No but I'd argue Joe was certainly more to TWDC than Morris. Don't get me wrong Morris is fantastic but outside of places like this message board people don't know who he was. Joe is also one that likes to chase adventure and new things. He does a lot of his own work outside of Disney whether it be conservation or art.
February.
Joe always did seemed to be too good to be true for WDI. Meaning, too much of a philosophizing artist to work for a penny-vacuuming marketing machine like Disney. The time seems right.
Tony Baxter was also a character in himself. He created 5 of the most beloved post-Golden Age attractions. He’s inarguably the most well known Imagineer to be hired after Walt’s passing. And yet, he was cast aside, like an old glove.
For sure. I think in this age of Disney with social media especially Rohde grew to a popularity higher than Baxter has/had.Tony Baxter was also a character in himself. He created 5 of the most beloved post-Golden Age attractions. He’s inarguably the most well known Imagineer to be hired after Walt’s passing. And yet, he was cast aside, like an old glove.
The celebrity Imagineer is a dying breed. Joe was one of the last few. The next big name might not get the same good grace Joe did with the “retirement”. If the fans don’t know who they are, they’re easier to get rid of.
I’m not so sure about that. People still talk about Baxter like he’s a “Walt Disney” type of figure.
People here and on other message boards do for sure but outside of that I don't see or hear much about Baxter. I think Joe's presence not only at fan events but also social media makes him a more recognizable figure. If Baxter had those things in his prime he likely would be where Rohde is today if not much more. Its just about the eras in this instance. Both incredible individuals.
And the rest of AK and Aulani amongst other things...
