"The Bob Gurr Show" Episode 9 - Legendary Disney Imagineer, Tony Baxter

Рет қаралды 24,563

Ай бұрын

It's double trouble on this episode of the Bob Gurr show as Bob welcomes Tony Baxter, one of the most celebrated Imagineers in Disney history. Bob and Tony sit down to discuss their time with Disney Parks, the creative process behind some of Disney's most iconic attractions, and the future of theme park design.
As the creative mastermind behind classic attractions like, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Star Tours, Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones, Tony shares stories about his early days at Disney and talks about his philosophy on design, the importance of storytelling, and the challenges of bringing new ideas to life. Bob and Tony reminisce about their shared experiences, and offer insights on what it took to be successful in the early days.
Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or just curious about the world of theme park design, this episode of The Bob Gurr Show is sure to be a treat. Join us for a fascinating conversation with one of the true legends of Imagineering - Tony Baxter.

Пікірлер: 138

@chronomatt6990 21 күн бұрын

Right here is REAL Disney, not what passes for it today.

@carsonfran Ай бұрын

What did I just watch? A casual, but intimate, conversation between two legendary men talking about the essence of Walt Disney and Disneyland. Thanks!

@splshmntaine 28 күн бұрын

Just discovered this channel and I’m kinda surprised Disney doesn’t have their own version of this show where they can explore the minds and memories of past and current cast members.

@VirtualTempleOfTheForbiddenEye Ай бұрын

Two Disney legends. Hearing stories about the creation of classic attractions never gets old. Great episode.

@AMagicProduction Ай бұрын

Tony truly was the crème de la crème of Imagineering- Disney could definitely use his expertise and ideas now. Would love to see Tony return to WDI in some role!

@GoodTimesWithScar Ай бұрын

This episode brought me so much happiness seeing my 2 favorites Imagineers! Thank you :)

@TuxMan20 Ай бұрын

I know right?! (#BringBackDisneyLandPeopleMover :P)

@kitsunedreamz 26 күн бұрын

Haha hey! I watch your Hermitcraft videos! It always makes me smile when you make Disneyland references. Craft on!

@charlesewen6636 Ай бұрын

I could listen to these two talking for 4 hours!

@MELFREES55 Ай бұрын

"TWO"..Of .THE.."Coolest" And So Approachable Gentlemen Around. ~ NO Egos .. Talk To You.. Like An Old Friend ! ~ GREAT..SHOW...Mr. "G" !!!!!!!

@keithbarnes9419 Ай бұрын

I could listen to these two guys for hours!

@eriknelsen5954 Ай бұрын

These two need to collaborate on a big book detailing the BTS stories of Disney Imagineering and the whole process.

@nik1987o Ай бұрын

tony baxter - the guy behind the most beautiful castle park. a legend!

@itsHeatherKay 29 күн бұрын

Please oh please imagineers put together a book of imagineering secrets, tips and stories! I love this show!

@wonderrob3225 26 күн бұрын

I will instantly buy that book !

@STSGuitar16 Ай бұрын

Just discovered this podcast. How incredible! What a treat to hear the history straight from the men who made it happen. So cool!

@karenleemallonee684 22 сағат бұрын

I could have listened a couple more hours, so interesting! Growing up in San Clemente, what a dream. I would of love to had seen it back then...all the open land! My daughter lived in San Clemente back in 2011-2013 and I was blessed to live with them and watch my Grand Daughter. I definitely to advantage of the Linda Loma Park & the walking trails. Heaven on earth! Rest In Peace, Richard Sherman.🌹 5/2024

@davidnevolo4402 Ай бұрын

Tony is an absolute legend. Half of what people associate with DISNEYland, is Baxter. Indy, big thunder, splash mountain, fantasyland, star tours. Im sure im forgetting others. Imagineers need to be passionate and feel emotion the way he does.

@Msteve-nt5bx Ай бұрын

This should be part of Disney Traditions for all new employees to watch

@collincatastrophe Ай бұрын

The reverence I have for these two men and their contemporaries…… just thank you

@darkridearts Ай бұрын

The current corporate model relies on focus tested data and merch forecasts vs vision. It seems like nails with vision that stand up are yanked out of the organization. Maybe that’s not the reality over at WDI now but it’s the perception from the outside looking in.

