Students from 四虎影视 of Art and Design鈥檚 Entertainment Design program got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Walt Disney World鈥攏ot as guests, but as future industry professionals. Over the course of their immersive visit, students explored behind-the-scenes of attractions, attended insider presentations, and connected with Disney Imagineers, including Ringling alumni who now help bring the parks to life.
The visit began with a deep dive into Disney’s creative philosophy, led by Walt Disney Imagineering Art Director Katie Gibbs 鈥�12, Illustration, who has spent over a decade designing experiences for Disney parks. Gibbs started her career with Disney as an intern during her senior year at 四虎影视. Her presentation walked students through Disney’s storied history and the “Ten Commandments of Imagineering”鈥攃ore principles that guide every creative decision, from ride design to guest experience.
Luke Jordan 鈥�26, Entertainment Design, was excited to see how passionate the people who work in the industry are about getting students on board and giving them industry experience.
From there, the group was treated to an in-depth look at the making of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, with Creative Director Alex Wright pulling back the curtain on the ride鈥檚 visual storytelling, large-scale operational design, and cutting-edge technology. Students also toured Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, a vibrant and interactive educational walkthrough designed to teach guests about the water cycle鈥攚ithout ever feeling like a lesson. That presentation was led by recent Wren Wilson 鈥�23, Entertainment Design, who shared how interdisciplinary collaboration helped bring the attraction to life. There were talks from many other Ringling alumni, including Senior Concept Designer and Animator Todd Bright 鈥�92, Illustration.
Tia Kassim 鈥�26, Entertainment Design, who attended the field trip, shared a highlight of the day.
She said, 鈥淲e had a really unique experience today when we got to not only ride the ride, but then after we got to sit with the creative director and hear his take on it, exactly as we went through it. It鈥檚 just so rare.鈥�
Another trip highlight was an exclusive look at Nassal, a company who designs and builds themed experiences across industries. Students had the chance to learn more about the creative and technical work they do at both Nassal and nFusion鈩�, from concept to fabrication. The Nassal team said, 鈥淥ur team enjoyed sharing insights into how immersive environments are built and showing what it takes to bring stories to life at scale. Thank you to Ringling for visiting us. It鈥檚 inspiring to connect with future industry leaders and share the passion and craft that drive our work.鈥�
Throughout the experience, students saw firsthand how their studies translate into real-world application鈥攁nd how collaboration, storytelling, and attention to detail are essential in crafting unforgettable experiences.
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