Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
The Idiots: Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa
Welcome to Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering , the podcast where creativity meets the magic of Disney!
Hosted by passionate former Disney Cast Members, we bring a fresh, thoughtful, and wildly fun approach to reimagining Disney Parks. As self-proclaimed "Idiots"—a title we wear with pride—we dive headfirst into the art of Imagineering, balancing storytelling, innovation, and a deep love for theme park design. Combined with immersive audio production, our episodes transport you into the worlds we create, making every idea feel like a real Disney experience.
Each episode, we take on the challenge of designing something new for Disney Parks & Experiences—whether it’s a ride, restaurant, resort, or even an entire land. With an Imagineer’s mindset, we pitch creative yet practical ideas that could actually work in the parks, considering real-world constraints like technology, budgets, and guest experience. It’s the perfect blend of dreaming big and thinking smart, all while keeping that signature Disney magic at the heart of it.
And in our Magic Makers series, we sit down with the real visionaries behind Disney Parks & Experiences to hear their stories and insights firsthand.
Whether you’re a theme park enthusiast, a creative thinker, or just here for the fun, Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering is your ticket to an adventure in possibility. So step into the story with us—imagine, dream, and maybe even design the next great Disney attraction.
Follow along on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube @IdiotsImagineering.
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Top 10 Idiot's Guide to Imagineering Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Idiot's Guide to Imagineering episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Idiot's Guide to Imagineering for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Idiot's Guide to Imagineering episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
An Idiotic New Year's Party!
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
12/30/24 • 24 min
It’s our Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering New Year’s Party, and we’re ringing in 2025 with some bold opinions on what Disney parks should leave behind and what they should embrace. Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa each share their "INS & OUTS" for the upcoming year, including things that have overstayed their welcome, and we also dive into the exciting changes we’re looking forward to in the parks. While we can’t avoid a little controversy, the group is focused on positivity and embracing the future.
Be sure to stay tuned for next week’s Season 3 premiere – we’ve been working hard on it, and trust us, it’s going to be our best season yet!
S2 E10: Building Port Disney (Part 1): Overview & Entertainment District
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
05/28/24 • 39 min
What started out as an episode of "Canceled" has turned into a new mini-series! We're journeying back to California, exploring the ambitious Port Disney project announced in 1990. Join us as we reveal the grand vision for a revolutionary waterfront development that would have combined theme parks, resorts, and urban entertainment districts in Long Beach.
You'll hear about the proposed components of Port Disney, from the state-of-the-art cruise port to the Aquarium and Marine Life Center, and the array of themed hotels and vibrant retail districts. Discover the planned centerpiece, DisneySea, a nautical-themed park that would have brought maritime exploration and adventure to life. We'll discuss the project's challenges, from environmental concerns to escalating costs, and the ultimate decision to cancel it.
But that's not all—we've also reimaged Port Disney as it might look today, starting with Disney’s Seaside Landing, a modern boardwalk-style entertainment district. Tune in to hear about our creative take on this lost project, but this project turned out to be bigger than we expected...
Project Managers: Stephen & Kaity
S1 E22: Season Finale with Former Imagineer, Stevie Griffith & The Imagineering Showdown
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
12/26/23 • 91 min
Welcome to the grand Season 1 Finale of the Idiot's Guide to Imagineering! This episode is a SUPER-SIZED showstopper, starting with an exclusive interview featuring former Disney Imagineer, the incredible Stevie Griffith. Prepare for an insider's look into the captivating world of Imagineering, including highlights of his work on Mission: SPACE, Tower of Terror, Space Mountain, and many more classic Disney staples.
But the excitement doesn't end there! Gear up for the Imagineering Showdown, where two teams of Idiots take on the challenge of reimagining Stitch's Great Escape at Magic Kingdom. You don't want to miss these projects themed around Wreck-It Ralph and Wall-E. The competition heats up with special guest judges Johnny J from the DMSW podcast and Idiot's Guide super fans, Meg & Emely! Find out if your favorite project wins!
As we bid farewell to Season 1, this isn't goodbye. Stay tuned for Imagineering Rewinds over the next few weeks, reliving cherished moments. And don't forget to mark your calendars because we'll be back for Season 2 in March, bringing more magic, imagination, and surprises. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Remember, if you can dream it, you can make a podcast about it! See you in Season 2!
S1 E13: Haunted Moon Lagoon
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
10/23/23 • 32 min
What would happen if a hybrid of Oogie Boogie Bash and Halloween Horror Nights took over Typhoon Lagoon? Find out our frightening plans for a haunted waterpark party like none other.
Have an idea to make Haunted Moon Lagoon even spookier? Let us know on Instragram, TikTok, or Threads (@idiotsimagineering).
S1 E21: The Great Holiday Movie Ride
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
12/18/23 • 41 min
Welcome aboard the Great Holiday Movie Ride, where the fate of Christmas rests in your hands! The Wet Bandits are at it again with a mission to destroy our beloved holiday films! Santa and his trusty elf Bernard need your help to ensure the magic of the holiday season remains intact.
