Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

S4 E5: World of Frozen Expansion | Bringing Northuldra to Life in Paris

What if you could venture beyond Arendelle?This week, we imagine what it would look like if Disneyland Paris expanded its new World of Frozen with a bold concept called Northuldra. Stephen takes on the role of Project Manager to explore how Imagineers might bring the mystical forests, elemental spirits, and the Nokk to life in a way that’s immersive, emotional, and entirely unique to this park.We break down the importance of risk appetite in Disney Imagineering, exploring why parks balance daring, original experiences with safe, proven crowd-pleasers, and how both types of projects are essential for long-term success. From placemaking to attraction design, this episode shows how strategy, story, and technology intersect to create something that feels alive.Even if you’ve never been to Paris or followed the Frozen franchise closely, this episode is about understanding how themed entertainment can challenge expectations, reward imagination, and make guests feel part of the story.There’s also a surprise twist in this episode, and it’s up to you, the listener, to decide which path you would greenlight. Step beyond Arendelle, explore Northuldra, and let us know what you think is best.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

S4 E4: Columbia Harbour House Takeover | Plussing a Classic with the Muppets

What happens when a perfectly respectable Magic Kingdom restaurant gets a little… Muppified?This week, Stephen pitches a small-scale but high-impact plussing project for one of Liberty Square’s most overlooked classics: Columbia Harbour House. No new rides. No massive construction. Just thoughtful storytelling, operational realism, and a whole lot of Muppet chaos.Set during a post–Revolutionary War celebration, this reimagined Harbour House becomes the unofficial headquarters for the classic Muppets, complete with Statler and Waldorf heckling guests from above, the Swedish Chef wreaking havoc in the kitchen, subtle Haunted Mansion tie-ins upstairs, and even a few streetmosphere surprises outside.Along the way, the team breaks down what plussing really means, why smaller updates can sometimes matter more than big e-tickets, and how Disney can honor legacy spaces while still evolving them for modern guests, all while filling the MuppetVision-sized hole in the parks.It’s a love letter to thoughtful Imagineering, classic Muppet mayhem, and the idea that even one restaurant can become a story-rich experience.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

S4 E3: Into the Hundred Acre Wood | Designing a World That Feels Like Home

What if the wilderness of Disney’s Fort Wilderness wasn’t just preserved...but reimagined?This week, we wander into the quiet paths of the Hundred Acre Wood with a brand-new proposal: a fully immersive Winnie the Pooh–inspired cabin expansion tucked inside Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Stephen serves as Project Manager, pitching a thoughtful, story-driven experience that blends nostalgia, nature, and experiential design...without sacrificing the soul of the forest. From character homesteads and interactive trails to nighttime firefly strolls and a picnic pavilion with Pooh and friends, this is Imagineering through emotion, not excess.Along the way, the Idiots dig into bigger questions: When does storytelling add value, and when does it cross the line? Can whimsical narrative coexist with real wilderness? And who are Disney experiences really for: kids, adults, or anyone looking to feel something again? It’s a cozy, reflective episode about nostalgia, design intent, and why growing up doesn’t have to mean growing out of wonder.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

S4 E2: The Magical Realm of Narnia | Building a Land Beyond the Wardrobe

What if you could truly step into Narnia?This week, we imagine what it would look like if Disney brought The Chronicles of Narnia to life as a fully immersive themed land. Stephen takes on the role of Project Manager to explore how Imagineers might translate C.S. Lewis’s world into a physical place guests can walk through, feel, and emotionally connect with.We break down the real history between Disney and Narnia, including the film trilogy, the forgotten Journey into Narnia walkthrough at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and why the franchise ultimately stalled. From there, we use Narnia as a case study to explore one of the most important Imagineering concepts of all: world-building.This episode dives into how atmosphere, pacing, and environmental storytelling can be just as powerful as big spectacle. From choosing the right entry point into a land, to deciding where the land belongs, to designing a ride that uses quiet moments and sensory detail to drive emotion, this project shows how Imagineers think beyond rides and build entire universes.Even if you’ve never read the books or seen the films, this episode is about understanding how themed entertainment creates connection, immersion, and meaning through intentional design.Step through the wardrobe, explore the Golden Age of Narnia, and learn how Imagineering turns stories into places.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!

S4 E1: Season 4 Premiere Festival! | Developing Disney’s Tropical Americas

Season 4 kicks off with a premiere festival full of adventure! This week, we’re exploring Pueblo Esperanza, the land under construction at Animal Kingdom, also affectionately called Tropical Americas. While the land will feature Encanto, we’re highlighting two original Imagineering projects we designed: one giving a storyline to an announced Indiana Jones ride and another completely new addition that’s a surprise for our listeners.Join the Idiots (Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa) as we soak up festival vibes, storytelling, and the magic of placemaking. From detailed research and cultural inspiration to guest experience design, we’ll give you an inside look at how Disney Imagineers bring lands to life. Expect laughs, energy, and surprises along the way, including a fan-favorite IP presented in a way that is completely unexpected for the land.This premiere is bigger and bolder than ever, featuring two full Imagineering projects in a single episode. Whether you’re a seasoned Imagineering fan or just love Disney storytelling, this episode sets the tone for an unforgettable Season 4.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!