Ric Turner is production designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, the design and production division of Disney’s theme parks and experiences segment. Turner has been an Imagineer since 1991, working on myriad inventions, patents and projects, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. At Imagineering, Turner creates unique experiences utilising his knowledge of media, music, software development, ride systems, projections and other technologies.
“Ric is one of the most resourceful and fertile minds I’ve ever known, always pushing to invent across multiple disciplines,” said one nominator.
An industry expert, Turner takes annual trips to see as many attractions as possible across the world. He then shares his findings with the Imagineering team. Additionally, he’s an authority on coasters, having ridden and documented more than 1,200 of them. Each year, Turner creates a new Halloween and Christmas light show at his own home.