Former Imagineer Joe Rohde Thanks Fellow Imagineers for Being Named Disney Legend
Congratulations to Joe Rohde on being honored as part of the 2024 class of Disney Legends at D23! Rohde’s career at Walt Disney Imagineering was quite remarkable as Executive Designer and Vice President, Creative. Rohde’s contributions have left an impressive mark on Disney’s legacy of immersive and innovative entertainment experiences.
Related-Travel to the Arctic with Joe Rohde and Adventures by Disney
Rohde joined Disney Imagineering in 1980 during the development of Epcot as a model designer and scenic painter for the theme park’s Mexico pavilion. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Disney experience through his work at Disney Imagineering. He led the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and was instrumental in creating the thrilling Expedition Everest ride, which debuted in 2006. Additionally, Rohde contributed significantly to projects such as Aulani resort in Oʻahu, Hawaii, and the refurbishment of Fantasyland at Disneyland.
Related-Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Talks About the Strange Hair Ties on Expedition Everest
After successfully designing Aulani in Hawaii, Joe Rohde embarked on creating Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a project that spanned six years and opened in May 2017. Following this achievement, Rohde led the transformation of Disney California Adventure’s Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!, which also debuted in May 2017. This endeavor marked an expansion of his role as the global creative leader of the Marvel property.
In February 2020, Rohde took on the role of lead developer for Disney’s second private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. However, on November 23, 2020, Rohde announced his retirement from Walt Disney Imagineering, effective January 4, 2021. Shortly after, on February 22, 2021, Virgin Galactic announced that Joe Rohde had joined their team as their Experience Architect, showcasing his continued impact and influence in the realm of immersive experiences. Thank you, Joe, for all of your amazing contributions you made to Disney!
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel
For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!
