One Day at Disney Season 1, Episode 43: Ashley Girdich: R&D Imagineer Manager

1

Eric Goldberg: Animator

Legendary animator Eric Goldberg sketches Disney's most iconic characters

6 min

2

Thom Self: Machinist/Scuba Diver

Follow Thom Self as he spends his nights diving into Disneyland Resort's underwater attractions.

6 min

3

Sage Steele: SportsCenter Anchor

"SportsCenter" co-host Sage Steele gives an inside look into the daily production of an ESPN live sports broadcast; from writing scripts through final preparations, Sage and the team research, write and report on late-breaking news in sports.

6 min

4

Katie Whetsell: Finding Nemo - The Musical

Katie Whetsell's emotional journey to Disney culminates in her portrayal of Dory; Katie's day is spent spreading positivity as she takes the stage as Dory in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park's production of "Finding Nemo -- The Musical."

6 min

5

Bob Iger: CEO

Bob Iger recalls the early days of his career and shares what inspires him as Disney's CEO; compelling and authentic storytelling is always top of mind as he collaborates with cast members to continue creating magic for people around the world.

6 min

6

Modern Family: Cast & Crew

"Modern Family's" cast and crew describe what it's like to be a part of the famous Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan; from table reads to filming, the creators, actors and crew always bring their enthusiasm, passion and sense of humor to the job.

6 min

7

Jose Zelaya: Character Designer

Jose Zelaya, a character designer at Disney Television Animation, shares what it's like to create some of Disney Channel's most beloved characters; he takes a deep look into the world of character development and design.

6 min

8

Este Meza: Lucasfilm Events

Lucasfilm's Este Meza blurs the line between reality and fantasy for "Star Wars" fans through one-of-a-kind events and character appearances; Meza spends his days creating immersive experiences for fans of all ages around the world.

6 min

9

Rob Richards: El Capitan Organist

Rob Richards goes on a historical journey of the mighty Wurlitzer Organ at the El Capitan Theatre; he fulfills his mission to bring the Disney canon to audiences in a whole new way.

6 min

10

Grace Lee: Storybook Artist

Disney Publishing Worldwide's Grace Lee provides an intimate look into the world of illustration and storytelling; Lee spends her days collaborating with filmmakers and other creatives to extend Disney's most beloved stories from screen to book.

6 min

11

Kristina Dewberry: Imagineering Construction Manager

Kristina Dewberry, a construction manager for Walt Disney Imagineering, puts the finishing touches on Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.

6 min

12

Vince Caro: Pixar Recording Engineer

Vince Caro, senior recording and mixing engineer at Pixar Animation Studios, captures the magic of sound in Pixar films; through recording voice over, sound effects, music, and more, Caro is responsible for making visuals come to life through sound.

6 min

13

Lupe de Santiago: Seamstress

A seamstress at Disneyland Resort, Lupe de Santiago views her work as a passion rather than a job.

6 min

14

Kris Becker: Animal Keeper

Kris Becker provides top-notch care to the animals of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.

6 min

15

Leah Buono: Casting Director

Leah Bunon takes viewers behind the scenes as she searches for the next Disney Channel star.

6 min

16

David Muir: World News Tonight Anchor

David Muir prepares for a broadcast of ABC's World News Tonight With David Muir.

6 min

17

Morgan Pope: R&D Imagineer

Research and Development Imagineer Morgan Pope helps create the next generation of aerial robotics.

6 min

18

Patti Murin: Frozen the Musical, Broadway

Following Patti Murin for at backstage look at her role as Anna in "Frozen the Musical."

6 min

19

Francheska Roman: Candy Maker

Francheska Roman gives an exclusive look into the making of Disneyland Resort's favorite treats.

6 min

20

Steve Sligh: Golden Oak Manager

Steve Sligh helps bring movies to life as senior manager of the Golden Oak Ranch.

6 min

21

Tia Kratter: Pixar University

Pixar University's Tia Kratter helps Pixar artists hone their craft.

