r/Imagineering

There was a smoldering log in one of the attractions that had a unique effect. There was a log with an inner cylinder that rotated inside of an outer “log” cylinder. The outer log cylinder had holes and channels that would allow light and movement from the inner cylinder the show through. The result was a simple but convincing effect that made it look like glowing embers in a smoldering log. I thought it was part of Pirates of the Caribbean, but the last time I went on the ride, all of the smoldering logs were just accomplished with flicker lights. Was this an effect that was discontinued or is in in another attraction that I’m misremembering?

Disney's always been a big inspiration , It's what's gotten me into art but I'm gonna be real I don't want all that student debt haunting me for the next decades of my life on top of hassling careers and keeping myself alive. I know there's financial aids , and scholarships but my I doubt my school track record would get me to qualify for any. I know it really comes down to talent but there's still the reality they see the paper before they ever know your aspirations or who you are as a person.

So has anyone ever come from community college and gotten in , or a lower income background and gotten in and have any advice. I know for certain I want a role in art.

For context I am 27 years old — went to traditional college for two years and then has taken the better part of a decade off of college to pursue Nail Artistry and have loved it but it doesn’t fill my cup like it used to and I know I’ve got 30+ working years left ahead of me. Prior to nails I was in school for graphic design and marketing. I’d like to go back to school and pursue something that will make me desirable ideally in Disney’s corporate or Imagineering world. If you are a current or former Disney Employee in these realms — what would you suggest that I pursue degree-wise to give myself the credits desirable for a potential candidate? I could see myself living in SoCal or even Florida if the opportunity arises to work for The Mouse — my husband is also interested in pursuit of career opportunities at Disney with his architecture experience. Any advice or pointers or school suggestions would be greatly appreciated by this gal! 🙌

I’ve had a dream for as long as I can remember, and I’m curious if anyone here has any advice or knows if it’s even remotely possible.

I don’t necessarily want a job at Disney (although I certainly wouldn’t say no 😄). What I’ve always wanted is the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be an Imagineer—even if it’s just for a single day.

I’m a software engineer by profession, but I’m one of those people who loves learning a little bit of everything. Besides programming, I’m into electronics, networking, woodworking, fabrication, 3D design, automation, and building things just for the challenge. What fascinates me about Imagineering is that it seems to combine so many disciplines—engineering, storytelling, architecture, technology, psychology, art, and creating experiences that make people smile.

My dream isn’t to get VIP access or skip the line. I’d love to sit in on a brainstorming session, see how ideas evolve, learn how different teams collaborate, watch a design review, or even just shadow an Imagineer for a day. I know there are probably NDAs and confidentiality concerns, but even observing the creative process would mean the world to me.

Does Disney ever offer experiences like this through contests, charity auctions, educational programs, networking, or special events? Has anyone here ever had a chance to visit Walt Disney Imagineering or meet Imagineers in a meaningful way?
I realize this is probably a long shot, but I figured if anyone would know, it’d be this community.
Thanks in advance for any advice or stories you can share!

I’ve always been more of a creative person. Storytelling and writing have always been HUGE passions of mine. I thought about becoming an Imagineer regarding mechanical engineering, but ultimately came to the conclusion that storytelling is my calling. I’m just not so sure of how to persue this with Imagineering.

I’m currently enrolled in a community college for a social work degree, but I’m switching to something that will help me down the right path - I’m just unsure of what exactly I need to do it.

If anybody has any advice please share it!!! I’m willing to do anything it takes to reach this goal!

Are there any entry roles in the themed entertainment industry where you are in charge of “Guests enter here, see this, feel this, interact with this, then move toward this.” type things? Almost like guest/story experience design?