From dishwasher at Disneyland to legendary Disney Imagineer. In this episode, Kevin Rafferty shares how a last-minute choice launched his Imagineering career and the storytelling secrets behind some of Disney’s most iconic attractions.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How a spur-of-the-moment decision kick-started Kevin’s Imagineering journey
- The original concept for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- What it was like collaborating with Aerosmith on Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
- The step-by-step process of developing Cars Land—from blue-sky to grand opening
If you love Imagineering history, creative process deep dives, and behind-the-scenes Disney stories, this one’s pure pixie dust.
Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.
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Missing the smell of the parks? Check out Magic Candle Company and use code ENCHANTED at checkout to save 15% off your next order.
Check out Kevin's book here
Timestamps
Welcome 00:00
Kevin’s Go To Karaoke Song 02:12
The Start of an Incredible Career 04:19
Learning from the Original Imagineers 15:00
Becoming a Show Writer 17:44
Kevin’s Potential Second Career 22:30
Bringing Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Life 23:26
How Do Story and Ride Mechanics Work Together? 33:07
Kevin’s Favorite Easter Egg 37:59
Kevin’s Disney Favorites 40:42
A Disneyland Love Story 44:30
Working with Jim Henson on MuppetVision 3D 47:22
Celebrity Stories from Imagineering 50:22
Creating Cars Land 56:58
Looking to the Movies for Inspiration 1:07:07
Was There an Attraction Kevin Wanted to Build? 1:11:32
Adding Walt to Carousel of Progress 1:13:48
Kevin’s Favorite Attraction He Worked On 1:16:49
Kevin’s Advice to Future Imagineers 1:23:02
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