Imagination Skyway

"Yehaa" Bob Jackson (Legacy Cast Member, Port Orleans Riverside)

"Yehaa" Bob Jackson is a Disney Legacy Cast Member who has been performing at the River Roost Lounge at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort for more than 23 years (dating back to the days when the resort was known as Disney's Dixie Landings Resort). Bob's show is one that many visitors to Walt Disney World know well. Personally, many of my Disney trips as a kid were spent at Port Orleans Riverside and included an evening or two watching Bob's performance. When you watch Bob perform, it's incredible to witness his energy and stamina. His show is so electric that even minutes into his performance, kids and adults of all ages are doing loud Tarzan roars, forming conga lines, and singing classic Disney songs from the top of their lungs. Outside of Disney, Bob also performs for Gives Kids the World, for the Orange County Library system, and for his local church in Orlando, and he continues to compose new music, now completing his 15th original album.
In today's episode, I have the honor of chatting with Bob about his legacy at Disney, the origins of "Yehaa" Bob as a character and of his show at Walt Disney World, his musical compositions, and more.
A very special thanks to Bob for lending three songs for us to share on this podcast episode as well, including his original song, "Near the Fire of Life" (played in the show intro), and his covers of the classic Disney songs, "Hakuna Matata" (originally written by Elton John with lyrics by Tim Rice for "The Lion King") and "Let's Go Fly a Kite" (originally written by Richard and Robert Sherman for "Mary Poppins"), both played at the very end of the episode.
Here's where you can learn more about Bob:
https://bobjacksonmusic.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/yehaabob/featured?view_as=public 
https://www.instagram.com/yehaabob/ 
https://www.facebook.com/Bob-Jackson-26642996067/
https://twitter.com/yehaabob
Have you ever seen Bob perform at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort? If so, what's your favorite part of his show? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
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Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
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Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
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Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Special thanks to our Imagineer Society "Hero" Members:
Jesse Park
Enjoy the show!

Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom

The Hall of Presidents was an opening day attraction at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (opening day was October 1, 1971), but its history goes all the way back to Walt Disney and his team of WED Enterprise Imagineers in 1957. In addition to some incredible history, the Hall of Presidents is also perhaps the most authentic Magic Kingdom attraction. Disney even went so far as to affect a change in United States federal law to create a truly authentic experience for guests, which we'll discuss in this episode (I'll even reference the specific law, which took some digging to find).
In this episode, we'll discuss The Hall of Presidents in detail, covering its history, details, connection to Walt Disney, and a binaural recording of the full attraction from 2019. We'll also discuss why it's a must-see attraction at Walt Disney World.
What do you love most about The Hall of Presidents? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
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Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Special thanks to our Imagineer Society "Hero" Members:
Jesse Park
Enjoy the show!

Bob Gurr (Disney Legend, Walt Disney Imagineer)

Bob Gurr's career is one many Disney fans know well. After being hired by Walt Disney to join WED Enterprises in 1954, Bob went on to build vehicles, ride systems, and other designs for a wide range of classic Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions. For example, Bob created the vehicles for Autopia, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the Haunted Mansion, and the Ford Magic Skyway. He also designed the original version of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World monorails, the mechanics for Walt's Abraham Lincoln animatronic (as seen in Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at the 1964 World's Fair), the omnimover ride system, and the world's first tubular steel roller coaster—Matterhorn Bobsleds. After concluding his career with Disney in 1981, Bob went on to design over 150 projects for Universal Studios, Steven Spielberg, Michael Jackson, and more. For his contributions to the theme park industry, Bob has been honored with the Disney Legends award, his own window on Main Street USA at Disneyland, and the Themed Entertainment Association's lifetime achievement award, which also places him on the judging committee for the association's annual theme park awards.
Bob is still very active today at the age of 88. His current projects include:
Waltland: a bus tour around Los Angeles to visit important sites in Walt Disney and Bob Gurr history.
Fandom Productions: Bob Gurr merchandise signed by the legend himself.
"Bob Gurr: Legendary Imagineer": Bob Gurr's autobiography, published in 2019.
You can also follow Bob on Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/BobGurr/
https://www.instagram.com/bobgurrofficial/
https://www.bobgurr.com
And be sure to see Bob on Episode 1 of The Imagineering Story on Disney+.
Which of Bob Gurr's creations do you love most? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

