Thus far, one of the most compelling things about The Imagineering Story as a Disney presentation has been its willingness not just to celebrate the triumphs of the company in themed design, but to recognize the failures, and the lessons learned from them. Nowhere is that more evident than in Chapter 4’s “Hit and Miss”—which in some ways makes it the most interesting chapter yet.
Spanning 1994-2005, “Hit and Miss” covers a decade that saw a huge expansion in Disney parks and resorts, with the launch of Disney Cruise Lines, the transition of Disneyland into the Disneyland Resort, and the opening of four other theme parks around the world. And, true to the episode’s title, there’s an acknowledgment that the company basically generated as many flops during that period as it did successes.
What is perhaps more surprising is that the episode spends nearly as much time wrestling with those flops as it does cheerleading for the successes. The segment focusing on the development of Disney’s Animal Kingdom gives plenty of screen time to Imagineer Joe Rohde talking about the concepts behind the park’s design. While the segment about Disney Cruise Lines lets Wing Chao note the massive engineering challenge behind building two parts of a ship independently then welding them together. The creation of Disney California Adventure takes up a large chunk of the episode, not shying away from either the abandonment of the much more ambitious “Westcot” concept proposed by Tony Baxter, or from the sense that certain bad ideas were just pushed through because they were too far along (cough, Superstar Limo, cough) to bail out on. There’s even a nod to the political pressure that led to abandoning the Disney’s America history-park concept in Virginia, a piece of Disney’s own history that would have been easy to leave as a footnote.
The episode could just as easily have been titled “Penny Wise, Pound Foolish.” Paul Pressler—who during this time period was first Disneyland president, then Parks & Resorts chairman—becomes a de facto villain, representing the tight purse strings and lack of vision that saw the new parks in California and France, in particular, as business decisions, not creative ones (but you MiceChat readers already knew Paul Pressler was the villain). There’s a stark juxtaposition of Tokyo DisneySea and Disney California Adventure being developed simultaneously, and how much astonishing work was possible because the Tokyo Land Company provided a blank check and made it clear that they would pay for something amazing. The Imagineering Story keeps giving critical voices their chance to speak, and it’s a richer experience because of that honesty.
That doesn’t mean the series is going to dwell on or catalog every single miscue. It’s notable, given the time period in question, that the words “Rocket Rods” are never spoken once, although we do see footage of the ride’s development in a montage that refers obliquely to “embracing failure as an option.”
The Imagineering Story gives us the behind-the-scenes peeks at wonderful achievements like Soarin’ Over California and Tokyo DisneySea’s Mount Prometheus, and it still demonstrates a deep respect for the men and women who make Disney themed entertainment magical when they’re allowed to do what they do best. It also allows for a recognition of the times when they weren’t allowed to do what they do best—and when it comes to a documentary series, that’s the part that makes it feel like you can trust what you’re seeing.
!!!Black Friday/Cyber Monday Disneyland Tickets and Travel Specials!!!
MiceChat and Get Away Today bring you the best theme park travel deals. Don’t miss our current Disney holiday travel deals from Get Away Today – HERE
This year, give the gift of travel and save even more with MiceChat. Be sure to use our links (or mention MiceChat when you call) for the lowest prices. AND – Here’s a special MiceChat extra. Use promo code MCD23 for an extra $10 off 2+ night rooms/tickets.
Let’s Hear From You
Have you been following the Imagineering Story on Disney+? What do you think so far? Is this essential watching for Disney Parks fans? What new information have you learned?
You must be logged in to post a comment.