Disney Worldbuilders Unveil the Magic Behind Bringing Storytelling to Life

The Walt Disney Company revealed its approach to turning world-class storytelling into immersive experiences at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. A panel featuring five influential storytellers discussed how they create places that fans can step into and experience for themselves.

Doug D'Amaro, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, emphasized the importance of storytelling beyond the screen. He noted that 'a great story doesn't end when the credits roll,' but rather continues to unfold in real-life settings.

Pixar's Pete Docter and Walt Disney Animation's Jared Bush shared their experiences with bringing animated worlds to life. Docter described the overwhelming feeling of stepping into a space he had created digitally, while Bush recalled being brought to tears upon walking into Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort.

The panelists agreed that collaboration between storytellers and Imagineers is key to creating immersive experiences. They noted that preserving the past while pushing towards the future allows Disney to deliver its iconic worlds to fans across generations.