spent a lot of time visiting parks this year, especially from the massive Six Flags chain. So I thought it would be fun to catch up about what we’ve been doing and give some thoughts on those parks.… Read more...
The post My Six Flags Summer and Disney in 2025 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s finally here! We have reached the grand finale of the Tomorrow Society Podcast here on Episode 250. During this podcast, I look back at the past decade of the show including my favorite moments. When I started this project in 2015, I had no idea what to expect.… Read more...
The post 250. A Glorious Podcast Finale! appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It had been way too long since I’d visited the Universal Orlando resort. I finally rectified that situation with a weekend trip to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure last week. My daughter and I experienced basically every major attraction in those parks and had a great time.… Read more...
The post 249. Universal Orlando Weekend Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We keep learning more details about Universal’s Epic Universe, and I can’t wait to experience this new theme park in Orlando. It opens next May, and fans can’t wait to check out its five lands. But will it draw casual guests right from the start?… Read more...
The post 248. Previewing Universal’s Epic Universe with Seth Kubersky of the Unofficial Guide appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s plenty of excitement in the world of theme parks when we think about 2025 and beyond. One of the main reasons is the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida on May 22nd. The anticipation for Universal Orlando’s third theme park is off the charts.… Read more...
The post 247. Tim Grassey on Universal’s Epic Universe and a Gazillion More Theme Park Topics appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When we think of the most influential Disneyland attractions, the first that come to mind are typically Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. Both are iconic and deserve the attention, but others also should be part of this conversation.… Read more...
The post 246. Ken Bruce, Author of Before the Birds Sang Words appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
If you’re immersed in Star Wars, Marvel, or many other fandoms, you’re likely familiar with Amy Ratcliffe. She’s written so many great books about these universes from a wide range of perspectives. There is far too much to cover in a single interview!… Read more...
The post 242. Amy Ratcliffe on the Art of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Thrill Ride appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We keep learning more about Disney history, particularly events that haven’t been covered as closely. A good example is the trip to Latin America in 1941. It was depicted in the 2009 documentary Walt & El Grupo, but we’ve since found out even more.… Read more...
The post 241. Walt Disney & El Grupo in Latin America with Theodore Thomas, J.B. Kaufman, and Didier Ghez appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been a quieter year for Disney’s U.S. parks beyond the arrival of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We’ve seen a lot more action overseas with the opening of the massive Fantasy Springs addition at Tokyo DisneySea. The park’s largest expansion includes three new lands with four attractions themed to Peter Pan, Frozen, and Tangled.… Read more...
The post 240. Fantasy Springs and Tokyo Disneyland Trip Report with Shane Bettenhausen appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
On Saturday night, Josh D’Amaro revealed so many cool attractions that will be opening at Disney’s theme parks in the next few years and beyond. I ranked all the announcements during Episode 239 of the Tomorrow Society Podcast and felt great about most of the news.… Read more...
The post 239.5. Losing the Rivers of America appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Wow, what a night! Josh D’Amaro and many special guests appeared on stage for several hours on Saturday night’s energetic D23 Disney Experiences Showcase. He promised lots of announcements, and Disney delivered in spades on that front. Now that we know about what’s coming to Disney’s parks and beyond in the near (and far) future, it’s time for the fun part.… Read more...
The post 239. Ranking All of Disney’s D23 2024 Parks and Experiences Announcements appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s rare to see a new theme park open in the United States, especially one not connected to Universal or Disney. A cool exception is Lost Island Themepark, which opened in June 2022 in Waterloo, Iowa. Owned by the Bertch family (who also own the Lost Island Waterpark), it uses original IP and feels different from your typical regional park.… Read more...
The post 238. Lost Island Themepark Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
A few weeks ago, Disney announced a major course correction to Disney Genie Plus, their paid line-skipping system. That service is being renamed as Lightning Lane Multipass and will allow reservations up to seven days in advance (for Disney Resort guests).… Read more...
The post 236. Five Things I Like and Dislike About Disney’s New Lightning Lane Multipass Service appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
During the late ’90s and early 2000s, we saw a wave of interactive attractions that went beyond just shooting games. Along with separate destinations like DisneyQuest, a new take on interactivity arrived with Turtle Talk with Crush; Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor; and more.… Read more...
The post 235. Imagineer Joe Garlington on Creating Interactive Disney Attractions appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Fire in the Hole was the first coaster at Silver Dollar City in 1972 and operated for more than 50 years. When the park finally decided to replace it, they made such an interesting choice. Also named Fire in the Hole, this updated version brings modern effects and a smoother ride to the original model.… Read more...
The post 234. Fire in the Hole 2.0 Review and Silver Dollar City Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in May and August of 2019, Star Wars fans were thrilled at the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon, escape from the First Order, and interact with Stormtroopers on Batuu. Five years later, both lands are still popular and draw big lines for the two attractions.… Read more...
The post 233. Updating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to overlook how important sound design is to the success of theme parks. Music in particular lifts our experience beyond what we see on the attractions. Composer Ron Fish worked closely at Walt Disney Imagineering for eight years on many classic rides and shows.… Read more...
The post 232. Ron Fish on Creating Music for Theme Parks and Video Games appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s hard to believe it, but we’re nearing the summer season at theme parks. Last year, I had a great time visiting Kings Island and Silver Dollar City along with Disneyland and Universal Hollywood. What’s next for 2024? On this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast, I dive into the parks that I hope to visit this summer and beyond.… Read more...
The post 231. My Theme Park Summer Plus Universal Orlando News appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve entered a new world of immersive theme park lands that just keep getting more detailed every time. It’s easy to forget that expansions on this scale basically started with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Opening in 2010 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade set the standard.… Read more...
The post 230. Eric Baker on Designing Props for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’re back for Part 2 of my Walt Disney World trip report, and there’s still a lot more to cover! This episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast finishes up my park days and then looks at other aspects of our Spring Break vacation.… Read more...
The post 229. Beignets, Buses, and More: A Walt Disney World Trip Report (Part 2) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been about two years since I visited Walt Disney World, so a return trip was long overdue. It finally happened a few weeks ago during my daughter’s Spring Break. I expected the huge crowds we typically see this time of year, but the result was a big surprise.… Read more...
The post 228. TRON, Guardians, and More: A Walt Disney World Trip Report (Part 1) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Horizons remains my all-time favorite attraction despite closing more than 24 years ago. It combined everything that I loved about EPCOT Center during the ’80s and ’90s. Trevor Bryant joined WED Enterprises in 1979 and quickly started on Horizons. He worked closely on this pavilion throughout its creation including at the installation in Florida.… Read more...
The post 227. Trevor Bryant on Horizons, Binaural Audio, and Test Track appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
An unappreciated reason for the success of Disney’s theme parks and resorts is the brilliant architecture. It creates that feeling of reassurance and immersion that keeps us coming back every year. Imagineer Bob Holland worked closely on a wide range of projects as an architect, project manager, and executive during a period of rapid growth.… Read more...
The post 226. Bob Holland on Constructing EPCOT Center, the Grand Floridian, and Disney Cruise Line appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m going to Walt Disney World! It’s been two years since our last Florida trip, and we’ll be returning during Spring Break this year. I’m sure it will be packed like usual at this time of year, but we’re limited to when my daughter is out of school.… Read more...
The post 225. Walt Disney World 2024 Trip Preview appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s amazing to look back at how much growth happened at Disney’s theme parks under Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. During the “Disney Decade”, they added new attractions that have become classics. Imagineer Susan Bonds worked in the middle of this exciting and busy time period.… Read more...
The post 224. Susan Bonds on the Indiana Jones Adventure, Alien Encounter, and Mission: Space appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
With the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny last year, the popular franchise has concluded with Harrison Ford donning his trademark hat for the last time. This feels like the perfect time to discuss everything Indy for Disney’s theme parks.… Read more...
The post 223. Spotlight on Indiana Jones with Brandon Kleyla appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s so much to learn when planning a Walt Disney World trip, particularly if you’re not a frequent guest. It’s not easy to explain the complexities of that visit to people that aren’t experts. A solid resource to help is Rope Drop Radio, a weekly podcast from two guys that regularly travel to the parks.… Read more...
The post 222. Rope Drop Radio’s Doug McKnight and Derek Sasman appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I think about which past versions of lands that I’d love to visit in Disneyland, early Tomorrowland is near the top of that list. Despite lacking the high-tech headliners, the mix of weirdness and ambitious visions of the future in the ’50s and ’60s are fascinating.… Read more...
The post 221. Disneyland’s House of the Future with Author Dave Bossert appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Holiday crowds are no joke at theme parks, and many fans avoid them completely in late December. That wasn’t the case for Jessica Liese, who visited both Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood before and after Christmas, respectively. She still had a great time and checked out nearly all the big attractions at the two parks.… Read more...
The post 220. Jessica Liese’s Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood Holiday Trip appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve all marveled at audio-animatronic technology at Disney’s theme parks, particularly at the original EPCOT Center. But we rarely think about how much work it took to bring them to life. Davy Feiten was a key part of animating figures around the world for Walt Disney Imagineering.… Read more...
The post 219. Davy Feiten on Animating Figures for Attractions at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, and More appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
EPCOT’s major transformation is finally completed! Well, it’s mostly finished. The construction walls are finally down, and we can see Disney’s vision for Walt Disney’s World second park. How does it all look today? Tim Grassey just visited the parks in December and saw the latest nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us.… Read more...
The post 218. Tim Grassey on Luminous, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and What’s Next for Disney appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an interesting time in the world of theme parks as we look to 2024. Major attractions and a new Universal theme park are opening in 2025 and beyond, so it’s easy to look ahead. This feels like a transition year that will set the stage for larger projects down the road.… Read more...
