Authenticity is key to Joe Rohde’s vision with every project he creates for Disney, the world’s leading theme park operator. Whether he’s weaving Hawaiian culture into Disney’s Aulani resort or creating alien worlds at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora – The World of Avatar, the results are spectacular.
It was as lead designer of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney World’s fourth theme park in Florida, that Rohde made a name for himself. He guided the creation of attractions such as Expedition Everest, as well as Pandora’s Na’vi River Adventure and Avatar Flight of Passage. The latter is regarded by many as the industry’s most authentic flying experience.
As creative lead for Marvel attractions at Disney parks, experiences and products, Rohde also oversaw the transformation of Disney California Adventure’s Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! The Imagineer does not restrict his knowledge and insight to his Disney peers. His talks are as inspiring as his attractions, making him an in-demand speaker at events around the world.