If you’ve been keeping tabs on the Disney Parks over the past few years, you’ll already know that things have genuinely changed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and not always for the better. However, after an extended period of criticism, Disney Imagineering is about to get a major shakeup as the legendary Joe Rohde returns to the driver’s seat.

Even if you don’t know his name, you definitely know his work. Joe Rohde has been one of the most prolific Imagineers for over the past 40 years, and his handiwork can be found throughout all of the Disney parks. If guests have ever set foot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, encountered the Yeti on Expedition Everest, or rocked out with the Guardians of the Galaxy on Mission: Breakout, thank Joe Rohde.
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This week, Walt Disney Imagineering shared a massive announcement that the man behind so many of the company’s best and brightest attractions and experiences would return to lead the next generation of theme park creators. Shortly after his announcement as one of this year’s Disney Legends, Disney Imagineering made the announcement, as seen below.
Joe Rohde Returns to Disney Imagineering

Walt Disney Imagineering shared the following on its official Instagram (seen here),
“Beginning this week, Imagineers have an opportunity to participate in a series of master class work sessions led by Joe Rohde. Following in the footsteps of many former Imagineers, Joe continues to mentor and share his years of storytelling knowledge with current Imagineers, contributing to the future of creativity at Walt Disney Imagineering.”
While it’s not said whether or not this is a permanent arrangement, it undoubtedly shares a glimmer of hope for all hardcore Disney Park fans. As the parks undergo several divisive changes, especially at Rohde’s beloved Animal Kingdom, to say that seeing him return is a relief would be a grand and glorious understatement.
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Rohde has had his hand in many different pies at the Walt Disney Company, and his influence has been permanently ingrained in multiple hot-ticket attractions, as well as numerous pavilions at EPCOT and almost the entirety of Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Given his pedigree and talents, this development is likely more than a special appearance from an old master.
Interesting Reaction, But What Does It Mean?

Disney CEO Bob Iger made headlines after recently announcing a massive directional shift at the company, reportedly no longer pursuing projects the company didn’t believe in. Given the information we have on Rohde, it seems like that change extends onto the park front as well.
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There have been several reports of multiple rides breaking down, stalling, or ultimately shutting off from multiple Disney guests this year, and we’re only three months in. The timing of Rohde’s return feels too convenient for it not to be an ace up Disney’s sleeve.

Additionally, many changes are coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom with installations from Moana, Indiana Jones, and the cast of Encanto seem to take a lot away from one of the Imagineer’s biggest contributions. The fact that he was also granted the Disney Legend Award shortly after these changes were announced also feels highly suspect.
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It should also be shared that while Rohde is returning to the House of Mouse to teach workshops and classes for the next batch of Imagineers, he still has ties with Virgin Galactic. That said, the new developments might push him to return to the Walt Disney Company.
At the time of writing, it’s unknown what role Joe Rohde’s involvement will have for Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resort in the long run. However, knowing that the next generation of Imagineers will be learning from one of the best in the business is at least somewhat reassuring. They are definitely in the best of hands.
Do you think Joe Rohde should make a bigger return to Disney? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!