@McoloradoP Ай бұрын

What a GIFT this interview was❤

@spiritimagineer 25 күн бұрын

PLEASE HAVE TONY ON AGAIN!!! And….. What about Joe Rhode??

@nickhenline1532 Ай бұрын

Wow, what an hour! When is part 2? Or better yet, you two need to get together every month for a video series!

@jamesl1130 Ай бұрын

The discussion concerning the Mansion and how to handle different guest situations, sure shows how the institutional knowledge is vitally important in tackling a challenge.

@user-ds8wy7mz3z Ай бұрын

Long live Bob and Tony!

@wonderrob3225 Ай бұрын

BOB GURR show, How wonderful! I once met Bob at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

@lydia-rose5756 Ай бұрын

Two of my idols, incredible. Thank you gentlemen.

@vikingfan9677 Ай бұрын

I have 4 Bob Gurr singed Disneyland posters that I will treasure forever! Thanks for a great talk show video!

@wonderrob3225 Ай бұрын

I once met Bob Gurr at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

@heatherdemuth8159 Ай бұрын

This was wonderful! Love hearing these stories from these two amazing legends!

@mike_ewins Ай бұрын

2 of my favourite imagineers together, the only way this could be better would be to have rolly crump and walt himself in the room aswell. 🥰

@JayRy Ай бұрын

I am so enthralled with this video. Thanks for filming and sharing with us ❤

@charliemacsart Ай бұрын

This was a fantastic episode! I could watch these two for hours and hours. Great insight from Bob and Tony!

@timothyhuebner3889 Ай бұрын

Two Disney legends together...What a great show!

@CBDisney Ай бұрын

They need a podcast. I love these stories and look at memory lane. So fun.

@marivicj5853 29 күн бұрын

Another great episode and interview. Thank you Bob!

@jimt9245 Ай бұрын

Fantastic hour of conversations between two generations of designers. Tony had mentioned the queue line at Indy as a significance experience, but as a kid the queue on Thunder Mountain was equally memorable as that of the Calico Mine Train. Just also three of different generations. All timeless.

@jamesl1130 Ай бұрын

Most definitely the movie Big is exactly the key

@mikespeedfromspeedway2812 12 күн бұрын

Great episode! Two greats conversing on memorable moments and inspirations! Very intriguing and heartwarming to listen to some of your stories! And I love Mr. Baxter’s comment on how the Imagineers should think more innovative in improving the ability to incorporate the DAS into the Haunted Mansion attraction so that it doesn’t hinder the show experience. Even Mr. Gurr’s insight to the comment gives part of a solution that would help with it. Next would be to modify a few Doom buggies spaced throughout the trains that could turn to effectively allow a ride specific style chair to be loaded/unloaded quickly at an added special offload section after the main offload section before coming around to the main loading area. It’s always great when an attraction can accommodate disabled guest and it’s even more remarkable engineering when you can figure out a way to do so seamlessly. Would require more track and space but would be worth the cost to do!

@ratbones620 Ай бұрын

This video is a masterclass in ride and theme park design from some of the best people to ever do it.

@travis8377 Ай бұрын

Disney company desperately needs these two men, their knowledge and heart is missing in current day imagineering

@BanazirGalpsi1968 Ай бұрын

I want to see Disney do that preload and insert in the renovation to the haunted mansion, the doom buggy's are absolutely perfect for it!

@chaosplan Ай бұрын

Bob burr was in my parent’s wedding party. In the 90’s I got to visit his studio. I think at the time they were working on overseas theme parks.

@7846NEWCO Ай бұрын

Just listened ..loved it keep going Bob ......you should ask John Snoddy to come on the show....I hear he was an amazing person real genius in imaginering & story telling for Disney

@lcruz2783 Ай бұрын

Wow I would love to meet both of these two great men. What an amazing video

@AnthonyAcuna-zi9zr Ай бұрын

Wow can’t believe I’m here to listen to you wonderful legends! Thank you!

