Theme Park Architect

Research and Development

Pictures from the 60's that show the changing world

EPCOT FUTURE WORLD

The summer started with a trip to Disney World and special consideration toward Walt Disney's pet project and experimental prototype community of Tomorrow (EPCOT), and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover in Magic Kingdom! Our students have actually seen the original concept for this prototype, called Progress City, in the window box! This year's curriculum will dig deep into the history of how Epcot was designed to get an inside look at the future!

Here are a few ways our students will use the history of Epcot and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover to enhance their Imagineer mindset:

Walt Disney's vision for EPCOT was to create a futuristic and utopian city. This can be a great inspiration for students to think about their own ideas for a city of the future. They can explore questions like what would it look like, what kind of technologies it would use, and how it would differ from the cities of today.

EPCOT and the PeopleMover faced many challenges during their development. Students can study these challenges and think about how they would solve them, helping them to develop problem-solving skills that are essential for Imagineers.

Both EPCOT and the PeopleMover were groundbreaking in their time. These examples can inspire students to think about what it means to be truly innovative and come up with new ideas that have not been tried before.

Disney is known for its ability to tell stories through everything they do. Students can think about how EPCOT and the PeopleMover tell a story and how they can use storytelling in their own work.

MAGIC KINGDOM TOMORROWLAND

Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom is a perfect example of creative exploration and innovative design. Here's how it can be used to structure the Imagineer mindset and delve into ride design for our students:

Theming and Storytelling: Each ride in Tomorrowland tells a story and fits into the overall theme of a futuristic utopia. Students can analyze how the story is told through the ride design, queue line, and even the ride itself. This can inspire them to think about the story they want to tell with their own ride design.
Innovation and Technology: Tomorrowland is all about the future, and many of its rides use cutting-edge technology. Students can explore how this technology enhances the ride experience and think about how they could use technology in their own designs.
Guest Experience: A key part of ride design is thinking about the guest experience. Students can study how Tomorrowland rides are designed to be enjoyable, safe, and accessible for all guests. This can help them consider the user experience in their own designs.
Problem-Solving and Adaptation: Tomorrowland has evolved over the years as technology and societal visions of the future have changed. Students can look at how the rides have been updated or replaced over time, which can teach them about problem-solving and the need for adaptation in design.

What things do you think we need in the Future? Make a list of ideas and ways you think they can be accomplished. you can get inspired by Disney Films that share ideas of the future. You can watch all of these on Disney+ or grab on Amazon through the links below.

The Lake Nona

The Lake Nona campus in Florida, where Disney Imagineering plans to relocate some of its operations by 2023, will provide specialized space for Audio-Animatronics and other cutting-edge technologies. This campus will serve as a hub for research and development, offering students the opportunity to work on advanced projects and collaborate with industry professionals.

Research & Development

Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development in California is where Imagineers work on groundbreaking innovations such as robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and more. Students have the chance to be part of cutting-edge research projects and contribute to the development of future theme park technologies.

S.T.E.M. Movie Watch List

Tomorrowland

TRON

Big Hero 6

Avatar

Wall-E

Meet the Robinsons

Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century

Flubber

WALT DISNEY AT THE NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR 1964-1965

1964 World Fair

The 1964 World's Fair, officially known as the "World's Fair of 1964-1965," took place in Flushing Meadows, New York. It featured a wide range of major exhibitors, including IBM, General Electric, Ford, and Bell Telephone. These companies showcased their cutting-edge technologies and innovations to the world. One of the most groundbreaking technologies introduced at the fair was the Picturephone, developed by Bell Telephone. This device allowed users to see and talk to each other in real-time, foreshadowing the future of video communication. Another notable innovation was the IBM Pavilion, which showcased the IBM 360 mainframe computer, revolutionizing data processing and paving the way for modern computing. These innovations reflected the hopes and dreams of the era, with a focus on futuristic technologies that would make life easier and more connected.

