Anyone know much about Joe Rohde?

[hawkrn]

We've been fans of his for years, but we don't know much about him. Does anyone know what his background is-like does he have a degree in something (art, engineering, etc.)? Thanks

 

[ugadog99]

I don't know much about him, but I think he is such a neat person. My older daughter just thinks he is "IT"!

 

[momrek06]

I think he is remarkably knowledgeable. He is very interesting to listen and watch when he does any of the WDW shows. I don't really care for the earrings!
I was so impressed with the recent episode on EE!!! Really INTERESTING!!!
I would LOVE his job!

 

[mgkkgdm]

Rohde joined Imagineering in 1980 during the development of Epcot as a model designer and scenic painter for the theme park's Mexico pavilion. He later worked as a designer on the refurbishment of Fantasyland at Disneyland, the Captain EO 3-D film attraction (starring singer Michael Jackson, the Norway pavilion at Epcot and the Adventurers Club, a 1930s-themed bar and lounge that opened in 1989 within the Pleasure Island entertainment district at Walt Disney World Resort.

Rohde was born in Sacramento, California and raised in Hawaii. Rohde received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Rohde is known for an unusual large dangling earring, composed of a number of metal rings, he wears in his left ear. The weight of this earring is so great that Rhode's earlobe is deformed and elongated.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Don't know much about him, but I have seen him in person!

When I was at Animal Kingdom back in December (I think it was maybe a Thursday December 2nd or so), I walked by EE which was not open yet. In front was Joe Rohde, doing an interview! I had no clue who he was, but I could tell he was someone important! I watched him for awhile - loved staring at those earlobes!

Then weeks later in the mail, I saw Joe Rohde wearing the same red shirt I saw at EE, posing on the front of the Mickey Monitor. And I think he was wearing that red shirt in an interview shown on TV. I don't know if he always wears that kind of shirt, but it was neat actually seeing him there in action.

Here's a photo I snapped of Joe Rohde in front of EE:

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Joe is my favorite!

The only thing I have to add is that if you go to Tusker House at AK, there is a display in the restaurant made to look like a shop that's called "Jorodi Masks and Beads" that was added as a tribute to Joe, since that's just his kind of thing! This isn't a very good picture, but it's the only one I have:

 

[bicker]

I point to Joe Rohde as evidence of the strong and successful future of Disney. His vision and creativity appears to be on par with the best of them, going all the way to the original theme park designers -- that is if he doesn't actually exceed them.

 

[mndisfam]

Joe Rohde taught at my DH's and my high school in So Cal in the late 70s. His mother was the drama teacher - she was absolutely wonderful. He helped her with the drama productions and built all the sets. Even in such a small venue, his talent was wonderful.

My husband - and many young men - spent hours with him building sets. We have never forgotten him. SOmeday, I swear we are going to look him up when we go to WDW...

 

[mrsltg]

The man is incredible! He was interviewed extensively in the Travel Channel special on the Animal Kingdom. He was so interesting to listen to and watch. The latest specials on EE with him were fascinating. We were watching the Jeff Corwin special yesterday and Mr. Rohde was in it quite a bit. I asked my dh if it would be inappropriate to approach him if we saw him at the Animal Kingdom. I don't know what it is about him, but I am just inspired when I listen to him. Too bad I don't have a creative bone in my body...

 

[keishashadow]

Impressed w/his energy & excitement as well as obvious gift for design.

Afraid his ear lobe will soon fall off though what a charactar.

 

[wdwpluto]

I asked my dh if it would be inappropriate to approach him if we saw him at the Animal Kingdom.

DH and I saw him a few weeks back on a Saturday night at the Adventurer's Club in Pleasure Island. We said hi and that we admired his work. He was pleasant and thanked us but didn't appear to want to be chatty (he had two pre-teenish boys with him) so we moved along, not wanting to take up his (presumably personal) time.

I have to admit, I was a little star-struck.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I would love to be able to meet him. I think his work is spectacular and he is so exciting to listen to it seems to me that he loves what he does. We were at AK when EE opened to the public on 4/7 and I was hoping to get to see him, but no luck. One day, DFiance' and I think he's super cool! =o)