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.
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
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 Imagineering, Josh shares his journey through shaping iconic attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!. He reflects on transitioning from park operations to Imagineering, balancing classic Disney storytelling with modern IP, and the bittersweet experience of seeing beloved attractions close. Now serving as Creative Director at Universal Creative, Josh offers insights into the limitless possibilities of themed experiences and the future of immersive entertainment.
