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In short: we build what doesn’t yet exist and then make it operational.
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Kyle Laughlin shared thisOne of the things I love about Imagineering is that storytelling isn’t confined to any one discipline. It’s embedded in everything we create, from the technology behind an experience to the architecture that gives it a sense of place. As someone who has always loved architecture, I particularly enjoyed this newest episode of We Call It Imagineering, “Disney Parkitecture.” It’s a great look at how our Imagineers bring together architecture, engineering, environment, culture and history to create places that feel like they’ve always belonged. There’s an incredible amount of creative and technical thinking behind making something feel that natural. That’s Walt Disney Imagineering.Disney Parkitecture | A Deep Dive Into the Architecture at Disney ParksDisney Parkitecture | A Deep Dive Into the Architecture at Disney Parks
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Kyle Laughlin reposted thisKyle Laughlin reposted thisThe Walt Disney Company and Epic Games have been promising a ‘persistent, open and interoperable’ universe since February 2024, when Disney took a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games, and Bob Iger called it the company's biggest foray into games ever. Two and a half years and a handful of Fortnite islands later, we're finally getting something that behaves like what was actually promised: a Disney park experience that connects, mechanically, to Fortnite itself. Most of what's arrived since that 2024 announcement has been a slow drip of standalone content rather than anything tied to the parks. Disneyland Game Rush launched in November 2025 as a Creative island celebrating Disneyland's 70th anniversary, dropping players into mini games modeled on Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion — fun, but built entirely inside Fortnite, with nothing connecting back to an actual park visit. A Percy Jackson: Siege of Monsters island followed that December, timed to the Disney+ show's second season. On the parks side, Imagineering has been running its own parallel experiments with a lot of the same underlying tech. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom now uses Unreal Engine to power real-time scoring. What none of those individual pieces actually did was talk to each other. That changes now, though, as Disney and Epic have unveiled Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Fortnite. It's not the most original name, but it essentially combines Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — the ride inside Galaxy's Edge at both Walt Disney World 's Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA — with a new Fortnite island called Smugglers Gambit. And it's the first time riding a physical attraction produces something you bring into Fortnite — not just a shared theme, but an unlockable reward tied to a specific action you took inside the park. https://lnkd.in/gTFQCb4m‘A story doesn’t have to end when you leave the park’ — Disney and Epic Games are connecting Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney World and Disneyland with a new Star Wars game in Fortnite‘A story doesn’t have to end when you leave the park’ — Disney and Epic Games are connecting Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney World and Disneyland with a new Star Wars game in Fortnite
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Kyle Laughlin shared thisThis weekend, our Walt Disney Imagineering R&D, Technology and Engineering teams shared a few examples of how we’re pushing technology forward in service of storytelling. Three highlights: Hugo’s Sweets & Fizz explores how we can bring entertainment directly into food and beverage experiences. By bringing Grogu and Hugo from The Mandalorian and Grogu to life through next-generation robotics, we’re exploring how characters, storytelling and technology can transform an everyday moment into something unexpected and memorable. The Anzellan Creature Workshop gives guests a chance to experience R&D firsthand, combining characters, technology and interaction to explore new ways our stories can respond to and engage with guests. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run x Fortnite takes attraction technology in another direction. Our Technology Studio and Project Team worked with Epic Games to bring the Smugglers Run experience into Fortnite, demonstrating how the same technology powering our physical attractions can begin to connect experiences across physical and digital worlds. Three very different experiences, but one common idea: technology should disappear into the story and make the experience feel more alive, interactive and personal. Proud of the teams who keep building, prototyping and asking what’s possible next. And something tells me they’re not done yet. #WaltDisneyImagineering #D23 #DisneyResearch #Imagineering #Innovation
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Kyle Laughlin shared thisAnd that’s a wrap on D23 weekend! The Imagineering Pavilion had an amazing turn out and there was great energy all weekend. It's always fun to see Imagineers connecting with fans in real time and sharing the stories behind the work they're so passionate about. I had a great conversation with Hannah Elsakr from Adobe on our Center Stage about adding Foundry to our toolkit. This partnership represents an exciting step forward, helping us unlock new ways to accelerate creativity without compromising our standards, and continuing to expand what's possible. We also shared some major project milestones during the Disney Experiences Showcase last night, showing just how much work is in progress across our portfolio. It was a fantastic weekend with great people, big ideas, and plenty of Disney magic. Grateful to be a part of it — it’s an exciting time at Walt Disney Imagineering!
