204. Kevin Sherbrooke on Innoventions, Tokyo DisneySea, and Islands of Adventure

Kevin worked closely on the Star Trek attraction that did not end up happening in Jordan. — Photo by Kevin Sherbrooke

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It’s easy to forget how much goes into every aspect of theme parks. The work involved moves well beyond concept art. The design and construction require intricate planning including the restrooms, trash cans, and building layouts. Kevin Sherbrooke has worked closely on a wide range of theme park projects for Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Creative, and more. As an architect and show set designer, his role is crucial to ensure attractions come together effectively. Kevin is my guest on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his career and projects.

Kevin Sherbrooke is my guest on this episode of the Tomorrow Society Podcast. — Photo by Kevin Sherbrooke

We discuss how Kevin got interested in working in themed entertainment and ultimately joined Disney. He started on EPCOT Center updates like Innoventions and the Electric Umbrella restaurant plus Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! at the Imagination pavilion. Kevin describes those experiences and visiting Walt Disney World for the first time along with that work. Next up was DinoLand at Disney’s Animal Kingdom during its development and the now defunct StormRider and Aquatopia for Tokyo DisneySea. Kevin describes his role in two of Disney’s most attractive theme parks in the late ’90s.

Beyond Disney, Kevin also worked closely on attractions for Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. We talk about the differences between working at those two companies with Universal just getting moving at the time. Kevin also describes several projects that never came to fruition, including the very ambitious Star Trek attractions for the Red Sea Astrarium in Jordan. We conclude the podcast with some advice from Kevin to designers aspiring to join the industry.