This week’s episode is very special, as it was recorded at the home of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, California. I had a very special opportunity and privilege to be invited to Imagineering and the Walt Disney Studios for an secret peek literally behind the curtains at Imagineering, including projects and technologies they are developing for the Disney Parks.
I’ll share not just details from my visit, but my exclusive interview with the lead Imagineers on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Charita Carter and Ted Robleto, for a look at some of the details, secrets, and stories behind the attraction.
Summary
This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at Lou Mongello’s visit to Walt Disney Imagineering and his exclusive interview with Imagineers Charita Carter and Ted Robledo. They discuss the balance between nostalgia and bringing new stories to life in the Disney parks, the importance of innovation while honoring the legacy of Imagineering, and the excitement of introducing new experiences to guests.
They also delve into the details of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, highlighting the extension of Tiana’s story and her entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation showcases the dedication and passion of the Imagineers in creating immersive and magical experiences for Disney fans. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an opportunity to give guests a more multi-dimensional Disney princess experience. The attraction showcases Tiana’s personality traits, her love of cooking, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her connection to her community in New Orleans.
The Imagineers spent time in New Orleans to ensure the attraction authentically represents the diverse culture, music, and stories of the city. The attraction features advanced audio-animatronics, special effects, and an original theme song by PJ Morton. It also introduces new characters that guests can connect with. The attraction offers different experiences during the day and night, capturing the magic and romance of the bayou. The costumes and hair design were meticulously researched to reflect the time period and cultural authenticity. The attraction aims to bring joy, celebration, and a sense of being seen to guests.
This episode also covers:
- Exclusive Insight: Dive into our special interview with leading Imagineers behind the creation of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Charita Carter and Ted Robleto. Discover the magic and innovation shaping this highly anticipated attraction.
- Behind the Scenes: Get an intimate glimpse into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Uncover the unique storytelling elements and meet the characters set to bring the experience to life in a way that’s unlike any other.
- Technological Marvels: Explore the latest breakthroughs in Audio-Animatronics technology, pushing the boundaries of realism and interactivity.
- New Additions from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Encounter the newly introduced Star Wars BDX droids alongside the next-generation figures of Duke Weaselton and Judy Hopps.
- Expansion Insights: Unveil what lies “Beyond Big Thunder Mountain” with updates on the expansion of Magic Kingdom.
- A Fresh Vision for Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Step into the imaginative re-envisioning of Dinoland, featuring the “Tropical Americas” retheming, new Indiana Jones and Encanto attractions, and a surprising Coco carousel.
- Inside the R&D Labs: Join us for an exclusive tour of the R&D labs for a heartfelt and magical revelation from Lou’s “7-year-old fan” perspective.
- Artistic Excellence: Visit the Blaine Gibson sculpting shop for an insider’s look at where Disney’s iconic sculptures come to life.
- Innovative Surfaces: Discover the HoloTile floor in a special segment with Imagineer Lanny Smoot, showcasing the cutting-edge of interactive environments.
- Leadership Vision: Don’t miss the discussion of a very special presentation from Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro as they share an exciting outlook on the “turbo-charging” of Disney Parks and what’s on the horizon.
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Takeaways
- Disney Imagineering is dedicated to bringing new stories and experiences to the Disney parks while honoring the legacy and nostalgia of the past.
- The balance between nostalgia and innovation is important in creating immersive and magical experiences for guests.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure extends Tiana’s story and showcases her entrepreneurial spirit.
- The Imagineers’ passion and dedication to storytelling and creating immersive attractions is evident throughout the conversation. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure offers a more multi-dimensional Disney princess experience
- The attraction authentically represents the diverse culture, music, and stories of New Orleans
- Advanced audio-animatronics, special effects, and an original theme song enhance the experience
- New characters are introduced to create connections with guests
- The attraction offers different experiences during the day and night
- Costumes and hair design reflect the time period and cultural authenticity
- The attraction aims to bring joy, celebration, and a sense of being seen to guests
Sound Bites
Sound Bites
- “Every time we change something out, we win our audiences over.”
- “We’re not just building for an audience or guests today. We’re building for the next generation and the generation after that.”
- “We wanted to take this opportunity to give them more Tiana and just to be able to go a little deeper, if you will, into her personality and those things that our guests love about her.”
- “We’ve really taken advantage of that opportunity to just give our guests a little bit more time with Tiara and you get to see what motivates her and the things that she loves and the things that makes her so special.”
- “She’s just a much more real person… she’s more like us.”
- “This is not just a story of Tiana, but a story of New Orleans itself.”
Timestamped Overview / Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Disneyland’s New Orleans Square
- 02:03 Exclusive Visit to Walt Disney Imagineering
- 03:44 Behind-the-Scenes of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- 08:04 Exploring Walt Disney’s Office and Legacy
- 12:25 A Peek into the Future of Imagineering
- 21:33 The Future of Audio Animatronics and Virtual Reality
- 23:31 The Unveiling of the Lightsaber
- 25:51 Presentation on Park Expansions and Franchises
- 29:14 Peeling Back the Curtain with Imagineering
- 32:00 Looking Forward to D23 and the Future of Disney Parks
- 33:22 Interview with Imagineers Charita Carter and Ted Robledo
- 40:09 A Multi-Dimensional Disney Princess Experience
- 42:03 Authenticity and Representation of New Orleans
- 46:22 Advanced Technology and Immersive Effects
- 48:40 Introducing New Characters
- 51:47 Day and Night Experiences in the Bayou
- 56:04 Costumes and Hair Design Reflecting Authenticity
- 01:05:29 Bringing Joy, Celebration, and Connection
What’s one lesson you learned from Tiana’s journey in “The Princess and the Frog” that you apply in your own life?
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Episode Transcript
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