Creating Immersive Stories for Park Visitors

"Storytelling is the bridge between awe and understanding, whether you're in a theme park or a national park."

Notable Moments

01:05 – Bob’s national park road trip that shaped his worldview

05:24 – “Recreation” vs. “Re-creation”: the true power of parks

06:10 – Walt Disney’s advice: walk the park, observe the guests

08:41 – How Disney draws inspiration from national parks

12:19 – Gaps in concessionaire storytelling at national park lodges

14:51 – Bob’s advice for elevating the lodge experience

16:15 – Lessons from Kennedy Space Center concessions

20:39 – Making food and retail part of the park’s story

28:16 – Advice for up-and-coming park leaders

32:14 – Why rangers are just as iconic as Disney cast members

In this inspiring conversation, Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, joins to explore the intersection of themed and natural parks. In his new book, Dream Chasing, Bob discusses how his childhood road trip to national parks shaped his creative path and what natural park leaders can learn from theme park storytelling. From immersive lodge experiences to the role of frontline staff, this episode offers practical and visionary ideas for elevating the park guest experience.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Bob Weis

www.bobweis.com

Order the book – Dream Chasing

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/