One Day at Disney

Legendary animator Eric Goldberg sketches Disney's most iconic characters.  As he remembers favorite past moments over his time at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Eric chronicles his illustrious career which includes being one of the few entrusted to draw Mickey Mouse, collaborating with Robin Williams on his role in Aladdin, and creating artwork for the grand opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort.  Whether it's walking down the hallowed halls with his artwork on display or sitting at his desk, the principles that Walt Disney instilled in the company are never far away as Eric continues the time-honored tradition of animation.

Spending most of his time under water, Thom Self scubas his way through Disneyland Resort's submerged attractions on the night shift maintaining and servicing the ride mechanics and scenery to ensure everything is in top shape for the next day's guests.  From Jungle Cruise to Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Thom is part of the hidden magic behind Disney's enchanting Parks.

Co-host of the 6:00pm SportsCenter, Sage Steele gives an inside look into the daily production of an ESPN live sports broadcast. From writing scripts through final preparations, Sage and team are a well-oiled machine working together to research, write and report on the latest breaking news in sports.  Once an eleven-year-old girl with a dream to become a TV sportscaster, Sage turned her passion into a career and is now a member of the media elite.

Katie Whetsell's emotional journey to Disney culminates in her portrayal of the ultimate persevering character, Dory. Katie's day is spent spreading positivity, and a little Disney magic, as she takes the stage as Dory in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park's production of Finding Nemo – The Musical, fulfilling her dream to make a difference for Park guests just like a special parade butterfly did for her years ago.

Bob Iger recalls the early days of his career and shares what inspires him as Disney's CEO. His eye towards compelling and authentic storytelling is always top of mind as he collaborates with his fellow cast members to continue creating magic for people around the world. Whether it's innovative animation, industry-leading technology, or heartwarming experiences, Bob Iger is excited by the creativity, imagination and optimism at the heart of The Walt Disney Company.

The cast & crew of Modern Family describe what it's like to be a part of the infamous Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan.

Jose Zelaya, a cartoon-loving child turned Character Designer at Disney Television Animation, shares what it's like to create some of Disney Channel's most beloved characters.  This all access short shares Jose's journey from El Salvador to America while taking a deep look into the world of character development and design. Jose draws inspiration from everyday life, experienced people watching and the study of human emotion.

Lucasfilm's Este Meza blurs the line between reality and fantasy for Star Wars fans through one of a kind events and character appearances. From curating bespoke celebrations to testing the functionality of interactive droids, Meza spends his day creating immersive experiences for fans of all ages around the world. Meza constantly elevates the ways in which the Star Wars story is brought to life while fostering genuine and meaningful connections between fans and Lucasfilm.

Rob Richards takes us on a historical journey of the mighty Wurlitzer Organ at the El Capitan Theatre.  It has been his lifelong ambition to play the Wurlitzer for Disney, and after years of honing his craft in pizza parlors around the US, Richards fulfilled his mission to bring the legendary Disney canon to audiences in a whole new way. Through melodic phrases and technical complexities, this magnificent musician preserves the purity and simplistic excellence at the heart of every Disney song.

Disney Publishing Worldwide's Grace Lee provides an intimate look into the world of illustration and storytelling.  Lee's interest in the power of images began at an early age and inspired her to work in the visual arts. Today, Grace spends her days collaborating with filmmakers and other creatives to extend Disney's most beloved stories from screen to book.  To this day, she is often awestruck by how images can convey a story simply and powerfully.

Kristina Dewberry, a Construction Manager for Walt Disney Imagineering, puts the finishing touches on Disney's newest theme park land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. After 10 years of working at the company, this has been a labor of love for the Star Wars-loving cast member. Kristina is one of the many dedicated team members who helped evolve this idea from a blueprint to a real life, immersive experience.

Vince Caro, Senior Recording & Mixing Engineer at Pixar Animation Studios, captures the magic of sound in Pixar films. Working with some of the most dynamic filmmaking and acting talent in animation, Vince's job is nothing short of exciting. Through recording voice over, sound effects, music and more, Caro is responsible for making visuals come to life through sound. Vince's craft brings joy to viewers around the world.