The post 217. What’s New for 2024 with Arthur Levine appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When you think about projects from Disney history that never happened, Mineral King is one of the most interesting examples. The concepts for this California ski resort were a serious dream for Walt Disney in the 1960s. Those plans ultimately led to a conflict with environmentalists in the Sierra Club who had concerns with developing the pristine land.… Read more...
The post 216. Kathryn Mayer and Greg Glasgow on Disneyland on the Mountain appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve all heard the stories about Walt Disney’s original ideas for EPCOT the city and how they evolved into EPCOT Center. But how much do we really know about that process following Walt’s passing? We might enjoy a straightforward documentary about those 16 years with talking heads explaining the milestones.… Read more...
The post 215. Kevin Perjurer of Defunctland on Journey to EPCOT Center: A Symphonic History appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s a lot happening at the Disneyland Resort, especially as Disney prepares for major investments in their parks in the next decade. They just added the Adventureland Treehouse, which takes a classic approach to the longtime attraction. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure should open next year to replace Splash Mountain, and plenty more changes are on the way.… Read more...
The post 214. Seth Kubersky on the Unofficial Guide to Disneyland and World of Frozen appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It seems nearly impossible to sum up 50 years of Walt Disney Company history in a single book, yet J. Jeff Kober has looked to do just that in his new book. A Century of Powerful Disney Insights: Volume 1 focuses on 1923-1973 with takeaways for inspiration.… Read more...
The post 213. J. Jeff Kober on A Century of Powerful Disney Insights appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Photo by Jackie OgdenJackie Ogden, PhD, played a key role in the development and evolution of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Her educational background in psychology and animal behavior made her the right choice to work on this complicated new park. She joined Disney in 1997 just eight months prior to opening and became the Curator for Conservation Station.… Read more...
The post 212. Dr. Jackie Ogden on Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Conservation, and the Seas appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg continues to evolve as a regional park with a solid ride lineup. It became a full-day park in January 2021 and has added several new attractions in the past few years. The highly anticipated Pantheon coaster finally opened last spring after delays from the pandemic.… Read more...
The post 211. Mary Kwiatkowski on the DarKoaster and Curse of DarKastle at Busch Gardens Williamsburg appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney has invested quite a bit in transforming EPCOT into a modern park, but they haven’t focused on updating the classic pavilions. A perfect example is Spaceship Earth, which looks great on the outside and has an awesome lighting package.… Read more...
The post 210. Updating Spaceship Earth appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
About 14 years ago after my daughter was born, I developed a strong desire to check out more coaster parks near St. Louis. I wrote down a short list of places that I hoped to visit in the next few years.… Read more...
The post 209. My First Visit to Kings Island Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Greg Combs was studying Theatre in college in the early 1980s, he could not have predicted his ultimate destination at Walt Disney Imagineering. After moving to California, he took a temporary job at Disney as a Show Set Designer and stayed there for more than 30 years.… Read more...
The post 208. Imagineer Greg Combs on Indiana Jones, Tower of Terror, and Tokyo DisneySea appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
After so much speculation, Disney has finally released their vision for the future at the Destination D23 event. A lot of the news was expected, but there were still a few big surprises after Josh D’Amaro took the stage. On this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast, I sum up my five takeaways from Disney’s announcements this past weekend at Destination D23.… Read more...
The post 207. Five Takeaways from Disney’s Destination D23 Announcements appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Walt Disney Imagineering draws the most attention from its big theme park attractions, but there’s a lot more happening beyond the headliners. For example, they have worked closely with educational institutions and industry organizations on research and many other activities. Imagineer Mk Haley worked at the center of many of these projects during more than 25 years at Imagineering.… Read more...
The post 206. Imagineer Mk Haley on the Power of Disney Research and Educating the Next Generation appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
My bucket list of new parks and roller coasters from around the world just keeps expanding. The reason is a group of great YouTube channels that provide lots of info and reviews of such cool rides. A perfect example is Coaster 365, which includes a new coaster review every day in 2023.… Read more...
The post 205. Reviewing a Coaster a Day with Bryant Olivera of Coaster 365 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Photo by Kevin Sherbrooke
It’s easy to forget how much goes into every aspect of theme parks. The work involved moves well beyond concept art. The design and construction require intricate planning including the restrooms, trash cans, and building layouts. Kevin Sherbrooke has worked closely on a wide range of theme park projects for Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, and more.… Read more...
The post 204. Kevin Sherbrooke on Innoventions, Tokyo DisneySea, and Islands of Adventure appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I recently learned the sad news that Disney Imagineer Glenn Barker passed away several weeks ago. Glenn had an incredible career as a sound designer for Disney’s theme parks for more than 45 years. Beyond his career accomplishments, he was also a genuine and friendly man who downplayed his success.… Read more...
The post REBROADCAST: 84. Glenn Barker on Creating Sound at Walt Disney Imagineering for More Than 45 Years appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Photo by the National Museum of American History
Disney’s parks and films have played an important role in how we consider American history and our culture. They’re more than just casual entertainment and have connected with our core identities. In her book Disney Theme Parks and America’s National Narratives, Bethanee Bemis explores Disney’s impact on this country’s stories going back to Mickey Mouse and the opening of Disneyland.… Read more...
The post 203. Bethanee Bemis on Disney Theme Parks and America’s National Narratives appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Eli Erlandson joined WED Enterprises in 1975, it was a different place from the Walt Disney Imagineering we know today. Iconic figures like Marc Davis and Harper Goff worked alongside young designers on the next phase for Disney’s theme parks.… Read more...
The post 202. Eli Erlandson on EPCOT Center, Disneyland Paris, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Following three days at the Disneyland resort over Memorial Day weekend, we couldn’t leave California without one more theme park stop. Our trip concluded with a fun day at a very busy Universal Studios Hollywood. Super Nintendo World was a major draw, but that was only part of what interested me about this evolving park.… Read more...
The post 201. Super Nintendo World and Universal Studios Hollywood Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s so much to cover from even a few days at the Disneyland resort. This helps explain why this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast is easily the longest in the show’s existence. My family recently spent four nights and three days in Anaheim enjoying Disney’s California parks.… Read more...
The post 200. The Big Disneyland Resort Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disneyland is nearing the park’s 70th anniversary, which will occur on July 17th, 2025. So much has changed during its history, and it’s easy to focus on a small fraction of that background. The official company stories typically fall into the same buckets and don’t veer beyond regular narratives.… Read more...
The post 199. Archivist Jason Schultz on Documenting the History of Disneyland appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Mike Schwalm was obsessed with Disneyland and theme parks from a young age. He even built a Jurassic Park-themed attraction for a swim team event after The Lost World premiered. This interest led him to study set design in college and work on developing his illustration and design skills.… Read more...
The post 198. Mike Schwalm on Pandora: The World of Avatar and Happily Ever After appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There are so many different ways to showcase our fandom for Disney and theme parks. We host podcasts, connect with other fans, and sing attraction songs. Tammy Tuckey has been doing all these activities plus a lot more. She has interviewed guests on her podcast since 2011 and has performed at several RetroMagic events.… Read more...
The post 197. Tammy Tuckey on Her New Album Glowing in Timeless Places appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become a popular theme park due to headliners like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Most of us remember its early days as the Disney/MGM Studios, but we typically focus on classics like the Great Movie Ride and Studio Backlot Tour.… Read more...
The post 196. Skipper Ben Rebstock on the Second Era for Disney/MGM Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
My appreciation for Silver Dollar City just keeps growing with each visit. I had a great time on our last trip to this wonderful regional park back in 2019. Located near Branson, Missouri, it provides thrills for coaster lovers mixed in with small-town charm.… Read more...
The post 195. Return to Silver Dollar City Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Steve Tatham arrived at Walt Disney Imagineering in 1987, the Disney Decade was ramping up following the arrival of Michael Eisner. Expansion happened constantly during that time, and Disney added new theme parks, resorts, and massive attractions. He has faced a similar situation after joining Universal Creative in 2015.… Read more...
The post 194. Steve Tatham on Dinosaur, Cinemagique, Superstar Limo, and Universal appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m fascinated to learn more about the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the 1990s. Joe Rohde and his team built concepts that would ultimately lead to Walt Disney World’s fourth theme park. This year represents the park’s 25th anniversary, and it’s the perfect time to speak with Imagineers from that group.… Read more...
The post 193. Tom Sze on Developing the Concepts for Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s so much potential in themed entertainment to change minds and influence our world. A perfect example is Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which encourages conservation while also providing great entertainment. The art of Morgan Lee Richardson takes a similar approach and gives a positive view of wildlife and the natural environment.… Read more...
The post 192. Morgan Lee Richardson on Avengers Campus and the Power of Conservation Art appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
If you’ve enjoyed nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, there’s a good chance that Don Dorsey helped create it. During more than 45 years working with Disney and other companies, he has played a key role in shaping parades and fireworks shows at theme parks and beyond.… Read more...
The post 191. Don Dorsey on the Main Street Electrical Parade, Fantasmic!, and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an exciting and surprising time in the world of theme parks, which typically starts the new year at a slow pace. Instead, both Universal and Disney just keep announcing major changes. Disney has been consistently making updates ever since Bob Iger returned as CEO.… Read more...
The post 190. Tim Grassey on EPCOT’s Transformation and a Crazy Week of Theme Park News appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Rick Barongi was one of the key figures in bringing Disney’s Animal Kingdom to life in the 1990s. As the top animal executive for the creative development, planning, and construction of the park, Rick played an important part in making it successful.… Read more...
The post 188. Rick Barongi on the Development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s hard to predict when Disneyland will connect with you. Some of us became fans early on as kids, while others got the bug as adults. Matt Mason visited the park when he was young but wasn’t a diehard fan. More recently, he found himself becoming obsessed with Disneyland.… Read more...
