On with the Show! Episode 4 of ‘We Call It Imagineering’ Is Out Now!

It’s “curtain up” for the newest episode of “We Call It Imagineering,” and this time we’re taking you backstage with Disney Live Entertainment. As the theatrical arm of Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Live Entertainment is the group that creates, produces, and delivers all the entertainment experiences at Disney destinations – and beyond! – the world over. We do everything from parades and character greetings to stage shows, special events, and nighttime spectaculars.

I’ve had the privilege of leading Disney Live Entertainment for the past seven years. Every day, I find myself surrounded by some of the most creative and inspiring entertainment professionals in the industry, including writers, directors, producers, designers, technical experts, costumers, and so many others.

I’m thrilled that in this episode, you get to spend some time with them, too, as we take you behind the scenes on the stunning new spectacular “Disney Tales of Magic” at Disneyland Paris, go up close on the design details in the new “Friendtastic!” parade for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort 20^th Anniversary, and drop in on a “World of Color Happiness!” overnight rehearsal for the Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration.

We’re also giving you your very first look at “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away,” the dazzling new nighttime parade debuting July 20 at Walt Disney World! You will see some of the incredible floats lighting up for the first time as the team works through programming and rehearsals, and you’ll meet Whimsy, an original character created just for “Disney Starlight.” We can’t wait for you to see the finished parade in the park. It’s an impressive theatrical spectacle!

Everything our team produces – be it large or small, indoors, outdoors, or at sea – we think of in terms of theatre. This idea goes back to Walt Disney, who often described Disneyland as a show with everyone being onstage. Live entertainment has been a key component of the Disneyland experience since day one, 70 years ago. The Disney characters were here on opening day, as was the Disneyland Band, and there was a grand parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

While Disney Live Entertainment has grown more sophisticated over the years, leading the entertainment industry with one innovation after another, those core elements continue to be part of our DNA. We delight in entertaining you with the familiar and then surprising you with new experiences and things you maybe didn’t expect.

Disney Live Entertainment introduced the first parade soundtrack to change as it follows each float down the route, the first nighttime electrical parade, the first computer-synchronized fireworks show, the first (and still only) fireworks at sea, the first daily operating drone show, and so much more!

Be sure to watch the Disney Live Entertainment episode of “We Call It Imagineering” for a look inside our latest productions and to hear from some of the people creating magic every day. While you’re at it, check out (or revisit) the other episodes in the series, highlighting Audio-Animatronics technology, music production, and the brilliant ride systems Imagineering creates. And for even more peeks behind the scenes, you can follow Disney Live Entertainment on Instagram and check out Walt Disney Imagineering on Instagram and YouTube.