@pcdave1783 Ай бұрын

This is the greatest thing, endless words of wisdom. Just fantastic

@keouine Ай бұрын

Just one would be fantastic, but there are two living legends--together.

@yugitube24 Ай бұрын

Absolute magical, warm, thank you dear Bob and Tony, for keeping the warm atmosphere of the Disney of my childhood, of the spirit of Walt alive . The spirit of creation, innocence alive to beautifully expressed. That’s s the Disney I miss, and you are being it, keeping it alive 🙏🌷🥹❤️ thank you so much for creating this beautiful space 🥲

@MetaverseAdventures 26 күн бұрын

I can very much relate to Bob and Tony about never fully growing up. When I am Imagineering my VR Theme Park I create things that I want to play in and experience myself. As I am sitting at my computer creating an area, I am often rushing to get that next element implemented so I can hop into VR and experience it as fast as I can as I am just so excited about it. It is that child-like excitement that drives me and it drives me hard! I would be Imagineering my Theme Park even if it was not well received as I am making it for me first to play in. Thanks Bob for this utterly amazing interview. BTW...I too recently completed a queue that is an attraction onto itself that was inspired by Tony's Indie queue, which I just learned was inspired by the Calico Mine Ride queue at Knotts. What a wonderful world...and Metaverse.

@JustinRidgeArt Ай бұрын

Bob and Tony are both each a nucleus of joy and wonder! Thank you for sharing all of your insights, can’t wait for the next episode!

@philpearson7587 Ай бұрын

Great insight,you are spot on what makes a story or ride is the way you are transported to a new world and how it makes you feel inside. I've always wanted to be an imagineer. You both are great. Thanks for all you do!

@michaelsullivan3581 Ай бұрын

Thanks you two! That was really a joy! So fun getting insight into Walt and how imagination happens!

@jph4852 Ай бұрын

Oh my, that was 1 hour? It seemed like 10 minutes! I want more Disney Legend storytelling!

@annemariec7659 Ай бұрын

The stories from these 2 legends are wonderful. Thank you.😊

@Mr.SlashX Ай бұрын

These guys are the real thing. I hope the people they pass their knowledge to grasp it and use it for good.

@BrotherLaymanPaul Ай бұрын

A Bob Gurr late night style show… Today is a good day.

@wonderrob3225 Ай бұрын

I once met Bob at Disneyland when i worked for a travel company. he stuck out his hand and said "Hi, My name is Bob." Of course I knew who he was and was thrilled to meet him.

@veromikes Ай бұрын

So amazing!!!!

@jamiemilhorn5909 Ай бұрын

This was absolutely fantastic! But I think more importantly they touched on something that is a hot button topic right now with Disney, the DAS changes. They just in about 2 minutes came up with the start of a solution. Their thought processes are far beyond what happens now.

@kevintamas3309 Ай бұрын

Why don't you two work on the new Figment ride!

@CrissyOShow Ай бұрын

Bob Gurr is my absolute FAV! Great show!

@mslightfoot1611 Ай бұрын

I wish I could find any archives pictures of construction workers building Disneyland. I meet bob gurr at an event it was an honor I was so nervous, hope to meet him again .

@emilyencinosa5459 Ай бұрын

Loved this episode so much. Tony is my favorite imagineer and I am so glad Bob had him join him on the show! ❤

@alisonwonderland7685 29 күн бұрын

This was an awesome video to watch! I loved the old Walt stories, but also your advice for current ride building and adaptations. I don’t know why they are not getting your advice for how to make things the right way…aka…haunted mansion. That has bugged me for a while. Same with Little Mermaid.

@AdvWithEli Ай бұрын

I loved every bit of this episode🥹🥹🥹

@williamgraff7593 Ай бұрын

Tony reminds me of Sid Krofft's experience with his father, who discouraged Sid's childhood puppetry dream by berating him for playing with "dollies." Fortunately, Sid persevered!

