6 answers
Ayden
Student
Haughton, Louisiana
1
Question
Asked
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What should I major in if I wanna work as a disney imagineer?
Im currently a sophmore in highschool and I know I wanna do something working within the disney imagineering world. But I don't know what I should major in, I know I don't wanna do the manual labour part, but I do know I wanna come up with ideas for the different parks. I do know that when im deciding on different colleges im also looking to see if they offer the Disney college program.
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Heyo Ayden, Christopher's advice is spot on — Art and Design are definitely at the heart of becoming a Disney Imagineer, especially if you're drawn to the creative side of coming up with ideas for parks. Imagineering is like this big creative playground where art, design, and storytelling collide to build worlds people can step into.
Building on what Christopher mentioned, majors like Art and Design, Themed Entertainment Design, Architecture, or Industrial Design would give you the technical skills to bring ideas to life. But here's the secret ingredient that often gets overlooked — it's not just about the technical skills. Imagineering is storytelling at its core. Every ride, every land, every tiny detail in the parks starts with a story.
That's why Creative Writing, Narrative Design, or even Experience Design can give you that storytelling edge. If you're someone who dreams up whole worlds in your head — what they look like, how they feel, what stories they tell — then those ideas are just as valuable as the technical blueprints.
Christopher is right about Disney being extremely competitive, but don't let that scare you off. What sets Imagineers apart isn't just where they studied — it's how they think and how they create. The best way to start? Build your own little worlds now. Sketch out ideas for new rides, design a whole new park land, or write out stories for attractions that don't even exist yet. The more you create, the stronger your imagination muscle will get.
Schools like SCAD, CalArts, and Ringling definitely have ties with Disney, but any school that offers strong art, design, or storytelling programs can get you there. What matters most is the portfolio of ideas you create along the way.
If you're serious about this path, check out the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) — they connect students with industry pros. Also, give Imagineering in a Box by Khan Academy a go — it's free and gives you a taste of what Imagineers actually do.
The coolest part? You don't have to wait for Disney to call you. Start building your worlds now, share them online, enter design competitions, and connect with other themed entertainment fans. If you keep creating, Disney might just come looking for you one day.
All the best and go rock it mate!
Building on what Christopher mentioned, majors like Art and Design, Themed Entertainment Design, Architecture, or Industrial Design would give you the technical skills to bring ideas to life. But here's the secret ingredient that often gets overlooked — it's not just about the technical skills. Imagineering is storytelling at its core. Every ride, every land, every tiny detail in the parks starts with a story.
That's why Creative Writing, Narrative Design, or even Experience Design can give you that storytelling edge. If you're someone who dreams up whole worlds in your head — what they look like, how they feel, what stories they tell — then those ideas are just as valuable as the technical blueprints.
Christopher is right about Disney being extremely competitive, but don't let that scare you off. What sets Imagineers apart isn't just where they studied — it's how they think and how they create. The best way to start? Build your own little worlds now. Sketch out ideas for new rides, design a whole new park land, or write out stories for attractions that don't even exist yet. The more you create, the stronger your imagination muscle will get.
Schools like SCAD, CalArts, and Ringling definitely have ties with Disney, but any school that offers strong art, design, or storytelling programs can get you there. What matters most is the portfolio of ideas you create along the way.
If you're serious about this path, check out the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) — they connect students with industry pros. Also, give Imagineering in a Box by Khan Academy a go — it's free and gives you a taste of what Imagineers actually do.
The coolest part? You don't have to wait for Disney to call you. Start building your worlds now, share them online, enter design competitions, and connect with other themed entertainment fans. If you keep creating, Disney might just come looking for you one day.
All the best and go rock it mate!
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
I must agree with Christopher. And keep following your bliss.
Joseph Ford
201
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Here is a wonderful link which can provide you with good info:
https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/
Disney Imagineers come from a variety of fields, like architecture, construction, IT, design, project management.
https://sites.disney.com/waltdisneyimagineering/
Disney Imagineers come from a variety of fields, like architecture, construction, IT, design, project management.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Disney Imagineering is an exciting and creative field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including engineers, architects, designers, writers, storytellers, artists, illustrators, and project managers. The field focuses on blending creativity with technical knowledge to solve problems and create immersive experiences. Majors to consider include engineering, which is crucial for designing attractions, computer science or software engineering for interactive experiences, architecture for themed environments and structures, design for industrial design, graphic design, or interior design, entertainment and storytelling majors in theater design, film, or creative writing, and themed entertainment design.
