Watch The Imagineering Story

The Imagineering Story is a six-part documentary series on Disney+ that tells the fascinating story of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative and technical team behind some of the world's most beloved theme park attractions. The series is narrated by Angela Bassett and features interviews with current and former Imagineers, rare archival footage, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Disney magic.

The series begins in the 1950s, when Walt Disney first began to dream up Disneyland as a place where families could escape from the real world and immerse themselves in a magical realm of imagination and wonder. From there, the series traces the evolution of Imagineering as it grew from a scrappy band of animators and engineers into a massive, multi-disciplinary organization that spans the globe.

Along the way, viewers meet some of the most important Imagineers, including Rolly Crump, Mary Blair, Herb Ryman, and Joe Rohde, who share their experiences and perspectives on the creative process. We also learn about some of the key innovations that Imagineering has developed over the years, such as Audio-Animatronics, immersive storytelling, and groundbreaking ride technologies.

One of the key themes of the series is the tension between creativity and commerce. Throughout their history, Imagineers have constantly struggled to balance the desire to push the boundaries of what's possible with the need to make money and keep the parks running smoothly. This tension is particularly evident in the story of EPCOT, the experimental prototype community of tomorrow, which was originally envisioned as a futuristic city where people could live and work together in harmony. While EPCOT ultimately became a successful theme park, it fell far short of Walt Disney's original vision, and the Imagineers who worked on the project express a mix of pride and regret over what it became.

The Imagineering Story also explores the global expansion of the Disney parks, from Tokyo Disneyland to Disneyland Paris to Shanghai Disneyland. Each new park presented its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, as Imagineering had to navigate different cultural norms, government regulations, and geographic constraints. For example, the construction of Shanghai Disneyland required massive amounts of soil to be imported to raise the park above the water table, while Disneyland Paris had to contend with protests from French intellectuals who saw the park as an embodiment of American cultural imperialism.

Finally, the series explores the future of Imagineering, including the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence. While the Imagineers of today face a different set of challenges than their predecessors, they are no less committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible and creating immersive, unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.

Overall, The Imagineering Story is a must-watch for Disney fans and anyone interested in the creative process. It's a fascinating deep dive into the history and evolution of one of the world's most innovative and beloved companies, and it will leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for the magic behind the parks.

The Imagineering Story is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between November 12, 2019 and on Disney+