D23 Gold Members were invited to don their fedoras and go on a journey with Walt Disney Imagineering during the first D23 Spotlight Series on February 22. This inaugural event highlighted the fan-favorite attraction Indiana Jones Adventure, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, with a panel of Imagineers both past and present who spoke to its ingenious production and history! D23 Gold Members were also among the first guests to experience an exclusive walkthrough of the Walt Disney Imagineering Preview Center, as well as given the opportunity to shop at Mickey’s of Glendale to bookend their Indy-themed expedition.
Not only was the event the kick-off for the D23 Spotlight Series, but it also marked the first time guests were able to visit the historic Grand Central Air Terminal—on the day of its 96th anniversary no less! Before its current tenure of hosting events, the Grand Central Air Terminal was an operating airport, even having hosted pioneering pilots like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart! Guests were able to enjoy the on-site visitor center detailing the building’s history and hidden gem status and take in the spirit of adventure before tuning into the Walt Disney Imagineering panel.
D23 was joined by Indiana Jones Adventure’s Senior Show Producer Susan Bonds, Show Set Designer Daniel Jue, and Scenic Illusion Producer Charita Carter for the presentation on the attraction. To get the ball rolling, the panelists shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the attraction’s production, and its unique design and technological considerations. Guests— including a few cosplaying as Indy himself— were delighted to unearth Easter eggs and learn about the Imagineers’ own journeys of translating an iconic film franchise into a fan-favorite attraction.
The journey into Imagineering continued with a walkthrough experience of the Walt Disney Imagineering Preview Center, featuring displays and demonstrations of upcoming attractions from around the world of Disney! In a true peek-behind-the-curtain experience, guests got up close with innovations like the HoloTile™ floor and Stuntronics™ technology, and illusions used on experiences like Animal Kingdom’s Navi River Journey and the Haunted Mansion Parlor on the Disney Treasure. Plus, the play and perusing continued with some throwbacks to exhibits from D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, including a demo of EPCOT’s Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana!
Finally, to cap off a day of Imagineering magic, guests got to shop at the exclusive Mickey’s of Glendale, aka the Imagineering Campus Store. We at D23 realize the Chamber of Destiny is a little ways away, so we sought to bring earthly riches closer to our fans! From sharing stories about one of our favorite attractions to following in the footsteps of Imagineers throughout the Walt Disney Imagineering campus, D23 Gold Members truly got a full Imagineering adventure that Indy himself would be delighted to join!
Explore upcoming D23 events, including the in-person D23 Spotlight Series and virtual D23 Gold Theater, right here!
