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Idiot's Guide to Imagineering
Welcome to Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, the podcast where big ideas, thoughtful conversations, and a little bit of chaos come together to explore the past, present, and future of Disney Parks.
Hosted by a team of former Cast Members, lifelong Disney fans, and self-proclaimed "Idiots" (a title we wear proudly), we reimagine Disney Parks with original concepts that blend creativity, storytelling, and real-world practicality. From rides and resorts to restaurants and entire lands, each episode features a fresh pitch designed not just to entertain but to spark meaningful conversations about the art of Imagineering.
But this isn't just a podcast, it's an experience. With immersive audio production and narrative-driven segments, we bring our ideas to life in a way that makes you feel like you're right there in the parks with us.
Our projects serve as the launching pad for deeper discussions about design, innovation, guest experience, and the evolving landscape of themed entertainment. Whether we're unpacking the "why" behind a storytelling choice, or digging into the challenges of park planning, we aim to keep it insightful, approachable, and always a little bit idiotic.
And in our Magic Makers series, we sit down with real creatives from across Disney Parks & Experiences to hear their stories, ideas, and the lessons behind the magic.
Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan, an aspiring Imagineer, or just someone who loves a good story well told, Idiot's Guide to Imagineering is your ticket to park talk that's curious, clever, and always a good time. You might just learn something, too.
Step into the story with us, and let's imagine what comes next.
Follow along on Instagram 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.
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