Lunch with Imagineer

[disadventurer]

Just made a reservation for DS14 and myself for Lunch with an Imagineer for April 14 at the Brown Derby's Bamboo Room. DS is sooooo excited--early birthday present!! Has anyone experienced this?? Please give us all the details, pictures etc. Wanted something different for him. He is such a Disney Nerd.

 

[cjlvsccm]

Just made a reservation for DS14 and myself for Lunch with an Imagineer for April 14 at the Brown Derby's Bamboo Room. DS is sooooo excited--early birthday present!! Has anyone experienced this?? Please give us all the details, pictures etc. Wanted something different for him. He is such a Disney Nerd.

Sorry, no pix, but...

I surprised my DH with this in Dec '08. It was such fun!!! He really enjoyed the details we learned. He didn't know he could be so excited to talk to an interior designer/ painter, as he expected an animator or ride designer. But every CM/Imagineer has his/her own spin on their part of the magic.

The guest interaction was really good, everyone there had good questions and input, and even learning "how is it living in the area and dealing with ALL THESE TOURISTS, ALL THE TIME" was interesting.

And the meal was great! DH & I got different entrees and desserts (we hadn't otherwise eaten at HBD), and each sampled both, happy with everything.

The things DH is most proud of are the special name badge, and the special commemorative plate you get after the meal is over. The Imagineer signed each one of those, with a special message for each of us.

I know you'll both love the experience!!!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I've done this twice, and it is honestly one of the best Disney experiences I've had. You will love it. The food is fantastic and they are great about dealing with any special dietary needs. The autographed plate is on display in my dining room and we framed the menu too. But it is just so interesting to hear all the "backstage" stories and learn more about how they make the magic. It's a small group, so everyone gets to ask questions, and the imagineer usually has plenty of stories to tell as well.

Teresa

 

[disadventurer]

Hi and thanks for responding. He is thrilled and starting to investigate the info. on his own now. Tried to make a reservation for the underground tour at the parks, but alas you must be 16 (minimum) OSHA requirement. Will save that for another time--how fantastic though--a secret land that many know nothing about going on simultaneously as you navigate the parks.

I must admit I'm looking forward to this as well. I came down with my parents in 1971--the two-week vacation in the car (no a/c) from CT to FL. What moments in time. Talk about nostaglia -- how about 5 watermelons for $1 on the side of the road!!

Disney was great then, and now--just spectacular. Had to buy him the Vision poster of Walt, the Castle and the swampland. Had it framed and is over his bed. Now that's a dream!!

It's so nice to hear everyone's impressions and experiences. And, of course let's not forget the meal. Sounds oh sooooooo good. Believe that will be dinner too. Have all pm to walk it off!!

Keep the stories coming--the more I read, the more I know he'll (and me too!!) will enjoy every minute!! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Not My Fault!]

We are booked for the Imagineers lunch on April 23. I started a thread a few weeks ago asking for info and got some good feedback.

Check it out here:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2376997&highlight=imagineers

 

[disadventurer]

Hi! Thanks so much for the reply. Another family from CT--we're from Guilford. Connected to your thread and it sounds like so much fun!! Glad to see your DD is into it. My DS14 has always been into Disney. He can't wait. Talking about it with all his friends already. Not sure what end he wants to get into yet. He was bummed that he couldn't do the underground tour as you must be 16 per OSHA as I was told. This opportunity sounds even better though. Being in the Bamboo Room with the Imagineer and like-minded Disney lovers sounds like it will be the hit of our vacation. We are going down for an early celebration for my DD17 graduation; however, it sounds like she will miss a good time. Her and DH are off to do their thing!! Just bought my son the Disney Window book in January and he just loved that. A good read!! I hope you have a wonderful time at your lunch. Ours is April 14th-will let you know how it goes.

 

[tinkerfan1]

Your DS14 sounds a lot like my DS13. This is something I want to book, too. We have a vacation planned for August, which is his birthday, but our DGS8 will be with us, so I think it should probably wait until we go in November. That way, we can go with just DS14 (by then), DH, and myself. DS really wants to be an Imagineer some day, too. Perhaps our sons will go to the Disney college program together some day! I think it would be awesome if he was able to do so! I need to check out the book you said you got your son. We have a bunch of Disney books but I have not gotten him that one. Not sure I've seen it. It sounds like a must have for the Disney enthusiast which he certainly is (as are we!).

 

[DisFan09]

We enjoyed Lunch with an Imagineer a few weeks ago. You guys will have a great time! Just go hungry - they serve a lot of food! You start with soup, followed by Cobb salad, then the entree (beef or fish) and dessert. Everything was delicious! The best part, of course, was talking to the Imagineer (ours was a Concept Designer). At first, I thought the price was a bit high, but it's worth every penny!

 

[Not My Fault!]

