Tips for Success
Below are resources as well as advice from previous participants and judges.
Story, Story, Story!
Everything at Walt Disney Imagineering is about telling stories. The technology, architecture, costumes, transportation, and attractions all support the story. You have to begin with a great story before you develop anything else. When we refer to story it doesn’t always have to be a “fairy tale,” story can also be intent behind design.
Understand Our Business
Know what we do, what we do not do, and how we do it. Know your technology and think through what the Guest will experience. Understand what makes Walt Disney Imagineering the leader in immersive family entertainment.
Do Your Homework
Do the research to properly inform your design choices and give it the proper credibility the story and any historical or other references required.
Showcase Your Talent
Showcase what you can do in the medium of your special discipline, such as plots, drawings, schematics, script, etc. As you develop your project, think of all of the categories the judges are reviewing. Be creative and innovative.
If you do not feel as if you can hit all the judging criteria with excellence, get a teammate who complements your skill set. Presentations that showcase diversity and excellence of skills tend to do very well.
Check Your Work for Spelling, Grammar, and Neatness
Attention to detail is very important. Please make sure your submission is free from spelling and grammatical errors. Do not let this diminish your team’s chance to move forward in the competition.
Understand the Judging Process
The preliminary and semifinal judging phases are solely based on your project submission. Teams that do not meet the project submission guidelines in their entirety will be automatically disqualified. For the final competition, teams will be judged on their live presentation at Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters.
Write a Great Resume
Showcase your talent and relevant experience. Your resume is your opportunity for hiring managers to learn about your experience, skills and talents. Include a clickable link to your portfolio and your linkedin profile on your resume. Let your resume show us why you would make a great Imagineer!
Other Opportunities
If you do not qualify for this particular program, we offer internships through other programs. For more information go to the Internships page.
Have Fun!
If this project is not fun for you, then you are doing something wrong. Hard work can be great fun if you rise to the challenge and really love the work you are doing.
Additional Questions
We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have, absent sharing any proprietary information. Reach out; we’ll do our best to answer your questions. E-mail us at wdi.imaginations@disney.com.
Books & Online Resources
Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look At Making the Magic Real
by the Imagineers
Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look At Making MORE Magic Real
by the Imagineers
Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show
by John Hench
Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance
by Karal Ann Marling
The Imagineering Way: Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity
by the Imagineers
The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles
by the Imagineers, compiled by Peggy Van Pelt
Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park
by Jeff Kurtti
The Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
by the Imagineers
The Making of Hong Kong Disneyland: Magic at Work
by Melody Malmberg
Disney Online (for insight and research purposes)
www.disney.com
Disney Parks (YouTube)
www.youtube.com/disneyparks
Disney Parks Blog
disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
Series of articles celebrating “Where Dreams Come True” initiative and the history of Walt Disney Imagineering:
www.variety.com