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Kyle Laughlin shared thisYesterday was a great start to D23 weekend. I had the opportunity to join David Lightbody, Zach Riddley, and Emo Emily R OBrien to talk about the power of collaboration across disciplines at Walt Disney Imagineering and how technology helps us create immersive, personalized experiences for guests around the world. What makes Imagineering special is that innovation is always in service of storytelling. It’s never technology for technology’s sake. Whether it’s bringing Olaf to life on a boat every day or developing the technologies that will shape our next generation of attractions, Imagineers bring incredible ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit to making the impossible possible. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about how we can create experiences that become more personal over time, building deeper relationships with our guests across every touchpoint and making each visit feel uniquely theirs. Now it’s time for D23. See you at the Imagineering Pavilion!
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Kyle Laughlin reposted thisKyle Laughlin reposted thisI’m delighted to share Disney Cruise Line was named the Top Large-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. Across the fleet, our Cast and Crew make every detail feel intentional – from the spaces guests explore to the moments they remember long after sailing. Congratulations to everyone at Disney Cruise Line on this well-deserved recognition! It is a direct reflection of your creativity, care and commitment.
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Kyle Laughlin shared thisTechnology should never replace creativity—it should amplify it. At Walt Disney Imagineering, our focus is on giving artists, designers, and engineers better tools to imagine, iterate, and build the next generation of experiences. AI is most powerful when it stays in service of storytelling. Proud of what our teams have built together with Adobe, and excited for what’s ahead.Kyle Laughlin shared thisOne little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation. ✨ Hear from Kyle Laughlin, SVP of R&D Technology and Engineering at Walt Disney Imagineering, on how Adobe Firefly Foundry is helping Imagineers accelerate the journey from idea to experience with tailored generative AI models developed on Imagineering assets. Learn more: https://adobe.ly/4yrTHtn
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Kyle Laughlin reposted thisKyle Laughlin reposted thisI am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Disney Legend Don Iwerks. Don was one of those rare individuals whose influence can be felt across disciplines and generations. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he pioneered innovations in filmmaking and projection technology that transformed how audiences experience stories and made possible some of the most iconic attractions at Disney parks around the world. From the groundbreaking Circle-Vision camera to the 3-D film system for “Captain EO” and the projection system for “Star Tours," Don continually pushed the creative and technical boundaries of our industry. For Disney fans, Don’s hands may be as memorable as his handiwork—they served as the model for Abraham Lincoln in “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” and for countless Audio-Animatronics figures ever since. As extraordinary as his achievements were, what stands out most is the person he was. Don was an innovator in every sense of the word—an entrepreneur, inventor, and lifelong learner who never stopped asking what was possible. Generations of filmmakers, creatives, engineers, and Imagineers continue to build upon the foundation he helped create. From his father, Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, to his daughter, Leslie, and his great-nephew, Imagineer Mike Iwerks, Don’s family legacy is woven into the fabric of The Walt Disney Company. Across generations, their imagination, innovation, and storytelling have helped shape our parks, films, and creative culture, inspiring dreamers and creators for years to come. On behalf of everyone at Walt Disney Imagineering, I extend my deepest condolences to Leslie, Mike, the entire Iwerks family, and all who had the privilege of knowing Don. His legacy lives on not only in the technologies he pioneered, but in the spirit of curiosity, invention, and possibility that continues to inspire storytellers around the world.
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Kyle Laughlin reposted thisKyle Laughlin reposted thisAs America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I’m reminded of something Walt once said: “To me, America is a grand experiment—an experiment in freedom.” Walt believed America was a place where imagination could thrive—where people were free to dream, build, and create something better together. Today at Imagineering, we carry that belief forward: freedom fuels imagination. From early Circle-Vision films like America the Beautiful to Soarin’ Across America today, Imagineers have combined creativity and technological innovation to help guests see the country—and one another—from new perspectives. Happy 250th, America. Here’s to the dreamers who keep our grand experiment moving forward.
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Kyle Laughlin reacted on thisThis past week, I had the privilege of recertifying my #InsightsDiscoveryAccreditation alongside my incredible senior HR team. A huge shoutout to the Insights team — Stephanie Farias 🟢🟡🔴/🔵 for dialing up your Fiery Red energy and keeping us engaged and energized, and to Rachael Whitlock and @Amanda Ackel for all your support throughout! 💚 And an enormous thank you to my amazing HR team — Lianne Youmans, Ashley Chin Allison Hunt and Liz Tauer, MHR . Spending this quality time together truly filled my cup. 💛 I can’t wait to see how we put these powerful tools into practice across our organization — deepening connections, building even stronger teams, and helping us work better together. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to Lisa Baldzicki for investing in us and our continued growth. #InsightsDiscovery #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamDevelopment #LetsGo
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Kyle Laughlin reacted on thisKyle Laughlin reacted on thisThere’s a whole different kind of magic to Disney California Adventure park after the gates close. I had the chance to walk through the Avengers Campus expansion site after hours with Kevin Feige and get a glimpse at what’s taking shape behind the scenes. Kevin shared some incredible memories from the project, including what it was like to watch the Quinjet arrive and be installed, and to see kids meet characters in real life like Dora Milaje, Spider-Man, Black Panther and more. He talked about the connection between Disneyland and filmmaking, and how the design of the parks draw so much inspiration from the artistry and storytelling of movies. For me, Disney parks have always been a place of inspiration, from visiting as a kid, going behind the scenes, and seeing the magic in the making. Walking through the expansion site with Kevin and seeing what’s being built now was pretty extraordinary. Hear more from Kevin and his vision for Marvel in Disney Worldbuilders, now streaming on Disney+!
