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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.
Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
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 Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Jungle Cruise refresh, and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland to life. He even worked on Muppets Haunted Mansion and played a pivotal role in connecting the Jungle Cruise attraction to its feature film starring Dwayne Johnson.
In this episode, we dive into Kevin’s incredible journey—from Best Jungle Cruise Skipper to Imagineer—unpacking his creative process, the balance between authenticity and imagination, and what it was like crafting stories for beloved Disney experiences. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of a master storyteller!