"Storytelling is the bridge between awe and understanding, whether you're in a theme park or a national park."
Notable Moments
01:05 – Bob's national park road trip that shaped his worldview
05:24 – "Recreation" vs. "Re-creation": the true power of parks
06:10 – Walt Disney's advice: walk the park, observe the guests
08:41 – How Disney draws inspiration from national parks
12:19 – Gaps in concessionaire storytelling at national park lodges
14:51 – Bob's advice for elevating the lodge experience
16:15 – Lessons from Kennedy Space Center concessions
20:39 – Making food and retail part of the park's story
28:16 – Advice for up-and-coming park leaders
32:14 – Why rangers are just as iconic as Disney cast members
In this inspiring conversation, Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins to explore the intersection of themed and natural parks. In his new book, Dream Chasing, Bob discusses how his childhood road trip to national parks shaped his creative path and what natural park leaders can learn from theme park storytelling. From immersive lodge experiences to the role of frontline staff, this episode offers practical and visionary ideas for elevating the park guest experience.
Read the blog for more from this episode.
Connect with Bob Weis
Order the book – Dream Chasing
Resources
https://parkleaders.com/about/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/
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