Idiot's Guide to Imagineering

BOOM BABY! Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris has not received a brand new headline attraction in more than 20 years. For a park widely considered one of Disney's most beautiful, that raises an interesting question: when is it finally time to make a major change? This week, Stephen heads overseas to tackle one of the biggest Imagineering challenges of the season. After weighing several controversial possibilities, he makes one bold decision and pitches an all new Adventureland experience ins...

This quarter across Disney Parks brings major shifts into focus as long-running projects move from concept art to real-world construction, classic attractions enter major reinventions, and new lands begin to visibly take shape across Walt Disney World and beyond. In this Q2 2026 edition of State of the Kingdom, we break down the biggest official announcements from Disney, including a landmark reimagining of Carousel of Progress and new details surrounding Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood St...

What if the most powerful Marvel moment was not a ride at all? This week, Stephen takes us inside The Infinity Stone Ritual, a Marvel merchantainment experience where guests step into Wong’s secret archive, witness the return of the Infinity Stones, and may even be chosen as a new guardian of the universe. Joined by the Queen of Disneyland, Kim Millspaugh (@disney.sme), we explore how story, interactivity, and collectible moments come together to create an experience that is as repeatable as ...

What would it look like if Monsters, humans, and sushi could coexist in perfect harmony? This week on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Kaity is joined by Stephen and Jenny to bring Harryhausen’s, a likely addition to the upcoming Monstropolis land at Hollywood Studios, to life. From sleek, modern design and immersive details inspired by the movie, to both quick-service and omakase-style options, we explore how Imagineering transforms a beloved IP into a believable, unforgettable experience for ...

What would it look like if the Olympic Village became a place you could actually stay? With the Winter Games officially underway, this week on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Stephen is joined by Marissa and Jenny to imagine the Olympic Village as a fully realized resort experience at Walt Disney World. How do you capture the spirit of global competition, human achievement, and iconic Olympic moments and translate them into a destination that feels immersive, emotional, and believable year-rou...

What happens when a perfectly respectable Magic Kingdom restaurant gets a little… Muppified? This week, Stephen pitches a small-scale but high-impact plussing project for one of Liberty Square’s most overlooked classics: Columbia Harbour House. No new rides. No massive construction. Just thoughtful storytelling, operational realism, and a whole lot of Muppet chaos. Set during a post–Revolutionary War celebration, this reimagined Harbour House becomes the unofficial headquarters for the c...

What if you could truly step into Narnia? This week, we imagine what it would look like if Disney brought The Chronicles of Narnia to life as a fully immersive themed land. Stephen takes on the role of Project Manager to explore how Imagineers might translate C.S. Lewis’s world into a physical place guests can walk through, feel, and emotionally connect with. We break down the real history between Disney and Narnia, including the film trilogy, the forgotten Journey into Narnia walkthrough a...

2025 was unforgettable, but 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger! Join Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa as they kick off the new year and set the stage for Season 4 of Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering. In this special pre-season episode, the team reflects on last year’s successes, shares what they’ve been working on, and gives you a sneak peek at what’s coming next, including a surprise twist that will change the way you experience the show. Get hyped for the premiere and hear why the next chapter of...