We’ve reached the end of The Imagineering Story, and there’s so much to cover in the final episode. With the title of “To Infinity and Beyond”, the conclusion focuses on recent additions to the parks like Pandora: The World of Avatar, Shanghai Disneyland, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Continuing the trend of Episode 5, the tone is more positive given the direct connection to current Disney leadership. Even so, there are plenty of great moments and behind-the-scenes footage. The result is a strong conclusion to what’s been a remarkable Disney Plus series.
This episode’s highlight is the opening segment focusing on the new approach to the castle park. Bob Iger describes challenges with Shanghai Disneyland to create something that’s “authentically Disney, distinctively Chinese”. He describes the origins of this quote, which became the park’s mission statement. In his book The Ride of a Lifetime, Iger explained the importance of Shanghai to him personally; it’s one of the most ambitious projects during Iger’s tenure. I appreciate having his insight here about its lengthy and challenging development.
Doris Woodward is the pivotal Imagineer during this segment, and she also has a personal connection to Shanghai. The footage of her walking through the dirt early in the construction helps to explain her key role. We also see striking behind-the-scenes material of the castle and the nearby rock work. I love having the chance to glimpse the creative process for this park. Ali Rubinstein’s description of levels for the castle explains the complexities with putting it together. Bob Weis also explains the differences in the technologically advanced version of Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s so much to cover, and this episode includes a strong overview.
Finding the Theme
One of my favorite moments in the entire series is Joe Rohde’s admission that he gets assigned projects that he may dislike at first. It’s not a complaint with no purpose. Instead, Rohde uses that revelation as a way to explain how he finds the best theme for a new attraction or land. A perfect example is his work on Pandora: The World of Avatar. I recently watched a clip from the original film and was reminded of Imagineering’s great achievements with the land. The movie’s militaristic tone is gone, and Rohde and his team pulled the best from James Cameron’s vision.
Cameron and Producer Jon Landau appear on this episode to describe the success of Pandora. It fits so well inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom and represents the best example of how to place an intellectual property into an established park. We also see cool footage of the metal infrastructure that exists behind the floating mountains. The incredible Shaman animatronic from Na’vi River Journey also receives attention with shots of its creepy robot face during construction. Pandora‘s creative success is beyond what I could have ever anticipated.
Rohde also describes another controversial project, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout at Disney California Adventure. That’s another example of an attraction that sounded like a terrible idea. I haven’t experienced it yet, but I’ve heard praise from converts since it opened. Rohde explains the transition from the scary approach to the Tower of Terror to the fun atmosphere to match the Marvel characters.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
The final segment of “To Infinity and Beyond” looks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which is timely given the opening of Rise of the Resistance in December. There are spoilers from that attraction if you’d prefer to enter it cold. I considered skipping it but ended up just watching since I won’t be riding until late next spring. Scott Trowbridge explains their choice to go against conventional wisdom and not build an established land. It’s a bold choice that I believe will ultimately pay off in the long run for Disney.
This look at Galaxy’s Edge is promotional, but it never becomes painful. Trowbridge admits that Smuggler’s Run didn’t work a few months prior to opening. It’s a reminder that Disney was really pushing the envelope on both attractions, especially Rise of the Resistance. I’m hopeful that operational challenges for the latter will lessen in 2020. The reviews from guests that have experienced it are enthusiastic.
I visited Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World this past September, and it was an unfinished land. However, I could see potential with adding Rise of the Resistance and more entertainment. It’s unclear if Disney will add more live actors, but that’s an easy way to make the area vibrant. Regardless, I appreciate that Disney took a shot and didn’t take the most obvious route at Imagineering with the attractions.
A Comprehensive Legacy
The Imagineering Story concludes with glimpses of upcoming technological advances, including a flying robot that is likely Spider-Man. It’s mind-boggling to consider the advances that we’ll see in the next decade with possibilities beyond what I could even dream. Looking beyond specific moments, what I’ve appreciated the most about this show is the serious take on Imagineering. Leslie Iwerks and everyone involved in this project have produced a show that will stand the test of time.
I hope that we’ll see more seasons in the future to expand the foundation set by these episodes. If not, these six hours will provide an excellent primer for Imagineering’s success. They’ve created an entirely new genre of entertainment and continue to expand what’s possible in the medium.
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