Magic Makers: Kevin Lively, Former Imagineer & Writer

Mt. Fuji is canceled! Well… at least at EPCOT.  We’re zooming into one of EPCOT’s most thrilling unbuilt attractions—the Japan Pavilion’s Mt. Fuji roller coaster. Why was it scrapped? What could have been? And most importantly, how would we bring it back today?Amanda, is here to take on the project with Stephen, bringing a fresh take to this legendary what-if. Meanwhile, Jenny is back for commentary, ready to dissect every twist and turn.  And because we can’t resist, we’re throwing in some K-pop idols along the way—because who wouldn’t want a little extra star power in their theme park experience? (Yes, we know K-pop is Korean, but trust us—there’s a reason it’s making its way into our Japan attraction, and it actually makes sense.)Join Stephen, Kaity, Marissa, Amanda, and Jenny as they explore the ambitious plans for this high-speed, storytelling-infused attraction. From cultural immersion to breathtaking coaster design, this ride had it all—except Disney never built it. But don’t worry, we’ve come up with a brand-new, completely original attraction to take its place, and trust us, you’ll want to grab a Lightning Lane for this one ASAP.Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

From cracking jokes on the Jungle Cruise to crafting the backstories of Disney’s most immersive attractions, Kevin Lively has left his mark on theme park storytelling. As a former Walt Disney Imagineering Show Writer, Kevin helped bring Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the Jungle Cruise refresh, and Zootopia at Shanghai Disneyland to life. He even worked on Muppets Haunted Mansion and played a pivotal role in connecting the Jungle Cruise attraction to its feature film starring Dwayne Johnson.In this episode, we dive into Kevin’s incredible journey—from Best Jungle Cruise Skipper to Imagineer—unpacking his creative process, the balance between authenticity and imagination, and what it was like crafting stories for beloved Disney experiences. Don’t miss this deep dive into the mind of a master storyteller!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

A brand-new adventure awaits in the Magic Kingdom! This week, Stephen takes the lead as we imagine an expansion beyond the berm—introducing New Adventureland: Polynesia! With two breathtaking islands to explore, guests will set sail to Motunui, home of Moana, and step into the lively village of Kokaua from Lilo & Stitch. From high-energy fun to tranquil island escapes, this land brings heart, humor, and a touch of mischief to the park. Plus, we dive into the logistics of this expansion, from themed pathways to seamless transitions under the train tracks. Join us as we design the next great addition to the Magic Kingdom!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

Calling all movie lovers and theme park dreamers! Today, we're rolling out the red carpet for a blockbuster episode filled with silver screen magic, behind-the-scenes secrets, and a brand-new attraction concept that's shaking up Hollywood Studios.Star Wars Launch Bay has overstayed its welcome, and we’re giving it a short-term replacement that finally puts the studios back in Hollywood Studios. That’s right, we’re bringing 20th Century Studios to the forefront with a fresh, nostalgic, and cinematic experience that taps into some of the biggest films of all time. Think museum-worthy props, interactive exhibits, and yes, the chance to see that legendary 20th Century logo in real life.Travel specialist Katrina Parks joins us for some fun commentary and sticks around for a special game, where she steps into the role of Mirabel to decide which suitor is the best fit for an acquisition.This one’s got drama, laughs, and a whole lot of Imagineering magic—so grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s get rolling!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

This week, Kaity takes us into the jungle, where the bare necessities of life come to life in our first Animal Kingdom project of the season! Joined by special guest Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme), the team explores a brand-new Jungle Book-inspired attraction that brings Baloo and the gang to life through augmented reality and "gliding" technology. Will this idea find its perfect home in Asia, or will Kaity face the wrath of Stephen for suggesting a bold new use of Rainforest Café’s space? Tune in for a wild discussion filled with strategic design, Disney history, and maybe a little controversy!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

Get ready to gallop into a world where the thrill of horse racing meets Disney magic! We’re diving into a bold new concept for Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa that captures the excitement of race day in a truly unforgettable dining experience. Picture yourself surrounded by vibrant racing colors, lively sounds of the track, and whimsical nods to Saratoga’s legendary past, all while enjoying a menu crafted to delight both casual fans and seasoned foodies.This week, we’re thrilled to have Kellie Long join the conversation! A longtime friend and former Disney cast member, Kellie brings her unique perspective and infectious energy to the table as we explore every detail of this idea. From immersive theming to creative storytelling, this is a proposal that’s sure to get your heart racing. Get ready, ImaginIdiots—this episode is off to the races! Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

In the first Magic Makers episode of the season, the Idiots sit down with Josh Shipley, a seasoned creative force in the theme park industry. From his early days as a gangster on The Great Movie Ride to over two decades at Walt Disney Imagineering, Josh shares his journey through shaping iconic attractions like Radiator Springs Racers and Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout!. He reflects on transitioning from park operations to Imagineering, balancing classic Disney storytelling with modern IP, and the bittersweet experience of seeing beloved attractions close. Now serving as Creative Director at Universal Creative, Josh offers insights into the limitless possibilities of themed experiences and the future of immersive entertainment.Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

Ever wondered what would happen if Disney’s most iconic attractions collided with unexpected non-Disney worlds? We’re taking you there—and this time, we’re not doing it alone. For our first Crossover Creation Challenge of Season 3, we’ve invited Bryan from Miles from Main Street Podcast to join the chaos!Here’s how it works: Two wheels. One with Disney attractions, the other with non-Disney IPs (think Looney Tunes or Game of Thrones). After spinning to determine our mashup, the clock starts ticking. In just 30 minutes, we’ll brainstorm, develop, and finalize a full concept to retheme the attraction. But it’s not all fun and games—we’ll have to merge worlds, balance storytelling, and make it work in a theme park setting.Get ready for an episode packed with laughs, rapid-fire brainstorming, and unexpected brilliance. And don’t forget to check out this week’s upcoming Magic Makers episode featuring Imagineer Josh Shipley—dropping Thursday!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

In this thrilling new episode, we journey into the galaxy far, far away... and then we ask, what happened to the ambitious George Lucas-themed land that almost took over Disneyland? Get ready for a deep dive into the LucasPort project that never came to be, featuring an immersive Star Wars coaster and other mind-blowing concepts.We’re joined by our guest, Johnny J, a long-time friend and fellow Star Wars superfan, who’ll help us unravel the mysteries behind this canceled expansion. Plus, get ready for some serious Imagineering chatter as Kaity, Marissa, and Stephen explore what could have been: from the Star Wars-themed roller coaster to the unforgettable Alien Encounter and the potential LucasPort.Want to hear more about this forgotten corner of Disneyland's history? Tune in for an unforgettable episode, where we bring a galaxy of imagination back to life. And don’t forget, if you love what we’re doing, drop us a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify!Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!

Step into the bustling streets of Agrabah and prepare to be amazed! In this week's Idiot's Guide to Imagineering, the Genie takes center stage as Stephen pitches a dazzling new addition to EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion. Joined by Kaity, Marissa, and special guest Michele Schwartz (@jetsettingwithmichele), the team dives into a magical musical spectacle that blends Broadway energy, jaw-dropping illusions, and Disney charm—an idea worthy of the lamp itself.Plus, the group shares their deepest, most selfish wishes (Genie rules, of course), and there’s plenty of laughter, insider Imagineering insights, and Disney park strategy to go around. Don’t miss this week's episode—it’s big, bold, and just a little bit “extra AF.”Send us a textDon't forget to check us out on Instagram and our website!