1964 World's Fair on Technology

The long-term impact of the 1964 World's Fair on technology cannot be overstated. It served as a catalyst for the development and popularization of many technologies that shape our lives today. The fair showcased advancements in transportation, communication, and computing that laid the foundation for the digital age. The innovations introduced at the fair inspired further research and development in various fields, leading to the creation of technologies such as personal computers, mobile phones, and the internet. The fair also fostered international cooperation and competition, driving countries and companies to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

1964 World's Fair on daily life

Today, we still feel the effects of the 1964 World's Fair in many aspects of our lives. The fair's emphasis on technological progress and innovation set a precedent for future world expos and exhibitions. It highlighted the potential of technology to improve our lives and sparked public interest and enthusiasm for scientific advancements. The technologies introduced at the fair shaped the future of communication and computing, enabling the interconnected world we live in today. The Picturephone, for example, laid the groundwork for video conferencing and paved the way for platforms like Skype and Zoom. The IBM 360 mainframe computer revolutionized data processing, leading to the development of modern computers and the digital revolution. The fair's impact on technology is still evident in our reliance on these advancements and the continuous push for further innovation in the technological realm.

Project-based learning

For the project-based learning component, students can choose a technology introduced at the 1964 World's Fair and delve deeper into its development and impact. They can research the specific technology, its inventors, and its applications in various industries. They can create a presentation, write a report, or even design a model or prototype showcasing the technology. This project will provide students with a hands-on opportunity to understand the historical context of technological advancements and their long-term effects.

1964 World's Fair - Today's Technology

In tying the 1964 World's Fair to today's technology, students can draw connections between the innovations showcased at the fair and the modern technologies we use today. They can highlight how the groundbreaking technologies introduced at the fair paved the way for advancements in transportation, communication, and computing. Students can explore how these innovations have evolved and improved over time, and how they have become integral parts of our daily lives. By making these connections, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of the 1964 World's Fair on shaping the technology-driven world we live in today.

INDUSTRIAL LIGHT AND MAGIC

The Art of Special Effects is all about the combination of art and technology. ITM was founded by George Lucas in 1975 and is responsible for the special effects in most of our favorite films. The Art of Special Effects combines art and technology.

Your coursework on these movies will focus on the following 5 key points:

1. Behind the Scenes: Start by exploring how ILM created the special effects for these films. There are many documentaries and behind-the-scenes features available that show the process. This can help students understand the combination of art and technology that goes into special effects.
2. Analysis and Discussion: Have students watch the films and discuss the special effects. What worked well? What didn't? How did the effects contribute to the story? This can help them develop a critical eye for special effects.
3. Project-Based Learning: Challenge students to create their own special effects! They could use simple at-home materials or digital tools, depending on your resources. This can give them hands-on experience with the art and science of special effects.
4. Career Exploration: Discuss the various careers involved in special effects, from artists to engineers. This can help students see the real-world applications of their STEM skills.
5. Tie-In to Curriculum: Finally, tie the films back to your curriculum. For example, you could discuss the physics of a Star Wars spaceship, the biology of a Jurassic Park dinosaur, or the computer science behind an Avatar animation.

Watch these films and see if you can spot ALL the places where special effects are used. Check out the Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Visual Effects Artist to learn all the tricks of the trade! (In your Coursework).

The cultural and technological climate of the early 1960s

The 1964 World's Fair was a pivotal moment in technological advancement and can serve as a fascinating case study. As a class let's discuss the cultural and technological climate of the early 1960s.

DQ What were the major events happening around the world?

DQ How were these events influencing advancements in technology?

1960's innovation evolution

Let's Discuss:

DQ How have those 1964 innovations evolved?

DQ What modern technologies might we see at a World's Fair today?

Remember, history isn't just about the past. It's also about how the past influences the present and future. By studying events like the 1964 World's Fair, your students can gain a deeper understanding of the technological world they live in today.

Project-Present Day Incorporation

Today Audio-Animatronic technology is developing more and becoming advanced to look even more realistic! As we remember, on April 22, 1964, the World’s Fair laid the stage for this innovative and captivating technology essential for immersive experiences. This technology has allowed theme parks to create lifelike characters, attractions, and shows, bringing to life stories that would otherwise be impossible to tell. It has also revolutionized the entertainment industry, allowing for more realistic films and television shows.