As a seamstress at Disneyland Resort, Lupe de Santiago views her work as a passion rather than a job. Lupe fulfills her dream of working at the park by crafting and maintaining all of the costumes for attractions like It's a Small World and The Haunted Mansion. As a little girl, Lupe was inspired by the incredible design of Walt Disney's original creations, and for the last 30 years Lupe has held herself to a standard of perfection as she strives to preserve the legacy of Disneyland Resort's iconic troupe of seamstresses.

For over 20 years, Kris Becker has provided top notch care to the animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.  Through a unique and emotional bond, Becker is able to look after these exotic creatures through nutrition and wellness support.  As she goes about her day, Becker is also able to interact with guests helping educate them on the animals and important conservation efforts.

Leah Buono, Executive Director of Casting, takes us behind-the-scenes as she searches for the next Disney Channel star. Through casting calls, auditions and pure instinct, Leah is instrumental in the discovery of a new generation of young Disney Channel actors and actresses who will bring their talent, passion and drive to upcoming Disney Channel series and movies.

David Muir, Anchor of ABC's World News Tonight with David Muir, sheds light on his responsibility as a newscaster. Inspired by the likes of Peter Jennings and Diane Sawyer, Muir believes it is his job to break through the chaos of today to deliver straightforward, relevant news to people around the world.

Research and Development Imagineer Morgan Pope helps create the next generation of robotics. With a focus on precision controlled movements to advance how robots could be utilized in the parks, Morgan is always anticipating the next big breakthrough that will astound Disney parkgoers.

Frozen the Musical star, Patti Murin, gives a behind-the-scenes look into the rarely seen inner workings of one of Broadway's smash hits. Backstage moments, pre-show rituals and the coveted NYC Stage Door Autograph Line are all on display as Patti brings to life one of Disney's favorite princesses for theater patrons of all ages.

Francheska Roman, Candy Maker on Main Street, U.S.A., gives an exclusive look into the making of Disneyland Resort's favorite sweet treats. As Francheska shares her favorite parts of the job, she also illustrates the skill, care and dedication that goes into crafting each Disney themed confection.

Steve Sligh helps bring movies to life as Senior Manager of the Golden Oak Ranch. Historically, this legendary filming location has hosted Hollywood's elite, and even served as a retreat for Walt. 60+ years later, this close-to-900-acre property still functions as a working filming location with an eye towards conservation.

Tia Kratter, Manager of Art and Film Education at Pixar University, helps Pixar artists hone their craft. Kratter sheds light on the immeasurable artistic detail that goes into every film, and spreads her wealth of knowledge to Pixar employees as well as others who want to further their creative education.

Follow along as GMA Co-Anchor Robin Roberts takes us behind-the-scenes of America's favorite morning show. From covering breaking world news on a daily basis to chronicling her personal health battle on air in 2012, Robin shows what it takes to be a part of the well-oiled machine that sets the tone for America's day.

Ride along with Attractions Host Joe Hernandez aboard the historic Mark Twain Riverboat and take in the iconic scenery around the Disneyland Resort. From the helm of the wheelhouse, Joe creates a mesmerizing and memorable experience for all guests, young and old, as they embark on one of Disneyland Resort's favorite floating adventures.

Fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with horses, Stephanie Carroll has served as a Ranch Hand at Walt Disney World Resort's Tri-Circle-D Ranch for over 8 years. From caring for the majestic Cinderella Ponies to driving the Main Street Trolley, Stephanie creates magical moments for guests by bringing fantasies to life through her love of horses.

Ride Project Engineering Executive Ed Fritz brings new attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage to life through cutting edge immersive and interactive technology. From the initial sketch to the grand opening, Ed is one of the many talented cast members behind Disney's favorite attractions.

