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I’ve really enjoyed talking with former Imagineers that worked on attractions that I enjoyed in the ’80s and ’90s. Their stories have made me appreciate those projects even more. Sadly, many of those classic rides and shows are no longer operating at the parks. It’s also great to learn more about recent attractions that are still drawing crowds today. Ethan Reed worked closely on many of our current favorites as a show animator and art director. During the past 22 years, he animated characters in a wide range of attractions and developed cool original concepts.
Ethan is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his extensive career at Walt Disney Imagineering. He studied character animation at CalArts and received an internship that ultimately led to a full-time position. Ethan’s early work included Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage at Tokyo DisneySea and the notorious Superstar Limo (!!!). Another key project was art directing all the characters for Monsters, Inc. at DCA, including the “living character” Roz. During the interview, Ethan describes that process and what it was like to update Superstar Limo.
Mystic Manor is at the top of my Disney bucket list, and Ethan animated characters like Albert and Lord Henry Mystic. He explains how that attraction developed and the way it mirrors The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I had to ask Ethan about his designs for Duffy and Friends like Gelatoni and CookieAnn. They have become popular in Japan and are everywhere at Aulani.
I really enjoyed learning more about Ethan and his work on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more. If that wasn’t enough, he also shared amazing stories about legendary Imagineers like John Hench and former Disney executive Paul Pressler. There was so much to cover from Ethan’s incredible career at Disney.
Show Notes: Ethan Reed
Follow Ethan Reed on Twitter (@gelatonisdad) and Instagram (@ethan.f.reed).
Check out this on-ride video of Ethan Reed describing Ariel’s Undersea Adventure to Ricky Brigante.
Listen to Ethan Reed on the Skull Rock Podcast with Dave Bossert and Aljon Go.
Support the Tomorrow Society through Patreon or buy me a dole whip!
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