Let's Dive deep:

It's a small world featuring children from 100 different countries around the world and it was the centerpiece of the UNICEF pavilion. The even better thing, if you are a music lover, is that the original song was composed by a Disney Legend, the Sherman Brothers, whose music is recognized around the world.
Walt Disney's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was his personal tribute to Abraham Lincoln, and it featured Abe himself in a similar way to the Abe that you can see now in the Hall of Presidents at Disneyland.
The Carousel of Progress was designed with the intention of encouraging us to live a more convenient life, which we are all in the midst of living right now. This once iconic attraction was situated in Disneyland until 1973 but is now a mainstay of the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland.
In addition to Ford's Magic Skyway, another animatronic masterpiece that appeared at the Fair was the PeopleMover. This is a similar transport system to the PeopleMover today and is used to take guests through a series of scenes using a skyway transportation system. The original exhibit at the World’s Fair featured dinosaurs as well as a trip back in time.

Let's Discuss: Answer this question in the class discussion.

DQ What would you bring to the World’s Fair today?

Now called the World Expo, you can visit the World Expo website for details on how it all works!

STEM Movies by Industrial Light and Magic Watchlist

These film series are filled with special effects. But hopefully, you’re so engrossed in the story you don’t notice them.
Oh, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM)! They've truly revolutionized the world of special effects.

Jurassic Park

Harry Potter

Star Wars

Pirates of the Caribbean

TEST TRACK ENGINEERING CAR DESIGN (Extra Credit Project)

Designing a car is a fantastic project that can really get me engaged in engineering and design! Here are some resources and activities that can help them deepen your understanding:

Car Design Basics: Start with some resources that explain the basics of car design. This could include books, websites, or videos that explain the different parts of a car and their functions. A great book is: How to Design a Car Like a Pro to get you started! A detailed look at everything from how to sketch designs to motoring trends, power, and speed. There are insights from BMW, Porsche, General Motors, as well as other industry leaders.
Engineering Principles: Next, delve into the engineering principles behind car design. This could include independent lessons on aerodynamics, materials science, and mechanical engineering.
Software Tools: There are many software tools available that can help students design their own cars. For example, Autodesk offers free software for students that can be used for 3D modeling.
Real-World Examples: Look at real-world examples of car design. This could include a field trip to a local car manufacturing plant, or a guest speaker from the automotive industry.
Hands-On Projects: Finally, for extra credit take this opportunity to design your own car. This could be a paper-and-pencil design, a 3D model, or even a full-scale prototype! I look forward to your Imagineering!

Resources

Disney Codeillusion

In today's digital age, coding has become an increasingly important skill to have, regardless of one's career path. Even the simplest of jobs now require a basic understanding of computers, making it essential to acquire coding skills to succeed in the future.

As coding is now a fundamental part of most school curriculums, it's crucial to have access to an effective and comprehensive learning program. Disney Codeillusion is a great resource that provides a complete coding program, designed to teach everything from the basics of page design to the intricacies of animation.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a renowned online learning platform that offers a comprehensive course called "Intro to HTML/CSS: Making Webpages." This course is tailored to meet the needs of beginners who are interested in learning how to create web pages. It covers a wide range of topics starting from the basic HTML tags to more advanced CSS styling techniques. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in creating visually appealing and responsive web pages.

Moreover, Khan Academy also offers a course called "Intro to JS: Drawing & Animation," which provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn JavaScript - a powerful programming language used to create interactive webpages.

Disney Creative Strategy

The Disney Method is a creativity technique developed by Robert Dilts in 1994. It is a four-step process that involves using four different thinking styles in a specific sequence to explore a problem, generate innovative ideas, analyze them, and construct a plan of action. Each thinking style has unique attributes that enable individuals to approach the problem from different angles, leading to a deeper understanding of the issue. The Disney Method encourages participants to brainstorm and evaluate ideas in a structured manner, resulting in a comprehensive and well-thought-out action plan.

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