After Hernán Díaz Alonso’s introduction, Barbara Bouza, FAIA, characterizes Walt Disney Imagineering as “the blending of creative imagination with technical know-how” that pursues the goal of creating memories. Part of which involves 100+ disciplines to translate stories and characters from movies to immersive experiences at Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships.
She describes her personal career trajectory. Rather than being discouraged by the small percentage of licensed architects who are Black women, she remembers being encouraged by an article “Black women architects, a blueprint for success”, featuring Norma Sklarek. And also discovering that Hearst Castle was designed by a woman, Julia Morgan.

Bouza discusses some recent projects in detail:
•The Castle of Magical Dreams, Hong Kong Disneyland (2020)
•Marvel Avengers Campus, Disneyland Paris (2022)
•World of Frozen, Hong Kong Disneyland (2023)
•Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disneyland, Anaheim (2019)
•Zootopia, Shanghai Disney Resort (2023)
•Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT (2022)

She shows videos of current experiments in using robots in theme environments.
She concludes with a Disney 100th anniversary compilation with the theme, “open your eyes”.