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are responsible for every aspect of the visitor experience at a Disney attraction. They master-plan every park and resort – conceptualizing the attractions, environments, and the special effects guests see – and then they execute, build and install the machines, architecture, software, and landscaping that bring the story to life. Over the last five years, much of WDI’s focus has been on creating Disney’s newest theme park, Hong Kong Disneyland. The park, scheduled to open later this year, is the fifth Disneyland-styled theme park in the world, the eleventh Disney park built, and the first ever in the People’s Republic of China. And how the park came to be is a story of magic and science, mixed in a very precise and powerful potion.

BY CHERYL D. KRIVDA / PHOTOS BY DANNY TURNER

Walt Disney Imagineering’s team of wizards mixes its powerful potion of art and science to create a new theme park in China.

It’s a point of pride at entertainment giant Disney that

every “product” tells a story. From films to toys to theme parks, Disney strives to capture the imagination of its audience with a magical story that captivates and delights children of all ages. Yet behind the magnificent artistry is a highly disciplined army of people who work diligently and meticulously to execute the imagination, science and business of Disney’s storytelling. Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), with a corps of 1,400 writers, artists, sculptors, show designers, ride designers, programmers, engineers and architects, is the storytelling force behind Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Formed in 1952 to plan, design, and build Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., WDI is responsible for creating Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions around the world. The “Imagineers,” as WDI employees are called,

GOING INTERNATIONAL Since the opening of Walt Disney World in Orlando,

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Primavera Magazine

FRANK...