The post 187. Matt Mason on At the Corner of Fantasy and Main: Disneyland, Midlife, and Churros appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Many of us have dreamed about working for Walt Disney Imagineering, especially during the massive expansions of the parks in the ’80s and ’90s. This goal actually happened for Ryan Harmon while he was still in college in 1987. He joined Disney as a 20-year-old and worked on projects like the Disney/MGM Studios during his five-year stint.… Read more...
The post 185. Ryan Harmon on Carving a New Path After Walt Disney Imagineering appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Everyone just loves Disneyland; even Santa wants to visit! He has a lot of stops to make for Christmas, and he still has time to swing by the Happiest Place on Earth. That’s the premise of Santa Stops at Disneyland, the new Little Golden Book written by Ethan Reed.… Read more...
The post 184. Ethan Reed on Santa Stops at Disneyland appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an interesting time in the world of theme parks, especially for Disney. Their parks are still drawing large crowds, but not everything is going so well. Following the announcements at the recent D23 Expo, I had a lot of questions about Disney’s future.… Read more...
The post 183. Len Testa on the Future of Disney’s Theme Parks and Universal’s Epic Universe appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When people think of Disney, the first thought isn’t usually inventive architecture. However, there was a period of time where the company’s buildings showcased cool, original designs. Renowned post-modern architects like Michael Graves and Robert A.M. Stern designed striking places for Disney.… Read more...
The post 182. Drew Taylor on Post-Modernist Architecture and Disney’s New Aesthetics appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Mark Page never planned to work for Walt Disney Imagineering; he nearly missed his interview and was focused on film projects. That first meeting ultimately led to more than 15 years at WDI. Mark started drawing at five years old and enjoyed creating comic book and cartoon characters.… Read more...
The post 180. Imagineer Mark Page on Art for Tokyo DisneySea, Star Wars, and Disney Cruise Line appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
EPCOT remains one of my favorite places despite changes during the past 40 years. I still remember my first visit to EPCOT Center in 1984 when I was only eight years old. The park left a big impression on a kid obsessed with Star Wars and Star Trek.… Read more...
The post 179. 40 Years of EPCOT appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I think about sculpting figures for Disney’s theme parks, my mind goes to Blaine Gibson. The photo of him and Walt examining Abe Lincoln’s head remains ingrained in my memory. His incredible work on attractions set the stage for everything that followed.… Read more...
The post 178. Imagineer Jaime McGough on Digital Sculpting for Theme Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Yesterday, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro took the stage to present a vision for “A Boundless Future”. The presentation include surprises and exciting news along with strange detours and confusing moments. I’m here to talk about all of the D23 Expo announcements on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast.… Read more...
The post 177. My Reactions to Disney’s Announcements at the 2022 D23 Expo appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m always curious to learn how others experience the parks, especially as Walt Disney World trips keep getting more complicated. Disney Genie Plus adds extra layers to the mix, and it’s had regular tweaks in the past year. New attractions have also opened, with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind arriving in May.… Read more...
The post 176. Lauren Staniszewski on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve spent most of the episodes focusing on theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other major destinations. Regional spots like Six Flags Great America, Silver Dollar City, and more have also received the spotlight. What I’ve barely touched is how themed entertainment has played a role in the world of VR gaming.… Read more...
The post 175. Don Carson on Walkabout Mini Golf and the Potential for VR appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has received major changes in the past five years including the addition of two new lands. Crowds have increased at the park, and the attractions at Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge are popular. Even so, we’ve also seen the limits of just adding headliners to the park.… Read more...
The post 174. Improving Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The world of themed entertainment has expanded beyond resorts and parks. Museums, zoos, aquariums, and other destinations present well-crafted exhibits to convey their message. One reason for their success is the work of skilled professionals behind the scenes. These artists work on projects for Disney and Universal as well as smaller attractions.… Read more...
The post 173. Adam Bezark on Terminator 2: 3D, the Amazing Spider-Man, and Shanghai Disneyland appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Six Flags Great America is one of the company’s flagship parks and definitely worth a visit. Located in Gurnee, Illinois just north of Chicago, this 304-acre park includes 15 roller coasters among its wide range of rides. The water park Hurricane Harbor Chicago sits rest next to the main site but is now a separate park.… Read more...
The post 172. Six Flags Great America Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When we look back at EPCOT Center’s beginning, it’s easy to focus on classics like Horizons and World of Motion. That really just scratches the surface of what made the park so special during that era. Each Future World pavilion offered surprising gems beyond the headliners.… Read more...
The post 171. Imagineer Scott Hennesy on Kitchen Kabaret, Tokyo, and Innoventions appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Disney fans talk about our most recent theme park trips, the most common topic is probably Disney Genie Plus. The line-skipping service replaced FastPass Plus last fall and has drawn mixed reactions to say the least. While prepping for our March return to Walt Disney World, I studied everything that I could find with hopes of mastering this service.… Read more...
The post 170. Becky Gandillon of Touring Plans on Strategies for Disney Genie Plus appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Ray Spencer has a love of railroads and an interest in Walt Disney, and that passion has carried over into his time as an Imagineer. During his 19 years at Disney, he worked closely on many great attractions. This included updates to classic rides and shows from the early days of Disneyland.… Read more...
The post 169. Ray Spencer on The Hatbox Ghost, Trader Sam’s, and the Matterhorn appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve really enjoyed the influx of roller coasters opening during 2022 after several years of delays. In particular, SeaWorld Entertainment has added many cool new rides during the past four months. This includes Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa, Ice Breaker at SeaWorld Orlando, and Emperor at SeaWorld San Diego.… Read more...
The post 168. Mary Kwiatkowski on Pantheon at Busch Gardens Williamsburg appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’re back for Part 2 of this detailed trip report from my recent Walt Disney World vacation. Last time, I played clips recorded during our five-night stay and then provided more details on our park days. I also covered the pros and cons of the Disney Genie Plus service and how it worked on our trip.… Read more...
The post 167. Walt Disney World Trip Report: The Return (Part 2) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
During the past few years of the pandemic, a return trip to Walt Disney World in 2022 seemed unlikely. That made the opportunity for a last-minute vacation this March a cool surprise. We planned the family vacation in early February and arrived there a little over six weeks later.… Read more...
The post 166. Walt Disney World Trip Report: The Return (Part 1) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve been a fan of game shows like Jeopardy! and The Price is Right since I was a kid, so it’s not a stretch to extend that fun to theme parks. This mix of two things that I like sums up why the Theme Park Trivia Show works for me.… Read more...
The post 165. Ryan Ritchey, Host of the Theme Park Trivia Show appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Theme park attractions largely began as passive experiences where guests observed action from a safe distance. Even a classic like Pirates of the Caribbean largely occurs separate from our experience. This changed with the growing popularity of gaming in the ’90s and beyond.… Read more...
The post 164. Jonathan Ackley on Creating Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, Menehune Adventure Trail, and Play Disney Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The world of theme parks continues to evolve as technologies change and new stories emerge. Imagineer Josh Shipley has been a close part of those updates during the past few decades. Josh is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his career.… Read more...
The post 163. Josh Shipley on Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Marvel, and Disney Kingdoms appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s no single path to reaching Walt Disney Imagineering, and many didn’t plan to even work on theme parks. Quite a few Imagineers share a background in theater, which makes sense given the connections between the two mediums. Karen Connolly Armitage began her career as a scenic designer in theater before joining Larkins Associates in St.… Read more...
The post 162. Karen Connolly Armitage on Designing for Walt Disney Imagineering appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve come to expect a lot more from theme parks than just passive entertainment. Competition from video games, streaming series, and other new technologies gives us plenty of choices every day. Even popular destinations like Walt Disney World need to offer innovative experiences and kept evolving.… Read more...
The post 161. Imagineer Daniel Joseph on Space 220, Flight of Passage, and Rise of the Resistance appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We often hear from Disney Imagineers about developing the concepts that ultimately become attractions and lands at the parks. But what about the artists that bring those visions to life on the ground? The best ideas still need talented people to put everything in place on site.… Read more...
The post 160. Brandon Kleyla on Creating Sets for Trader Sam’s, Pandora, and Waterworld appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s no easy way to update a classic Disneyland attraction. We connect with them emotionally and want to preserve that feeling. Disney Imagineers faced this challenge when they refreshed The Jungle Cruise last year. This beloved attraction has changed frequently since its original version in 1955, but it’s tricky to balance keeping it modern and retaining the atmosphere.… Read more...
The post 159. Imagineer Kevin Lively on Being a Skipper and Updating The Jungle Cruise appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Movies and theme parks have always had a clear connection; Disney’s animators worked closely on Disneyland. While the industry has expanded, visual effects advances in movies have carried over to the parks. Along with creating remarkable effects in Hollywood, talented artists have delivered attractions for Disney, Universal, and more.… Read more...
The post 158. Imagineer Tim Landry on Creating Effects for Movies and Theme Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The life of Abraham Lincoln has played a key role in multiple attractions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. His connection goes back to the original Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. It seems fitting that a museum exploring Lincoln’s background would feel like a theme park attraction.… Read more...
The post 157. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has grown on me since its early days; I’d argue it’s the most beautiful Disney park in the United States. Its theme has largely remained intact even with the addition of Pandora: The World of Avatar. The one exception is DinoLand, U.S.A.,… Read more...
The post 156. Improving DinoLand, U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
What makes a theme park attraction connect with us emotionally? How do characters stand out when we’re zooming by them in a fast-paced dark ride? There’s no easy answer to these questions, so I’ve brought in two experts to help. Ethan Reed and Joe Lanzisero are back for an Imagineering Roundtable on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast.… Read more...
The post 155. Imagineering Roundtable with Ethan Reed and Joe Lanzisero appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
A love for trains played such a key role in Walt Disney’s life and the creation of Disneyland in 1955. It’s no surprise that a similar passion continues to inspire designers that have worked for Walt Disney Imagineering. A perfect example is Ray Spencer, who brought that interest for railroads to his work at Disney.… Read more...
