So You Want To Be a Disney Imagineer? Read This First!

Ever wondered who’s responsible for creating the incredible magic at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney parks around the globe? Behind every awe-inspiring attraction, every meticulously designed land, and every hidden Mickey is a group of innovative individuals known as Walt Disney Imagineers. These dreamers are the magic-makers, combining creativity, technology, and storytelling to bring Disney parks to life.

For many guests, the work of Imagineering remains a mystery—something magical that happens behind the scenes, best left unseen. But for others, especially Disney superfans, Imagineering is more than just a fascinating behind-the-scenes process—it’s a calling. Some Disney lovers dream not only of experiencing the parks but also of being part of the team that designs them. Legends like John Hench and Mary Blair and modern icons like Tony Baxter and Joe Rohde inspire them. If you’re one of those dreamers aspiring to become an Imagineer, you’ve come to the right place.

While there’s no single pathway to becoming a Disney Imagineer, the good news is that there are valuable insights from those who have already made the journey. Current and former Imagineers have shared advice in books, interviews, and more, offering aspiring Imagineers the guidance they need to pursue their own dreams of joining Disney’s creative elite.

Ready to take the first step? Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly Is an Imagineer?

Before diving into the advice, it’s important to understand what Disney Imagineering is all about. Imagineering combines “imagination” and “engineering” to create a multidisciplinary approach to designing and building Disney’s theme parks and experiences. Imagineers work in various fields, including art, architecture, engineering, storytelling, and even psychology, to create immersive worlds for guests to enjoy. It’s not just about making rides—it’s about creating entire experiences that transport you to another time, place, or universe.

Becoming an Imagineer isn’t just about having technical skills—it’s about having a passion for storytelling, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Now that we know what Imagineers do, let’s explore how you can start your journey toward becoming one!

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Be Curious and Never Stop Learning: Advice from Marty Sklar

Marty Sklar, a former president of Imagineering and Disney Legend, once said that Imagineering isn’t about your resume—it’s about your heart and mind. He believed that becoming an Imagineer wasn’t about attending the most prestigious schools or having the highest GPA, but rather about having passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

In his book, One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and the Road to Imagineering, Sklar emphasized the importance of maintaining a spirit of curiosity. He advised aspiring Imagineers to always be open to new ideas and to pursue learning both inside and outside their chosen field. Imagineers often have to wear multiple hats, so being a generalist who can think creatively in various disciplines is an asset.

Tip for Aspiring Imagineers: Stay curious! Whether you’re interested in art, engineering, or writing, always be open to learning new skills. Imagineering is all about collaboration, so knowing a little bit about everything can help you become a valuable asset to the team.

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Don’t Let Naysayers Hold You Back: Words of Wisdom from Margaret Kerrison

If you dream of becoming an Imagineer, there’s a chance someone will tell you that it’s unrealistic or that you should pursue a “safer” career path. But according to Margaret Kerrison, a Disney Show Writer and Managing Story Editor, you should never let the doubters stop you. Kerrison, who worked on the development of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, believes that passion, persistence, and hard work are the keys to success.

In her book, Immersive Storytelling for Real and Imagined Worlds, Kerrison shared how important it is to follow your dreams with everything you’ve got. “Don’t let anyone tell you that this dream is impossible,” she writes. “You have to make sure you want it—like really, really want it.”

Tip for Aspiring Imagineers: Stay determined, and don’t give up on your dream. It’s not just about being the most talented person in the room—it’s about working hard, being passionate, and never giving up.

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Learn From the Best: Study the Greats Like John Hench and Marc Davis

If you’re serious about becoming an Imagineer, it’s important to study those who came before you. Imagineering icons like John Hench and Marc Davis were instrumental in shaping the design and storytelling of Disney parks. Both had backgrounds in art and animation but became key figures in developing the immersive environments we love today.

In his book Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show, Hench talked about how Disney parks are designed with time and space in mind. He explained that every structure, landscape, and attraction is crafted to communicate a story to guests as they move through the parks. Similarly, Marc Davis—one of Disney’s “Nine Old Men” and a legendary Imagineer—often advised young designers to keep the ideas flowing, even if they’re not perfect at first. According to Davis, the creative process is all about experimenting, making mistakes, and learning from them.

Tip for Aspiring Imagineers: Study the work of legendary Imagineers like John Hench and Marc Davis. Analyze how they approached storytelling through design, and apply those lessons to your own creative process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how the best ideas come to life!

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Master Collaboration: Bob Weis’s Secret to Success

Bob Weis, former President of Imagineering, believes that collaboration is at the heart of what makes Imagineering so successful. In a fast-paced, creative environment like Disney, being able to work well with others is crucial. Imagineering teams are made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, from artists to engineers to writers. According to Weis, the best way to succeed is to learn from those around you.

Weis once said, “Imagineering is like a compact university. It’s filled with interesting people and strange departments. The more you can learn about all of them, the more you have a chance to innovate and excel.”

Tip for Aspiring Imagineers: Collaborate and learn from your peers. Don’t just focus on your own area of expertise—branch out and understand how other disciplines contribute to the bigger picture. This will make you a more versatile and valuable team member.

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Persistence Pays Off: Follow Your Passion

There’s no denying that becoming an Imagineer is a challenging journey. It takes time, dedication, and often, a bit of luck. But if there’s one thing that current and former Imagineers agree on, it’s that persistence pays off. From starting small to working your way up, many Imagineers didn’t land their dream job overnight.

Marty Sklar, Margaret Kerrison, and countless other Imagineers started in different roles at Disney before joining the Imagineering team. Whether it’s working in the parks, interning at Disney, or pursuing creative projects on your own, every step gets you closer to your goal.

Tip for Aspiring Imagineers: Be persistent. Even if you don’t land an Imagineering job right away, there are many paths that can lead you there. Stay focused on your goal, work hard, and take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.

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Final Thoughts: Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Imagineer?

Becoming a Disney Imagineer is no small feat, but with passion, hard work, and a willingness to learn, it’s possible to make that dream come true. From collaborating with others to honing your storytelling and design skills, every Imagineer’s journey is unique. So, keep dreaming, keep creating, and one day, you might be the one turning dreams into reality at Walt Disney Imagineering!

Do you have what it takes to be a Disney Imagineer? Share your dream in the comments below, and let’s keep the magic alive!