High ranking Imagineers Joe Rohde and Bob Weis expand their roles with Walt Disney Imagineering

[GeneralZod]

I like both guys and they are creatives in a good way. I'm a bit surprised considering their ages and salaries.

It's funny because a MAGICal member asked me recently whether I thought Marvel and Pixar would get their versions of the Star Wars Design Studio at WDI and I said I didn't think so. See, I admit I am wrong at least once a year ...

Fixed that for ya.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

I'm very, very glad to see that Joe and Bob will both be sticking around WDI. I was a little worried for both of them.

That said, I wonder if Marvel is the best use of Joe's talents. Joe seems to excel (and is probably even the best in the business) at design which is culturally accurate and deeply rooted in regional traditions. Marvel, by contrast, tends to stick to its own worlds and is 99% fictional.

Still though, whatever keeps the two around.

Tim Delaney seems like a better fit for Marvel... oh wait...

 

[Mike S]

Hope this means Disney does something more with Marvel than Iron Tours at HKDL and the rumored Rock 'n' Marvelcoaster for DCA/WDS.

 

[radiohost]

I'm betting the area that is now the animation building at Hollywood Studios will be leveled and will become a new area for Marvel attractions.

The area by star tours, muppets and lights motor action will become all Star Wars related.

 

[MarkTwain]

Tim Delaney seems like a better fit for Marvel... oh wait...

Match made in heaven indeed. If only.

 

[WDW1974]

I believe she is commuting and still based in Glendale.

Interesting. I was told she relocated here ... but the way Disney moves people around I guess you never know. She is here a lot, I know that!

 

[WDW1974]

I agree. There is a lot of land left at DAK where Rhode can use his creative genius talent to make it the number one park. ( already is in my book)

I was told that Joe will still be portfolio leader for DAK. But we shall see ... I'm guessing if Joe and Bob (and their very high six figure salaries and seven figure benefits packages) are remaining that Tom Fitzgerald and Eric Jacobson must be feeling very, very nervous right now.

 

[WDW1974]

So what happens to Joe Lanzisero?

Did you not hear about all the new stuff coming to TDR in the next five years?

And then there are the new DCL ships.

In other words, Joe's gonna be plenty busy.

 

[WDW1974]

Do NOT want Marvel in DAK, though... Avatar is thematically damaging as it is.

Marvel isn't coming to DAK. Very likely it isn't coming anywhere near WDW because very little can be used there (please, no more inane discussions on what Disney can do because it can do almost nothing in FL due to UNI's etched in stone contractual rights).

Much like Scott Trowbridge is working on Star Wars projects for Disney parks around the globe. Rohde will do likewise with Marvel. And it is 100% positively coming to DLR and DLP near term.

 

[WDW1974]

Everyone at exec level is based in Glendale, but Kathy is living in FL as the lead for WDI in Orlando.

Thanks. I thought that was the case. They seemed to make a big deal of it at the time!

 

[WDW1974]

Fixed that for ya.

I'll let my record speak for itself, General. But I love you too!

 

[wdwmagic]

I was told that Joe will still be portfolio leader for DAK. But we shall see ... I'm guessing if Joe and Bob (and their very high six figure salaries and seven figure benefits packages) are remaining that Tom Fitzgerald and Eric Jacobson must be feeling very, very nervous right now.

Yes Joe is remaining on DAK, marvel is in addition to that.

 

[jt04]

It's been stated several times (Over a few different threads) that GotG is safe to use at WDW.

I wouldn't sell Ant Man short. There's a buzz building.

 

[HMF]

So basically the new structure of WDI involves different creative Leads for each BRAND rather than for each park/resort.

 

[dstrawn9889]

I wouldn't sell Ant Man short. There's a buzz building.

LOL, buzz GEDDIT?

 

[Figments Friend]

While i have very little interest in Marvel and what that may eventually turn into at the various Parks, i am pleased that Joe and Bob have been given this opportunity to keep projects flowing their way.

Anyone with any connection to WDI is well aware of how crucial it is to be constantly working on something or you risk losing your role.
Putting these two in charge of areas the Company is currently most interested in pursuing gives them a ample opportunity to stay actively busy for the next few years for sure.

I am glad these two remaining long timers are being given this, although a part of me is saddened by the direction of focus *today*s Disney* is driving them towards.
Times change, yes, but i cannot help but feel a twinge of longing for a return to focusing on original and unique experiences instead of *synergized* shenanigans.

 

[KCheatle]

Yes - I like getting little pieces of the puzzle. And, we can take this little nugget and try and fit it somewhere in the puzzle. But, I am so ready to see the front of the "puzzle box" to see what it is we are actually going to get in the end here at DL and WDW. I am going to be so so so disappointed if a big announcement isn't made at D23.

 

[Mike S]

While i have very little interest in Marvel and what that may eventually turn into at the various Parks, i am pleased that Joe and Bob have been given this opportunity to keep projects flowing their way.

Anyone with any connection to WDI is well aware of how crucial it is to be constantly working on something or you risk losing your role.
Putting these two in charge of areas the Company is currently most interested in pursuing gives them a ample opportunity to stay actively busy for the next few years for sure.

I am glad these two remaining long timers are being given this, although a part of me is saddened by the direction of focus *today*s Disney* is driving them towards.
Times change, yes, but i cannot help but feel a twinge of longing for a return to focusing on original and unique experiences instead of *synergized* shenanigans.

 

[Figments Friend]

View attachment 100474

Ah, this looks familiar.

I remember sharing this back a couple of years ago when Tony changed roles.
Thanks for the memories.
The image pretty much sums up the point i was touching on above.

 

[George]

Sorry about that. As much as I would like to see Marvel in WDW I think we shall have to set our gaze west for our super hero experience (unless Disney is smart and includes an Incredibles experience in the DHS reboot).

How long do I have to keep gazing? The sun is setting and my eyeballs are starting to burn.