Pandora – The World of Avatar raised the bar for immersive themed lands when it opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 2017. Between Avatar Flight of Passage, Na'vi River Journey, Satu'li Canteen, Pongu Pongu, and of course the land itself, travelers visiting the Valley of Mo'ara (courtesy of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, per the story) are transported to an alien world that feels all too real. That's thanks to the countless Imagineers who put years of work into creating the land's attractions. While many think of Imagineer Joe Rohde or even Director James Cameron while exploring the land (virtually or in person), there are countless others who contributed to the land's design, including my two special guests on today's episode: Adam and Rebecca.
Adam, a former Set Decorator for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Rebecca, a former Scenic Artist working for a contractor, helped to literally set the stage for Pandora – The World of Avatar. From hand-weaving artwork at Satu'li Canteen to setting in place the tiniest details in the Flight of Passage queue, Adam and Rebecca helped bring the story of Pandora into the real world. In this two-part episode, we'll discuss how to land a job at Walt Disney Imagineering, reveal what the day-to-day is like for most Imagineers and contractors working on a project, and of course share the stories that contributed to the many details around the land itself. I'd like to extend a huge thank you to both Adam and Rebecca for lending their time and stories to this two-part episode!
For part 1, I'd love to know what you enjoyed most from this conversation. Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel:
How to Support the Show
Enjoy the show!
Disney Family Memories: Stories from the 1964 World's Fair, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland
A Tribute to Disney Cast Members
Rolly Crump (Disney Legend, Imagineer, Animator)
ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
Blaine Gibson, Disney Legend, Animator and Imagineer (Interview with Son, Wes Gibson)
George Wilkins (Walt Disney Imagineer, Music Composer)
Disney Illusions (Part 2)
Disney Illusions (Part 1)
Disney Vacation Club
Floyd Norman (Disney Animator)
Dan Cockerell (Vice President, Magic Kingdom)
Russell Brower (Walt Disney Imagineer, Music Director, Emmy Award Winner)
Virtual Tour: Main Street USA - Part 3
Healthy Choices at Disney (Not Just Food)
Virtual Tour: Main Street USA - Part 2
Disney's Private VIP Tours
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
Virtual Tour: Main Street USA - Part 1
Marvel This or That: Heroes and Villains
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
History Storytime - For Kids
Privacy Boys
Nonsensical Show
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The Turn of the Screw
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family Broadcast