Jim Shull Disney Journey

YouTube video by Disney Journey with Jim Shull Stories from the Imagineer who designed Rockn'Roller Coaster

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After a career as a Disney Imagineer, Rock n’ Roller Coaster sits atop my list of favorite rides I helped create and direct. In this new video, I share exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes moments ​about what it's like riding in a ‘really fast car’.

#UAE has grown the tourist and leisure industry in the region. The war has & will slow if not stop this growth which will affect or result in cancelling events such as #IAAPAMiddleEast #AbuDhabi Following this story on YouTube.com/jimhshull

#UAE has grown the tourist and leisure industry in the region. The war has & will slow if not stop this growth which will affect or result in cancelling events such as #IAAPAMiddleEast #AbuDhabi Following this story on YouTube.com/jimhshull

#Glendale base #Imagineers were excited to see clouds since we don’t get much of interest happening in the skies in Southern California. Captured this image of clouds engaging in the #deglutition of #SpaceMountain.

Credit: @Blog_Mickey Assuming the #SpaceMountain inspired pylon is to support the new #BuzzLightyear marquee the classic 1970s #Tomorrowland design language continues. The land lacks a story however. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Looks like the Fender guitar is getting a ‘Muppet’ treatment. Visual interest maybe but it works when the interest adds to the story. When designing #RnRC I tried version with stickers and decals that I found didn’t work. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Unknown image credit. When designing the car I played with adding flames but abandoned the approach because the design quickly became ‘too busy’. Following the story of Rock n Roller Coaster on YouTube.com/jimhshull

The mural showcases “Lightning McQueen” from the Pixar movie “CARS”. Once seen it can’t be unseen.

This painted graphic ‘feels’ unimportant on the massive building. The Mickey Mouse is unconnected to the story told inside. It isn’t really needed. Credit: @DLPWorks

#AnimalKingdom defines the ‘immersive environment’ school of theme park design. This directional graphic is a prime example of the care taken in each creative decision. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Visiting #AnimalKingdom on Sunday I had time to admire the lamp designed by #EddieSotto. Using sand casting means every lamp is different. Eddie was a legendary Imagineer. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

The military actions currently in the #MiddleEast raise concerns that #DisneylandAbuDhabi might not open. Imagineers shouldn’t be placed in risk just to build a theme park. Following this story on YouTube.com/jimhshull

In a few years from now #DisneyHollywoodStudios will have a full #MonstersInc land and #DCA will lose their Monsters ride. This seems odd. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

If these doors go have them delivered to my home. Credit @thrillgeek Lots of nerve energy was burned off when team members met in the lobby.

Visitors to #AbuDhabiDisneyland may have a longer wait to visit due to the current conflict in the region. #Iranwar It will likely be awhile before the situation is resolved.

Manageable crowds yesterday at #MagicKingdom in part because of former boat dock has been repurposed to serve as the queue for #HauntedMansion.

Sign on the #CokeCola location in Tomorrowland. Suggest drinking #Coke blows a head from the body. Even #Tron has a graphic as direct as this one.

#Tomorrowland in repainting process. Hard to tell the final color, except it’s not purple. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Hannah is sorting out the release of detailing changes to Villains Land. If Disney wanted our attention they succeeded.

With a hit of the pause button at #DCA there is time to replace #Avatar with #Zootopia in the Hollywood Studios area of the park. The ride fits and #DCA could even convert the old Muppets 3D theater to show the #AnimalKingdom film. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

#Villainsland would be an appropriate story fit in #Fantasyland at #Disneyland replacing the long closed motor boat cruise ride. Lots of unused land! Visitors could visit the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ side of Fantasyland.

As we approach the closing of #RocknRollerCoaster let’s recall that without “Flight of Fear” launched coaster opening RnRC wouldn’t exist. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

I’m reminded that in the distance below the yellow balloon pizza was being plated up and served. A very different ‘Studio Tour’ (the name the WDI called the park) with a focus on process & technology. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

The new show is definitely a ‘plus’ in execution however live cast need to be present to give instructions and tips to young children and non skilled adults during the show. #Olaf #Olafdraws. And the show focus is teaching guests to draw, not Olaf.

The tide is in covering the rock work of the tide pool at DCA. A small detail in plain sight that Disney didn’t have to create. More about the pool on YouTube.com/jimhshull

This view reminds me how small Disneyland is compared to #WDW. There are four major projects ongoing (2 in construction), so opening new rides isn’t a known right now.

The future isn’t known but what if #Disneyland next gets their version of #Villainland and a New Tomorrowland? After DCA completes its four projects. Following #DisneylandForward on YouTube.com/jimhshull

#Disneyland has announced that the 11am park hopping requirement will end this year. No good purpose was served by continuing this visitor hurdle other than to frustrate guests & adding to their planning schedules. Next remove the reservation requirement!

News coming from ⁦‪@MiceChat‬⁩ indicates that #Monsters will close in 2027, not 2026. Good! Gives visitors another year to enjoy a solidly entertaining ride. The planter edge was the ‘pool’ when the ride was Super Star Limo. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

YouTube video by Disney Journey with Jim Shull Imagineering the Disney Rapids Rides in California, Florida & Shanghai

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What Disney Park ride holds 3.2 million gallons of water; has a tunnel trucks can drive through and has been entertaining visitors for over 25 years? If you answered, ‘Grizzly River Rapids,’ give yourself a wet round of applause. And the rapids rides in Florida and Shanghai.