6 min

22

Robin Roberts: Good Morning America Co-Anchor

News anchor Robin Roberts ("Good Morning America") helps start America's day live from Times Square in New York City.

6 min

23

Joe Hernandez: Attraction Host

Attractions host Joe Hernandez boards the historic Mark Twain Riverboat.

6 min

24

Stephanie Carroll: Ranch Hand

Ranch hand Stephanie Carroll cares for the majestic Cinderella ponies and horses at Walt Disney World Resort's Tri-Circle-D Ranch.

6 min

25

Ed Fritz: Imagineering Ride Engineer

Ride engineer Ed Fritz brings Avatar Flight of Passage to life through immersive and interactive new technology.

6 min

26

Jerome Ranft: Pixar Sculptor

Pixar sculptor Jerome Ranft spends his days creating characters with clay.

6 min

27

George Montano: Plasterer

Plasterer George Montano constructs Disney Park's attractions.

6 min

28

Scot Drake: Imagineering Creative Executive

Scot Drake helps create immersive experiences for fans in Disney parks.

6 min

29

Candice Valdez: Radio Disney Host

Radio Disney's Candice Valdez is an on-air radio personality; in addition to interviewing musicians, Candice also has the opportunity to help artists launch their careers; she spends her days playing tracks and interacting with listeners.

6 min

30

Tony Salvaggio: Park Decorator

Director of Story Marc Smith ("Frozen 2") 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.

6 min

31

Zama Magudulela: The Lion King Madrid, Spain

Zama Magudulela brings The Lion King to life through her role as ‘Rafiki’ for Madrid theatregoers 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.

6 min

32

Marc Smith: Story Artist

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.

6 min

33

Mike Davie: Imagineering Project Manager

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 executes each project, including Epcot World Showcase’s new Ratatouille attraction, with determination and passion.

6 min

34

Chris Cristi: Helicopter Reporter

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.

6 min

35

Laura Cabo: Imagineering Portfolio Creative Executive

Laura Cabo uses the power of design to create magical environments aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship.

6 min

36

Ryan Meinerding: Marvel Studios Creative Director

Ryan Meinerding brings Marvel Studios characters to life through innovative design every day.

6 min

37

Pavan Komkai: Broadcast Engineer

Pavan "Billy" Komkai explains the process of broadcasting live sports on ESPN+.

6 min

38

Heather Bartleson: Holiday Services

Heather Bartleson helps bring the holiday spirit to the Disney parks, resorts and more.

6 min

39

Eric Baker: Imagineering Creative Director

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.

6 min

40

Alice Taylor: StudioLAB

Alice Taylor experiments with new storytelling mediums through Disney’s StudioLAB.

6 min

41

Amanda Lauder: Chef Chocolatier

Amanda Lauder creates delicious treats as the Chef Chocolatier for The Ganachery at Disney Springs.

6 min

42

Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko: Veterinarian

Discover Dr. Natalie Mylniczenko’s creative approach to animal care at Walt Disney World Resort.

6 min

43

Ashley Girdich: R&D Imagineer Manager

Project manager Ashley Girdich oversees dynamic assignments for Walt Disney Imagineering.

6 min

44

Pablo Tufino: Ride Show Technician

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!

6 min

45

Gabriela Clark: Creative Print Marketing

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.

6 min

46

Alfredo Ayala: R&D Imagineer

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 executes each project, including Epcot World Showcase’s new Ratatouille attraction, with determination and passion.

6 min

47

Jason Benetti: Play-by-Play Commentator

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.

6 min

48

Dana Amendola: Disney Theatrical Productions

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

6 min

49

Leslie Evans: Senior Research and Development Imagineer

Leslie Evans creatively applies cutting-edge technology to bring Disney theme park stories to life.

6 min

50

Mark Gonzales: Steam Train Engineer

Ride along with Disneyland Resort Steam Train Engineer and train enthusiast Mark Gonzales.

6 min

51

Season Finale: Everyone

Revisit One Day at Disney's compelling and inspiring cast members in the Season Finale.

6 min