182. Drew Taylor on Post-Modernist Architecture and Disney's New Aesthetics

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort was designed by Michael Graves and is a perfect example of Disney's post-modern architecture.

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When people think of Disney, the first thought isn’t usually inventive architecture. However, there was a period of time where the company’s buildings showcased cool, original designs. Renowned post-modern architects like Michael Graves and Robert A.M. Stern designed striking places for Disney. Michael Eisner commissioned them for resorts and corporate buildings in the late ’80s and early ’90s. A perfect example is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts, which Graves designed. They still look amazing today more than 30 years after opening.

Writer and podcaster Drew Taylor joins me on the Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about Disney’s history with post-modern architecture. He describes his fascination with this period and memorable structures like the Team Disney Headquarters in Burbank. We talk about Eisner’s bold approach in this period and the differences with the more recent leadership. The aesthetics of the parks and resorts have changed especially in the current era under Bob Chapek.

Drew gives his reactions to the Parks Presentation at the D23 Expo, particularly the strange “blue sky” segment at the end. We discuss where Disney is heading in the next few years and questions about the future. Drew also co-hosts the Light the Fuse Podcast about the Mission Impossible films and more. We cover his recent experience talking with Tom Cruise, and I give my rankings of all the movies in the franchise. I really enjoyed chatting with Drew and digging into Disney’s post-modern architecture.