Imagineer Podcast

The Garden View Lounge afternoon tea room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa reopened in March 2026. In partnership with Twinings, Disney's culinary team created a dining experience inspired by the Alice in Wonderland tea party scene. In this episode, we review the Garden View Lounge afternoon tea service live from this Walt Disney World restaurant. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Di

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets will open May 26, 2026 at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In this episode, we discuss the details about the Imagineering and story for the new attraction, which is replacing Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (closed March 2026). We also share our initial reactions to hearing the first two source audio soundtracks at a Disney Parks media event. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa opened in 2011 on the island of Oahu, bringing the magic of Disney to this tropical Hawaiian paradise. With an array of hotel rooms, Disney Vacation Club studios and villas, amenities, pools, restaurants, shops, and a private beachfront lagoon, Aulani is one of the best Disney experiences you can share with your family away from the theme parks and a top-rated family hotel in Hawai'i. In our conversation, we’ll share everything you need to know about Aulani, offer advice for your next stay, and discuss all the reasons to add this location to your Disney travel wish list. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   View virtual room tours of Aulani: https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/us-hawaii/aulani-hawaii/points-rooms   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcas

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is concluding a year-long update at Walt Disney World. Inspired by Disney-Pixar's Toy Story, this Magic Kingdom attraction opened in 1998. Its 2026 recharge includes new ride vehicles, enhanced gaming elements, other updates. In this episode, I interview Walt Disney Imagineers Kimberly Alison and Justin DeTolla about their work on the updated ride experience, and I chat with Drew the Disney Dude about his early preview at Magic Kingdom. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a tradema

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event takes place this August 14, 15, and 16 in Anaheim, California, just down the road from Disneyland. Today, Disney D23 announced ticket options for this event, including 1-day and 3-day options for the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center locations. D23 Gold Members can purchase tickets next week. Disney also announced details for D23 Day at Disneyland, D23 Night at Angel's Stadium, and other the Disney Legends Ceremony. This year's inductees include Bob Iger, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Susan Egan, Jerry Bruckheimer, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kim Irvine, and more. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews wit

World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World (Disneyland Paris) opened with an Olaf autonomous robotic character. Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development in partnership with Walt Disney Animations Studios, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind, Olaf was developed in months using Newton, an AI open-source, extensible physics engine that advances robot learning and development. In this episode, I interview Moritz Baecher about his work on this new Disney Parks robotic character inspired by Frozen, and I chat with James Grosch from Guide2WDW about his preview of World of Frozen. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disne

Josh D'Amaro's is now the CEO of The Walt Disney Company. In this Disney news episode, we recap his first Disney shareholder meeting (held on March 18, 2026), discuss his vision for the future alongside Dana Walden and other Disney executives, analyze how Disney Parks and Walt Disney Studios might be impacted by his tenure, and recap Bob Iger's legacy as CEO between 2005 and 2026. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: w

Cool Kids Summer is returning to Walt Disney World this summer from May 26 through September 8, 2026. In addition, new and refurbished attractions are opening this summer, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Soarin' Across America, Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, Bluey and Bingo at Conservation Station, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live. Plus, new summer offers for resort stays, dining plans, and tickets can now be booked for summer 2026. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join

Pandora—The World of Avatar opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017, offering Walt Disney World guests an immersive land based on James Cameron's Avatar franchise. Designed by a team of Walt Disney Imagineers led Disney Legend Joe Rohde, Pandora takes Imagineering to a new level of immersive storytelling, engineering, and special effects. From Avatar Flight of Passage to Na'vi River Journey, Satu'li Canteen, the Floating Mountains and beyond, the land is filled with rich details that most guests will miss. In this episode, I chat with Tatjana Lazar from WDW Magazine to discuss our favorite Imagineering details and secrets from Pandora—The World of Avatar. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskywa

Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are seeing extensive construction updates as Disney adds new lands and experiences to its Walt Disney World theme parks. Piston Peak, Villains Land, Monsters Inc. Land, and Tropical Americas are just a few of these updates. In this Imagination Skyway news episode, we'll recap just about everything that's currently closed, under refurbishment, or under construction at the Walt Disney World Resort. Villains Land & Piston Peak Analysis: https://www.patreon.com/posts/villains-land-151902958 Disney's Hollywood Studios Analysis (Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, The Magic of Disney Animation, Monsters Inc. Land): https://www.patreon.com/posts/analysis-disneys-152162589 To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook

Disney Destiny is the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, operating in the same class as the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure cruise ships. Featuring a Disney, Pixar, and Marvel hero and villains theme, the Disney Destiny features spacious state rooms, world-class entertainment (Disney Hercules stage show), legendary dining, action-packed kids clubs, daring adult escapes, and fun for the whole family. In this episode, I chat with my travel advisor and business partner Kelly Craig about her first Disney Destiny cruise ship experience. We discuss everything you need to know about this newest Disney Cruise Line ship and offer advice for your next Disney Destiny cruise experience. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook

