The Themed Attraction Podcast

Join us at IAAPA Expo 2024 in Orlando for live events at the Storyland Studios booth #1073!

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Thursday, Nov. 21

Meet and greet with us and our guests each day—see you there!

Our guests this episode are collaborators on the new book How Does Disney Do That?: How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters, James Warda and Theron Skees.

Many books cover Disney, but James Warda and former Imagineering executive Theron Skees take a unique approach: exploring “why” and “how” Disney creates such powerful, emotional connections. Through conversations with former Imagineers, cast members, and fans, James uncovers patterns behind our love for Disney—and insights we can bring to our own lives. The journey is fun, sometimes whimsical, and always meaningful, enhanced by Theron’s insider perspective from leading iconic projects like Disney Springs and Disney cruise ships. With a foreword by Disney Legend Joe Rohde, the book also supports Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, FL.

Looking to grab your own copy of How Does Disney Do That? Here’s how:

Share your stories! James & Theron would love to hear your Disney experiences. Submit your stories through our website or join the conversation in our social groups:

Support a great cause! A portion of the book’s proceeds supports Give Kids The World Village® in Kissimmee, FL. Learn more about this wonderful organization at GKTW.org.

Connect with James Warda on LinkedIn.

Connect with Theron Skees on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

Our guest is Architect and Theme Park Master Planner, Kevin Blakeney.

In this episode, we’ve invited master planner and landscape architect, Kevin Blakeney to join us. Kevin’s been on the frontlines of planning and area development for the top themed attraction lands people are talking about today. We’re talking about Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Toy Story Land, Galaxy’s Edge, Universal’s Beijing Resort, and fresh off the presses, Epic Universe.

He also happens to be the Director of Master Planning at Storyland Studios and it’s truly an honor to have him on board.

Connect with Kevin around all things theme park design on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

Our guest is Theme Park Developer, DeLisa Guerrier.

With her husband Elde, DeLisa Guerrier personally oversees commercial, residential, and industrial developments in and around Nashville, with a focus on investing in emerging neighborhoods. She’s also dedicated to children’s causes and is a key player in Nashville’s philanthropic circles. And in the spirit of Walt Disney, she’s building her own dream land to make others’ dreams a reality – Storyville Gardens.

So light up those earbuds and get ready to feel the momentum in the Themed Attraction Podcast interview with DeLisa Guerrier.

Connect with DeLisa at StoryvilleGardens.com or follow her on Instagram @delisaguerrier, or shake hands with her on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

There’s no shortage of big ideas when you’re with our guest today, Creative Executive Jason McManus. Jason’s journey has taken him around the world from Disney’s magic factory to the themed entertainment frontier of the Middle East bringing the seeds of ideas to fruition in some of the most innovative projects we can think of.

So grab your favorite beverage and get ready for Themed Attraction Podcast interview with Jason McManus.

Connect with Jason McManus at ThinkwellGroup.com and on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

Today, we’re focusing on “designing with purpose” with my friend and mentor, Anthony Esparza.

Anthony is an expert in creating unforgettable guest experiences. With a career spanning SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and more, he’s known for infusing every project with purpose.

Join us for our second interview with Anthony as we explore his vast expertise in attractions, resorts, live entertainment, and media.

Connect with Anthony at EsparzaHQ.com or on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the project management realm.

Our guest today is Jeff Burton, a former WED Enterprises Imagineer who has played a pivotal role in some of the most renowned attractions worldwide, such as Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Sea World. Jeff, a second-generation Imagineer, is celebrated for his contributions in shaping the landscape of family entertainment and the global attractions industry that we are privileged to engage with today.

He honed his craft under the mentorship of one of the industry’s legends, John Hench.

For more of Jeff’s story, watch his panel with themed entertainment students on YouTube.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

Our guest is Dark Ride master designer, John Wood of Sally Dark Rides.

John is truly a pioneer and innovator in the theme park industry, and most specifically in the design, development and execution of some of the world’s most iconic dark rides. John co-founded Sally Dark Rides 45 years ago to turn his clients dreams into rideable realities, with thrilling adventures, IP branded attractions, and unique storytelling experiences worldwide.

Connect with John Wood at SallyDarkRides.com and on LinkedIn.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!

In this mini-episode, Freddy announces the Storyland Studios Design Challenge for 2024.

In partnership with Gensler, Storyland is offering a $25k grand prize to the individual or team that presents the winning attraction design concept.

Go to designchallenge.storylandstudios.com for more information.

Our guest is show control engineer, Linda Alcorn.

Linda is a groundbreaking Theme Park show control engineer with over 40 years of experience bringing some of our favorite experiences to life. Linda, the first female electronic engineer at WED, played a pivotal role in shaping iconic projects like EPCOT and pavilions in Canada, France, and China. Her journey continued at Disney Studio in Burbank, supporting EXPO ’86 projects, and later contributing to the initial design and installation teams of Disney-MGM Studios, Euro Disney, and Animal Kingdom. She was named a TEA Master in 2020.

Show hosts: Mel McGowan & Freddy Martin

Show design & production: Barry R. Hill

Theme music composed by Rob Watson, closing music by the Lost Dogs.

Give us a shoutout on iTunes; we love the attention, and browse www.themedattraction.com for even more on the attractions industry. Thanks for listening!