Pixar sculptor Jerome Ranft spends his days creating characters the old-fashioned way. Through the use of clay, Ranft is responsible for helping imagine Pixar characters in a tangible way that modern technology has yet to replicate. Molding, sculpting and carving all come into play as Jerome employs his elegant – and yet occasionally messy – craft.

Disneyland Resort Plasterer George Montano provides a first-hand historical look into the construction of Disney Park's top attractions. Having spent over 50 years at Disney, George continues his father's legacy of creating and preserving a magical experience for Park guests of all ages.

Scot Drake, Creative Executive of the Marvel Global Portfolio for Walt Disney Imagineering, helps create immersive Super Hero experiences in Disney parks and resorts around the world. From state-of-the-art attractions to groundbreaking character interactions, Scot strives to create once in a lifetime moments for parkgoers that allow these stories to reach audiences in new and thrilling ways.

Radio Disney's Candice Valdez fulfills her dream of being an on-air radio personality. In addition to interviewing some of today's top musicians, she also has the unique opportunity to help music's next stars launch their careers. From Miley Cyrus to Ariana Grande, Candice spends her day playing today's hottest tracks and interacting with listeners.

Marc Smith, Director of Story, Frozen 2 at Walt Disney Animation Studios, shows how a drawing can become the key to a moving, emotional story. As he sketches characters, Smith emotionally engages with his work to create a bond between himself and the character. Marc blurs the line between fiction and reality, resulting in a lifelike portrayal on the screen.

Zama Magudulela brings The Lion King to life through her role as ‘Rafiki' for Madrid theatre-goers every day. Magudulela considers it an honor to bring her African heritage to life for people abroad, and loves to share in the joy and excitement the audience feels during each and every performance. By connecting with the audience as well as her past, Zama is able to transform herself into one of Disney's favorite characters and share her talent night after night.

Marc Smith, Director of Story, Frozen 2 at Walt Disney Animation Studios, shows how a drawing can become the key to a moving, emotional story. As he sketches characters, Smith emotionally engages with his work to create a bond between himself and the character.  Marc blurs the line between fiction and reality, resulting in a lifelike portrayal on the screen. For Marc, the magic of animation is truly achieved when viewers are utterly immersed in the world he and his colleagues have created.

As Principal Project Manager for Walt Disney Imagineering, Mike Davie sees his projects grow out of the ground and into magical experiences for Park guests. From drawing sketches on the back of a napkin to overseeing construction, Mike approaches each project, including Epcot World Showcase's new Ratatouille attraction, with determination and passion. Attention to detail is crucial to the execution of both construction and design, but that's what it takes to create an environment that transports guests from everyday life into an immersive and all-consuming experience.

KABC – TV LA's Chris Cristi covers breaking news from 1,500 feet aboard his news chopper. As a Helicopter Reporter, Cristi delivers up-to-the-minute reports on news events, both big and small, keeping Los Angeles apprised of the latest local stories. A self-proclaimed news nerd since age 9, Chris is fulfilling his lifelong dream of reporting the news every day. From the O.J. Saga to the Miracle on the Hudson, Cristi chronicles his journey from the early days as a Disneyland Resort Monorail Pilot to LA's favorite reporter in the sky.

Creative Director Ryan Meinerding brings Marvel characters to life through innovative design every day. There's never a dull moment as Ryan creates the first looks of characters for Marvel Studios films including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Captain America and more. From initial sketches to special effects, Ryan oversees the process of bringing the next iteration of iconic characters to the screen.

Manager of Broadcast Engineering at Disney Streaming Services, Pavan "Billy" Komkai explains the unique process of broadcasting live sports on ESPN+ for fans around the world. No matter the time of day or the location of the event, Disney's Streaming Services team provides viewers with high quality coverage of diverse sporting events every day.

As Senior Facilities Coordinator for Holiday Services, Heather Bartleson helps bring the holiday spirt to Disney. From parks, resorts, cruise lines and more, Bartleson works year-round to ensure the Holiday Services Team has everything they need to create holiday themed environments that immerse guests and create magical holiday moments.

