What to study???

DonaldDuck34

New Member
Original Poster
I'm a senior in high school and I would one day like to become an imagineer. Well the reason i made this post is because I'm not sure what i should study in college to become the type of imagineer I would like to become. I would like to think up the rides. Like come up with ideas for rides and then build the rides that i think up in my head. If any one has any ideas on what I should study in college to achive this goal your help would be greatly appricated.
 

Tim G

Well-Known Member
You'll need one degree in Engineering and at least one in Art... preferably 2 in Art...

And they all have to be masters degrees... :D
 

luvJC4saken

New Member
Actually WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) has a diversity of specialists working in its department. While engineers are a certain necessity and are arguably the backbone of the department, there is a vast diversity of educational backgrounds. Quoting from the book, Walt Disney Imagineering, written by the Imagineers themselves, "... Imagineering is a diverse collection of architects, engineers, artists, support staff members, writers, researchers, custodians, schedulers, estimators, machinists, financiers, model-makers, landscape designers, special effects and lighting designers, sound technicians, producers, carpenters, accountants, and filmmakers--we all have the honor of sharing the same unique title. Here, you will find only Imagineers."

Actually the first Imagineers were people Walt pulled directly from his film production crew. They weren't engineers at all. I highly suggest the book Walt Disney Imagineers. It's such an in depth book and you'll probably discover some task in their workflow you could be passionate about.

Also I would challenge Corrus's claim that they must be Masters degrees. I looked at Disney's career site under the Imagineering category for openings and none of them had this requirement. What IS a requirement is that for whatever position you're applying for, you have to be the best. If it takes you a Masters degree to get to that level, then so be it.
 

DonaldDuck34

New Member
Original Poster
Thank you all for all your help. and i actually do have the book you were refering to. its one of my favorite. So corrus u think i would need one in engineering and 2 in art just to be able to think up rides in my head and design them? I'm not saying ur wrong i'm just asking if like that is wat i would really need. again thank u all for ur help
 

Tim G

Well-Known Member
Actually WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) has a diversity of specialists working in its department. While engineers are a certain necessity and are arguably the backbone of the department, there is a vast diversity of educational backgrounds. Quoting from the book, Walt Disney Imagineering, written by the Imagineers themselves, "... Imagineering is a diverse collection of architects, engineers, artists, support staff members, writers, researchers, custodians, schedulers, estimators, machinists, financiers, model-makers, landscape designers, special effects and lighting designers, sound technicians, producers, carpenters, accountants, and filmmakers--we all have the honor of sharing the same unique title. Here, you will find only Imagineers."

Actually the first Imagineers were people Walt pulled directly from his film production crew. They weren't engineers at all. I highly suggest the book Walt Disney Imagineers. It's such an in depth book and you'll probably discover some task in their workflow you could be passionate about.

Also I would challenge Corrus's claim that they must be Masters degrees. I looked at Disney's career site under the Imagineering category for openings and none of them had this requirement. What IS a requirement is that for whatever position you're applying for, you have to be the best. If it takes you a Masters degree to get to that level, then so be it.

One doesn't apply for Imagineer...

If they are looking for you, they'll find you...
Just apply for a job, some job... any job... in one of the parks...
preferably in Disneyland, CA...

And if one is really is good as he thinks he is, they WILL find you... not the other way around...

In the meanwhile, build a portofolio

All one needs is patience...
 

New2WDW

New Member
Actually WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) has a diversity of specialists working in its department. While engineers are a certain necessity and are arguably the backbone of the department, there is a vast diversity of educational backgrounds. Quoting from the book, Walt Disney Imagineering, written by the Imagineers themselves, "... Imagineering is a diverse collection of architects, engineers, artists, support staff members, writers, researchers, custodians, schedulers, estimators, machinists, financiers, model-makers, landscape designers, special effects and lighting designers, sound technicians, producers, carpenters, accountants, and filmmakers--we all have the honor of sharing the same unique title. Here, you will find only Imagineers."

Actually the first Imagineers were people Walt pulled directly from his film production crew. They weren't engineers at all. I highly suggest the book Walt Disney Imagineers. It's such an in depth book and you'll probably discover some task in their workflow you could be passionate about.

I was thinking the same thing as quoted above! I wish I had known about Disney / Imagineering when I was younger and I would have definetly looked into as you are! All I can say is that you really need to broaden your knowledge of "everything"....seriously...You may major in one aspect needed say Engineering but you need to gain understanding from art, Stage design, architecture, building construction, etc...

Example: if you have a local play group get involved with their set design department to gain the perspective of "show" and "facade". You can pick up all kind of art tips and techniques on the web, etc. Many times the best designers are not engineers but those who are not mentally confined by rules and regulations such as artists. But it does take someone to build the imaginary!
 