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Kyle Laughlin liked thisKyle Laughlin liked thisWanna see something cool? Check out this work the HECHO STUDIOS and Adobe teams created together. Working with Paul Trillo, the team turned Yoe Apolinario’s incredible movement into A Dance Through the Ages. Firefly helped create the different worlds and looks around her as she moves through time. Firefly helped open up what was possible. The idea and performance make it great. https://lnkd.in/gSAzhTPMA Dance Through the Ages | Paul Trillo & Yoe Apolinario | Adobe FireflyA Dance Through the Ages | Paul Trillo & Yoe Apolinario | Adobe Firefly
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Kyle Laughlin reacted on thisKyle Laughlin reacted on thisThis year at D23, Walt Disney Imagineering brought our biggest pavilion to the show floor yet — a reflection of just how much is happening across Disney Experiences around the world. A heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of Imagineers who volunteered their time, shared their expertise, and took to the stage throughout the weekend. I heard time and again that meeting Imagineers was guests’ favorite part of the experience. There’s truly no better way to bring our work to life than through the people who create it. And to our fans: thank you. Meeting so many of you and hearing your excitement, curiosity, and passion for what we do was a powerful reminder of why this work matters. I know I’ll carry many of those conversations with me long after D23 is over. Thank you for joining us. We can’t wait to share what’s next… and judging by the questions we got this weekend, neither can you.
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Kyle Laughlin reacted on thisKyle Laughlin reacted on thisD23 Expo is a unique opportunity to connect with Disney fans from around the world, share the stories behind the experiences we create, and bring them along as we look toward the future of Disney Experiences. It’s one of the few moments where so many of our most passionate fans come together to celebrate the stories, characters, and experiences they love. What guests experienced this weekend is the result of months of planning, creativity, collaboration, and care from talented teams across Disney. I'm especially grateful to our Disney Experiences Communications & Public Affairs team. This weekend alone, they’ve helped to tell thousands of stories through our Saturday night showcase, Disney Worldbuilders premiere, media moments, panels, pavilions, social storytelling, content development, and countless behind-the-scenes efforts. More importantly... they're not just communicators, they're Disney fans too. They understand how much these moments mean to the people who love Disney, and I couldn't be prouder to see their work come to life.
Experience & Education
Volunteer Experience
Projects
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Star Wars: Jedi Challenges
- Present
See projectAwaken your inner Jedi with the smartphone‑powered augmented reality STAR WARSTM experience.
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The Muppets on ABC
See projectThe Muppets return to primetime with a contemporary, documentary-style show. For the first time ever, a series will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires.
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Disney's Club Penguin: We Wish You a Merry Walrus
See projectSet on Merry Walrus Eve, the story follows a seafaring penguin named Roofhowse who arrives at Club Penguin Island only to find himself wrapped up in an unexpected festive adventure! Following a magical Blue Crystal Puffle, Roofhowse and his new friends journey to the fabled Merry Walrus Island and learn that they must band together to stop their favorite holiday celebration from being silenced forever.
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DisneyLife - Disney's Direct to Consumer OTT platform in the UK
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See projectUnlimited Disney Magic. Movies, TV, Books and Music. Now only £4.99 per month
Honors & Awards
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2010 Webby Award Winner - Sports
International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences
The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. Established in 1996 during the Web's infancy, The Webbys is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) — a 1,000+ member judging body that includes Executive Members comprised of leading Web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities, and Associate Members who are former Webby Award Winners and Nominees and other Internet professionals.
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2010 Webby People's Voice Award - Sports
International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences
The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. Established in 1996 during the Web's infancy, The Webbys is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) — a 1,000+ member judging body that includes Executive Members comprised of leading Web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities, and Associate Members who are former Webby Award Winners and Nominees and other Internet professionals.
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish
Elementary proficiency
Organizations
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California State University - Fullerton, School of Business and Econmoics
Advisory board member
- Present
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