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Jim Shull Disney Journey

@jimshull.bsky.social

2.3K followers 3 following 510 posts

Jim Shull retired from Walt Disney Imagineering after a career of over three decades leading the creative design of rides, shows and attractions worldwide. Disney Journey is a video series where I share personal experiences and insights about the past, pr

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 3d

youtu.be/wjEx0KL9EGs
Since Hong Kong Disneyland opened in 2005 the park has never stopped building. Today it boasts a collection of unique exclusive rides. This video asks ‘why didn’t Hong Kong Disneyland open with everything all at once’?
#HongKongDisneyland #MysticManor

Why Hong Kong has the best Disney Park

YouTube video by Disney Journey with Jim Shull

youtu.be

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 1d

34 years ago voice mail arrived replacing the loud speakers that broadcast the news that so and so has a phone call so please go to a wall phone to answer. Simple days.

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 1d

Statues like “Partners” are built for one purpose but end up duplicated for several locations. Here is Walt and Mickey staring at #DisneyCompany headquarters asking why ‘Dr Pimple Popper’ is on #Disney+. DPP is the reason I dropped my subscription to Disney+.

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 2d

#DrewStruzan gave us this attraction poster for the #IndianaJones ride. I thanked him when we met at #DisneyImagineering. RIP

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 2d

#HauntedMansion has had several different brides staged among theatrical sets that were being installed days before opening. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 3d

Why Hong Kong has the best Disney Park

YouTube video by Disney Journey with Jim Shull

youtu.be

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 3d

#Disneyland attraction posters were hand made art. Silk screen method made in a building behind the #Rivers of America in #Frontierland. The posters were made to last. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 4d

When I was Creative Director for #100yearsofmagic it was supposed to be temporary. Now it’s a preview center for coming attractions so why not call it that? #WDW new rides

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 4d

When #DisneyStudios opened it featured a car stunt show in a 2K stadium. A big moment was a car that jumped over a canal. For reasons soon the car jumped over a bridge over a canal. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 7d

So #RocknRollerCoaster starring the #Muppets opens Summer 2026? Or is this fake art?

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 7d

#Disneyraisesprice is a headline but it’s part of a story. #1. Is #Disneyland expensive? #2 Is the cost worth the experience? A classic price vs value argument that each person can answer because no one has to visit #DisneyWorld More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 8d

The #DisneylandParis version of #Frontierland is the best version. Inspired by #Hollywood western films (vs #Disneyland television inspiration) the land has a dynamic soundtrack. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 8d

A #Disneyland visit has always been expensive for a family proportional to other forms of leisure. #SocialMedia spreads news of cost increases compared to decades ago. #DisneyDollars and ticket books were ways for #TWDC to increase revenue once.

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 9d

#HongKongDisneyland can try things that parks closer to Burbank can’t. Such as the temporary change of #Adventureland to ‘Pirate Land’. Being ‘off broadway’ allows #HKDL to take risks. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 10d

In the #Tomorrowland ‘space circus’ P T Quantum was the host. A split AA figure using a mirror would make the figure appear to dance and lift both legs into the air. #DisneyAA

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 10d

The #carouselofprogress building in #Tomorrowland was explored to be dressed as a spaceship featuring a ‘space circus’. #MichaelJackson was proposed to star. Today CoP is a lounge and office space. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 11d

Before #Towerofterror was built there was a themed toilet which was a ‘down payment’ on the ride that was yet to come. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 11d

2001 #DCA was the height of @WDI love of puns and ‘witty’ humor. Trying to be current the park names were the perfect example of #Dadjokes #DadJoke More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 11d

Plans released nearly always not the projects built. This #ShanghaiDisneyland plan is a prime example. Good to keep in mind when examining #AbuDhabi #Disneyland More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 12d

youtu.be/-JaR-Wa9Xs4
Disney Parks urban legend holds that the ‘Thirst Ranger’ or ‘Cool Ship” in Tomorrowland was the prop from the movie ‘Flight of the Navigator’. The true story is far more interesting as revealed in this episode of Disney Journey.
#MagicKingdom

Was the Tomorrowland "Cool Ship" really the "Navigator' film prop?

YouTube video by Disney Journey with Jim Shull

youtu.be

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 14d

The ‘Disneyland Hotel’ in France and Hong Kong are traditional clapboard in look, but #ShanghaiDisenyland went with a version inspired by a different style. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 15d

Celebrating #JaneGoodall who as part of her legacy championed #AnimalKingdom More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

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Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 15d

As a Disney #WDI designer developing new rides safety was first priority and restraint design was key. We don’t yet know the facts behind the recent events on #Stardust-racers yet, but I have some assumptions.

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 15d

Designed and built by #Mack-rides #Stardust-racers at #EpicUniverse features a standard and proven safety restraints mechanism. After an investigation the public will know the reasons behind recent events. More on YouTube.com/jimhshull

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 15d

#OttoAerospace released this plane concept that replaces windows with screens. Technology perfect for a #theme-park ride.

Jim Shull Disney Journey @jimshull.bsky.social · 16d

Once a Disneyland Hotel expansion was announced for the #DowntownDisney parking lot. This bridge would connect a new hotel wing to the parking structure. Still can happen someday. #Disneyland-hotel