Our wonderful group of ALC Advanced Architecture, 3D Graphics and Animation, Advanced Digital Media, Travel and Tourism, Engineering Design 3, and CAD Mechanical Design students had the magical opportunity to attend the Imagination Campus Workshops in California this week.
In the Disney Theme Park Design Workshop, students were able to get an inside look at the day-to-day work of a Disney Imagineer—and learn all that goes into designing a world-class theme park that brings classic stories to life. Students discovered how Imagineers marry imaginative vision and large-scale functionality. They were able to see how they uncover the concepts, philosophy and tools considered necessary to make premier theme parks tick. Students were taught valuable lessons that could help them advance toward their goals, whether they attended for themed entertainment design studies or project management training—or even to find out how to become a Disney Imagineer!
During the Technology of Disney Parks Workshop, students learned how Disney Imagineers bring magical stories to life through science and technology. They learned about the major role technology has played in telling immersive stories in theme parks and Resorts. Students were able to experience a technology workshop, an engineering workshop and a STEM workshop all rolled into one! They learned how stories are central to everything and got an inside look at how Imagineers dream, design and use technology and engineering to immerse guests in those stories. From Audio-Animatronics to light and sound effects and more, students learned why technology is the most valuable as well as the most challenging tool used in theme park operations every day.
Our student were also treated to a special presentation from hotel manager, Erik Lee, about all that goes into managing a major hotel in Anaheim. They learned things like: Who is the hotel's primary target customer? What amenities are offered that make you competitive in the market? When is the busy season and how does that affect room rates? What is your current NPS? What classification is your hotel (chain hotel, motel, boutique hotel, etc.)?
This was an amazing educational opportunity for each of our ALC students! We are so grateful for the chance to go and learn more about architecture, graphics and animation, digital media, travel and tourism, engineering design, and mechanical design in the context of a major theme park. We have the BEST students and teachers here at the ALC! What a magical experience!
