News Bruce Vaughn Returns to Disney as Co-Lead of Walt Disney Imagineering

[Tha Realest]

If anything this is a perception move. They've structured this just like WDAS and Pixar, where an independent CCO has responsibility for creative staff (and nominally some green light authority over projects).

Iger wanted to send the message that the creatives are back in charge, in all aspects of the company. I suspect this is timed deliberately to coincide with his appearance at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference.

I also think that while Disney has revenue and debt issues on the DMED side, the market will look favorably on Capex investment in DPEP (the opposite of 10-15 years ago). It's clear the return is there.

I don’t disagree. But they ostensibly had a “creative” in the head position already. Why the change?

 

[castlecake2.0]

Remember when I said numerous large-scale projects were coming to WDW?

I’m curious because you seemed happy when he left originally, is this a good change?

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

He'd foster a ton of goodwill by canning park reservations for resort guests - not that is on-topic but it would be helpful.

1. They don’t want to give that up
2. It’s probably impossible numbers wise

 

[drnilescrane]

But they ostensibly had a “creative” in the head position already. Why the change?

From Gensler?

They wanted somebody the troops would follow.

 

[tanc]

Does this potentially mean that all the generic strip mall stores might have more creativity? Still can't believe what World of Disney or the Mouse Gear became.

 

[ptaylor]

Is this a sign that the new hire Bouza isn't working out? Would be interesting to know who was the driving force behind this.

 

[Tha Realest]

Maybe this will help end the generic third party remodeling/ruining of Disney resort hotel venues?

Thankfully they won’t have broken ground on the GF lobby refurb by 3/20, and sanity seems to have prevailed on the modest touches to the Boardwalk lobby.

There’s still hope! Probably too late for Poly and Disneyland DVC towers

 

[Smiley/OCD]

Just throwing it out there…MAYBE they’re not completely happy with Tiana???

 

[Tha Realest]

Is this a sign that the new hire Bouza isn't working out? Would be interesting to know who was the driving force behind this.

FWIW, Bouza was a Chapek-era hire - June 2020 - after Iger resigned. And many of Chapek’s people haven’t fared well.

 

[wdwmagic]

An interesting thread from 2013 featuring Bruce Vaughn.

Bruce Vaughn @ D23 on Universal Creative, Original rides, etc.

I thought this was an interesting video with Vaughn and Sklar from Imagineering. First half is really just talking about the usual stuff but then it gets to a Q&A session where Disney fans and lifestylers got to ask the hard questions tahts worth a listen: Q&A starts at around the 40 minute mark

forums.wdwmagic.com

 

[wdwmagic]

Just throwing it out there…MAYBE they’re not completely happy with Tiana???

Well that one is locked in at this point.

 

[neo999955]

I don’t disagree. But they ostensibly had a “creative” in the head position already. Why the change?

One hopeful reason is they're about to undertake massive projects over the next decade and need more support.

 

[RSoxNo1]

I have not been a fan of Bruce Vaughn. I'd put him in the Chris Beatty mold, but at least Beatty understands art direction. I'm not really sure what Vaughn's skill set is.

 

[RSoxNo1]

An interesting thread from 2013 featuring Bruce Vaughn.

Bruce Vaughn @ D23 on Universal Creative, Original rides, etc.

I thought this was an interesting video with Vaughn and Sklar from Imagineering. First half is really just talking about the usual stuff but then it gets to a Q&A session where Disney fans and lifestylers got to ask the hard questions tahts worth a listen: Q&A starts at around the 40 minute mark

forums.wdwmagic.com

I wrote this in 2015:

I fear for today’s Imagineers who are led by guys like Bruce Vaughn. At the 2013 D23 Expo, he was asked about the advancements being made by Universal Creative and his response was, “Bring it on!” I fear he’s just as delusional as the executives living quarter to quarter.

Tim Grassey - Addicted To The Easy Money

On June 18th 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter changed the way that people think about theme parks. J.K. Rowling created a world that was all encompassing and Universal Creative reproduced it as an

www.micechat.com

 

[ptaylor]

I have not been a fan of Bruce Vaughn. I'd put him in the Chris Beatty mold, but at least Beatty understands art direction. I'm not really sure what Vaughn's skill set is.

Agreed, and I would say the same about Zach Riddley.

When we look back at the great Imagineers, they all have very clear credits to their name. But the recent crop, with the exception of Joe, don't seem to have that. Maybe to be at the top of WDI you don't have to actually do any Imagineering. More a project management role?

 

[ToTBellHop]

I’m curious because you seemed happy when he left originally, is this a good change?

He’s pretty inauthentic but I appreciate the move away from Chapek’s insistence that creatives are unnecessary. Bringing a highly paid one back is a good message.

At least he’s a veteran. They’ve lost a lot of knowledge base the last few years. I bet he understands succulents aren’t theming, at least. Low bar, I know.

 

[bcoachable]

I’m looking at it like this- someone who would be termed as a “creative” was just brought back on board… during a period when the company is trying to cut budgets- this hasn’t happened in a long time- this is a good thing.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

Well that one is locked in at this point.

The change is locked, but maybe they feel some imagineering assistance is needed…

 

[el_super]

Maybe this will help end the generic third party remodeling/ruining of Disney resort hotel venues?

Maybe? I think some of those are being driven by market factors. There is a big push for modern/sleek in the hotel space and Disney cant seem to figure out theme+modern look. It's more difficult than it sounds.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

They’re in financial malaise…and it’s not exactly looking better in the forecasts

…that isn’t good math for “a lot coming”

Love the optimism though.

The next month is gonna be a lot of tactical maneuvering as Bob tries to keep his hide intact

Some folks can’t get it through their heads that Burbank sees the parks as ATMs to fund their pet projects, like the DtC push. Especially with ESPN throwing off less cash than it used to.