Walt Disney Imagineer Archives - Chip and Co

Tag Archives: Walt Disney Imagineer

Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Inventor and Innovator Fair Announces Finalist

Sunday, May 5, 2013 Patrick

Looking For the Next Tony Start: Marvel’s IRON MAN 3: Inventor and Innovator Fair Announces Finalist

When Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” lands in theatres, it’s going to have company—some of the brightest young scientific minds in America.

Disney announced the 12 finalists in the Marvel’s IRON MAN 3: INVENTOR and INNOVATOR FAIR, a nationwide science competition held in conjunction with the release of “Iron Man 3”, sponsored by Discovery Science Center, Broadcom Foundation and Marvel Studios, along with Visa Signature and the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood., On the evening of May 3rd, at the 4:30pm screening of Marvel’s “Iron Man 3,” Grand Prize winners will receive their awards in a special ceremony onstage at the El Capitan Theatre, hosted by Asa Kalama, a Walt Disney Imagineer. All 12 INVENTOR and INNOVATOR FAIR finalists will have their projects on display at the El Capitan from May 3rd – June 19th.

Like Iron Man’s alter ego, Tony Stark, these young geniuses are discovering and creating the world for tomorrow. And getting to be a finalist hasn’t been easy. Sixth through ninth-grade girls and boys across the nation were invited to participate in MARVEL’S IRON MAN 3: INVENTOR and INNOVATOR FAIR and asked to produce innovative, inventive projects based on STEM themes from “Iron Man 3” — STEM: (science, technology, engineering and math). The competition encouraged students to submit projects that aligned with the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges for Engineering™.

Earlier this month, after judges reviewed over 300 science projects from all over the country, 30 semi-finalists were chosen. From the 30 semi-finalists, the panel of judges chose 12 finalists, who will compete for the grand prize awards.

Top Imagineer at Disneyland Retires

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 Tara No comments

Tony Baxter, Senior VP of Creative Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, is stepping down from leading up the team that comes up with all of our favorite rides and attractions. Baxter has had a rich 47 year history with Disneyland from scooping ice cream to creating some of the park’s most famous rides like Big Thunder Mountain.

“It has been a wondrous 47 years,” Baxter said in a statement. “The Imagineers I have known and shared these times with have provided invaluable experiences not to be found anywhere else on Earth. The future of Imagineering and Disney Parks is incredibly bright.”

Baxter got to do and see it all in his tenure with the Walt Disney Company. At Disneyland, Baxter led the creation of some of Disneyland’s major rides, including Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure and Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Abroad, Baxter also was the foreman for the development of Disneyland Paris and worked on the creation of Walt Disney World.

Baxter does not want to be too far from Disney and has offered himself up as a mentor to current imagineers. He will be greatly missed and gets many thanks from all his friends at Disney.

“Like so many Imagineering greats before him, his creativity, passion and knowledge will have a remarkable impact on the next generations of (Disney) dreamers and doers,” said Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, in a statement. “We thank Tony for his immeasurable contributions to the Disney legacy so far, and look forward to the next chapter of his Disney story.”

Photo Credit: OC Register

Additional Perks for Disneyland Annual Passholders (chipandco.com)
Top Disneyland ride creator steps down (ocregister.com)

First Tree Planted in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Expansion

Thursday, November 17, 2011 Chip No comments

Check out this fun photo from our friends at Walt Disney Imagineering. The team recently brought a little life into the New Fantasyland area at Magic Kingdom Park by planting the first tree.

To give you some reference, the building at the far left with the red and blue roof is actually the second floor of Pinocchio’s Village Haus, which peeks over the construction wall into New Fantasyland. The tree is being placed near what will become the entrance to New Fantasyland. The building at the right is Maurice’s Cottage, which will house fun, interactive storytelling with Belle and Lumiere.

Source Disney Parks Blog

A Tour Through New Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom (chipandco.com)
TEA Honors Joe Rohde and Disney with Thea Awards (chipandco.com)

First Tree Planted in Magic Kingdoms Fantasyland Expansion

TEA Honors Joe Rohde and Disney with Thea Awards

Thursday, November 17, 2011 Chip 1 Comment

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) recently announced recipients of its 18th annual Thea Awards, and Disney Theme Parks and Resorts received four honors, including a lifetime achievement award for Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde.

