Pete Carsillo is a senior creative director at Universal Creative, the design and development arm of Universal Destinations & Experiences. This division is responsible for the conception, design, and implementation of attractions, experiences, and themed environments at Universal theme parks worldwide. Carsillo leads the creative vision for various projects, ensuring that the executed concepts align with Universal’s brand standards while meeting guest expectations.
Universal Creative is known for some of the world’s most advanced themed environments and rides, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Jurassic World attractions, as well as other highly immersive experiences.
Pete Carsillo has worked as a senior creative lead on two of Epic Universe‘s five lands, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. As the leading creative voice and “Vision Keeper” for each project, he helped his team conceive, design, and build industry-leading scale, scope, and quality projects.
He also spent over a decade with Walt Disney Imagineering, where he rose from the role of set decorator to ultimately become senior creative director at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. He also spent time at Shanghai Disneyland as art director for Tomorrowland.
“Pete Carsillo has been an indelible influence on my life and career within themed entertainment,” said one nominator. “He’s someone whose influence has spread far across the industry and has left his mark on some of the most exciting and innovative projects of the last several decades across the biggest names in theme parks. He should be a household name.
“But above his professional and creative acolytes, Pete is one of the kindest and most genuine people working in the theme park space today. He has been a mentor to me and went on to mentor countless others and inspire the next generation of rising designers. He is a force to be reckoned with.”