The post 154. Imagineer Ray Spencer on Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak Airfield, and a New Disney California Adventure appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The world of amusement parks has changed dramatically during recent years, especially with roller coasters. We’ve come a long way from the steel coaster wars of the ’90s. A rising star in the past decade is Rocky Mountain Construction, known commonly as RMC.… Read more...
The post 153. Taylor Bybee of Coaster Studios on RMC and “This Is How We Roll” appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There have plenty of great books written about the history of Disneyland and the artists that made it happen. However, many of those talented figures haven’t received the acclaim they deserve. A perfect example is Claude Coats, who originally worked as an animator on films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio.… Read more...
The post 152. Dave Bossert on Claude Coats: Walt Disney’s Imagineer appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been an interesting year at the Walt Disney World resort, and the changes just keep on coming. Some relate to the 50th Anniversary celebration, while others spring from the ongoing pandemic. I haven’t visited this year, so I’ve brought in a guest to help describe the experience.… Read more...
The post 151. Lauren Staniszewski on Visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando in 2021 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s still amazing to think about how much Disney expanded its resorts during the early years of Michael Eisner. This growth continued through the ’90s and included the opening of Tokyo DisneySea in 2001. Larry Nikolai started at Walt Disney Imagineering during the height of this era in 1990.… Read more...
The post 150. Larry Nikolai on Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, Tokyo DisneySea, and 28 Years at Imagineering appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Theme parks are more than just passive entertainment; they can inspire us and even change our lives. For a certain type of creative young person, that strong connection with the art plays a huge role. Josh Steadman built a lifelong passion for becoming a theme park designer that led him to Walt Disney Imagineering in 2011.… Read more...
The post 149. Josh Steadman on Shanghai Disneyland, Evermore Park, and Becoming a Theme Park Designer appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary is less than a month away, but that’s not even the biggest news story from Disney. They’ve made several recent announcements that will dramatically change how we experience the parks. Disney Genie+ will replace FastPass Plus with a new paid service using the Lightning Lane.… Read more...
The post 148. Tim Grassey on Disney Genie+, Magic Key, and the Future of Theme Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been challenging to stay connected with the parks during such an extended time away from them. I haven’t visited Walt Disney World (or any theme park) since late 2019, with no trips currently on the calendar. Even so, we recently discovered a fun solution to this issue after a road trip to Memphis.… Read more...
The post 147. Inside the Walt Disney Archives Exhibition in Memphis appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve seen major changes in how theme parks function during the past few years, and it’s not just because of the pandemic. In particular, Disney has made significant changes to Walt Disney World that could shift the entire business model. Expected perks are going away, and the arrival of paid FastPass could make a huge impact.… Read more...
The post 146. Theme Park Think Tank with Len Testa appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Some of my favorite podcasts have been the Imagineering Roundtable shows, which explore a variety of theme park design topics. They’re also so much fun to record! This episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast brings together two of my favorite past guests.… Read more...
The post 145. Imagineering Roundtable with Chris Runco and Don Carson appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When you think about classic theme park attractions, many are passive experiences. Pirates of the Caribbean, Spaceship Earth, and “it’s a small world” all involve sitting in a vehicle while action happens around you. Interactive experiences have become the norm, and this goes beyond shooting at targets.… Read more...
The post 144. Former Disney Imagineer and Game Designer Scott Rogers appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Back in the Internet’s early days, even a brief attraction clip was incredible. The chance to see the full experience of Horizons, World of Motion, or other past gems was a pipe dream. We’re spoiled today with virtually everything just a few clicks away.… Read more...
The post 143. Martin Smith on Documenting the Disney Parks at Martin’s Videos appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
In today’s world of immersive lands and high-tech thrills, sitting down for a 3D movie could sound quaint. Back in the mid-’80s, creating even a 17-minute attraction represented the cutting edge of what was possible. Disney Imagineers collaborated with Michael Jackson, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola on Captain EO.… Read more...
The post 142. Rick Rothschild on Captain EO and the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Marvel has become entrenched in our culture, especially through blockbuster movies. That success might seem obvious now, but it wasn’t a sure thing in 2009 when Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ Iron Man was a huge hit, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe had a long way to go.… Read more...
The post 141. Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Themed Entertainment at Marvel appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve really enjoyed talking with former Imagineers that worked on attractions that I enjoyed in the ’80s and ’90s. Their stories have made me appreciate those projects even more. Sadly, many of those classic rides and shows are no longer operating at the parks.… Read more...
The post 140. Imagineer Ethan Reed on Animating Roz, Ursula, the Seven Dwarfs, and Mystic Manor appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been 57 years since the New York World’s Fair opened in 1964, but it still receives a lot of attention today. In particular, Disney’s strong presence makes it a touchstone for history fans. Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr.… Read more...
The post 139. Author Bill Cotter on the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an exciting time to be a theme park fan. So many new attractions are on the way, including big ones next month. Disneyland has finally reopened after a nearly 14-month absence, and the COVID vaccine is more available every week.… Read more...
The post 138. Journalist Ashley Carter on the VelociCoaster, Avengers Campus, and More appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s so much to cover from Disney’s rapid expansion during what Michael Eisner named “The Disney Decade”. Beginning in the late ’80s and progressing for more than 10 years, it was an exciting time for both fans and the people that created the parks.… Read more...
The post 137. Disney Imagineer Chris Runco on Typhoon Lagoon and Grizzly River Run (Part 2) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I think about factors that distinguish the best theme parks from the rest, background music ranks near the top. The best examples create the right sense of place and atmosphere. Some of my favorite places click because of the music.… Read more...
The post 136. Russell Brower on the Innoventions Loop and Creating Music for Theme Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed a lot during its 32-year history. It’s basically an entirely different park than it was at the start in May 1989. In a time before DVD extras and streaming services, the park offered guests a chance to peek behind the curtain.… Read more...
The post 135. Skipper Ben Rebstock on the Original Disney/MGM Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite parts of doing this podcast is learning stories about the people that created Disney’s theme parks. Their paths to reach Walt Disney Imagineering are always so different. A perfect example is Chris Runco, who started as a portrait artist at Disneyland in 1970.… Read more...
The post 134. Disney Imagineer Chris Runco on the Model Shop, Star Tours’ RX-24, and More appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Tomorrowland has always been one of my favorite lands in any theme park. We grew up mostly visiting Walt Disney World, and I couldn’t get enough of this optimistic view of the “world on the move“. This vibrant atmosphere was everything in the original Tomorrowland in California.… Read more...
The post 133. Improving Tomorrowland at Disneyland appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When we think about our favorite attractions, it’s easy to just consider the concept designers. That’s just the first step to bring those ideas to life. It takes sculptors and other artists to create the places and attractions we enjoy. A perfect example is Valerie Edwards, who worked as the Director of Sculpture and Chief Sculptor at Walt Disney Imagineering for more than 20 years.… Read more...
The post 132. Valerie Edwards, Director of Sculpture and Chief Sculptor at Walt Disney Imagineering appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Much of the world of theme parks has stopped during the past year due to the pandemic. Exciting projects have been delayed or even shelved, and many parks remain closed. All the news isn’t sad, however. A remarkable trackless dark ride opened in September 2020 and wowed both guests and online fans.… Read more...
The post 131. Disney Imagineer Jim Clark on the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
As a theme park fan, I’ve often made assumptions about what it’s like to work as a Disney Imagineer. The role sounds amazing because it involves creating the attractions and places that I love so much. But what is it like to actually be an Imagineer?… Read more...
The post 130. Imagineering Roundtable with Don Carson and Chris Merritt appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When Disney first announced The Mandalorian series for Disney Plus, I wondered if it would capture the magic of Star Wars. Could this smaller frontier story connect with audiences? Obviously, those concerns were unwarranted, and the show has become a cultural phenomenon.… Read more...
The post 129. Brian Jay Jones on The Mandalorian: Season Two appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Brett Nachman of Notably Disney joins The Tomorrow Society Podcast to draft our top composers of music for attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
The post 128. Disney Composers Draft with Brett Nachman of Notably Disney appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
©Disney Few Disney Imagineers take the same road to finding their careers. I’ve learned how many stumbled into their roles and discovered unexpected talents. The path was different for Daniel Joseph, who created haunted houses in his basement as a kid.… Read more...
The post 127. Disney Imagineer Daniel Joseph on The Hatbox Ghost, Trader Sam’s, and Phantom Manor appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy as theme park fans to just focus on the top players. Consistent news arrives daily from Disney and Universal about their latest updates, even during the pandemic. However, that approach does a disservice to other great parks around the world.… Read more...
The post 126. Mary Kwiatkowski on Thrills and Charm at Busch Gardens Williamsburg appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
In this 2018 episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, Paul Leonard-Morgan talks about creating music for the Test Track reboot at EPCOT.
The post REBROADCAST: 45. Paul Leonard-Morgan on Creating the Score for Test Track appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
During this holiday break, I’m taking the opportunity to spotlight a few interviews that I really enjoyed on The Tomorrow Society Podcast. This year, I’m replaying two conversations with composers. The first is with Mark Mancina, who’s worked on so many great films and other projects.… Read more...
The post REBROADCAST: 55. Composer Mark Mancina on the Music of Moana, Tarzan, and The Lion King appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of the longest-running Disney podcasts has been WDW Radio, which Lou Mongello started in 2007. He has produced more than 600 episodes about Walt Disney World and Disney history, including many interviews. Lou recently compiled 12 favorite conversations into The Disney Interviews: Volume 1.… Read more...
The post 125. Lou Mongello on The Disney Interviews: Volume 1 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite parts of visiting Walt Disney World as a kid was experiencing attractions that were unlike anything else out there. You couldn’t see a Circle-Vision film in St. Louis; there was nothing even close! Films transported us to another place across the world that was only in our imaginations.… Read more...