Hi! Thanks so much for the reply. Another family from CT--we're from Guilford. Connected to your thread and it sounds like so much fun!! Glad to see your DD is into it. My DS14 has always been into Disney. He can't wait. Talking about it with all his friends already. Not sure what end he wants to get into yet. He was bummed that he couldn't do the underground tour as you must be 16 per OSHA as I was told. This opportunity sounds even better though. Being in the Bamboo Room with the Imagineer and like-minded Disney lovers sounds like it will be the hit of our vacation. We are going down for an early celebration for my DD17 graduation; however, it sounds like she will miss a good time. Her and DH are off to do their thing!! Just bought my son the Disney Window book in January and he just loved that. A good read!! I hope you have a wonderful time at your lunch. Ours is April 14th-will let you know how it goes.

Looking forward to any info or review you can provide for your Imagineer lunch next week! We can't wait for our date (April 23rd). Hopefully we'll see your review before we leave...

 

[disadventurer]

Hi. We will return on April 20th, so I'll get it together for you. SOOO excited now. Weather looks great. Can't imagine they can forecast 15 days out, but, you know, I'll take 86 or 87, sunny, and no yard work. Too bad BDL flight prices didn't come down. High this year!! Now the challenge of packing!! You have got to love vacation planning. All the best to you and you DD--can't wait to go. She must be thrilled (of course we are!!)

 

[Not My Fault!]

We actually arrive late evening on the 19th, so we'll be crossing paths. We'll have internet access at our resort (Coronado), so we'll look for your update.

We'll be in Atlanta the previous 2 days for a campus tour of Geogia Tech and their Architecture programs. Daughter will be completely amped for the Imagineer after that!

 

[disadventurer]

Your not kidding--she'll hold her own. We will be at CSR as well. Just drafted our fax request for room selection--will send out on Friday. Unfortunately, we did not plan on bringing the laptop; but, who knows at the last minute. CSR is a fun place. Stayed in January this year. Really beautiful!!

 

[acourtwdw]

Dsis and I did this in Sept 08. It was a blast! Our Imangieer was in sound and did music for the resorts and DCL. He was also one of the producers on No Doubt's first album. He told us about what brought him to WDW and his history with the parks and such. He wouldn't tell us anything secretive though. But it was still a fun lunch.
It was a great experience and the food was delish!!! I still dream about the Noodle Bowl that I got

 

[casajump]

Congratulations! You will LOVE it! The wife and I had a great time and the signed memorabilia he gave us was a pleasant surprise! We had the Art Director for MK.

 

[disadventurer]

Dsis and I did this in Sept 08. It was a blast! Our Imangieer was in sound and did music for the resorts and DCL. He was also one of the producers on No Doubt's first album. He told us about what brought him to WDW and his history with the parks and such. He wouldn't tell us anything secretive though. But it was still a fun lunch.
It was a great experience and the food was delish!!! I still dream about the Noodle Bowl that I got

Must have been sooo interesting. Food sounds good too!! Every lunch is soooo different from the next. Our DS14 plays sax and has band everyday in high school so we are very lucky to have such a musically gifted staff and town that supports the arts. This sounds good too!! Wonder who we'll get?????

 

[disadventurer]

Congratulations! You will LOVE it! The wife and I had a great time and the signed memorabilia he gave us was a pleasant surprise! We had the Art Director for MK.

Wow--how cool that must have been Sounds like you had a wonderful time Any pictures to share??

 

[Simba's Mom]

Dsis and I did this in Sept 08. It was a blast! Our Imangieer was in sound and did music for the resorts and DCL. He was also one of the producers on No Doubt's first album. He told us about what brought him to WDW and his history with the parks and such. He wouldn't tell us anything secretive though. But it was still a fun lunch.
It was a great experience and the food was delish!!! I still dream about the Noodle Bowl that I got

Wow, I would love to have someone in music. DS is a musician and interned at Disney in a band there. But is it just the "luck of the draw" who you get? No requests, right?

 

[Not My Fault!]

Wow, I would love to have someone in music. DS is a musician and interned at Disney in a band there. But is it just the "luck of the draw" who you get? No requests, right?

Right, no requests. It does seem that the Imagineers are chosen for their experience and background. Looks like they always have a mi to high level manager who was involved with some interesting and high profile projects.

 

[Deb in IA]

We did this a couple of years ago, and LOVED the entire experience!

Both our DD and DS are talented singers and love musicals. DD had just been in her high school production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". And DS loves roller coasters and has some ideas for some new rides!

Our Imagineer had gone to Northwestern as a theater major, and was roommates with Stephen Colbert! He developed a lot of the interactive things in Innoventions, and was very happy we had tried a lot of them out!

It was a great 2 hours of interaction and insights! And the food was fabulous! DS got his first creme brulee there, and now it is his favorite dessert!

 

[lynnfitz]

Hi-We want to give this a try this August-can you make reservations on line, or do you have to call Disney directly
Thanks