The Tomorrow Society Podcast

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.