Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary is less than a month away, but that’s not even the biggest news story from Disney. They’ve made several recent announcements that will dramatically change how we experience the parks. Disney Genie+ will replace FastPass Plus with a new paid service using the Lightning Lane.… Read more...

The post 148. Tim Grassey on Disney Genie+, Magic Key, and the Future of Theme Parks appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

It’s been challenging to stay connected with the parks during such an extended time away from them. I haven’t visited Walt Disney World (or any theme park) since late 2019, with no trips currently on the calendar. Even so, we recently discovered a fun solution to this issue after a road trip to Memphis.… Read more...

The post 147. Inside the Walt Disney Archives Exhibition in Memphis appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

We’ve seen major changes in how theme parks function during the past few years, and it’s not just because of the pandemic. In particular, Disney has made significant changes to Walt Disney World that could shift the entire business model. Expected perks are going away, and the arrival of paid FastPass could make a huge impact.… Read more...

The post 146. Theme Park Think Tank with Len Testa appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

Some of my favorite podcasts have been the Imagineering Roundtable shows, which explore a variety of theme park design topics. They’re also so much fun to record! This episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast brings together two of my favorite past guests.… Read more...

The post 145. Imagineering Roundtable with Chris Runco and Don Carson appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

When you think about classic theme park attractions, many are passive experiences. Pirates of the Caribbean, Spaceship Earth, and “it’s a small world” all involve sitting in a vehicle while action happens around you. Interactive experiences have become the norm, and this goes beyond shooting at targets.… Read more...

The post 144. Former Disney Imagineer and Game Designer Scott Rogers appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

Back in the Internet’s early days, even a brief attraction clip was incredible. The chance to see the full experience of Horizons, World of Motion, or other past gems was a pipe dream. We’re spoiled today with virtually everything just a few clicks away.… Read more...

The post 143. Martin Smith on Documenting the Disney Parks at Martin’s Videos appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

In today’s world of immersive lands and high-tech thrills, sitting down for a 3D movie could sound quaint. Back in the mid-’80s, creating even a 17-minute attraction represented the cutting edge of what was possible. Disney Imagineers collaborated with Michael Jackson, George Lucas, and Francis Ford Coppola on Captain EO.… Read more...

The post 142. Rick Rothschild on Captain EO and the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

Marvel has become entrenched in our culture, especially through blockbuster movies. That success might seem obvious now, but it wasn’t a sure thing in 2009 when Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ Iron Man was a huge hit, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe had a long way to go.… Read more...

The post 141. Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Themed Entertainment at Marvel appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

I’ve really enjoyed talking with former Imagineers that worked on attractions that I enjoyed in the ’80s and ’90s. Their stories have made me appreciate those projects even more. Sadly, many of those classic rides and shows are no longer operating at the parks.… Read more...

The post 140. Imagineer Ethan Reed on Animating Roz, Ursula, the Seven Dwarfs, and Mystic Manor appeared first on Tomorrow Society.

It’s been 57 years since the New York World’s Fair opened in 1964, but it still receives a lot of attention today. In particular, Disney’s strong presence makes it a touchstone for history fans. Carousel of Progress, Great Moments with Mr.… Read more...

The post 139. Author Bill Cotter on the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair appeared first on Tomorrow Society.