DonaldDuck34

New Member
Original Poster
Thank you everyone for your help. So corrus my best bet is to apply at Disneyland CA. BC i really would much rather apply at WDW. Just wondering if it makes a difference.
 

lilclerk

Well-Known Member
Thank you everyone for your help. So corrus my best bet is to apply at Disneyland CA. BC i really would much rather apply at WDW. Just wondering if it makes a difference.

Well Imagineering is stationed in CA, so it probably would be best if you worked in Disneyland.
 

luvJC4saken

New Member
The original office is in Glendale, CA, but there's also an office in Orlando, Fl. And I might be wrong, but I'm thinking the book also mentioned a small one in New York? Am I dreaming that?

Anyway, if you go to https://disney.recruitmax.com//main/careerportal/Job_List.cfm?szSearchType=Advanced, Disney lists current openings in its Imagineering department for which you can apply electronically. Your chances are probably slim this way due to the fact that everyone is applying here. Corrus is probably right that getting to know people who are on the inside is a better bet, and a great way to do that is to work at one of the parks and hopefully getting to know the higher ups.

Again as far as programs, I think the book is your best source. Look at the jobs people are doing. Decide what role fits you and find a program that will best prepare you for that role. Another great source I found on the internet is http://imagineering.themedattractions.com/page1/page1.html

There are links to four essays written specifically about the many ways one can become an Imagineer. As you may expect it's no science. There are literally hundreds of ways people have ended up with WDI. Still it was very insightful reading. Also, if you're in College, know that Disney Imagineering does offer a contest in which the finalists are eligible for an internship. That along with the College Program that offers the opportunity to meet Disney execs who I would imagine could refer you to people in WDI.
 

Tim G

Well-Known Member
The original office is in Glendale, CA, but there's also an office in Orlando, Fl. And I might be wrong, but I'm thinking the book also mentioned a small one in New York? Am I dreaming that?

Anyway, if you go to https://disney.recruitmax.com//main/careerportal/Job_List.cfm?szSearchType=Advanced, Disney lists current openings in its Imagineering department for which you can apply electronically. Your chances are probably slim this way due to the fact that everyone is applying here. Corrus is probably right that getting to know people who are on the inside is a better bet, and a great way to do that is to work at one of the parks and hopefully getting to know the higher ups.

Again as far as programs, I think the book is your best source. Look at the jobs people are doing. Decide what role fits you and find a program that will best prepare you for that role. Another great source I found on the internet is http://imagineering.themedattractions.com/page1/page1.html

There are links to four essays written specifically about the many ways one can become an Imagineer. As you may expect it's no science. There are literally hundreds of ways people have ended up with WDI. Still it was very insightful reading. Also, if you're in College, know that Disney Imagineering does offer a contest in which the finalists are eligible for an internship. That along with the College Program that offers the opportunity to meet Disney execs who I would imagine could refer you to people in WDI.

There's indeed an office in Orlando and NY as well...
But all applications run through Glendale Ca.

BTW... They decide what place you're going to assigned to, not the applicant... it could be anywhere...
Just try to apply for WDW... they'll put you in DL (or anywhere else for that matter)

They decide... get used to it...

WDI has not exactly a CP like you all know...

There are no rules for ways to become an Imagineer...
Again... One should build a portofolio... so you may show them what you accomplished in creativity...

Words are not enough...

One should not hang around on forums too much... One should work... work on the future... Their future...


Life is hard... you'll get the hang of it... one time... :lookaroun
 

DonaldDuck34

New Member
Original Poster
There's indeed an office in Orlando and NY as well...
But all applications run through Glendale Ca.

BTW... They decide what place you're going to assigned to, not the applicant... it could be anywhere...
Just try to apply for WDW... they'll put you in DL (or anywhere else for that matter)

They decide... get used to it...

WDI has not exactly a CP like you all know...

There are no rules for ways to become an Imagineer...
Again... One should build a portofolio... so you may show them what you accomplished in creativity...

Words are not enough...

One should not hang around on forums too much... One should work... work on the future... Their future...


Life is hard... you'll get the hang of it... one time... :lookaroun


Thank you for your help. I actually am doing a humungous project that I need in order to graduate from high school. It's all about Imagineering and what they do 2 build rides and shows and such. So for my project I'm goin 2 design a ride. So i hope that would help my portfolio.
 