The post 124. Filmmaker Jeff Blyth on Wonders of China and The Timekeeper appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been a different year for theme parks than anyone could have expected. Disneyland remains closed and will likely not open until sometime in 2021. Walt Disney World is open but facing restrictions on capacity. As Disney looks to the future, they won’t get too bold with changes beyond projects already in progress.… Read more...
The post 123. Tim Grassey on Creative Ways to Enhance Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I grew up in the ’80s, and it was a different experience compared to what it’s like for kids now. We rode our bikes all over the city, explored foundations of houses under construction, and had few boundaries. Playgrounds were dangerous injury makers of concrete and metal.… Read more...
The post 122. Seth Porges, Writer and Co-Director of Class Action Park appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve really enjoyed the chance to interview so many smart and interesting people on The Tomorrow Society Podcast. Whether I’m talking with former Disney Imagineers, authors, or fellow podcasters, they all have amazing stories. It’s fun to sometimes change up the format, however.… Read more...
The post 121. A Listener Q&A Extravaganza appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite conversations on this podcast happened two years ago. My guest was Rick Harper, the director of Impressions de France at EPCOT Center. That incredible film was an opening day attraction in 1982 and still plays today.… Read more...
The post 120. Rick Harper on Impressions de France and Working with Disney Legends appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of the big unknowns for many Disney fans involves Walt’s original ideas for EPCOT the city. Commonly known as Progress City, this community of the future never happened after Walt died in 1966. EPCOT Center ultimately arrived as an incredible theme park, but it was quite different from the original concept.… Read more...
The post 119. Benjamin Lancaster on the Prototype World of Tomorrow appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The theme park industry is facing serious challenges right now. Disney recently announced layoffs of 28,000 employees, which is a significant percentage of its workforce. Dan Cockerell was a leader at Disney in past difficult times including 9/11, and he has an interesting perspective.… Read more...
The post 118. Dan Cockerell, How’s the Culture in Your Kingdom? appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
To put it mildly, it’s been a very different kind of year. Cases of COVID-19 remain high as we enter the last quarter of 2020. Even so, Walt Disney World was able to reopen in July and is starting to draw more guests.… Read more...
The post 117. Carlye Wisel on Very Amusing and Experiencing Walt Disney World in 2020 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Possibly the greatest achievement at Walt Disney World during the Michael Eisner era was Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s a beautiful blend of a theme park and zoo that expands on both concepts. We can joke about the “NAHTAZU” ad campaign, but it’s also true!… Read more...
The post 116. Zofia Kostyrko-Edwards on the Creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s interesting to note how many theme park designers start with different ideas for their careers. They often work on movies, animation, or theater before taking an indirect route to the industry. A perfect example is Dave Cobb, who started on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.… Read more...
The post 115. Dave Cobb on Men in Black: Alien Attack and Warner Bros. World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There are so many great stories about people working behind the scenes on theme parks. That’s been the focus of many episodes of this podcast. I also love the chance to talk about topics facing the industry. It’s the idea behind the Imagineering roundtable shows.… Read more...
The post 114. Imagineering Roundtable with Andy Sinclair-Harris and Don Carson appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s definitely a new era for many things in our current world, including theme parks. I did not expect a scenario where I wouldn’t feel comfortable visiting Walt Disney World. It’s open with light attendance, which is enticing to a fan used to dealing with crowds.… Read more...
The post 113. Valerie Marino on Walt Disney World During a Pandemic appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Theme park attractions are usually locked into a particular time. Even the most popular attractions eventually fade. Two exceptions are The American Adventure and Soarin’ Over California. Both examples generate a strong emotional response from guests. Former Disney Imagineer Rick Rothschild created those and a lot more during his 41 years working at Disney.… Read more...
The post 112. Former Imagineer Rick Rothschild on The American Adventure and Soarin’ Over California appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy for Disney fans to think of massive changes to our favorite theme parks. For example, replacing entire pavilions at EPCOT could reshape the park into something very different. It’s trickier when I think about smaller updates that could slightly alter attractions.… Read more...
The post 111. Improving EPCOT (Part 2) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney fans have strong opinions when it comes to the parks, and EPCOT is a prime example. Many of us connected with the original version in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s changed so much during the past 38 years, and some updates have made it better.… Read more...
The post 110. Improving EPCOT (Part 1) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite books about Walt Disney World is Building a Better Mouse: The Story of the Electronic Imagineers Who Designed Epcot. David Green and Steve Alcorn co-wrote the book, which gives us an insiders’ look at the atmosphere during EPCOT Center’s construction.… Read more...
The post 109. David Green on Building a Better Mouse and Engineering for EPCOT Center appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Garner Holt doesn’t work at Walt Disney Imagineering, but his company has played a key role in creating many of Disney’s most popular attractions. Garner Holt Productions is the leader in building animatronics and other figures at theme parks, including Disneyland.… Read more...
The post 108. Garner Holt on Creating Animatronics for Fantasmic!, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Knotts Berry Farm appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There is so much history to uncover about Disney’s theme parks, especially the more distant past. We’ve heard many of the stories about the work of the Imagineers at WED on the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney World, and beyond. But what about the time before those big moments?… Read more...
The post 107. Former Imagineer Tom K. Morris on the Early Days of WED Enterprises appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Many of us visited Walt Disney World as a kid in the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. My first trip that I remember clearly was in 1984, just two years after the opening of EPCOT Center. It’s easy to look back at those times and wish certain attractions or other aspects of those vacations was still in place.… Read more...
The post 106. Todd McCartney on Horizons Revisited and the Retro Disney World Podcast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s such a challenging time in every field, and that includes businesses connected to Walt Disney World. The shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic has essentially stopped the flow of news from the parks. That changed last week when Disney announced their reopening plans for next month.… Read more...
The post 105. Shannon Albert on WDW Prep School and the Reopening of Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We have come full circle this week on The Tomorrow Society Podcast with the return of my first interview guest from Episode 2. Ryan Ritchey appeared on that early show, originally released on August 28, 2015. We talked about his film After the Fair, which covered the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.… Read more...
The post 104. Ryan Ritchey on the Future of Immersive Entertainment appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When you look beyond official histories of Walt Disney World and the Walt Disney Company in general, so many other interesting stories are out there. I enjoy reading about all the weird promotions and odd attractions that Disney has created over the years.… Read more...
The post 103. Michael Crawford on Progress City U.S.A., Horizons, and EPCOT the City appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s difficult to explain the allure of theme parks. Regular guests enjoy them but don’t have the obsessive need for details from behind the scenes. I love discovering the backgrounds of Imagineers that created Disneyland and parks around the world. Their stories are what makes The Imagineering Story such an incredible series.… Read more...
The post 102. Lesley Iwerks, Executive Producer and Director of The Imagineering Story appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite aspects of this podcast is learning about how attractions really work. The technical hurdles to make them function properly every time are massive, especially for new technologies. That makes it so interesting to talk with the brilliant thinkers working to make dreams a reality.… Read more...
The post 101. Bran Ferren, Former President of R&D at the Walt Disney Company appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been an incredible five years since I started The Tomorrow Society back in June 2015. I started the site as a blog focused largely on EPCOT, but the scope quickly expanded to a lot more. When I recorded the first interview for The Tomorrow Society Podcast in August of that year, I was hooked.… Read more...
The post 100. My Theme Park Story and Listener Questions appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I started The Tomorrow Society Podcast back in 2015, I had few expectations about getting the chance to speak to guests that worked at Walt Disney Imagineering. I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I’m talking with such talented theme park designers.… Read more...
The post 99. Imagineering Roundtable with Don Carson and Joe Lanzisero appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I love hearing stories about what it’s actually like to work at theme parks. We all can assume that each day is glorious, but the reality is a lot more complicated. Even so, I’ve learned from people that work there about plenty of highlights from the experience.… Read more...
The post 98. Skipper Ben Rebstock on the Disney/MGM Studios, The Jungle Cruise, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Back in 2015 when I started The Tomorrow Society, I didn’t expect to start a podcast alongside the blog. I planned to write regularly about Disney and theme parks and maybe do some interviews for the site. During that summer, I started co-hosting a podcast about the Amazing Race Canada for Rob Has a Podcast.… Read more...
The post 97. Jessica Liese on the Underrated Charms of Universal Orlando appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We sometimes over use the term “magic” when referring to Disney’s theme parks. However, I often get that sense when thinking about sounds that support our experiences in the parks. I definitely take the skills of sound designers for granted, especially on attractions.… Read more...
The post 96. Media Designer Joe Herrington on How to Create Sound Effects at Walt Disney Imagineering appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to just focus on Disney’s latest offerings at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. That only tells part of the story, especially when you consider incredible locations like Tokyo DisneySea. I really enjoy learning more about Disney’s other resorts, and former Imagineer Joe Lanzisero is the perfect guest for that project.… Read more...
The post 95. Joe Lanzisero on Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo’s Splash Mountain, and Disney Cruise Line appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
So much has been written about Disney’s animated films and the life of Walt Disney, and it’s easy to think we know the whole story. There are always new avenues to explore, but the main components are known. That makes it surprising when an author uncovers a part of Disney history that few have discussed.… Read more...
The post 94. Nathalia Holt on The Queens of Animation appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a busy, chaotic time for the world of theme parks. More news updates keep arriving every day, and the pace rarely lags. Covering the parks as a journalist has become a full-time job, especially when you consider Disney’s rapid expansion in the next few years.… Read more...
The post 93. Carlye Wisel on Rise of the Resistance and Becoming a Theme Park Journalist appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been three weeks since Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker premiered in theaters, and we’ve seen a major split among fans. Many appreciate the return to more familiar ground, while others complain of the safe approach. Rian Johnson broke the mold with The Last Jedi, and certain moments here feel like a response to fan criticism.… Read more...
