Headline: “Disney’s Secret Lab: Unveiling the Magic Behind the Theme Parks”
Sub-headline: “How does Disney keep its magic alive in an increasingly competitive industry? Meet Lanny Smoot, the man behind the curtain.”
Background and Timeliness:
Disney, the world’s largest media conglomerate, is renowned for its theme parks, which are the centerpiece of the company’s most profitable unit. However, with increasing competition from rivals like Universal, Disney is under pressure to constantly innovate and create new experiences for its guests. This article takes a deep dive into Disney’s Research and Development lab, the birthplace of the company’s most experimental technologies, and introduces us to Lanny Smoot, Disney’s most decorated inventor.
Article’s Argument:
This article will argue that Disney’s ability to innovate and create new experiences for its guests is crucial to its success in the face of increasing competition. It will also highlight the role of Lanny Smoot, Disney’s most decorated inventor, in driving this innovation.
Why This Topic Matters Now:
As Disney embarks on a major expansion of its theme park business, the company’s ability to innovate and create new experiences for its guests is more important than ever. Smoot’s inventions, which include everything from playful droids to electromagnetic eyes and real lightsabers, are crucial to drawing guests to Disney’s parks. His work is a testament to the importance of innovation in maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
Background Information:
Lanny Smoot, a veteran of Disney for over 25 years, is the company’s leader in patents. He’s named on more than 70 with the company and more than a hundred throughout his career. His inventions range from the eyeballs seen in the chameleon Pascal to the floating head of Madame Leota inside the haunted mansion, and even an X-Ray flashlight used to teach fire safety.
Core Points and Arguments:
Smoot’s inventions are not just about technology, but about creating experiences that fit into the larger story of Disney’s characters and franchises. For instance, he has worked on several versions of the lightsaber, each technically different, to create an experience that is as close as possible to what fans see on screen. His work also includes creating things no one has seen before, like the holotile, a multi-directional, modular, multi-person treadmill that could potentially revolutionize virtual reality experiences.
Counterarguments and Refutations:
While some may argue that Disney’s success is due to its established brand and beloved characters, Smoot’s work demonstrates that continuous innovation is key to keeping the magic alive. His inventions not only recreate familiar experiences from Disney’s franchises but also push the boundaries of what is possible, creating entirely new experiences for guests.
Implications for Society:
Smoot’s work at Disney has implications beyond the theme park industry. His inventions could potentially revolutionize virtual reality experiences, opening up new possibilities for entertainment and education. Moreover, as a Black engineer, Smoot serves as a role model for young people of color interested in science and engineering.
Summary of Key Points:
Disney’s ability to innovate and create new experiences for its guests is crucial to its success in the face of increasing competition. Lanny Smoot, Disney’s most decorated inventor, plays a key role in driving this innovation. His inventions not only recreate familiar experiences from Disney’s franchises but also push the boundaries of what is possible, creating entirely new experiences for guests.
Final Thought:
As Disney continues to face increasing competition, the company’s ability to innovate will be more important than ever. And with inventors like Lanny Smoot at the helm, the future of Disney’s theme parks looks bright indeed.