.png)
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
S4 E4: Columbia Harbour House Takeover | Plussing a Classic with the Muppets
What happens when a perfectly respectable Magic Kingdom restaurant gets a little… Muppified?
This week, Stephen pitches a small-scale but high-impact plussing project for one of Liberty Square’s most overlooked classics: Columbia Harbour House. No new rides. No massive construction. Just thoughtful storytelling, operational realism, and a whole lot of Muppet chaos.
Set during a post–Revolutionary War celebration, this reimagined Harbour House becomes the unofficial headquarters for the classic Muppets, complete with Statler and Waldorf heckling guests from above, the Swedish Chef wreaking havoc in the kitchen, subtle Haunted Mansion tie-ins upstairs, and even a few streetmosphere surprises outside.
Along the way, the team breaks down what plussing really means, why smaller updates can sometimes matter more than big e-tickets, and how Disney can honor legacy spaces while still evolving them for modern guests, all while filling the MuppetVision-sized hole in the parks.
It’s a love letter to thoughtful Imagineering, classic Muppet mayhem, and the idea that even one restaurant can become a story-rich experience.
Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
