Universal Publicly Poaches Retired Disney Imagineer on Twitter - Inside the Magic

To say that Universal and Disney have a small competition going on is a massive understatement, as the two theme parks dramatically push each other to strive toward excellence. In Florida, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort are a short drive away from each other, which means they pull from the same Guest pool of tourists on vacation in Orlando.

Because of this, we have seen a friendly competition generate, as well as many advancements, be added to each Park. For example, although this was not said to be as a result of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Universal announced Epic Universe shortly afterward, always ensuring that they too will find a way to compete, and when the roles are reversed, Disney often does the same. On Twitter, Universal has also always been vocal about their feelings towards Disney with a very playful behavior towards the Most Magical Place on Earth. The Twitter account often taunts and mocks Disney, and now, they have done it again! 

When Walt Disney Imagineering decided to move from California to Lake Nona in Florida, there were many Imagineers who decided that a move across the country was not what they were looking to do and left the company. Imagineer and Story Editor Kevin Lively was one of the ones who decided to leave the company after the move was announced, and very publically announced why he was choosing to leave Disney.

Now, Universal is seemingly looking to snag Lively! Earlier today, a Twitter exchange was made between the two. Universal Tweeted:

Your lunch break is 60 minutes, the average ride is 2-5 minutes. Just saying.

Your lunch break is 60 minutes, the average ride is 2-5 minutes. Just saying.

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) December 21, 2021

To which Lively responded, “You guys get an hour for lunch?”. Universally quickly carried on the conversation and told Kevin that he should come join the right team, insinuating that Disney, of course, was the wrong one. Hilariously, Lively responded that he is open to remote work, as Universal Orlando Resort is located in Florida, the state that he chose to forgo moving to for Disney as he did not want to pick up his life for a job.

Come join the right team, Kevin.

Listen, I’m open to remote work

Listen, I’m open to remote work

— Kevin Lively (@Livelyland) December 21, 2021

Kevin worked on Jungle Cruise, Hyperspace Mountian, movies, and The Muppets, and the list goes on and on. Universal would be lucky to take on a creative like Kevin; however, it seems that he would only offer his services remotely unless Universal Hollywood wanted to put in an offer!

What do you think of this hilarious exchange? Let us know in the comments below. 

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Universal Orlando Resort (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Volcano Bay) and Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!