What would it look like if Monsters, humans, and sushi could coexist in perfect harmony?

This week on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Kaity is joined by Stephen and Jenny to bring Harryhausen’s, a likely addition to the upcoming Monstropolis land at Hollywood Studios, to life. From sleek, modern design and immersive details inspired by the movie, to both quick-service and omakase-style options, we explore how Imagineering transforms a beloved IP into a believable, unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

Along the way, we dive into why attention to detail matters more than most realize, how subtle touches build immersion, and what it takes to design a space that feels authentically “Monsters Inc.” while still functioning in the real world. This isn’t just about creating a restaurant; it’s about designing a story you can eat.

From signature sushi rolls to character-inspired desserts, Harryhausen’s is all about combining whimsy, sophistication, and Disney magic in a way that feels both approachable and extraordinary.

Plus, character brunch ideas, clever quick-service hacks, and a peek at what it might feel like to dine with Mike, Sully, and the gang in Hollywood Studios.

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What happens when a land gets rethemed but an existing attraction no longer fits the story?

This week, Stephen is joined by Kaity and Jenny as we head to Disneyland to reimagine The Rescuers in Bayou Country. We explore how Imagineering uses story cohesion, ride systems, and immersive details to make a space feel intentional and alive. It is about using every element of a land from lighting to animatronics to emotional beats to tell a story that guests can fully believe in without relying on a mega-IP.

Along the way, we dig into small-footprint creativity, clever queue storytelling, and why Disneyland thrives with subtle story-driven experiences. Plus, soaring on sardine cans, albatross shadows, and all the details that bring this classic story to life.

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What would it look like if the Olympic Village became a place you could actually stay?

With the Winter Games officially underway, this week on Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering, Stephen is joined by Marissa and Jenny to imagine the Olympic Village as a fully realized resort experience at Walt Disney World. How do you capture the spirit of global competition, human achievement, and iconic Olympic moments and translate them into a destination that feels immersive, emotional, and believable year-round?

Along the way, we dive into how Imagineering approaches third-party IP, why collaboration and creative oversight matter more than people realize, and how real-world constraints like risk appetite, park capacity, and resort strategy shape what ultimately gets built. This isn’t about blue-sky dreaming. It’s about bold ideas that still have to work in the real world.

From athlete-inspired accommodations to ceremonial moments woven into the guest experience, this episode celebrates the balance between creativity and practicality and explores why the most compelling Disney projects aren’t the ones with no limits, but the ones that thrive because of them.

Plus, Olympics enthusiasm, Super Bowl aftermath confusion, and a tease that next week we’re heading west for our first Disneyland project of the season.

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