"Execute order 66!" For Emperor Palpatine that might mean one thing, but for Imagineer Podcast it means it's time to discuss Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This innovative attraction opened in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World on December 5, 2019 and at Disneyland California on January 17, 2020. This attraction might very well be the best theme park attraction ever created, with a captivating storyline told seamlessly from beginning to end, a thrilling ride design, multiple preshows and ride experiences, impeccable attention to detail, stunning special effects, and so much more. Scott Trowbridge and his team of Walt Disney Imagineers have created a genius attraction in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and I believe it's a masterpiece that Walt would be proud to see come to life.
In this episode, we'll dive into Rise of the Resistance in detail, covering its storyline, special effects, ride design and sequences, music, Cast Member interactions, and a binaural recording of the full attraction from its opening week at Walt Disney World.
What do you love most about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance? Where does it rank on your list of favorite attractions? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!

Disney Plus: Our Favorite Movies, Series, and Documentaries

Disney Plus launched this November and has already delighted millions of fans with countless on-demand movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Fox. With so much to choose from, I gathered together a few members of the Imagineer Society to discuss our favorites and share our recommendations for what to watch next.
What are your favorite movies and shows so far on Disney Plus? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!

Disney Q&A with Host Matthew Krul

At least once every month, I open up Instagram and engage in a live Q&A discussion with some of the Instagrammers who follow Imagineer Podcast. Because not everybody has Instagram, I decided to record one of these events as a bonus episode for the show. Since the discussions cover a wide range of tips and ideas for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney+ (Disney Plus), and more, my hope is that you'll find the discussion interesting and perhaps will consider following me on Instagram for future Q&A's (although you don't have to wait for one to appear to ask me a question; simply DM me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can).
Speaking of which, what other questions can I help to answer over the air on a future episode? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!

Epcot Candlelight Processional with Gary Sinise

The Candlelight Processional has been a part of Disney history since Disneyland's opening year, 1955, when Walt Disney invited 12 Dickens Carolers from the University of South Carolina to sing Christmas carols throughout the park. Since that day, the Candlelight has been an annual tradition at Disneyland, and an annual tradition at Walt Disney World since its opening year, 1971. Since 1994, Candlelight Processional has taken place at Epcot's America Gardens Theater, and I had the pleasure of attending this year's event with celebrity narrator Gary Sinise thanks to a trip #hosted by Academy Travel (I encourage you to plan a trip for the holidays next year using their free service, which can actually help you save money: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP). In this episode, we'll discuss the history of the Candlelight Processional, and I'll take you along with me to experience this year's event.
What are your holiday traditions, do they include any Disney magic at home or away from home, and have you ever attended the Candlelight Processional? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!

Test Track at Epcot

Test Track has been a fan favorite at Walt Disney World since it opened at Epcot in 1999, but its history with Walt Disney Imagineering dates back as far as 1976 when Bob Gurr met with Bill Mitchell (then General Motors Head of Design) to discuss a potential partnership between Disney and GM. When it replaced World of Motion, Test Track became the fastest attraction not only at Walt Disney World but at any Disney Park around the world, a title it still holds 20 years later. In this episode, we'll dive into the history of Test Track, discuss some fun ride details and trivia, and enjoy a binaural recording of both the original and current versions of Test Track. 
What do you love most about Test Track, and which version do you love more (the original or current iteration)? Send me your feedback via email or through direct or public message at any of the following and [with your permission] I'll include your message in a future show:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImagineerPodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ImagineerPodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ImagineerNews
Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imagineerpodcast/
Share your feedback via voicemail: 516-406-8376
Be sure to check out our sponsor WDW Magazine, the premier magazine focused on Walt Disney World, available in print or digital.
Disney news and travel tips: Be sure to visit our Disney news partner, The Kingdom Insider:
Website: https://thekingdominsider.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/KingdomInsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekingdominsider/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tkidisneynews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNy6LP8uPSjsktoPBr5JTQ
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKIDisneyNews/
Vacation Planning: Planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, or another Disney destination? Visit our trusted partner, Academy Travel: 
Walt Disney World: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/waltdisney/IP
Disneyland: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneyland/IP
Disney Cruise Line: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/disneycruise/IP
Aulani: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/Aulani/IP
Adventures by Disney: https://apps.itams.com/AcademyCRM/form/DisneyAdventure/IP
How to Support the Show
Share the podcast with your friends
Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092
Join the Imagineer Society - https://www.patreon.com/imagineerpodcast
Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929
Enjoy the show!