[Question] When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

[WDW1971]

What time period do you think Imagineering had its height/ it's "peak"? When do you think WDI seemed invincible and was producing such great, high quality attractions and environments that were revolutionary for the time?

What do you think?

[WDWbeatsDL]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I have to agree with the OP. The attractions they are developing today are nice and fun but nothing really revolutionary and new like those from the 90s.

[ttintagel]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I've been watching some videos of the late Horizons, and I think it represents the culmination of everything the 1970's was heading toward. Add BTMRR to that, and it makes a case for the early 80's.

[monster heck]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Indy running at optimal conditions (meaning everything is working and on) is the pinnacle of imagineering an amazing ride.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

The period that resulted in the creation of Disneyland itself, so I would say the early 1950s.

Second would be the mid-1960s which saw the creation of New Orleans Square, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion and the new Tomorrowland of 1967 including Adventure thru Inner Space, Carousel of Progress and PeopleMover. Also during that period It's a Small World and the Primeval World diorama opened. So the mid-1960s was a very fertile period for originality and innovation.

[4th Gen Disney Fan]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I would vote for the New Orleans Square era personally.

[bfdf55]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Between Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea. Those two projects showed the capabilities that WDI could attain when they are supported. And support is the key word here. Throughout the history of Imagineering, politics has had an impact on how much support any project receives.

In the far past, quality usually superseded politics, but in recent years, politics has more often won out at the expense of what Imagineering has been able to acheive. The occasional outstanding project has still been able to be done (Carsland), but many have been subverted and lost.

[Bob Weaver]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I assume you mean "office politics" or "infighting" or internal company politics. Can you give an example of a project to illustrate how politics affected it or changed the result?

[Krack]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

The height of imagineering was 1979-82, when they were designing and building EPCOT Center. That place was a palace when it was first built and it worked on so many imagineering levels that management (and a good portion of imagineering itself) still doesn't understand today. By 1989 (the opening of MGM Studios), it was evident that there was already a bit of a decline.

[WDW1971]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Interesting how so many people have different opinions when they thing Imagineering produced its best work.

[LordVader]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

1964- The 1990s. The attractions created before the mid 90s have been labeled as classics from their innovation, and theming. Sure they have somewhat improved sine Micheal Eiser left office. But they still have a long way to go.

[Trav1Disney]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I would say 1998 , rocket rods

[Seawolf]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Simple, right before Walt passed away. When he left, a part of Imagineering died with him. They lost a great visionary and leader who was constantly challenging his best artists to push the boundaries year after year. Until they can fill this void and have the authority to run wild with company funds, it will never be on the same level. The very idea that Disney can't even compete with their 40 year old attractions is a testament to this standard.

[PirateLover]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I would say the Pirates era since it was the last thing Walt worked on.

[frollofan]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Probably in the 60's with Walt still around and rides like Pirates and Haunted Mansion were being produced.

[WDW1971]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

Interesting thoughts.

[WDWbeatsDL]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

It looks like 1955-1969 and 1984-1996 in my book.

[WDW1971]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

It looks like 1955-1969 and 1984-1996 in my book.

Agree 100%.

[mark]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I agree with the OP, but Pirates is my all time favorite. The Paris version of course.

[Quentin]

Re: When do you think the height of Imagineering was?

I assume you mean "office politics" or "infighting" or internal company politics. Can you give an example of a project to illustrate how politics affected it or changed the result?

Westcot was scrapped in favor of DCA 1.0 almost completely a budget decision.

---------- Post added 07-23-2012 at 03:33 PM ----------

I would say 1998 , rocket rods

Exactly what I was thinking. That or Mulholland Madness.