Step into Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge with Walt Disney Imagineer & Creative Director Eric Baker as he helps create this new, exciting land. From traveling the globe in search of props to overseeing larger-than-life installations, Eric is constantly reimagining how to elevate the park guest experience so they are in awe each time they step into new lands and attractions.

Alice Taylor experiments with new storytelling mediums through Disney's StudioLAB. From drones to augmented reality, Taylor uses innovation and emerging technologies to continue pushing the boundaries by which content can be created and shared with people around the world.

Fulfilling a childhood dream, Amanda Lauder is the Chef Chocolatier for The Ganachery at Disney Springs. For Amanda, it's a daily goal to create a delicious dessert that is both a tasty treat and a memorable experience for each guest. S'mores, ganache squares and chocolate lollipops are all on the menu as Amanda takes us into The Ganachery's bustling kitchen.

Discover Walt Disney World Resort Veterinarian Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko's creative approach to animal care. From performing rhinoceros check-ups at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park to traveling abroad for environmental work with endangered gorillas, this animal lover is dedicated to ensuring the survival of our world's most vulnerable species.

Project manager Ashley Girdich oversees dynamic assignments for Walt Disney Imagineering's Research and Development group. From managing teams to keeping projects and plans on track, Ashley is constantly pushing boundaries to ensure the next generation of Imagineers continue to create industry-leading, interactive experiences for park guests.

Pablo Tufino, Computer Ride Show Technician at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, provides a glimpse into the twilight transformation of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The change from day to night brings the Pandoran world to life, and through the illumination of custom lighting and automations each area of the land is given a unique look and feel that continues to amaze guests…and Pablo!

Discover the intricacies of creating a Disney print marketing campaign with Gabriela Clark. From overseeing photoshoots to coordinating massive studio print campaigns, Gabriela and team are responsible for creating some of the first images fans are able to see of new Disney projects.

As part of Disney's Imagineering team, Alfredo Ayala helps bring Audio-Animatronics® figures to life. From determining how figures can emote to creating state-of-the-art synthetic skin simulations technology, Alfredo utilizes cutting edge technology, like machine learning and optimization, to bring dynamic character experiences to Disney parks.

Sports enthusiast Jason Benetti offers a glimpse into his life as an ESPN play-by-play commentator. Feeding off of the energy of the players, excitement of the crowd, and his passion for sports, Benetti never fails to bring his lively personality to the table on game day.

Dana Amendola, VP of Operations at Disney Theatrical Group, restores and preserves history every day at The New Amsterdam Theatre. Once run down after years of neglect, Disney brought the theatre back to life restoring it to its original glory. Explore what it takes to maintain the 100 year old theatre, home to Broadway's The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Aladdin.

Leslie Evans creatively applies cutting-edge technology to bring Disney theme park stories to life. A Florida native and life-long Walt Disney World fan, Leslie has always been fascinated by the intersection between creativity and engineering. Today, she uses her diverse background in both Industrial Design and Mat
erials Science Engineering to create everything from playful interactive characters to lifelike advanced robotics. Leslie and her teams are combining design and science to invent new and innovative guest experiences for Disney parks all around the globe.

A train lover all his life, Steam Train Engineer Mark Gonzales fulfills his dream of working at Disneyland Resort. To Mark, it's more than just a train ride, and he strives to create memorable moments for guests as he transports them around the parks on one of Walt's favorite attractions. From the Railroad Roundho
use to Main Street Station, climb aboard for an exclusive look into the life of a Steam Train Engineer.

Revisit One Day at Disney's compelling and inspiring cast members in the Season Finale. From the heart of the Disney parks to the streets of Madrid, take a look back at the memorable moments and the people who make them possible as we go behind-the-scenes to experience Disney magic like never before. Whether it's a
nimators, Imagineers, journalists, or candy makers, Disney is comprised of a diverse group of individuals all working to imagine new and exciting ways for people of all ages to come together to create new and heartwarming Disney memories for years to come.