'Tis the season for our favorite holiday flicks as we relive some iconic scenes from movies like Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, and The Santa Clause, just to name a few. Embark on your journey, teaming up with your Nutcracker Guide to visit iconic movie moments, ensuring our holiday films go off without a hitch, all while restoring order before an impending blizzard begins!
But fear not! If you succeed in restoring jolly order, there might just be a warm cup of hot cocoa waiting for you at the end of this exhilarating attraction. So, brace yourselves for an action-packed adventure to save Christmas!
S1 E20: Mickey's Christmas Carol Escape Room
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
12/11/23 • 31 min
Unwrap the magic of Disney Springs' newest holiday attraction (that we made up, of course). Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Dickensian London as we explore the intricacies of this limited-time experience.
Discover the captivating journey that awaits as participants step into the shoes of holiday detectives tasked with finding the mysteriously vanished Scrooge McDuck on Christmas Eve. The immersive escape room unfolds in three distinct challenge rooms, each representing the past, present, and future, complete with nods to beloved Disney characters and captivating challenges.
As the clock ticks down, participants must decode clues from Jiminy Cricket, navigate a festive feast with Willie the Giant, and alter the course of time in a ghostly graveyard overseen by Pete.
But that's not all! Stick around for the surprise finale as participants are treated to an exclusive character meet & greet.
Whether you successfully escape or not, every participant leaves with a special Mickey’s Christmas Carol Escape ornament, ensuring a cherished memento of this festive journey. So, don your holiday spirit and join us for a merry and sometimes scary escape room experience at Disney Springs, where the magic of Christmas comes to life.
Be sure to send us your ideas for an escape room theme on our Instagram (@idiotsimagineering)!
S1 E18: Ink & Paint Club Mystery Dinner
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
11/27/23 • 36 min
"Password?" "Walt sent me."
Welcome to Ink & Paint Club Mystery Dinner starring none other than the mischievous Roger Rabbit at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Immerse yourself in the whimsy of a reimagined Hollywood & Vine Restaurant, where a delectable meal meets a dazzling array of toon acts that'll leave you in stitches.
But that's not all – brace yourselves for a special appearance by the sensational Molly Douglas- honorary idiot and co-project manager for this animated episode!
From mar-TOON-i cocktails to the toon-tastic performances, this episode serves up a delightful blend of culinary delights and larger-than-life laughs. Get ready for a night of mystery, magic, and a touch of toon wonder!
S1 E1: Rock'n'Roller Coaster Starring Everyone
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
08/14/23 • 31 min
Our very first Imagineering project brings a long overdue update to a classic thrill ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. For over 20 years, we've all been speeding through LA traffic to get to the Aerosmith concert on time, but what if it was your favorite artist instead? Find out how we want to make that happen.
Have suggestions on which artists you want to see? Let us know at @idiotsimagineering on Instagram and Threads.
S2 E23: Simba's Wild Adventure
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
09/03/24 • 36 min
Grab your safari gear, because we are headed into the Pride Lands like never before! A few weeks back, we speculated about a Lion King attraction possibly making its way to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but alas, no official announcement came. But if you know the Idiots, you know we don’t let that stop us. We’re taking matters into our own hands and crafting a Lion King attraction that’s pure magic.
We are bringing this beloved classic to life, with all the musical flair and wild adventure you’d expect. From innovative ride vehicles to immersive scenes straight out of the 1994 animated masterpiece, this episode is packed with surprises.
Project Managers: Marissa & Stephen
Micro Magic: What’s the Deal with the Marvel Orlando Contract?
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
09/30/24 • 5 min
In this short, but action-packed episode of Micro Magic, Stephen unravels the twists and turns of the Marvel theme park battle in Orlando.
Ever wondered why Disney can’t use Spider-Man or the Avengers in Florida? Stephen unravels the tangled web of licensing agreements between Universal and Disney, exploring how each has navigated the Marvel rights saga. With stories of park deals, creative workarounds, and the future of Marvel in Orlando, this quick episode is filled with superhero-level intrigue. Tune in for all the inside scoop on this epic theme park showdown!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Idiot's Guide to Imagineering have?
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering currently has 93 episodes available.
What topics does Idiot's Guide to Imagineering cover?
The podcast is about Disney World, Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Disney, Disney Parks, Podcasts, Walt Disney World, Tv & Film and Disneyland.
What is the most popular episode on Idiot's Guide to Imagineering?
The episode title 'S2 E4: Disney's Legends Resort' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Idiot's Guide to Imagineering?
The average episode length on Idiot's Guide to Imagineering is 40 minutes.
How often are episodes of Idiot's Guide to Imagineering released?
Episodes of Idiot's Guide to Imagineering are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Idiot's Guide to Imagineering?
The first episode of Idiot's Guide to Imagineering was released on Aug 14, 2023.
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