Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

What happens when a land gets rethemed but an existing attraction no longer fits the story?

This week, Stephen is joined by Kaity and Jenny as we head to Disneyland to reimagine The Rescuers in Bayou Country. We explore how Imagineering uses story cohesion, ride systems, and immersive details to make a space feel intentional and alive. It is about using every element of a land from lighting to animatronics to emotional beats to tell...

What would it look like if the Olympic Village became a place you could actually stay?

With the Winter Games officially underway, this week on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Stephen is joined by Marissa and Jenny to imagine the Olympic Village as a fully realized resort experience at Walt Disney World. How do you capture the spirit of global competition, human achievement, and iconic Olympic moments and translate them into a destina...

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 a...

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 Harb...

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....

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 Narni...

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.

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2025 was unforgettable, but 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger! Join Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa as they kick off the new year and set the stage for Season 4 of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering. In this special pre-season episode, the team reflects on last year’s successes, shares what they’ve been working on, and gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming next, including a surprise twist that will change the way you experience the sho...

It’s time for our second State of the Kingdom address, a quarterly breakdown of everything happening across Disney Parks and Imagineering as 2025 comes to a close.

In this episode, we cover the biggest Q4 announcements, including major opening timelines at Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Resort. We dive into construction updates from across the globe, from Animation Courtyard and Monstropolis to Piston Peak, Trop...

You're invited to the first-ever D-Ticket Awards!

The Idiots have tallied the votes and gathered the fan-powered results for a one-night celebration of the boldest, most inventive, and most memorable moments across Disney Parks. From major updates to beloved classics, we’re honoring the attractions, surprises, and standouts that defined the year and beyond.

Join Stephen, Kaity, Marissa, Jenny, and Amanda as they host the 2025 D-...

It’s Thanksgiving in the Disney Parks...and chaos is on the menu.

For the second year in a row, Kaity, Stephen, and Marissa are celebrating the holiday Idiot-style for the ultimate Disney Parks Thanksgiving Roulette. Each spin of the wheel determines a part of their theme park feast, from the location and co-host character, to the main course and after-dinner attraction.

Will someone end up dining in the Utilidors with Constance Hatc...

From felt caps to viral fashion icons, Mickey ears have come a long way since their debut on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1955. In this Micro Magic, Marissa takes us through the fascinating history of one of Disney’s most recognizable symbols, tracing their transformation from simple souvenirs to must-have collectibles that define Disney style. Whether you love the classic black hat or the glittering rose gold headbands that cause pand...

At the core of Disney parks lies a treasure trove of imaginative storytelling, and one of the most fascinating tales is that of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.). Originating in the 1980s, this society has woven a rich tapestry of lore that connects various parks and even a movie, inviting fans to embark on a journey of exploration. Join us as Kaity delves deep into the enchanting world of S.E.A., uncovering its his...

It’s official! Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering is launching the very first D-Ticket Awards: a fan-driven celebration of the best, boldest, and most creative moments in Disney Parks and Imagineering.

This week, Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa reveal the full list of 20 categories and nominees and open voting for fans everywhere. From reimagined attractions to iconic park smells, it’s time to decide which Imagineering moments deserve a D-Ti...

The Idiots are throwing their first-ever Halloween party, and you’re invited! From ghost stories that send chills down your spine to brand-new Halloween overlays that reimagine Disney classics (including a haunted Jungle Cruise you’ll never forget), this special is packed with tricks, treats, and a little bit of idiotic chaos. Join Spooky Stephen, All Hallows Amanda, Mysterious Marissa, and Kooky Kaity for a frightfully fun night o...

Rewind time, and this week Amanda picked one of Stephen’s creepiest creations to fit the season.

We’re revisiting Season 1, Episode 13: Haunted Moon Lagoon, where Stephen transformed Typhoon Lagoon into an adults-only Halloween event unlike anything Disney has ever attempted. Picture an all-inclusive after-hours party with eerie overlays on water slides, haunted zones inspired by Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, and Alien ...

Amanda is coming to you straight from Halloweentown with a bag full of tricks and maybe a few treats. Join her as she dives into the spooky history of Disney Halloween events from Magic Kingdom’s earliest celebrations to the worldwide parties that have fans dressing up across the globe. From classic parades to eerie overlays and villain-filled festivities this Micro Magic episode is full of surprises and behind-the-scenes tidbits. ...

Rewind time, and this week we’re stepping back into the eerie glow of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.

We’re revisiting Season 2, Episode 18: The Twilight Zone Bar & Lounge, where Kaity imagined a moody, atmospheric space that extended the Tower of Terror story into a place you could sit down, sip a cocktail, and soak in that haunting Hollywood vibe.

Kaity reflects on why this idea still gives her chills, and how the ride’s timeless mi...

This week, the Idiots are taking a break from rides and characters to focus on something truly meaningful. We’re supporting New Hope for Kids, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to helping children facing grief or life-threatening conditions and their families through programs like The Center for Grieving Children and Wishes for Kids.

We talk about why this cause is so important, how every donation, big or small, makes a differen...