The post 92. Brian Jay Jones on The Rise of Skywalker and Becoming Dr. Seuss appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I’ve talked to former Disney Imagineers about colleagues they admire, a name that comes up frequently is Don Carson. His expertise in theme park design is evident through his diverse career at Disney and well beyond. Carson joined Walt Disney Imagineering in 1989 and quickly began work as the lead show designer on Splash Mountain in Florida.… Read more...
The post 91. Imagineer Don Carson on Splash Mountain and Mickey’s Toontown appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One thing I love about doing this podcast is hearing the wide range of stories about how Imagineers came to Disney and progressed through various roles there. Back in February, I really enjoyed the chance to talk with Peggie Fariss about her 50 years at Disney.… Read more...
The post REBROADCAST: 64. Peggie Fariss on 50 Years at Disney and Producing Spaceship Earth appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m trying something new this year during the holiday season. Instead of just taking a full break, I’m looking back at some of my favorite episodes from the past five years of The Tomorrow Society Podcast. A turning point for this show was my interview with composer Bruce Broughton on December 3, 2017.… Read more...
The post REBROADCAST: 33. Bruce Broughton on Spaceship Earth, Soarin’, and More appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s common for Disney fans to dream about the perfect trip. It could involve doing all four Walt Disney World parks in one day or visiting Walt’s original park at Disneyland. More ambitious souls look overseas to Tokyo, Shanghai, and beyond for an epic worldwide trip.… Read more...
The post 90. Dustin Engels, Around the Worlds in 80 Days appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When we consider all Disney’s resorts around the world, the one that receives the least attention is Hong Kong Disneyland. It opened in 2005 with a limited number of attractions and has struggled to draw crowds. Disney has added three lands to the park — Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, and Toy Story Land.… Read more...
The post 89. Andy Sinclair-Harris on Imagineering, Dr. Who: The Experience, and Hong Kong Disneyland appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m fascinated by the different ways that people have become Imagineers. Very few plan for that role at a young age, and many don’t even realize it’s a possibility. Former Imagineer Mark Rhodes is a perfect example. He had written several novels and sold a screenplay prior to working at Disney.… Read more...
The post 88. Former Imagineer Mark Rhodes on Maelstrom, Splash Mountain, and 25 Years at Disney appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a great time for Disney fans when it comes to learning more about theme parks and their history. There are so many valuable resources out there, especially online. Former Imagineers are now actively telling their stories through podcasts and social media.… Read more...
The post 87. My Latest Disney and Theme Park Reads appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a hectic time for Disney’s theme parks, especially at Walt Disney World. I visited Orlando in early September, and we’ve had several major openings since that point. Epcot Forever started playing every night, and the Skyliner began operating. Both have had missteps, especially Disney’s new transportation system.… Read more...
The post 86. Tim Grassey on Pandora, Galaxy’s Edge, and A Changing Epcot appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve all heard the major stories about Walt Disney, the opening of Disneyland, and the Florida Project that appear in official histories from The Disney Company. But what about the history beyond the general story line? A valuable resource to dig further into Disney’s past is DisneyDocs.net… Read more...
The post 85. Ted Linhart on Disney Docs.net and Preserving Disney History appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m always interested to learn more about how Disney Imagineers got started early in their careers. Few take the predictable route to a job in theme parks. Glenn Barker played drums in parades at Disneyland before ultimately joining Disney’s sound department.… Read more...
The post 84. Glenn Barker on Creating Sound at Walt Disney Imagineering for More Than 45 Years appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve enjoyed the chance to dig further into how attractions are developed by Walt Disney Imagineering. I learn something new every time I speak with someone that worked for Disney behind the scenes. I originally spoke with sound designer Greg Meader on Episode 67 back in March.… Read more...
The post 83. Sound Designer Greg Meader on the Disney/MGM Studios, On-Board Audio, and the Carousel of Progress appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When my mind wanders, it often drifts towards ideas on visiting the parks. It’s easy to remember past trips and think about ways that I’d change our touring strategy. Walt Disney World is so complicated, and I have the type of brain that wants to maximize the visit.… Read more...
The post 82. Galaxy’s Edge and 30 Hours at Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an exciting time for Disney history fans. Many Imagineers from the ’80s and ’90s finally have the chance to tell their stories. This second generation joined the company for the opening of EPCOT Center and worked directly with legends from Walt’s time.… Read more...
The post 81. Former Imagineer Tom K. Morris on The Haunted Mansion, Journey Into Imagination, and Disneyland Paris appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There was so much anticipation heading into the D23 Expo on announcements for the parks. During Bob Chapek’s presentation on Sunday, there were both pleasant surprises and shocking omissions. Many of the rumors we heard before this fan event were either wrong or just premature.… Read more...
The post 80. My 2019 D23 Expo News Reactions appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Following the massive opening of EPCOT Center in 1982, the transition to a new crop of Imagineers took hold at Disney. This shift led to a more ambitious park with Disneyland Paris in 1992. Show producers like Jeff Burke and Tom K.… Read more...
The post 79. Former Disney Imagineer Tim Delaney on The Living Seas and Discoveryland at Disneyland Paris appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Later this month, Disney will unveil the latest plans for Epcot’s “transformation” at the D23 Expo in Anaheim. I’m nervous about what we’ll hear during that event, but I realize that EPCOT Center was a product of its time.… Read more...
The post 78. How Bowers on Retro Magic, EPCOT Center, and the Opening Day of the Disney/MGM Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
St. Louis, Missouri is not exactly a mecca for theme parks. I’m envious of podcasters and bloggers that live close to Orlando or Anaheim and can easily visit those Disney resorts. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to visit nearby, however. Six Flags St.… Read more...
The post 77. Silver Dollar City Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There is so much to appreciate when you think about the original EPCOT Center. For its second Walt Disney World park, Disney took a completely different approach and built something remarkable. Looking beyond the massive pavilions and stunning attractions, there are so many little touches that made EPCOT Center a success.… Read more...
The post 76. Former Imagineer Jim Sarno on Disney’s Model Shop, SMRT-1, and The Land Pavilion Fountain appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The 1970s were a tricky period for the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Legendary artists were getting older, and there wasn’t a new crop to take their place. The Character Animation Program at CalArts would help to fix that trend. Beginning in 1975, the first class included familiar names like Tim Burton, Brad Bird, and John Musker.… Read more...
The post 75. Former Imagineer Joe Lanzisero on Toontown, DisneySea, and Mystic Manor appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’ve all heard stories of talented designers at Walt Disney Imagineering that created iconic attractions. Figures like Joe Rohde, Tony Baxter, and countless others receive well-deserved attention for those feats. There’s another group that also played an essential role in building Walt Disney World and other parks.… Read more...
The post 74. David Snyder on Programming the Computer Systems for Walt Disney World and EPCOT Center appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We’re approaching the 64th anniversary of Disneyland’s opening, and the number of former cast members remaining from 1955 keeps getting smaller. Known as Club 55, this group saw the park at the beginning and have amazing stories about those experiences.… Read more...
The post 73. Disney Legend Tom Nabbe on Opening EPCOT Center, Managing the Monorail, and Being Hired by Walt Disney appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
In our tech-driven world, there are so many options to stay connected. Podcasts, YouTube videos, and Instagram stories are just a small part of what’s out there. Despite the wide range of choices, few of them beat the enjoyment of a good book.… Read more...
The post 72. Courtney Guth and Emily McDermott, Book of the Mouse Club Podcast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to look at Walt Disney Imagineering as a small group of brilliant designers that put their amazing dreams into the parks. However, the reality is a lot more complicated and includes so many contributors across a variety of disciplines.… Read more...
The post 71. Former Imagineer Bob Baranick on Disneyland Paris and Indiana Jones appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s not that hard to start a podcast, but doing one regularly for 14 years is another matter. When a passion project becomes a business, the pressure increases to put out a consistent show. Back in the mid-2000s when Lou Mongello started WDW Radio, podcasting was still in its infancy.… Read more...
The post 70. Lou Mongello on the Origins of WDW Radio appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I started outlining my thoughts about Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa for a trip report, I realized there was far too much to contain within a single episode. In fact, I needed to seriously develop a plan to fit the material into two parts.… Read more...
The post 69. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Part 2) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There was far too much to cover at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa within a single podcast episode. It’s one of those amazing places that seems pretty straightforward on the surface but offers a lot more than you expect. I thought that the resort would be great, but the beautiful resort blew my assumptions out of the water.… Read more...
The post 68. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Part 1) appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to look at theme parks as the product of just a small group of brilliant designers. Creative leaders definitely lead projects at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), but they are only a small part of the picture. Numerous specialties fall under the umbrella of WDI and work together to create the ultimate attractions we enjoy at the parks.… Read more...
The post 67. Greg Meader on Sound Design for Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, and Phantom Manor appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When I think about monumental pop culture landmarks like Star Wars or The Muppets, it’s easy to feel like they’ve always existed. Both were a part of my life from an early age during the 1980s and well beyond. I’ve known about George Lucas and Jim Henson for a long time, but it’s mostly been the obvious material.… Read more...
The post 66. Brian Jay Jones, Author of Jim Henson: The Biography and George Lucas: A Life appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There is so much happening right now at Walt Disney World and beyond, and we’re on the cusp of massive changes. Theme parks continue to grow and look for new ways to draw guests, and Disney remains at the forefront. The impending arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will have a huge impact on Disney’s U.S.… Read more...
The post 65. Len Testa on Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Dining, and the Future of Disney World Transportation appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m regularly amazed by the random chance that goes
into the careers of even the biggest names in theme parks. Few had grand plans to
become Imagineers or even work in the industry. The right personal connection
or small choice prepared a trajectory into a specific role.… Read more...