coilback

Active Member
Well, I'm currently working on getting my degree in 3D animation and interviewing to get into the college program. The whole point of what I'm doing is to get into Imagineering. Now, I DO have a lot of experience I've built up over the years in entertainment (set design, prop design, professional pyrotechnician, etc). I talked to the recruiter about it and you can get into Imagineering at WDW just as easy as you can through DL. BUT - saying that, you must be prepared that if they DO decide they want you to work at the home office, you'll have to relocate to Glendale. There are TONS of different jobs they do, but I've had one Imagineer tell me it would be good to take at least an animation class or two. A lot of what they do is based on animation so it's good to have at least a basic understanding of it. As a lot of people have said, trying to go straight into it is VERY difficult if not impossible. Disney wants you to "audition" by working in internships and the like. The recruiter told me during the interview that, now, it's hard to even get some of the professional internships without doing the college program first (which is basically an internship too). Disney does most hiring for positions internally and you will have a much better chance of getting something like that when you are working for them in some capacity. Most of this information is straight from the Disney recruiter and CMs. The best thing to do is learn a lot about a lot of different subjects and get EXPERIENCE. Work for plays, haunted houses, etc - anything entertainment that requires construction and design. Don't expect to be able to come in and immediately tell them ideas - you'll have to prove you know what you are doing first. I've got several years under my belt now in several disciplines and it's all from just getting out there and doing stuff. Don't do what a lot of people are doing and think that because you make a great ride with Roller Coaster Tycoon, that Disney will see that as a great Imagineer qualities - no more than if you have a Masters Degree or not. You have to prove yourself with knowledge and experience.
 

Figment571

Member
This is actually helping me as well. I really like history, and writing so I'm trying to figure out what I can do. I am trying to work on my drawing/ artistic skills but seem to have trouble with that. It's very confusing to try to sort through it all.
 

imagine_82

New Member
a former imagineer once told me that in order to be an imagineer, you have to think like an imagineer. i was about 7 at the time, and i replied that imagineers don't think...they dream and it happens. she just grinned & agreed with me!

later, when i was looking at colleges & realizing that i was wired more artistically than technically, she advised me to learn to blend both & dream beyond what you think you know, and beyond anything that is "possible" and that is imagineering in it's broadest sense. if you're more left or right brained, artsy or mechanical, it doesn't matter...anything goes! somehow this led me to scenic design/technical theatre. then you have to network; ask questions, meet people, write letters & emails. i'm no pro at this, really an amateur and admirer, but it's a great way to get information.

imagineers have always been the best of the best. so many people think they should be part of this category & yet aren't. just be passionate about what you love. most of us just keep learning & dreaming & training & wishing...

good luck to you!
 

michael92

New Member
everytime i read the "its too hard to become an imagineer" thing, it just makes me hopeless.. i dont have any "contact" with the disney company, so my only hope would be to enter the imaginations competition
 

coilback

Active Member
everytime i read the "its too hard to become an imagineer" thing, it just makes me hopeless.. i dont have any "contact" with the disney company, so my only hope would be to enter the imaginations competition

Well an Imagineer told me, you can't really "study" to be an Imagineer, you are either born one or not. If you are one, then you'll find the right path to get you there. I've spent several years in entertainment (3 years set design for the largest Haunted House in Dallas, 7 years licensed professional pyrotechnician, 10 years graphic design, 7 years web design, tons of video and sound editing experience, storyboarding, etc etc) and now I'm getting on board the College Program to get my foot in the door. As everyone has said, there are several paths, but anyone who has worked in entertainment can tell you, it's all about networking. A LOT of people think they are cut out to work in entertainment, but it can be some of the hardest work out there. I can't count how many times people think that setting up a professional fireworks show (on a City scale) is easy and then they get out there and don't want to work from 7 am to 3 am on site (not counting pre-season prep work).
 

DonaldDuck34

New Member
Original Poster
Well, I'm currently working on getting my degree in 3D animation and interviewing to get into the college program. The whole point of what I'm doing is to get into Imagineering. Now, I DO have a lot of experience I've built up over the years in entertainment (set design, prop design, professional pyrotechnician, etc). I talked to the recruiter about it and you can get into Imagineering at WDW just as easy as you can through DL. BUT - saying that, you must be prepared that if they DO decide they want you to work at the home office, you'll have to relocate to Glendale. There are TONS of different jobs they do, but I've had one Imagineer tell me it would be good to take at least an animation class or two. A lot of what they do is based on animation so it's good to have at least a basic understanding of it. As a lot of people have said, trying to go straight into it is VERY difficult if not impossible. Disney wants you to "audition" by working in internships and the like. The recruiter told me during the interview that, now, it's hard to even get some of the professional internships without doing the college program first (which is basically an internship too). Disney does most hiring for positions internally and you will have a much better chance of getting something like that when you are working for them in some capacity. Most of this information is straight from the Disney recruiter and CMs. The best thing to do is learn a lot about a lot of different subjects and get EXPERIENCE. Work for plays, haunted houses, etc - anything entertainment that requires construction and design. Don't expect to be able to come in and immediately tell them ideas - you'll have to prove you know what you are doing first. I've got several years under my belt now in several disciplines and it's all from just getting out there and doing stuff. Don't do what a lot of people are doing and think that because you make a great ride with Roller Coaster Tycoon, that Disney will see that as a great Imagineer qualities - no more than if you have a Masters Degree or not. You have to prove yourself with knowledge and experience.

Just so you know i don't even have Roller Coaster Tycoon. So um yea that really doesn't affect me there. I've been desiging rides ever since i was in elementary school. And i plan to do the college program. And i do plan on doin the internships.
 

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