Laurent "Lolo" Guinci is a globally recognised costume designer and creative director whose career has become deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Harry Potter franchise. His remarkable journey began in the early 2000s, when he collaborated with award-winning costume designer Jany Temime on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), launching a long-standing creative relationship with Warner Bros. and the Wizarding World. His work spans iconic movie sets, large-scale theme parks, retail experiences, and museum-style exhibits. In this episode, Lolo and I chat about his career with a particular focus on his work with the Harry Potter franchise, including work on the films (from Prisoner of Azkaban through Deathly Hallows Part 2), theme parks (including Epic Universe), and Warner Bros studio tours. You can learn more about Lolo by visiting https://lolo.design/. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Ta

Wonder Man is the newest Marvel Studios television series on Disney Plus. In this episode, I chat with Brian Gay, Co-Executive Producer of this series, about Wonder Man and about Brian's career. Brian worked alongside Kevin Feige and Marvel executives to develop Black Panther, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Captain Marvel, Loki, Hawkeye, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Werewolf by Night. As Wonder Man is described on Disney Plus, "Aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film "Wonder Man." These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.” To plan a trip, be s

Disneyland Handcrafted documentary is available to stream on Disney Plus and Disney YouTube. In this episode, we review the brand new Disneyland Handcrafted documentary by Leslie Iwerks and discuss the premiere we attended at the Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank. "Disneyland Handcrafted reveals the extraordinary artistry and grit it took hundreds of craftspeople to bring Walt Disney’s impossible dream project of Disneyland to fruition – from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955." (Disney Plus). To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www

Step inside Walt Disney's office at the Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California in today's special episode. Disney Parks invited me to tour the original Walt Disney Animation building and step inside Walt's office suite 3H, which he occupied from 1940 to 1966. The Walt Disney Archives carefully restored this space to look exactly as Walt left it with over ninety percent accuracy, including his original furniture, props, photos, and memorabilia. In this episode, we'll discuss what it's like to tour Walt Disney's Office and the Walt Disney Studios Lot.  D23 Members can take a similar tour by visiting the D23 website. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel. Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginati

Disneyland Handcrafted documentary debuts January 22, 2026 on Disney Plus and Disney YouTube, and I had the extraordinary opportunity to interview filmmaker Leslie Iwerks at the Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California about her new film. "Disneyland Handcrafted reveals the extraordinary artistry and grit it took hundreds of craftspeople to bring Walt Disney’s impossible dream project of Disneyland to fruition – from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955." (Disney Plus). "An Oscar and Emmy nominated filmmaker, Leslie Iwerks comes from a family steeped in Disney legacy. The granddaughter of Ub Iwerks (Walt Disney’s original animator and designer/co-creator of Mickey Mouse) and the daughter of Don Iwerks (a Disney camera technician and inventor), Leslie is the producer and director of the new documentary film." (Disney Parks Blog) To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversat

Zootopia Better Zoogether opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in November 2025. Featuring characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios' films Zootopia and Zootopia 2, the attraction invites guests to attend the Zoogether Day celebrations at a watch party happening at the Tree of Life. This show replaced the former "It's Tough to be a Bug" 4D show at the Tree of Life theater. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it features original character voice actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprising their roles as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. In this episode, we discuss what you can expect from Zootopia Better Zoogether and share an interview with Walt Disney Imagineer Danny Handke and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush, both of which were recorded at a media event at Walt Disney World. Thanks to CJ from WDW Magazine for joining me on this episode and for recording the interviews you'll hear in this podcast. To plan a trip, be sure to wor

Planning a surprise proposal at Walt Disney World? Wondering about the growing cost of a Disney vacation? Trying to plan the perfect first Disney trip for a one-year-old infant or a toddler? This podcast episode addresses listener questions about Disney travel, insights, and ideas.   To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel, voted the Top Travel Agency in Orlando in 2025 in Orlando Magazine’s annual “Best of ORL”. You can get rewarded for booking a Disney trip with KMV Travel in 2026 when you indicate that Imagination Skyway referred you.    Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.

Explore Cotino, A Storyliving by Disney Community—from its Imagineered design and Walt-inspired vision to model homes, the Artisan Club, the Parr House event space, and how to buy a home there. A complete guide to Disney’s first Storyliving neighborhood. Take an in-depth look at Cotino, A Storyliving by Disney Community—a neighborhood blending Imagineering design, Disney storytelling, and mid-century modern living. Discover how Walt’s original vision for community and creativity inspired this desert retreat, and learn what makes it unlike any other community. In this episode, we explore the Imagineering behind Cotino’s design, the Artisan Club’s exclusive amenities, the Parr House event space, and the model homes now available. Thanks to Steph from WDW Magazine for joining me on this episode. Read their latest blog articles about Cotino: What is Cotino, Disney's First Storyliving Community? Look Inside the Homes at Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.  

Dreaming of a European escape at Walt Disney World? In this episode of Imagination Skyway, we take you on an in-depth journey through Disney’s Riviera Resort, exploring everything it has to offer—from its Mediterranean-inspired art and architecture to world-class dining, Disney Skyliner access, pools, and Disney Vacation Club villa accommodations. Discover why this resort has become a fan favorite among Walt Disney World guests, what makes it stand out from other Disney Vacation Club properties, and insider tips to help you make the most of your stay. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more Riviera magic, this episode is your all-in-one guide to the most elegant EPCOT Resort property. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation