"The Bob Gurr Show" Episode 9 - Legendary Disney Imagineer, Tony Baxter

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  • čas přidán 23. 04. 2024
  • It's double trouble on this episode of the Bob Gurr show as Bob welcomes Tony Baxter, one of the most celebrated Imagineers in Disney history. Bob and Tony sit down to discuss their time with Disney Parks, the creative process behind some of Disney's most iconic attractions, and the future of theme park design.
    As the creative mastermind behind classic attractions like, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones, Tony shares stories about his early days at Disney and talks about his philosophy on design, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of bringing new ideas to life. Bob and Tony reminisce about their shared experiences, and offer insights on what it took to be successful in the early days.
    Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or just curious about the world of theme park design, this episode of The Bob Gurr Show is sure to be a treat. Join us for a fascinating conversation with one of the true legends of Imagineering - Tony Baxter.
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Komentáře • 137

  • @chronomatt6990
    @chronomatt6990 Před 18 dny +5

    Right here is REAL Disney, not what passes for it today.

  • @splshmntaine
    @splshmntaine Před 25 dny +5

    Just discovered this channel and I’m kinda surprised Disney doesn’t have their own version of this show where they can explore the minds and memories of past and current cast members.

  • @carsonfran
    @carsonfran Před měsícem +15

    What did I just watch? A casual, but intimate, conversation between two legendary men talking about the essence of Walt Disney and Disneyland. Thanks!

  • @VirtualTempleOfTheForbiddenEye
    @VirtualTempleOfTheForbiddenEye Před měsícem +44

    Two Disney legends. Hearing stories about the creation of classic attractions never gets old. Great episode.

  • @AMagicProduction
    @AMagicProduction Před měsícem +19

    Tony truly was the crème de la crème of Imagineering- Disney could definitely use his expertise and ideas now.
    Would love to see Tony return to WDI in some role!

  • @keithbarnes9419
    @keithbarnes9419 Před měsícem +6

    I could listen to these two guys for hours!

  • @GoodTimesWithScar
    @GoodTimesWithScar Před měsícem +12

    This episode brought me so much happiness seeing my 2 favorites Imagineers! Thank you :)

    • @TuxMan20
      @TuxMan20 Před měsícem +1

      I know right?! (#BringBackDisneyLandPeopleMover :P)

    • @kitsunedreamz
      @kitsunedreamz Před 23 dny

      Haha hey! I watch your Hermitcraft videos! It always makes me smile when you make Disneyland references. Craft on!

  • @itsHeatherKay
    @itsHeatherKay Před 26 dny +5

    Please oh please imagineers put together a book of imagineering secrets, tips and stories! I love this show!

  • @charlesewen6636
    @charlesewen6636 Před měsícem +5

    I could listen to these two talking for 4 hours!

  • @MELFREES55
    @MELFREES55 Před měsícem +5

    "TWO"..Of .THE.."Coolest" And So Approachable Gentlemen Around. ~ NO Egos .. Talk To You.. Like An Old Friend ! ~ GREAT..SHOW...Mr. "G" !!!!!!!

  • @eriknelsen5954
    @eriknelsen5954 Před měsícem +5

    These two need to collaborate on a big book detailing the BTS stories of Disney Imagineering and the whole process.

  • @nik1987o
    @nik1987o Před měsícem +7

    tony baxter - the guy behind the most beautiful castle park. a legend!

  • @davidnevolo4402
    @davidnevolo4402 Před měsícem +5

    Tony is an absolute legend. Half of what people associate with DISNEYland, is Baxter. Indy, big thunder, splash mountain, fantasyland, star tours. Im sure im forgetting others. Imagineers need to be passionate and feel emotion the way he does.

  • @STSGuitar16
    @STSGuitar16 Před měsícem +6

    Just discovered this podcast. How incredible! What a treat to hear the history straight from the men who made it happen. So cool!

  • @collincatastrophe
    @collincatastrophe Před měsícem +4

    The reverence I have for these two men and their contemporaries…… just thank you

  • @Msteve-nt5bx
    @Msteve-nt5bx Před 29 dny +6

    This should be part of Disney Traditions for all new employees to watch

  • @McoloradoP
    @McoloradoP Před měsícem +3

    What a GIFT this interview was❤

  • @wonderrob3225
    @wonderrob3225 Před měsícem +3

    BOB GURR show, How wonderful! I once met Bob at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

  • @jamesl1130
    @jamesl1130 Před měsícem +3

    The discussion concerning the Mansion and how to handle different guest situations, sure shows how the institutional knowledge is vitally important in tackling a challenge.

  • @user-ds8wy7mz3z
    @user-ds8wy7mz3z Před měsícem +3

    Long live Bob and Tony!

  • @lydia-rose5756
    @lydia-rose5756 Před měsícem +3

    Two of my idols, incredible. Thank you gentlemen.

  • @timothyhuebner3889
    @timothyhuebner3889 Před měsícem +3

    Two Disney legends together...What a great show!

  • @heatherdemuth8159
    @heatherdemuth8159 Před měsícem +3

    This was wonderful! Love hearing these stories from these two amazing legends!

  • @vikingfan9677
    @vikingfan9677 Před měsícem +3

    I have 4 Bob Gurr singed Disneyland posters that I will treasure forever! Thanks for a great talk show video!

    • @wonderrob3225
      @wonderrob3225 Před měsícem +1

      I once met Bob Gurr at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

  • @charliemacsart
    @charliemacsart Před měsícem +2

    This was a fantastic episode! I could watch these two for hours and hours. Great insight from Bob and Tony!

  • @nickhenline1532
    @nickhenline1532 Před měsícem +4

    Wow, what an hour! When is part 2? Or better yet, you two need to get together every month for a video series!

  • @spiritimagineer
    @spiritimagineer Před 22 dny +4

    PLEASE HAVE TONY ON AGAIN!!! And….. What about Joe Rhode??

  • @jimt9245
    @jimt9245 Před měsícem +2

    Fantastic hour of conversations between two generations of designers. Tony had mentioned the queue line at Indy as a significance experience, but as a kid the queue on Thunder Mountain was equally memorable as that of the Calico Mine Train. Just also three of different generations. All timeless.

  • @mike_ewins
    @mike_ewins Před měsícem +2

    2 of my favourite imagineers together, the only way this could be better would be to have rolly crump and walt himself in the room aswell. 🥰

  • @darkridearts
    @darkridearts Před měsícem +6

    The current corporate model relies on focus tested data and merch forecasts vs vision. It seems like nails with vision that stand up are yanked out of the organization.
    Maybe that’s not the reality over at WDI now but it’s the perception from the outside looking in.

  • @CBDisney
    @CBDisney Před měsícem +3

    They need a podcast. I love these stories and look at memory lane. So fun.

  • @JayRy
    @JayRy Před měsícem +3

    I am so enthralled with this video. Thanks for filming and sharing with us ❤

  • @yugitube24
    @yugitube24 Před 29 dny +2

    Absolute magical, warm, thank you dear Bob and Tony, for keeping the warm atmosphere of the Disney of my childhood, of the spirit of Walt alive . The spirit of creation, innocence alive to beautifully expressed. That’s s the Disney I miss, and you are being it, keeping it alive 🙏🌷🥹❤️ thank you so much for creating this beautiful space 🥲

  • @marivicj5853
    @marivicj5853 Před 26 dny +2

    Another great episode and interview. Thank you Bob!

  • @himynameiscorey
    @himynameiscorey Před 18 dny

    I did the same thing in my backyard 🥹 I remember two separate times, once when I made like 5 or 6 completely different rides in my backyard, and another time on a summer day I recreated a water park in my aunt and uncle’s backyard. My dream is to still become an imagineer one day!

  • @mikespeedfromspeedway2812

    Great episode! Two greats conversing on memorable moments and inspirations! Very intriguing and heartwarming to listen to some of your stories! And I love Mr. Baxter’s comment on how the Imagineers should think more innovative in improving the ability to incorporate the DAS into the Haunted Mansion attraction so that it doesn’t hinder the show experience. Even Mr. Gurr’s insight to the comment gives part of a solution that would help with it. Next would be to modify a few Doom buggies spaced throughout the trains that could turn to effectively allow a ride specific style chair to be loaded/unloaded quickly at an added special offload section after the main offload section before coming around to the main loading area. It’s always great when an attraction can accommodate disabled guest and it’s even more remarkable engineering when you can figure out a way to do so seamlessly. Would require more track and space but would be worth the cost to do!

  • @ratbones620
    @ratbones620 Před měsícem +2

    This video is a masterclass in ride and theme park design from some of the best people to ever do it.

  • @chaosplan
    @chaosplan Před měsícem +2

    Bob burr was in my parent’s wedding party. In the 90’s I got to visit his studio. I think at the time they were working on overseas theme parks.

  • @pcdave1783
    @pcdave1783 Před 27 dny +2

    This is the greatest thing, endless words of wisdom. Just fantastic

  • @JustinRidgeArt
    @JustinRidgeArt Před měsícem +2

    Bob and Tony are both each a nucleus of joy and wonder! Thank you for sharing all of your insights, can’t wait for the next episode!

  • @AnthonyAcuna-zi9zr
    @AnthonyAcuna-zi9zr Před měsícem +5

    Wow can’t believe I’m here to listen to you wonderful legends! Thank you!

  • @7846NEWCO
    @7846NEWCO Před měsícem +4

    Just listened ..loved it keep going Bob ......you should ask John Snoddy to come on the show....I hear he was an amazing person real genius in imaginering & story telling for Disney

  • @MetaverseAdventures
    @MetaverseAdventures Před 23 dny +1

    I can very much relate to Bob and Tony about never fully growing up. When I am Imagineering my VR Theme Park I create things that I want to play in and experience myself. As I am sitting at my computer creating an area, I am often rushing to get that next element implemented so I can hop into VR and experience it as fast as I can as I am just so excited about it. It is that child-like excitement that drives me and it drives me hard! I would be Imagineering my Theme Park even if it was not well received as I am making it for me first to play in. Thanks Bob for this utterly amazing interview. BTW...I too recently completed a queue that is an attraction onto itself that was inspired by Tony's Indie queue, which I just learned was inspired by the Calico Mine Ride queue at Knotts. What a wonderful world...and Metaverse.

  • @annemariec7659
    @annemariec7659 Před měsícem +2

    The stories from these 2 legends are wonderful. Thank you.😊

  • @jamesl1130
    @jamesl1130 Před měsícem +3

    Most definitely the movie Big is exactly the key

  • @BrotherLaymanPaul
    @BrotherLaymanPaul Před měsícem +3

    A Bob Gurr late night style show… Today is a good day.

    • @wonderrob3225
      @wonderrob3225 Před měsícem +1

      I once met Bob at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

  • @keouine
    @keouine Před měsícem +1

    Just one would be fantastic, but there are two living legends--together.

  • @lcruz2783
    @lcruz2783 Před měsícem +3

    Wow I would love to meet both of these two great men. What an amazing video

  • @philpearson7587
    @philpearson7587 Před měsícem +3

    Great insight,you are spot on what makes a story or ride is the way you are transported to a new world and how it makes you feel inside. I've always wanted to be an imagineer. You both are great. Thanks for all you do!

  • @michaelsullivan3581
    @michaelsullivan3581 Před měsícem +2

    Thanks you two! That was really a joy! So fun getting insight into Walt and how imagination happens!

  • @CrissyOShow
    @CrissyOShow Před měsícem +2

    Bob Gurr is my absolute FAV! Great show!

  • @Mr.SlashX
    @Mr.SlashX Před měsícem +2

    These guys are the real thing. I hope the people they pass their knowledge to grasp it and use it for good.

  • @travis8377
    @travis8377 Před měsícem +9

    Disney company desperately needs these two men, their knowledge and heart is missing in current day imagineering

    • @BanazirGalpsi1968
      @BanazirGalpsi1968 Před měsícem +2

      I want to see Disney do that preload and insert in the renovation to the haunted mansion, the doom buggy's are absolutely perfect for it!

  • @jph4852
    @jph4852 Před měsícem +1

    Oh my, that was 1 hour? It seemed like 10 minutes! I want more Disney Legend storytelling!

  • @jamiemilhorn5909
    @jamiemilhorn5909 Před měsícem +1

    This was absolutely fantastic! But I think more importantly they touched on something that is a hot button topic right now with Disney, the DAS changes. They just in about 2 minutes came up with the start of a solution. Their thought processes are far beyond what happens now.

  • @emilyencinosa5459
    @emilyencinosa5459 Před měsícem +1

    Loved this episode so much. Tony is my favorite imagineer and I am so glad Bob had him join him on the show! ❤

  • @DABagain23
    @DABagain23 Před měsícem +1

    Fantastic to see these two legends converse. Who knew Bud Hurtbut was somehow involved with getting Richard Nixon to open the monorail? Not me. Apparently not even Bob! 😆
    I was last in SoCal and at Disneyland this past December, and had a wonderful time. One night, fairly late, we happened to see Tony in the Snow White queue. I wanted to say something, but while I'm sure he'd have been gracious, I just figured "ah, leave the poor man alone!" He was having a conversation with other people, and he must have Disneyland fans bugging him all the time. and so as my party passed his twice in the switchbacks, I somehow managed to control myself. All I would have said was "Hi" and "Thanks" but I was afraid I'd start geeking out.😁
    Bob wasn't running his tour in December or I'd have gone for it (we did look it up, and sadly, nothing in December), but if we get back there again any time soon, it's on my bucket list.
    These guys are among the best of the best who gave us all the park we love.

  • @williamgraff7593
    @williamgraff7593 Před měsícem +1

    Tony reminds me of Sid Krofft's experience with his father, who discouraged Sid's childhood puppetry dream by berating him for playing with "dollies." Fortunately, Sid persevered!

  • @mslightfoot1611
    @mslightfoot1611 Před měsícem +1

    I wish I could find any archives pictures of construction workers building Disneyland.
    I meet bob gurr at an event it was an honor I was so nervous, hope to meet him again .

  • @veromikes
    @veromikes Před měsícem +2

    So amazing!!!!

  • @AdvWithEli
    @AdvWithEli Před 27 dny +2

    I loved every bit of this episode🥹🥹🥹

  • @himynameiscorey
    @himynameiscorey Před měsícem +1

    🤩🤩🤩 What a blessing to pop up on my suggested!

  • @donrumpsickle1992
    @donrumpsickle1992 Před měsícem +1

    Absolutely incredible and awe inspiring, great show!

  • @alisonwonderland7685
    @alisonwonderland7685 Před 26 dny +2

    This was an awesome video to watch! I loved the old Walt stories, but also your advice for current ride building and adaptations. I don’t know why they are not getting your advice for how to make things the right way…aka…haunted mansion. That has bugged me for a while. Same with Little Mermaid.

  • @kevintamas3309
    @kevintamas3309 Před měsícem +5

    Why don't you two work on the new Figment ride!

  • @johnmchugh8049
    @johnmchugh8049 Před měsícem +1

    Two legends 🔥🙌🏻

  • @Disneyland_Charles_Tm
    @Disneyland_Charles_Tm Před měsícem +1

    I was just on Bob Gurrs Tour!

  • @sunshineandpixiedust1776
    @sunshineandpixiedust1776 Před měsícem +1

    i could listen to you 2 chat for hours!!

  • @DukeCityExplorer
    @DukeCityExplorer Před měsícem +1

    Great interview! Love the Johnny Carson desk vibes going on! 🌺🌸

  • @themoldcars
    @themoldcars Před měsícem +1

    Ok. How did I not know about this until today? Oh well better late than never.

  • @Magic3Star
    @Magic3Star Před měsícem +4

    When did Bob Gurr get his own show? 😱

  • @Lance1805
    @Lance1805 Před 29 dny +1

    I just discovered this podcast, and its fantastic! Tony Baxter interview was excellent! I look forward to the back episode's. I also LOVE your studio Bob, it has so many interesting pieces...well done Sir! What a topic to be discussed, about our Haunted mansion ride flow. great ideas on improving the stopping. I hope someone at Imagineering today, will listen to this.

  • @jon-kl9mk
    @jon-kl9mk Před měsícem +1

    This should be very interesting. I can't wait.

  • @sunshinesky6926
    @sunshinesky6926 Před měsícem

    What an episode! I only wish this was longer because I could listen to you guys talk for more than an hour! So much knowledge and so many intriguing stories, some of which were new to me! Hooked from beginning to end

  • @suzyukla
    @suzyukla Před měsícem +1

    this was so much fun! two greats

  • @Ridlo162
    @Ridlo162 Před měsícem

    Great hour listening to two legends.

  • @spiritimagineer
    @spiritimagineer Před 22 dny +2

    Is Tony going to be involved on any redo’s of “Imagination”??

  • @peteroverstreet9450
    @peteroverstreet9450 Před měsícem +1

    Love you guys! Thank you for this!

  • @nancytroast9297
    @nancytroast9297 Před měsícem +2

    Outstanding!

  • @ginadoyle4089
    @ginadoyle4089 Před měsícem

    I love the post card stand in the back ground. I wish the parks had nice post cards. Luckily I still find them at the Jersey Shore 😎

  • @keyman6689
    @keyman6689 Před 25 dny

    I did that Indy queue preview before they were testing the ride. It was very exciting. Even though we only saw the vehicles and couldn't ride. It was an attraction in itself at the time.

  • @m.hreels9822
    @m.hreels9822 Před měsícem +1

    Awesome wow

  • @gordonwchas
    @gordonwchas Před měsícem +1

    This is so good

  • @jeffhaddox2239
    @jeffhaddox2239 Před měsícem

    What a great show 👏

  • @KawaiiNancy
    @KawaiiNancy Před měsícem +2

    💜💜💜

  • @TuxMan20
    @TuxMan20 Před měsícem

    30:00 The point about the queues being as entertaining as the ride... Rise of the Resistance is like the epitomy of that statement! Imagine one day, for whatever reason, they have people skip the whole pre-show and board straight to the ride. You would lose SO MUCH of the experience.
    Or in Flight of Passage... I was bummed to have gotten a lightning lane because I missed the avatar animatronic in the lab :D

    • @officialmonarchmusic
      @officialmonarchmusic Před 24 dny

      Rise of the Resistance queue is kind of boring though, it's just mostly empty caverns. There's a small bit in the Star Destroyer that's great, but overall it could be much better

  • @lynnstone6998
    @lynnstone6998 Před měsícem +2

  • @williamgraff7593
    @williamgraff7593 Před měsícem +1

    Tony is so right. Most of us are forced to "kill" our inner child in order to function in society...and that's a very sad thing.

  • @stanfordite1
    @stanfordite1 Před 29 dny +5

    When I take over Disney and make it great again, I will make sure kids know the names Tony Baxter and Bob Gurr to the point that they are as revered as Walt. I just might give them statues.

  • @AXander1978
    @AXander1978 Před měsícem +3

    Bruce Vaughn and Carmen Smith and Zach Riddley think they are in the same league as these two men

    • @rocketrodlover
      @rocketrodlover Před měsícem +3

      Dollar store imagineers

    • @officialmonarchmusic
      @officialmonarchmusic Před 24 dny

      I don't actually think Bruce Vaughn is all bad. He should make for a decent head of imagineering if Bob and Josh can get off his back

  • @themackshack9140
    @themackshack9140 Před měsícem +3

    So basically you can know what generation of imagineer you are if you used tinker toys, erector, or k’nex as a kid

  • @hannahokelley3907
    @hannahokelley3907 Před 29 dny +5

    omg pls bob can you get Joe Rohde!!! I would love to hear you guys together 🥹🫶🏻

  • @keyman6689
    @keyman6689 Před 25 dny +5

    I miss WDI since they transformed it into WDEI.

  • @Msteve-nt5bx
    @Msteve-nt5bx Před měsícem +1

    What he's describing at 4:10 is the problem (one of them) with the company now...

  • @adammm1838
    @adammm1838 Před měsícem

    Your next guest should be Toni.. 🎉

  • @mattwas2896
    @mattwas2896 Před 28 dny +2

    great video thanks … they should build a 5th park in florida under the national geographic brand that brings history to life … they could have a national treasure coaster and a night at the museum attraction, great moments with MLK .. the could move Carousel of progress to the net park. the could have a wright brother attraction maybe sponsored by boeing or airline

  • @TrojTV
    @TrojTV Před měsícem +4

    It's too bad that while the original team at Disneyland Paris were "children of Walt", and none of that energie is left at Disney Imagineering in Paris. Cheap and easy fixes without any heart behind it (or at least it seems) seem to be the guideline for rides and fixes at Paris. And since most "fans" will swallow anything because it is Disney without knowing better from the other parks, they have no incentive to actually do better. Where Catherine Powell brought a lot of that heart back, Natacha Rafalski flushed it all down the drain again. Business over fun. 😪

    • @officialmonarchmusic
      @officialmonarchmusic Před 24 dny +1

      Disneyland Paris was designed with so much love but it's gone to waste. More than any other Disney park, you can see the people running it don't care about the genius behind it. Some (emphasis on SOME) of the cast members are really great there, but the management unfortunately does not share that sentiment

  • @disneyinuyamon
    @disneyinuyamon Před měsícem

    #ilovedisney3000

  • @WhittneyBarger
    @WhittneyBarger Před 28 dny +4

    love you and tony. great show! I agree you need to get joe rohde on! 🤗

  • @davidnevolo4402
    @davidnevolo4402 Před měsícem +2

    @57:00 wdi is ruining new orleans square to expand the queue, when the queue theyve had has worked for 50 years