The post 64. Peggie Fariss on 50 Years at Disney and Producing Spaceship Earth appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve closely studied theme parks by visiting in person, reading books, and talking with experts. That information still pares in comparison to working at Walt Disney World. That close perspective gives a different outlook on what it takes to operate the parks.… Read more...
The post 63. Skipper Ben Rebstock on Working at Walt Disney World, Inside the Magic, and the Disney/MGM Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
When we visit theme parks, part of the magic is how well everything works. Broken attractions and bad show stand out because they are so rare. When Disneyland is succeeding, you barely think about the behind-the-scenes efforts that make that day possible.… Read more...
The post 62. Rand Boyd, Author of Elbow Grease and Pixie Dust appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
So much activity is happening in the theme park world
during 2019, particularly for Disney. Galaxy’s Edge will open on both coasts
this year, and progress continues on other major attractions coming in the
future. It’s an exciting time for theme park fans, but there are also big
questions about how Disney’s parks will operate.… Read more...
The post Free Preview – The Tomorrow Society Bulletin: Three C’s for Disney’s Future appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We all take the artistry of theme park attractions for granted, especially ones with less obvious work. We marvel at animatronics on Pirates of the Caribbean or thrills in Space Mountain because the work is out in front. That success is more subtle with the filmed attractions, particularly in EPCOT.… Read more...
The post 61. Rick Harper, Director of Impressions de France appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Disney’s history with theme park movie adaptations is mixed. Pirates of the Caribbean charmed audiences, but The Haunted Mansion and The Country Bears fell short. Consequently, I entered the theater to watch Tomorrowland back in 2015 with both trepidation and excitement.… Read more...
The post 60. Producer John Walker on Disney’s Tomorrowland, The Incredibles, and The Iron Giant appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy as theme park fans to focus solely on the design process when thinking about the parks. Walt Disney Imagineering excites us because it promises endless possibilities for new creations. This approach places less emphasis on how important the teams that operate the parks are to make them succeed.… Read more...
The post 59. Dan Cockerell, Former Vice President of The Magic Kingdom appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to decry the loss of attractions we loved from Walt Disney World’s past. I spend a good amount of time remembering classics like Horizons, If You Had Wings, and World of Motion that have been gone for quite a while.… Read more...
The post 58. Brian P. Miles, Retro Disney World and LBV Historical Society appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an extremely busy time at Walt Disney World, but whether the changes are exciting is up for debate. We can view rising ticket prices and growing complexities as a sign of the end times or necessary for amazing new immersive attractions.… Read more...
The post 57. Tim Grassey on Galaxy’s Edge, Guardians of the Galaxy, and a Changing Epcot appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There are many layers to planning a successful Walt Disney World vacation. If we just focus on the attractions, it’s easy to spend too little time on dining. The resort has countless food options across the four parks, resorts, and Disney Springs.… Read more...
The post 56. AJ Wolfe of the Disney Food Blog on Walt Disney World’s Underrated Dining Spots appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to take movie scores for granted, yet they’re so important to a successful film. When the music clicks, everything feels right. This point especially applies to animated films, where songs combine with images to connect with our emotions. A perfect example is Disney’s Moana, which offers tunes that fit comfortably within the story.… Read more...
The post 55. Composer Mark Mancina on the Music of Moana, Tarzan, and The Lion King appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I spent a lot of time at theme parks as a kid, but most of it was at destination parks like Walt Disney World. We did venture to our local Six Flags and regional spots like Silver Dollar City. Even so, my knowledge of the industry was limited.… Read more...
The post 54. Brent Young, Super 78 Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Many Disney fans idolize Walt Disney, and it’s easy to see why we place him on a pedestal. But how many of us know much about his life beyond the common narratives? Marceline, Missouri is known for being the Walt Disney’s hometown during his young life.… Read more...
The post 53. A Trip to Walt Disney’s Marceline appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I recently visited Marceline for the first time, and I was struck by how little I know about Walt Disney the man. I’ve learned about his work on Disney’s classic animated films and Disneyland, but there is more to the story.… Read more...
The post 52. Tony Cortese on Walt Disney: Master of Dreamers appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It is easy to look at Walt Disney Imagineering as a magical place where artists imagine new worlds. That is part of the equation, but the reality is hardly that simple. WDI is a still an arm of the Walt Disney Company and follows processes you see at other businesses.… Read more...
The post 51. Lou Prosperi on The Imagineering Process appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Despite being an avid theme park fan, I rarely visit the parks on my own. This is especially true of Six Flags St. Louis, my local amusement park. Situated just a half-hour drive away from my house, it provides a convenient way to experience a few thrills on a day trip.… Read more...
The post 50. A Visit to Six Flags St. Louis appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a challenge to keep up with all the latest changes at Walt Disney World; I visit regularly and still can’t stay on top of everything. This creates a huge challenge for first-time guests or anyone that hasn’t visited for a while.… Read more...
The post 49. Shannon Albert on WDW Prep School.com appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a boom time for podcasting, which has evolved into big business. A BBC News article from July 22nd states that 11% of people in the UK listen to a podcast every week. That’s a huge percentage compared to where podcasts were just a short while ago.… Read more...
The post 48. Ricky Brigante, Inside the Magic and Pseudonym Productions appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
An underreported theme park story is the activity happening at Universal Orlando. Limited excitement for the Fast & Furious: Supercharged attraction has pushed Universal to the background as Disney opens Toy Story Land. The attention on Disney’s new area makes sense; it’s their first significant expansion at Walt Disney World since Pandora.… Read more...
The post 47. Seth Kubersky on Universal Orlando’s Growth and Toy Story Land appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an exciting time for theme park fans, and I feel like we’re just getting started. The next 3-4 years will include massive expansions at Walt Disney World and plenty of new attractions from Universal. Following the success of Pandora, Disney should have another popular addition with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.… Read more...
The post 46. Toy Story Land and the Future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Creating a theme park attraction is an insanely complicated process, but it’s easy to think of them as magic. We’ve heard so much about the wonderful world of Disney Imagineering, but that is only part of the story. So many individuals beyond the Imagineers help to put together a new attraction.… Read more...
The post 45. Composer Paul Leonard-Morgan on Creating the Score for Test Track appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Many Walt Disney World fans look back fondly at the early days of the resort in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Many attractions from that era are long gone, yet we still think about them regularly. It’s easy to look upon that enthusiasm as just nostalgia for a past era.… Read more...
The post 44. How Bowers, Retro Disney World Podcast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It fascinates me to hear stories about the construction of EPCOT Center, which was a mad dash nearly on par with the original Disneyland. Some attractions failed to make the opening date of October 1st, 1982, while others barely reached it.… Read more...
The post 43. Steve Alcorn on Building EPCOT Center in 1982 appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Podcasting has changed a lot during the past 10 years, particularly for Disney shows. Initially, it was amazing to even hear from other fans whose passion went far beyond even my own. I enjoyed listening to Ricky Brigante, Lou Mongello, and the WDW Today guys describing their latest trips to Walt Disney World.… Read more...
The post 42. Matt Parrish, WEDWay Radio and The Thirty20Eight appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I spend a lot of time reading books about Walt Disney, the Disney theme parks, and the many stories and figures surrounding them. There are quite a few great books about Epcot, but there’s still room for a lot more. In particular, I’d love to read more about Walt’s vision for Epcot the city and its evolution into the EPCOT Center theme park.… Read more...
The post 41. Top 5 Disney Books for EPCOT Fans appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
So many books have been written about the Disney Company, particularly the heyday for Walt Disney in the ’50s and ’60s. It says a lot when you consider how many unknown stories remain from this time period. Walt employed a large group of talented individuals to help create his films and attractions at Disneyland.… Read more...
The post 40. Author Katy Price on Walt Disney’s Melody Makers appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a crazy time for theme parks, especially when you look at Disney’s latest moves. It feels like every week brings a new announcement with news that’s sometimes exciting or unfortunate. There are major expansions on the way, particularly Galaxy’s Edge on both U.S.… Read more...
The post 39. Seven More Questions with Len Testa of Touring Plans appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a busy time at Walt Disney World, and expansion will be rampant in the next three years. Disney is investing serious dollars into all four parks, which hasn’t always been the case. That’s especially true at EPCOT which needs a serious upgrade to reach its past glory.… Read more...
The post 38. Tim Grassey on EPCOT’s Future at Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s tricky to sum up a trip to Walt Disney World, even a fairly short one. So much happens during each day that it’s nearly overwhelming to put it all together. This isn’t a bad thing, however. During our four-night stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge over MLK weekend, I barely thought about work, politics, or anything else from everyday life.… Read more...
The post 37. My Walt Disney World Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of Disney’s most enduring attractions is easily The Haunted Mansion, which continues to draw new followers each year. Fans obsess about its every detail, and fresh stories keep emerging about its history. I love The Mansion even more than I did as a kid because there are so many layers to it.… Read more...
The post 36. Jeff Baham on The Haunted Mansion appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’m fascinated by the early days of the Universal Studio Tour in Hollywood. The trams originated in the mid ‘60s and remain an essential part of the park today. I didn’t visit until 1985 as a kid, but many early special effects like the flash flood and rockslide were still part of it.… Read more...
The post 35. Jerry Green on 25 Years Inside Universal Studios appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an interesting time for Disney-Pixar; sequels are the norm in this run of movies. Finding Dory and Cars 3 hit screens during the past few years, and The Incredibles 2 and Toy Story 4 are on the way. The lone exception is Coco, which arrived in theaters on Thanksgiving week.… Read more...
The post 34. A Review of Disney-Pixar’s Amazing Coco appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Composer Bruce Broughton has written the music for many Disney attractions, especially at EPCOT. His theme park work includes Ellen’s Energy Adventure; the current version of Spaceship Earth; Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!; Cinemagique; and The Timekeeper. He also re-tooled Jerry Goldsmith’s iconic score for Soarin’ Over California during the recent change to Soarin’ Around the World.… Read more...
