The Imagineering Story

Watch The Imagineering Story

  • TV-G
  • 2019
  • 1 Season
  • 8.9  (3,325)

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 is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on November 12, 2019.

The Imagineering Story
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Seasons
To Infinity and Beyond
6. To Infinity and Beyond
December 13, 2019
Bob Iger personally shepherds his labor of love, the Shanghai Disney Resort. The Imagineers customize an ambitious new theme park to fit China's culture, a symbol of patience and collaboration. Meanwhile, through innovative technology and immersive placemaking, the beloved pop culture worlds of Avatar, Marvel and Star Wars come to life.
A Carousel of Progress
5. A Carousel of Progress
December 6, 2019
Bob Iger returns Imagineering to the foundation of Disney DNA - quality wins out. He modernizes the formula. By strategically investing in creative content, international expansion and new technology, he empowers the Imagineers to plus the existing parks worldwide, especially the recent ones that fell short of expectations. After a decade, the parks never looked better.
Hit or Miss
4. Hit or Miss
November 29, 2019
After a tragic downturn, Michael Eisner steps back from creative stress and hires business minded managers to fill the void. The pendulum swings from art to commerce. The Imagineers enter an era of austerity. While some projects enjoy enormous success, others are cancelled, and still others, disappoint. The pattern seems irreversible.
The Midas Touch
3. The Midas Touch
November 22, 2019
Michael Eisner and Frank Wells save Imagineering and encourage widespread growth.
What Would Walt Do?
2. What Would Walt Do?
November 15, 2019
After Walt’s death, the Imagineers persevere to fulfill his vision for Florida and expand overseas.
The Happiest Place on Earth
1. The Happiest Place on Earth
November 12, 2019
Walt Disney forms a group of artists and engineers to build his dream concept called Disneyland.
Description
Where to Watch The Imagineering Story
The Imagineering Story is available for streaming on the Disney+ website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Imagineering Story on demand at Disney+.
  • Premiere Date
    November 12, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    8.9  (3,325)