NEWS: Go Behind the Scenes in Imagineering Video Series

There’s a new episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” a You Tube show that goes behind the scenes into how Imagineers work their magic. In addition, we’ve got a list of all of the episodes so far. Learn more below!

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Lisa Mendillo:

Inspired by Walt Disney’s original behind-the-scenes specials that introduced Disneyland, We Call It Imagineering offers a look into how Imagineers are designing and innovating new lands, attractions, and entertainment experiences for future generations, blending stunning imagination with world-class engineering in a familiar way that has become so legendary for guests around the globe.

With six episodes released so far, follow along as we take you on an inside look at Walt Disney Imagineering, from creating some of the world’s most iconic castles to designing details for the latest rides coming to Disney Parks.

To learn more about the latest episodes, read on and don’t forget to subscribe to the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss when a new episode drops!

November 24, 2025: “We Call It Imagineering: Research and Development” 

New worlds, new characters, new possibilities, and Olaf?!

The next episode of “We Call It Imagineering” steps inside Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development and Disney Research labs, revealing how we innovate to push the boundaries of emerging technologies, new forms of storytelling, and groundbreaking creative tools that shape the future of Disney Experiences.

“When you think about what R&D is today, it really is an extension of the original Imagineers, who Walt tasked with innovative ride systems, with Audio-Animatronics figures — things that allow guests to step into incredible worlds in ways that couldn’t be done,” says Bruce Vaugh, President & Chief Creative Officer.

Our newest innovation is none other than Olaf, the first Walt Disney Animation Studios character brought to life through our groundbreaking entertainment robotics efforts. Olaf will make appearances at the Arendelle Bay show in World of Frozen, the new immersive world coming soon to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and special limited-time appearances in World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.

At the core of this innovation is a collaborative, cross-company approach that is augmented by the latest in machine and reinforcement learning.

“Reinforcement learning is a branch of artificial intelligence, which allows us to take animated figures, bring them into simulation and then teach them actually how to walk,” explains Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President, Research & Development — Technology & Engineering. “We can do 10,000 hours’ worth of training in days. It used to take us years to develop robots, now with reinforcement learning, we’re able to bring those robots to life in mere months.”

Imagineers have even built a tool called J.A.R.V.I.S — trained on Imagineering research, learnings, documentation and collective knowledge — which will enable us to bring experiences to life faster than ever.

Meanwhile, we continue to develop new innovations, such as the HoloTile, while collaborating with industry leaders to advance our storytelling. By working with NVIDIA and Epic Games on a new mission powered by Unreal Engine 5, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will offer guests a richer, more dynamic gameplay experience.

A behind-the-scenes look at all of this technology and more is now available in the latest episode!

October 13, 2025: Welcome to the Haunted Mansion!

Welcome, foolish mortals, to the latest episode of We Call It Imagineering.

This Halloween season, Imagineers share the origin stories of these happy haunts and how they have materialized in experiences around the world. Check out the latest video!

September 8, 2025: Building Castles

Next up on We Call It Imagineering, we’re taking you behind the castles at Disney Parks around the world with the Imagineering team. Hear how these beloved icons have not only become stunning landmarks by themselves, but also remain the symbol of Disney storytelling, innovation, and artistry for dedicated cast members and Disney-loving guests.

Now, you may be wondering: why was Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland themed to Sleeping Beauty instead of Snow White, our first original princess from the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

In this episode of We Call it Imagineering, former Disney Imagineer, Tom Morris, shared that the Disney Studios were producing Sleeping Beauty during the design period of the castle. To help promote the film, Walt Disney thought it would be a wonderful idea to have the castle at Disneyland be inspired by the beloved film.

Looking for more castle-inspired fun facts like this? Catch the latest episode above!

July 11, 2025: On with the Show!

Walt Disney often described Disneyland as a show with everyone being on stage. Disney Live Entertainment, the theatrical arm of Walt Disney Imagineering, is the group that creates, produces, and delivers all the entertainment at Disney Experiences around the world, from parades and character greetings to stage shows, special events, and nighttime spectaculars.

This episode of We Call It Imagineering, takes you behind-the-scenes to learn more about “Disney Tales of Magic” at Disneyland Paris, the “Friendtastic!” Parade for the Hong Kong Disneyland 20th Anniversary, “World of Color Happiness!” for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, and a first look at “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” at Walt Disney World.

If you’re someone who loves enjoying some ice cream while catching a nighttime parade on Main Street, U.S.A., or cheering on Mickey Mouse in the heroic finale of “Fantasmic!”, this is the episode for you!

May 10, 2025: Stories in Motion

For thrill-seekers and dedicated Disney Parks fans, this episode takes you behind the scenes to see how rides at parks around the world come to life, including an inside look at Stark Flight Lab coming to Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, new details about one of the Cars-themed attractions coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, and a sneak peek at the Monsters, Inc. roller coaster heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Plus, hear what it was like to build attractions for the opening of Disneyland park, celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year as Disney Legend and former Imagineer Bob Gurr shares his insights and favorite memories.

May 29, 2024: Soundscapes

The second episode of our Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube series is available to watch, and this time, we’re taking you behind the scenes of how music is created for Disney attractions and entertainment!

Walt Disney understood the power of music and what it could convey. Music transcends language barriers, making it a universal medium that resonates with audiences around the world. As Imagineers continue their legacy of creating iconic tunes and look toward the future, they are collaborating with award-winning talent and industry experts to bring new sounds to life. From the invigorating melodies of New Orleans to the music history of Nashville, we’re pulling back the musical curtain on some of our latest projects!

Featuring a first look at the finale of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (including the new original song “Special Spice”) and a peek at new music in Country Bear Musical Jamboree, you’ll be excited to listen to an array of knee-slapping and toe-tapping songs in this fantastic musical jubilee.

April 4, 2024: Audio-AnimatronicsFigures

If you’ve ever wondered how birds sing, elephants fly, and other great moments are brought to life, the first video of the series takes you behind the scenes of Imagineering’s Audio-Animatronics figures.

An integral aspect of the Disney Parks experience, this revolutionary innovation has come a very long way over the years, but as new attractions continue to be developed, it’s all blue skies and sunshine on the horizon for the future of this impressive technology.

Audio-Animatronics technology traces back to Walt Disney’s dedication to advancing narratives through a unique blend of innovation and creativity — a journey that began about 80 years ago and continues to push new boundaries today. Get an insider look at this journey in this first episode!

If you love We Call It Imagineering, be sure to catch episodes of Great Moments with Imagineering and Imagineer That! on the Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel.

For even more behind-the-scenes content of what’s being dreamed up, designed, and created, follow the Imagineers every step of the way on Instagram and YouTube, and Disney Live Entertainment on Instagram. Don’t forget to turn on those notifications, so you don’t miss a thing!