funny snaketiptip

My guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast is Steve Alcorn, who worked as an engineering consultant for Disney in 1982. His primary assignment was The American Adventure, which used an extremely complex show system unlike anything ever built. Steve has remarkable stories about the chaos of the construction during that time period. The young team dealt with huge odds against them and succeeded despite the challenges. Steve also worked on the Imagination pavilion and Horizons prior to their openings in 1983.

Steve is also the CEO of Alcorn McBride Inc., which has provided video, audio, and show control systems at theme parks for more than 30 years. Our fun conversation includes a discussion of these topics:

* How did Steve get started in theme parks and working at Disney?
* Why was The American Adventure such a complicated system to develop?
* How chaotic was the EPCOT Center construction site in the summer of 1982?
* What was the big challenge in making the Journey Into Imagination ride work?
* How has the theme park industry changed in the past 30 years?
* What are the ways to keep screen-based attractions from becoming obsolete?

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/steve-alc...

David Snyder, who created the Digital Animation Control System (DACS) to operate the key components of The Magic Kingdom and a lot more is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his background with early computer programming and his work at Disney.

He began his career by rising through the ranks in the aerospace industry before joining Disney in 1968. During his 20 years at Disney, Snyder created systems that still operate the parks today. DACS was critical to making Walt Disney World succeed, and it took considerable effort from Snyder to get the leaders on board.

Snyder developed a revolutionary system for shooting movie effects with the Automated Camera Effects System (ACES) on The Black Hole film. The use of a computer to move the camera was new to the industry. Snyder also worked on the original Communicore pavilions and discusses the specifics of those early EPCOT Center exhibits. During this episode, Snyder speaks candidly about the challenges he faced at a time when computers were considered a threat. It’s an honest look back to a time of change when the old guard wasn’t so willing to adapt. It was thrilling to talk with Snyder and learn so much about his background and impact on Disney history.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/david-sny...

This episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast includes five rookie mistakes that I made before and during this trip. The issues were minor, but a Disney World fan’s mind is obsessive. I discuss seven highlights from our trip, including Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That show was one of my favorite moments, which might surprise you based on the lukewarm reaction from many fans. We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for six nights and had another great experience at the beautiful resort. This trip report also covers why that resort works so well.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/disney-wo...

My guest for the latest episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast is Doug Barnes, who started The Season Pass in 2007 with little idea of what it would become. Eight years later, it remains the place where the big names from the past and present of theme parks tell their stories. Doug talks about the origins of his fandom and the evolution of The Season Pass into an industry giant. Once Brent Young joined as co-host and they discovered the right format, high-profile guests became the norm on the show. Doug also recounts what it was like to interview legends of Imagineering like Tony Baxter (at his house!).

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/doug-barn...

Jim Sarno is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about the Land Pavilion Fountain and his many other projects for Disney. He started at the Model Shop in 1979 and worked closely on memorable parts of EPCOT Center. Sarno also created the model for SMRT-1, the talking robot in the CommuniCore pavilion. Located in the Computer Central area, SMRT-1 played games and understood our voices while answering questions. A key part of the robot was its friendly look, which Sarno designed at the direction of George McGinnis.

During this episode, Sarno and I also talk about his relationships with legendary Imagineers that worked directly with Walt. He became friends with Peregoy and Harriet Burns and has great stories about fun times in the Model Shop. Sarno offers a peek at the enjoyable atmosphere while under the tight deadlines for EPCOT Center. He also worked on scenes for Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination plus other non-Disney projects like Treasure Island in Las Vegas. I really enjoyed the change to learn more about Sarno’s time at Disney and stories beyond that era.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/jim-sarno...

AJ and I discuss the beginnings of her Disney fandom and what inspired her to start the The Disney Food Blog. She was definitely ahead of the curve in a changing online world back in 2009. We cover upcoming changes to the Disney Dining Plan, AJ’s favorite spots at Disney Springs, and the tricks when visiting a Disney restaurant to write a dining review. Always ask for a four-top table, even if you’re alone. AJ also describes the challenges in covering the International Food & Wine Festival in Epcot, especially when she worked solo in the site’s early days. It isn’t always so glamorous to cover dining, even in a magical place like Disney World.

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/aj-wolfe-...

Joe Lanzisero is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his career. The animation background gave him the right storytelling perspective for theme parks. He joined Imagineering in 1987 and became the lead concept designer on Toontown at Disneyland and in Tokyo. Lanzisero ultimately took on a leadership role over Tokyo Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and more. His projects include some of Disney’s most inventive attractions.

During this episode, we cover both Lanzisero’s background and some of his most significant work, including the following topics:

* What was it like to study among such talented artists in the Character Animation Program?
* Why was Lanzisero interested in making the transition to Imagineering?
* Which attraction was a big inspiration on the design of Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin?
* How did the creative process for Tokyo DisneySea with the Oriental Land Company help make the park succeed?
* How did Mystic Manor’s design come together to deliver such a remarkable attraction?

More info and show notes at: https://tomorrowsociety.com/joe-lanzi...