Get ready for some serious Disney magic! On Wednesday, August 28, Disney fans won’t want to miss an incredible virtual event hosted by The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. This special event features Disney Imagineer and inventor Lanny Smoot, where he’ll discuss the fascinating intersection of Walt Disney Imagineering and STEM. With over 47 years of experience and a dazzling array of 106 patents to his name, Smoot’s inventions have captivated audiences in Disney attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Spaceship Earth.
Smoot’s career is nothing short of inspirational. With degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, he joined The Walt Disney Company 25 years ago and became their most prolific inventor. His remarkable journey includes leading R&D at Walt Disney Imagineering and contributing significantly at Disney Research. His work has influenced Disney’s global theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships with innovative technologies like the interactive koi ponds at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and the extendable lightsaber experience at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.
Before Disney, Smoot shone brightly at Bell Labs, where he led advancements in early video-on-demand technology, video conferencing, and special television systems. His incredible contributions to these fields highlight his role as an industry pioneer. In recognition of his groundbreaking work, Smoot was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May 2024, joining Walt Disney himself.
During this virtual event, participants will have the chance to submit questions via Zoom’s Q&A function, making this an interactive experience. But space is limited, so be sure to mark your calendar. All participants must sign up by 5 PM PT on Tuesday, August 27. While the event will only be broadcast live, it promises to be a unique opportunity to gain insights from one of Disney’s brightest minds.
Tickets for this virtual talk will be available online, with priority access for members starting on August 1. Public tickets will go on sale the next day, August 2. To upgrade your membership for early access, contact the Membership Department at the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Are you excited about this event? Will you be tuning in to glean knowledge from the legendary Lanny Smoot? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the Disney magic unfold!
Source: Daps Magic