Collaborative Creativity in Imagineering

The Experience Architect for Virgin Galatic who was a 40-year veteran of Walt Disney’s Imagineering, the lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the principal creative force behind Walt Disney World Resort’s Expedition Everest thrill ride. Rohde was one of the lead designers on the Disney Vacation Club property Aulani in Oahu, Hawaii and is recognized as the creator of Pandora - The World of Avatar. He joined Disney Imagineering in 1980 during the development of Epcot as a model designer and scenic painter for the theme park's Mexico pavilion. He became a designer on the refurbishment of Fantasyland at Disneyland, the Captain EO 3D film attraction starring Michael Jackson, the Norway Pavilion at Epcot and the Adventurers Club within Pleasure Island entertainment district. Joe led the team that transformed the former Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure into Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT!. On this episode, Rohde shares stories of his world travel and wanderlust, the power of details for creating a sense of place and the importance of a crooked palm tree.