To become a Disney Imagineer, it is recommended to develop a portfolio of creative work, gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs, participate in design competitions or creative projects, and consider the Disney College Program. Khan Academy's "Imagineering in a Box" online course provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Imagineers create magic. Networking with professionals in the themed entertainment industry and attending industry events or conferences can also help.
Key advice for becoming a Disney Imagineer is to focus on developing a strong foundation in your chosen field, cultivate your creativity and problem-solving skills, build a portfolio that showcases your talents, and follow your passions. By following these guidelines, you can succeed in the exciting and creative field of Disney Imagineering.
To become a Disney Imagineer, it is recommended to develop a portfolio of creative work, gain practical experience through internships or part-time jobs, participate in design competitions or creative projects, and consider the Disney College Program. Khan Academy's "Imagineering in a Box" online course provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney Imagineers create magic. Networking with professionals in the themed entertainment industry and attending industry events or conferences can also help.
Key advice for becoming a Disney Imagineer is to focus on developing a strong foundation in your chosen field, cultivate your creativity and problem-solving skills, build a portfolio that showcases your talents, and follow your passions. By following these guidelines, you can succeed in the exciting and creative field of Disney Imagineering.
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
32
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Hi Ayden,
I don't know about Disney, but if you want to be an Imagineer, I think the obvious answer is: use your imagination. Anything and Everything is possible with the power of Imagination. I would advise anyone in this regard, if you want to have a powerful imagination, you have to exercise it regularly, just as you would have to lift weights and exercise to develop a strong body. This means, turn off the TV and the internet, at least some of the time, and create things of your own. You can do anything you can imagine, Ayden, with time and determination!
Check this out: According to current data, people spend approximately 40% of their waking hours on screens connected to the internet
I don't know about Disney, but if you want to be an Imagineer, I think the obvious answer is: use your imagination. Anything and Everything is possible with the power of Imagination. I would advise anyone in this regard, if you want to have a powerful imagination, you have to exercise it regularly, just as you would have to lift weights and exercise to develop a strong body. This means, turn off the TV and the internet, at least some of the time, and create things of your own. You can do anything you can imagine, Ayden, with time and determination!
Check this out: According to current data, people spend approximately 40% of their waking hours on screens connected to the internet
Thank you for the advice.
Uti
Christopher Mckiernan
2D/3D Character/ Motion Graphics Animator/ digital Artist, Background Artist
15
Answers
Mount Olive Township, New Jersey
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
The answer is art and design.
Two colleges that disney recruits from are
Savannah College of Art and Design and the University of San Diego.
Just to warn you ahead of time...they hire the best of the best and from the best colleges.
They also only recruit within california and florida.
So unless you want to put yourself in 50k-100k of debt in student loans than dont be a disney imagineer.
Disney is also a very corrupt company with a high lay-off rate.
They were responsible for the actor strikes in hollywood while the CEO gave himself a 500% increase on his bonus.
If you work hard, put yourslef in debt, they might still fire you within a few months. That is how bad it has gotten.
Disney is also is in a steady decline. Their last few movies have bombed and they have repeatedly been brought to court over unethical practices.
Disney is not what it used to be.
If your into design, art, or animation, there are tons of other respectable companies that wont abuse you like disney will.
Your best bet is to move down to florida and apply at the theme parks if your determined to work for disney.
Two colleges that disney recruits from are
Savannah College of Art and Design and the University of San Diego.
Just to warn you ahead of time...they hire the best of the best and from the best colleges.
They also only recruit within california and florida.
So unless you want to put yourself in 50k-100k of debt in student loans than dont be a disney imagineer.
Disney is also a very corrupt company with a high lay-off rate.
They were responsible for the actor strikes in hollywood while the CEO gave himself a 500% increase on his bonus.
If you work hard, put yourslef in debt, they might still fire you within a few months. That is how bad it has gotten.
Disney is also is in a steady decline. Their last few movies have bombed and they have repeatedly been brought to court over unethical practices.
Disney is not what it used to be.
If your into design, art, or animation, there are tons of other respectable companies that wont abuse you like disney will.
Your best bet is to move down to florida and apply at the theme parks if your determined to work for disney.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Uti