Editorials

Design Client Handbook: Trust Management

Posted on June 3, 2016

Over the last decade or so, the entertainment design industry has grown into developing countries and new markets at an astounding pace. As more entertainment design work goes overseas, we ...

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You Have Our Permission: Putting A Little Soul into Experience Design

Posted on November 11, 2015

On the lake, a group of grown ups chant “Om” while balancing on stand-up paddleboards. Outside the dining hall, another group is making dream catchers. Nearby, joyful shouts and giggles ...

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There’s a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow – Perhaps

Posted on August 25, 2015

As Walt famously sang alongside the Sherman brothers in 1964, “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.” This was the theme song for the Carousel of ...

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Why San Francisco Matters to Themed Entertainment

Posted on May 28, 2015

When it comes to entertainment design on the west coast, Los Angeles is the obvious hub. Decades of talent has lived and flourished there since Disneyland first opened its doors in the ...

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The Next Big Thing Is More “Real” Than We Realize

Posted on February 28, 2015

The entertainment design industry loves to muse about the future. Typically, this means focusing on how technology will continue to enhance visitor experiences: we analyze trends with mobile devices and digital ...

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The Theme Park Industry’s Growing Pains

Posted on September 30, 2014

If you’re looking for a stable job, don’t pick entertainment design. One of the most challenging aspects of themed entertainment is that it’s a boom and bust industry. The 1980’s ...

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For The Love of Toys: Re-Imagining The Gift Shop

Posted on June 5, 2014

I have two warring sides within me: one that is a responsible, disciplined and serious adult, and one that embodies my sense of childhood wonder and imagination. Adult Me has ...

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Disney’s Princesses are Coming of Age: Will Theme Parks Evolve with Them?

Posted on March 3, 2014

When the very first Disney princess graced the screen in 1937, she broke barriers: Snow White elevated animation from the stigma of silly cartoon to the realm of respectable art ...

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Move Over Lawyers, The Creatives Have Arrived

Posted on December 16, 2013

As we approach the New Year, I have some good news for us creative types: the Conceptual Age is here, and it’s here to stay. Growing up, it was difficult ...

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The Next Great American Theme Park

Posted on September 16, 2013

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of Asia opening new theme parks. China alone is gaining Shanghai Disney, Jurassic Dream, Monkey Kingdom, Hello Kitty and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, just ...

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