It has been 70 years since Walt Disney envisioned developing Disneyland with a group of expert filmmakers, using their film experience to create a dimensional storytelling.
By Andreina Longoria.
Anaheim, Ca.- December 16 marked the 70th anniversary of Walt Disney forming a group of expert filmmakers to design and develop Disneyland, taking advantage of his film experience to create dimensional narratives. Combining imagination and engineering, these were the first Imagineers. Today, Walt Disney Imagineering continues Walt’s dream of creating immersive experiences that bring people together, not just at Disneyland, but throughout Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, entertainment districts and beyond.
The amount of Disney magic created by generations of Imagineers around the world over the past seven decades is mind-boggling when you step back and reflect on all that is there. President Barbara Bouza shared at D23 Expo, “there’s nothing like working alongside our Imagineers who thrive on doing the impossible.”
It’s so true: One of the best parts of working at Imagineering is the people: they represent over 100 different disciplines with over 500 US patents from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development combined. You can imagine the overwhelming breadth of expert talent that inspires me every day!
“I can’t help but reflect on the many memories I have at Walt Disney Imagineering due to my role in communications and my father being an Imagineer for more than 40 years.”
Walt Disney Imagineering has always led with a brave little spark, and together we share a spirit of optimism. Every day, we take pride in building on our extraordinary legacy of experiential storytelling and pioneering innovation, and this year, we’re excited to celebrate our 70th anniversary! Imagineers around the world celebrated this milestone during internal celebration events in California, Florida, Paris, Germany, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
We recommend watching the video produced by Iwerks & Co., the studio behind “The Imagineering Story” on Disney+, which captures significant moments and milestones from the past seven decades. A huge thank you to all the Imagineers, past and present, for their contributions to this incredible legacy. As Walt would say, “we’re just getting started!”
