Going along for the Ride with Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter

In early 2007, as the creative gurus at Walt Disney Imagineering that develop and build the company's parks and attractions were putting the final touches on Disneyland's much-anticipated makeover of the Submarine Voyage, I sat down with Tony Baxter, Imagineering senior vice president, creative development to learn more about the ride's history and the creative process involved in bringing it back. An Imagineering veteran whose affiliation with Disney goes back to the 1960s when he operated the Submarine Voyage as a teenage cast member at Disneyland, Baxter was an ideal candidate to talk about the classic ride. I flipped on my recorder, asked Baxter a couple of introductory questions, and he began to talk...and talk and talk. With his moustache, kindly demeanor, and trace of gravel in his voice, there is a hint of Walt Disney in the Imagineer. And like the man for whom the company is named, Baxter shares an evangelical fervor and joy for the Disney parks and his work. He offered some illuminating behind-the-scenes insight about the reborn Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. But Baxter didn't stop there. Placing the subs within the context of Imagineering's evolution and his considerable history and leadership with the organization, Baxter regaled me with all kinds of Disney park lore. Come along for the ride as I share some highlights from our fascinating conversation.

• Peeking into the Mouse Hole- Go inside Walt Disney Imagineering.
• The Submarine Voyage to Find Nemo Learn about the trials and tribulations of rebuilding Disneyland's Subs ride.
• Going Below Deck with Pirates of the Caribbean Imagineer Marty Sklar shares stories about the development of the famous attraction.

Photo: Tony Baxter, senior vice president, creative development for Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney evangelist extraordinaire. Disney, 2007. Used with permission.