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Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
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.
Episodes
84 episodes
S3 E9: CANCELED: Mt. Fuji Coaster at Epcot
Mt. Fuji is canceled! Well… at least at EPCOT. We’re zooming into one of EPCOT’s most thrilling unbuilt attractions—the Japan Pavilion’s Mt. Fuji roller coaster. Why was it scrapped? What could have been? And most importantly, how would w...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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44:48
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Magic Makers: Kevin Lively, Former Imagineer & Writer
From cracking jokes on the Jungle Cruise to crafting the backstories of Disney’s most immersive attractions, Kevin Lively has left his mark on theme park storytelling. As a former Walt Disney Imagineering Show Writer, Kevin helped bring ...
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Season 3
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1:07:48
S3 E8: New Adventureland: Polynesia
A brand-new adventure awaits in the Magic Kingdom! This week, Stephen takes the lead as we imagine an expansion beyond the berm—introducing New Adventureland: Polynesia! With two breathtaking islands to explore, guests will set sail to...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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43:41
S3 E7: 20th Century Studios Experience (with Katrina Parks)
Calling all movie lovers and theme park dreamers! Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for a blockbuster episode filled with silver screen magic, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a brand-new attraction concept that's shaking up Hollywood Studi...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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57:50
S3 E6: Jungle Book Leaf Gliders (with Kim Millspaugh)
This week, Kaity takes us into the jungle, where the bare necessities of life come to life in our first Animal Kingdom project of the season! Joined by special guest Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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58:22
S3 E5: Horace's Derby Grille at Saratoga Springs (with Kellie Long)
Get ready to gallop into a world where the thrill of horse racing meets Disney magic! We’re diving into a bold new concept for Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa that captures the excitement of race day in a truly unforgettable dining experience...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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41:11
Magic Makers: Josh Shipley, Former Imagineer & Creative Director
In the first Magic Makers episode of the season, the Idiots sit down with Josh Shipley, a seasoned creative force in the theme park industry. From his early days as a gangster on The Great Movie Ride to over two decades at Walt Disney ...
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Season 3
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1:08:14
S3 E4: Taste Track presented by Coca-Cola (with Bryan from Miles from Main Street)
Ever wondered what would happen if Disney’s most iconic attractions collided with unexpected non-Disney worlds? We’re taking you there—and this time, we’re not doing it alone. For our first Crossover Creation Challenge of Season 3, we’ve...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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54:48
S3 E3: CANCELED: LucasPort (with Johnny J)
In this thrilling new episode, we journey into the galaxy far, far away... and then we ask, what happened to the ambitious George Lucas-themed land that almost took over Disneyland? Get ready for a deep dive into the LucasPort project ...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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56:58
S3 E2: Genie’s Magical Musical Revue at Epcot (with Michele Schwartz)
Step into the bustling streets of Agrabah and prepare to be amazed! In this week's Idiot's Guide to Imagineering, the Genie takes center stage as Stephen pitches a dazzling new addition to EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion. Joined by Kaity, Mar...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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46:30
S3 E1: Season 3 Premiere: Villains Takeover!
It’s time to descend into the darkness! Your favorite idiots are back, and we’re kicking off the Season 3 premiere of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering with our most wicked ideas yet. Grab your cauldrons and summon your curses, because thi...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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40:07
An Idiotic New Year's Party!
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 ...
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24:29
Micro Magic: How does Walt Disney World Transform for the Holidays?
Join Marissa as she celebrates the holiday magic at Walt Disney World in this festive Micro Magic episode. From secret warehouses filled with over 50,000 holiday decorations to stunning gingerbread displays at the resorts, Marissa take...
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6:20
Magic Makers: Becky Browne Allen, Former Imagineer and Interior Designer
Surprise! We're back with a holiday treat—a special off-season episode of Magic Makers! Meet Becky Browne Allen, a Former Disney Imagineer and accomplished Interior Designer. From her start as a Disney College Program participant at Co...
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55:10
Micro Magic: What the Heck is ‘Nahtazu’?
In this special Micro Magic episode of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Kaity takes us back to 2002, when Disney's Animal Kingdom was struggling to find its footing. Explore how Imagineer Joe Rohde’s vision of a park beyond your average ...
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6:36
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Disney Parks Thanksgiving Roulette
In this Thanksgiving mini-episode, Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa take on a holiday twist with their Disney Parks Thanksgiving Roulette! Join in as they "invite" Disney Parks-exclusive characters—think Figment, Orange Bird, and José from ...
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20:15
Micro Magic: Does Disney Wait 5 Years to Bring International Attractions to the US?
In this Micro Magic episode, Stephen explores Disney's “five-year rule”—the idea that unique attractions at each international park keep them distinct. He discusses how exclusivity agreements, like for Shanghai’s TRON Lightcycle Run and Paris’s...
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4:30
Stephen's Shanghai Disney Resort Rundown
Ni hao! Stephen is back from China with fresh stories and insights from Shanghai Disney Resort! From iconic attractions and exclusive characters to Halloween festivities under a typhoon and memorable moments with family, Stephen shares the high...
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1:14:28
Micro Magic: Did Winnie the Pooh Run for President?
In this special Micro Magic episode, Marissa takes listeners on a quirky journey back to 1972 for Disney’s whimsical “Pooh for President” campaign. Amidst the real-world political turmoil of the 1968 election, Disney decided to throw their most...
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6:07
Micro Magic: Is a Ghost Watching Over Pirates of the Caribbean?
In this spine-tingling Micro Magic episode, Stephen takes us on a chilling journey into one of Disney's most unsettling legends: the ghost of George at Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom. As a former cast member, Stephen shares eerie fir...
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6:21
Idiot's Guide to the Idiots: Marissa
We’re back with another spotlight on one of our favorite Idiots! This time, Marissa takes center stage to reveal her top 7 Disney picks and offers a behind-the-scenes peek into her world, both on and off the show! Tune in and stay ...
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7:16
Micro Magic: What Went Wrong with Disneyland Paris?
In this episode of Micro Magic, Kaity explores the history and challenges of Disneyland Paris, Disney's fourth resort destination, and asks the big question: what went wrong? From cultural resistance and poor location choices to missed expectat...
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7:04
Idiot's Guide to the Idiots: Kaity
We're back with another exciting reintroduction of one of our favorite Idiots! Kaity is spilling the tea on her top 7 Disney picks and giving you an exclusive backstage pass into her world—both on the show and off. Trust us, you won't want to m...
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8:02