The post 33. Composer Bruce Broughton on Spaceship Earth, Soarin’, and More appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to plan a week-long trip to Walt Disney World. You line up 4-5 days at the parks, spend time at your resort, and maybe check out other spots in Orlando. This process gets a little trickier when the timeframe is shorter, however.… Read more...
The post 32. Planning a Weekend Trip to Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s rare to connect with other Disney podcasters far outside the tourist havens; many consistent shows work because the hosts have easy access to theme parks in Orlando or Anaheim. This gives them the opportunity to quickly visit the resorts and check out the latest offerings.… Read more...
The post 31. Mike Rahlmann on the Be Our Guest Podcast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Some of the biggest recent changes to Walt Disney World have come in the dining realm. Restaurants have become nearly as important to guests as attractions, even more for some. Securing ADRs has become so important for many visitors, particularly at hard-to-find spots.… Read more...
The post 30. AJ Wolfe on The Disney Food Blog and Its Origins appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Walt Disney’s reputation comes from Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, and animated features, but his story includes much more. There’s a reason it is so challenging for biographers to chronicle his life. Looking beyond the obvious, Walt’s life offers more for historians. A prime example is the True-Life Adventures, which were revolutionary in the ‘40s and ‘50s.… Read more...
The post 29. Author Christian Moran on the True-Life Adventures appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s an exciting time for theme park fans; rides and shows keep opening across the world. It’s impossible to keep up with all the announcements and rumors. At the D23 Expo, Disney reeled off a huge stream of news about experiences coming in the next five years.… Read more...
The post 28. Top 10 Theme Park Bucket List appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Few Imagineers are present in the Disney fan community more than Rolly Crump. His work on legendary attractions like It’s a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, and the Enchanted Tiki Room is part of the draw, but it’s more than that.… Read more...
The post 27. Ken Kebow on Rolly Crump, The Whimsical Imagineer appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy to look at Walt Disney’s life as one success after another, but it’s hardly that simple. He failed repeatedly and faced serious doubts from his associates and family about every big move. Even a legendary place like Disneyland received a lot of cynicism when it opened.… Read more...
The post 26. Author Jeff Barnes on The Wisdom of Walt appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There was so much anticipation among Disney fans heading into the Parks & Resorts presentation at last week’s D23 Expo. How could the announcements possibly live up to all the hype? Amazingly, the news from Bob Chapek and others included some big surprises.… Read more...
The post 25. Nate Parrish of WEDWay Radio on the D23 Expo News appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s easy for Disney fans to be protective of the parks, especially our favorite attractions. We’re nervous that management is just looking for an opportunity to change them, and not necessarily for the better. Few of us agree on what’s actually worthy of preservation, however.… Read more...
The post 24. Top 5 Extinct Attractions at Walt Disney World appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a strange time in Epcot’s history. Rumors are swirling about major changes in the next five years, but nothing is certain. Guardians of the Galaxy is the most common one, but we’ve also heard about Tron, Ratatouille, and other possibilities.… Read more...
The post 23. Aaron Wallace on The Thinking Fan’s Guide to EPCOT appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s so much discussion about how to make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation. The amount of planning that’s needed months before the trip is higher than ever. While preparing for our recent vacation in March, I was nervous about handling the Spring Break crowds.… Read more...
The post 22. Spring Break Disney World Trip Report appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Photo by Erin Heaton
I cannot overstate how important the sounds of the Disney theme parks are to their success. It’s impossible to separate the soundtracks from iconic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and so many more.… Read more...
The post 21. The Sounds of a Walt Disney World Trip appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been a busy time for Walt Disney World news, particularly during the past few weeks. Rivers of Light opened on February 17th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Pandora: The World of Avatar will arrive there on May 27th. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the middle of two major expansions for Star Wars and Toy Story.… Read more...
The post 20. Seven Disney World Questions with Len Testa appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
EPCOT Center opened in October 1982 as an ambitious change of pace from The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. There were no familiar Disney characters (at first), and the tone focused on presenting a broader world to guests. In particular, the optimistic view of the future and remarkable technology at Future World connected with kids like me.… Read more...
The post 19. Tim Grassey on How to Fix EPCOT appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
FastPass Plus remains a common topic in the online Disney fan community despite being in place for a while. It plays a major role in how guests tour the parks, especially those who want to maximize their visits. I was initially skeptical about the move away from the paper service but have found ways to make it work.… Read more...
The post 18. The Pros and Cons of Disney’s FastPass Plus appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
There’s been so much written about Disney history in books, magazines, and countless online sites. The Universal theme parks are quite different. They’ve had frequent ownership changes in recent years and haven’t sold the legacy in their marketing. Author Sam Gennawey’s recent books help to fill in the gaps of our knowledge.… Read more...
The post 17. Sam Gennawey on JayBangs and Universal’s History appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s been a challenging year for Disney. Attendance is slipping, and attractions haven’t always opened smoothly. They’re still delivering a great experience, but it’s a new world. Universal continues to grab market share thanks to Harry Potter and rapid expansion. For the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast, Chad Emerson returns to discuss the current landscape and its future.… Read more...
The post 16. Chad Emerson on a New Theme Park Era appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The Disney and Universal parks continue to dominate the news from professional sites, blogs, and podcasts. I typically concentrate on those same resorts, but it’s enjoyable to take some detours to regional parks. I live in St. Louis, so it makes sense to visit my local park.… Read more...
The post 15. My Top 5 Attractions at Six Flags St. Louis appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
The dream of living in Orlando with close access to Walt Disney World has always intrigued me. I live in St. Louis and have no plans to move, but it’s a regular “what if” scenario in my mind. As a blogger and podcaster, I’m envious of people like Lou Mongello and Ricky Brigante that have such close access to the parks.… Read more...
The post 14. Tony Cortese, Director of the Dreamfinders Documentary appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Ever since its opening in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square in 1969, The Haunted Mansion has been one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. I appreciate the Mansion’s achievements a lot more now than I did as a kid. There is so much happening in each scene, and the experience begins well before you even board the ride.… Read more...
The post 13. James H. Carter II on the Foolish Mortals Documentary appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve been a fan of theme parks since I was young, but my interest waned during my early 20s. There was no specific reason for the change; other activities just took hold. When I started listening to podcasts in the mid-2000s, I was curious about the Disney shows.… Read more...
The post 12. Doug Barnes, Host of The Season Pass Podcast appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Walt Disney World is a mysterious place for kids; there is so much hiding behind the curtain. For a certain group of fans, that curiosity never goes away. Even as adults, they still look for new ways to explore the parks.… Read more...
The post 11. Philip B. Swift on The Dark Side of Disney appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Walt Disney is renowned for his movies and theme parks, but there is a limited supply of strong films about him. The PBS documentary Walt Disney was good but tried to tackle so much. A more singular approach helps Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: The Futurism of Walt Disney work better.… Read more...
The post 10. Christian Moran, Director of Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
I’ve visited Walt Disney World many times over the years, but I still feel like a novice in a lot of areas. Our most recent trip over MLK weekend included a rare stay at an on-site resort — The Animal Kingdom Lodge.… Read more...
The post 9. Seven Lessons from My Walt Disney World Trip appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Planning a vacation to Walt Disney World is so complex, even for frequent guests. When you consider FastPass Plus, ADRs, and larger crowds, building the right strategy is a necessity. The last thing we want is to spend our trip waiting in long lines instead of riding our favorite attractions.… Read more...
The post 8. Len Testa on His Background and Touring Plans.com appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
One of my favorite urban legends about Walt Disney is the myth that he was cryogenically frozen. It’s fun because it paints a picture of a grumpy old man waking up to find that his parks are quite different today. The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head uses the legend as the premise for a fiction film.… Read more...
The post 7. Ben Lancaster on The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s a fascinating time for Disney’s theme parks, especially Walt Disney World. They are seeing unprecedented attendance at The Magic Kingdom this fall and are prepping several major expansions. Can Disney keep up with the capacity demands of being the world’s most popular resort?… Read more...
The post 6. Chad Emerson on Walt Disney World’s Promising Future appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Seth Kubersky has a unique perspective on Universal Orlando from working there as a stage technician and entertainment supervisor in the late ‘90s. More recently, he covered theme parks as a writer for the Orlando Weekly and Touring Plans.com. Kubersky lives in Orlando and visits the parks regularly.… Read more...
The post 5. Seth Kubersky on the Success of Universal Orlando appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
Photo by Erin Heaton Sam Gennawey is one of the premier authors covering the world of theme parks. His books explore both Disney and Universal history in greater detail than most titles. Sam’s urban planning expertise gave him a unique perspective to cover Walt’s plans for the city of EPCOT in Walt and the Promise of Progress City.… Read more...
The post 4. Sam Gennawey on the Rise of Universal appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
It’s always a thrill to speak with writers and filmmakers that have a passion for Disney history. Thankfully, Christian Moran checks both of those boxes. He’s the author of Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Walt Disney and Technology and has created a documentary about the same topic.… Read more...
The post 3. Christian Moran, Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
My goal with The Tomorrow Society Podcast is to have engaging discussions with creative minds in the themed entertainment industry. Guests include authors, filmmakers, and other experts that are part of this medium. There is so much to cover in the history of theme parks, especially with Disney.… Read more...
The post 2. Ryan Ritchey, Director of After the Fair appeared first on Tomorrow Society.
We live in a theme park universe. Designers, engineers, and architects mold public spaces to create specific moods. Tactics that Walt Disney and his artists used to shape Disneyland in the ‘50s and ‘60s are everywhere. Museums and zoos have moved beyond educating the public and become themed entertainment.… Read more...
The post 1. An Introduction to The Tomorrow Society appeared first on Tomorrow Society.