Disney Is Sharing Behind-the-Scenes Tours of Theme Parks—So Future Imagineers, Pay Attention

Though you might be stuck at home in quarantine for the foreseeable future, Disney is doing their best to bring a bit of their signature magic into the homes of fans who are sorely missing a trip on Space Mountain right about now. Over at the Disney Parks Blog, those looking to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes into the parks can get video tours of Walt Disney Imagineering, along with a deep dive into one of the most popular roller coasters at any Disney park.

First up: Take a virtual tour of Imagineering headquarters, where much of Disney’s magic actually comes to life. (FYI: Disney Imagineering is the “creative engine” that designs and builds your favorite theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships around the world, and also oversees the creative side of Disney’s games, merchandise product development, and publishing businesses. They’re spread out among 140 different specialties including artists, architects, engineers, and more, so they’re kind of a big deal at the House of Mouse.

Visit the “dream factory” where “creative imagination and technical know-how combine to make dreams come true,” and learn a bit more about what Imagineers actually do. If you subscribe to Disney+, there’s a lot of fun documentaries on Imagineering to stream.

Then, check out the Sculpture Studio, where sculptures and busts for audio-animatronic figures used throughout the parks and attractions are created and perfected.

For thrill ride fans that can’t wait to get a FastPass for their favorite coasters, check out this video guide by two Disney Mechanical Engineers into the science of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster—one of the fastest roller coasters at any Disney park around the globe. Learning about how a car full of people can propel up to 60 MPH in a matter of seconds might give you a new appreciation for that pit-in-your-stomach feeling you get once you’re brave enough to strap into the ride vehicle. Buckle up!