Celebrating Disney Legends at D23: Honoring Joe Rohde
by Kristin Sabol · August 5, 2024
D23 is just a few days away, and fans are getting ready. D23 2024: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is held in Anaheim, California, from August 9th to 11th.
It features an exciting weekend of special presentations, panels, experiences, performances, shopping, and more! One of the most exciting events is the Disney Legends Award Ceremony.
This annual tradition celebrates artists and visionaries who have contributed to The Walt Disney Company.
This year’s honorees include Colleen Atwood, Angela Bassett, Martha Blanding, James L. Brooks, James Cameron, Jamie Lee Curtis, Miley Cyrus, Steve Ditko, Harrison Ford, Mark Henn, Frank Oz, Kelly Ripa, John Williams, and Joe Rohde.
The Walt Disney Company just released an exclusive Q&A with Rohde, where he reflects on his journey and the honor it is to be a Disney Legend.
Honoring Joe Rohde
Joe Rohde is recognized in the Imagineering category and shared his excitement at being honored.
In this interview, Rohde describes the recognition as both unexpected and humbling. He emphasizes the teamwork behind his projects, viewing himself as a small part of a collaborative team.
Creating Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Rohde was instrumental in creating Disney’s Animal Kingdom, although he credits Michael Eisner with the initial idea.
He describes his role as the chief spokesperson and negotiator, explaining the project and gaining support. His role required extensive research to ensure realism and innovation in creating the Tree of Life and the various animal habitats.
Rohde further discusses major challenges with the park, including changing perceptions that it was more than just a zoo and proving its feasibility. This experience had a huge impact on how he presented future projects.
Major Expansions
Rohde’s influence extends past the theme park to two major expansions: Expedition Everest and Pandora—The World of Avatar. His love for the Himalayas made Expedition Everest a personal joy.
He shares that one of his favorite memories is entering the awe-inspiring structural interior of the mountain and seeing its completion.
Pandora became one of Rohde’s favorite projects. He cherished working with Jon Landau and James Cameron.
Disney Conservation Fund
In 1996, Rohde was instrumental in creating the Disney Conservation Fund, acknowledging its essential role in ensuring the legitimacy of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and supporting global conservation efforts.
Under Rhode’s direction, the fund has disbursed over $125 million to conservation causes worldwide.
Rhode’s Legacy
Rohde retired as portfolio executive in 2021 after a 40-year career at Walt Disney Imagineering.
His work has been impactful, and he hopes to be remembered for showcasing Imagineers’ broad capabilities. He worked hard to establish a sense of discipline, study, and intellectual sophistication in the field.
Read the full interview of this amazing Disney legend here! Be sure to stay tuned and follow along with MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things Disney.
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Article Source/Feature Photo: Walt Disney Company