I'm sure I've said it a thousand times and I sound like a broken record - but I'm going to be an Imagineer when I "grow up".
It's not a practical job, nor is it easy to attain, but I am determined to make this dream come true. Why? Because it truly is the perfect profession for me.
First and foremost, I am a obsessive Disney freak. My obsession for the Disney parks has always been quiet. I've frequented DL, WDW, and TDL in my childhood, but had never been an annual-type like most on the DISboards. until a few years ago when I started researching the Haunted Mansion. Before I knew it, I was looking up everything I could about WDW (cue me finding the DIS). After a while I began to learn about DL, TDL and TDS, DLP, and HKDL. I know pretty much every land in every park like the back of my hand - and I haven't visited most of them! I am a voracious reader when it comes to the Disney parks and properties - I cannot get enough. I spend hours upon hours learning about Disney. It's completely unhealthy, but I love it so. Outside of the parks, I also have a passion for the movies. One of my favorite hobbies this past year is renting old and sometimes semi-obscure Disney live-action films and watching them. I've actually discovered some of my favorites this way (The Happiest Millionaire, In Search of the Castaways, The Absent-Minded Professor, Follow Me, Boys!, Pollyanna, Darby O'Gill and the Little People). I visited the Disney Studios last fall and was thrilled by everything I saw. Because of my thirst and love of Disney parks and knowledge, Imagineering seems the logical place for me.
In addition to my love for Disney, I have a second love that is just as strong: the theatre. Ever since I was little and saw my first play (Fiddler on the Roof), I've been hooked on the theatre. Since then, I've seen 21 plays, plenty on broadway and plenty on tour, including the plays I've seen and worked on in my high school. When I was in middle school, I decided I wanted to do Stage Crew in high school. This means building the set, and then in addition, moving the set during the play. Well, I have just completed my 6th show, and I plan on becoming a Stage Manager next year. In college I plan to major in Theatre Design or Scenic Design, and continue my education and love of theatre.
What on earth does all of this theatre mumbo-jumbo have to do with WDI? Well, think about it: The Disney parks are the ULTIMATE stage. There are sets, props, facades, lighting, music, onstage/backstage, costumes, and the list goes on and on. By majoring in theatre design, I will dabble in many of these disciplines (which by the way, are all imagineering!). Imagineering is the perfect way for me to combine my two greatest passions. Plus, the thought of creating the magic and happiness that guests feel gives me chills- I can't wait!
The path will be long and winding, but I will end up at WDI. I may not know how or where, but until then, I'll keep studying theatre and the Disney parks, as well as continue to come up with ideas for the parks.