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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
S3 E18: Developing Disney Abu Dhabi
With the announcement of Disney’s first-ever theme park in the Middle East, Imagineering faces a rare opportunity: building a brand-new Disney destination from the ground up. But what does it really mean to design a park for an entirely new audience—one shaped by different cultural norms, expectations, and stories?
In this episode, Stephen takes the lead as Project Manager to explore what Disney Abu Dhabi could become. From blending beloved IP like Aladdin into a culturally respectful and fully immersive Agrabah land, to reimagining how Disney parks can evolve beyond a Western lens, we’re diving into the big questions. Plus, we don’t shy away from the complexities—addressing the valid concerns surrounding labor practices, human rights, and the broader ethical considerations of a project of this scale.
Joined by Amanda and Jenny, the Idiots dig into the stories that might shape this seventh Disney resort, the innovations that could set it apart, and what it means to imagine something completely new in a region just beginning its Disney chapter.
Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