The awards, which will be presented at a gala in March, recognize and honor excellence in the creation of extraordinary experiences, attractions, exhibits and places.

Rohde will receive the Buzz Price Thea Award, which recognizes a lifetime of distinguished achievements. Rohde, senior vice president and creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, has a Disney career spanning 30 years and most recently managed the creative development of Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, at Ko Olina O’ahu, Hawai’I, which opened in August. Rohde also led the team that conceptualized, designed and built Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, which opened at Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer, won an award for Outstanding Attraction Refresh. According to TEA, Disney successfully refreshed the attraction using new technology and Guest-interaction capabilities while remaining true to the fan-adored story of Star Wars.

The Magic, The Memories, and You!, the new projection show at Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park, was named Outstanding Show Spectacular. The awards committee said the show is impressive on many levels, including its technology, visual creativity, adept directorial pacing and stirring musical score, which combine to deliver a “unique, emotionally fulfilling experience for the audience.”

Lastly, TEA recognized Animation Magic in the Animator’s Palate restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy with an award for Ingenious Use of Technology. The Disney Cruise Line ship, which will set sail on its inaugural cruise in March of next year, will feature a one-of-a-kind experience for diners in which they will see their own hand-drawn characters come to life and interact with animated Disney characters on a screen.

TEA is an international nonprofit alliance founded in 1991 and based in Burbank, Calif., that represents some 7,000 creative specialists, including architects, designers, technical specialists and scenic fabricators, who work in more than 650 firms in 40 different countries.

Walt Disney World Resort Welcomes the PRSA 2011 International Conference to Orlando (chipandco.com)
Disney’s AVATAR: James Cameron Explores Disney’s Animal Kingdom (chipandco.com)

TEA Honors Joe Rohde and Disney with Thea Awards

D23′s Mickey’s of Glendale Friends and Family Trading Day!

Sunday, November 6, 2011 Chip No comments

Disney Legend and Former Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador Marty Sklar has confirmed that he will be making a special appearance at Mickey’s of Glendale from 9 to 10 a.m.—and will be signing a special blank page sketchbook and also the Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Realbook!

D23 Members and their guests are invited to enjoy a day of shopping, signing, and trading at Mickey’s of Glendale, Walt Disney Imagineering’s (WDI) famed employee store. Mickey’s of Glendale will be releasing new WDI-exclusive pins and a new D23-exclusive Sorcerer Hat Pin (pictured here), and D23 Members can enjoy pin and Vinylmation trading, music, and fun at WDI’s exclusive employee store. Exclusive D23 merchandise will also be available. D23 Members can bring one (1) guest to the store on Saturday, November 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mickey’s of Glendale is located on the WDI campus at 1401 Flower Street, Glendale, CA 91201. Entry is available through the security gate off of the 1401 Flower visitor parking lot.

Hot Items to Know About:

D23 Exclusive Sorcerer Hat Pin
This exclusive ongoing pin series utilizes the sorcerer hat (a symbol for WDI) as a blank canvas for creative and unique designs based on the characters and attractions found in the Disney parks. The D23-exclusive Sorcerer Hat Pin is available as a limited edition of 200.

New Set of WDI Exclusive Pins
Make your collection complete with a new set of WDI-exclusive pins!

Mystery Grab Bag Pin
Multiple WDI-exclusive pins are included in these mystery bags, available for purchase only at Mickey’s of Glendale.

WDI Exclusive Apparel
Shirts, jackets, pants, and caps available only at Mickey’s of Glendale!

Patio Pin and Vinylmation Trading
D23 Members and their respective guests are encouraged to bring their own pins and Vinylmation to trade with each other outside in the beautiful WDI campus green space. Proper pin and Vinylmation trading etiquette and guidelines must be followed.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members plus one (1) guest may gain entry with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. Due to the proprietary nature of our work, cameras are not allowed at Walt Disney Imagineering without prior approval.

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