Disney Opens Doors For Theme Park Designers of Tomorrow

GLENDALE, CA — Walt Disney Imagineering has opened entry for its 20th ImagiNations competition, in which students from American universities and colleges can enter their designs for a uniquely diverse and creative Walt Disney theme park experience, while keeping in mind the desires and expectations of future guests.

ImagiNations is an annual program designed and sponsored by Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative arm of all Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide, which allows participants to showcase their talents and gain practical knowledge in design from leaders in immersive storytelling and themed entertainment.

The finalist teams are awarded five-day all-expense-paid trips to Imagineering in Glendale, where they will present their projects to Imagineering executives, meet and network with technical and creative Imagineers, go behind the scenes of where Disney magic is created, and interview for paid internships. A position at Walt Disney Imagineering is often found on surveys of “dream occupations,” and the company uses ImagiNations as a way to reach out to the widest possible talent pool for its future. The top three placed teams will be awarded cash prizes with the first place team receiving $3,000. An additional $1,000 grant will be awarded to the first place team, to be equally divided among its sponsoring universities and/or organizations.

Applications must be postmarked by March 4. Information and application forms are available at www.disney.go.com/disneycareers/imaginations.

The judges apply the same criteria to the entries as they would to their own work - beginning with the ability to tell a compelling and engaging story with a comprehensive knowledge and passion for the Disney brand, and then reviewing whether the concept is appealing, exciting, relevant and well researched; whether it provides an engaging guest experience; the technical and creative innovation; the quality of the presentation; and the ability of the attraction to demonstrate respect and inclusion for the diverse array of families who visit Walt Disney parks and resorts all over the world. The judges also take note of the individual team member’s skill sets in their areas of expertise, and member’s ability to collaborate as a team.

The competition is seeking college students from the United States that are Juniors, Seniors, or full-time Graduate students, or within one year after graduation, enrolled in Architecture, Arts, Animation, Computer Science, Construction/Project Management, Creative Writing, Engineering, Game Design, Graphics/ Communications Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interactive Media Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Media Production (Digital, TV, Film), Theater Design and Production.

Last year, the concepts presented by the entrants - from schools all over the country - covered a wide range of concepts and topics, from a highly interactive museum inspired by the film “Wall-E” and set one thousand years in the future; to a thrill ride capturing key moments from “The Lion King” that combines the elements of a roller coaster with the elements of a “dark ride;” an Adventureland attraction utilizing the latest in trackless technology for a uniquely customized experience; an action/adventure ride in which guests are taken prisoner inside an elaborate computer system resulting in a high speed chase; an immersive 360º ride experience based on Disney’s “Tarzan” animated movie; to an ecologically conscious deluxe resort inspired by “The Little Mermaid” and featuring six themed interactive pools.

Walt Disney Imagineering
Walt Disney Imagineering is the unique innovative organization that creates - from concept through construction - all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments, and regional entertainment venues worldwide. The name Imagineering combines imagination with engineering.

Contacts:
  • John Breckow, Frank Reifsnyder - Walt Disney Imagineering, (818) 544-2142
  • Tim Choy, Peter Goldman, John Olchak - Davidson and Choy Publicity, (323) 954-7510

The projects and concepts presented are not necessarily intended to be built by Disney - they are a way for the entrants to demonstrate their skill and creative abilities. In consideration for the opportunities provided by Imagineering, submissions become the sole property of Walt Disney Imagineering and Imagineering retains all rights to use and/or display the submissions and the materials contained in them.