@johnmchugh8049 Ай бұрын

Two legends 🔥🙌🏻

@donrumpsickle1992 Ай бұрын

Absolutely incredible and awe inspiring, great show!

@himynameiscorey Ай бұрын

🤩🤩🤩 What a blessing to pop up on my suggested!

@Disneyland_Charles_Tm Ай бұрын

I was just on Bob Gurrs Tour!

@Magic3Star Ай бұрын

When did Bob Gurr get his own show? 😱

@sunshineandpixiedust1776 Ай бұрын

i could listen to you 2 chat for hours!!

@DABagain23 Ай бұрын

Fantastic to see these two legends converse. Who knew Bud Hurtbut was somehow involved with getting Richard Nixon to open the monorail? Not me. Apparently not even Bob! 😆 I was last in SoCal and at Disneyland this past December, and had a wonderful time. One night, fairly late, we happened to see Tony in the Snow White queue. I wanted to say something, but while I'm sure he'd have been gracious, I just figured "ah, leave the poor man alone!" He was having a conversation with other people, and he must have Disneyland fans bugging him all the time. and so as my party passed his twice in the switchbacks, I somehow managed to control myself. All I would have said was "Hi" and "Thanks" but I was afraid I'd start geeking out.😁 Bob wasn't running his tour in December or I'd have gone for it (we did look it up, and sadly, nothing in December), but if we get back there again any time soon, it's on my bucket list. These guys are among the best of the best who gave us all the park we love.

@himynameiscorey 21 күн бұрын

I did the same thing in my backyard 🥹 I remember two separate times, once when I made like 5 or 6 completely different rides in my backyard, and another time on a summer day I recreated a water park in my aunt and uncle’s backyard. My dream is to still become an imagineer one day!

@themoldcars Ай бұрын

Ok. How did I not know about this until today? Oh well better late than never.

@DukeCityExplorer Ай бұрын

Great interview! Love the Johnny Carson desk vibes going on! 🌺🌸

@Lance1805 Ай бұрын

I just discovered this podcast, and its fantastic! Tony Baxter interview was excellent! I look forward to the back episode's. I also LOVE your studio Bob, it has so many interesting pieces...well done Sir! What a topic to be discussed, about our Haunted mansion ride flow. great ideas on improving the stopping. I hope someone at Imagineering today, will listen to this.

@spiritimagineer 25 күн бұрын

Is Tony going to be involved on any redo’s of “Imagination”??

@sunshinesky6926 Ай бұрын

What an episode! I only wish this was longer because I could listen to you guys talk for more than an hour! So much knowledge and so many intriguing stories, some of which were new to me! Hooked from beginning to end

@jon-kl9mk Ай бұрын

This should be very interesting. I can't wait.

@nancytroast9297 Ай бұрын

Outstanding!

@suzyukla Ай бұрын

this was so much fun! two greats

@m.hreels9822 Ай бұрын

Awesome wow

@Ridlo162 Ай бұрын

Great hour listening to two legends.

@lynnstone6998 Ай бұрын

❤

@peteroverstreet9450 Ай бұрын

Love you guys! Thank you for this!

@ginadoyle4089 Ай бұрын

I love the post card stand in the back ground. I wish the parks had nice post cards. Luckily I still find them at the Jersey Shore 😎

@KawaiiNancy Ай бұрын

💜💜💜

@gordonwchas Ай бұрын

This is so good

@keyman6689 28 күн бұрын

I did that Indy queue preview before they were testing the ride. It was very exciting. Even though we only saw the vehicles and couldn't ride. It was an attraction in itself at the time.

@Greenhornet204 27 күн бұрын

And that attraction is trash

@jeffhaddox2239 Ай бұрын

What a great show 👏

@williamgraff7593 Ай бұрын

Tony is so right. Most of us are forced to "kill" our inner child in order to function in society...and that's a very sad thing.

@TuxMan20 Ай бұрын

30:00 The point about the queues being as entertaining as the ride... Rise of the Resistance is like the epitomy of that statement! Imagine one day, for whatever reason, they have people skip the whole pre-show and board straight to the ride. You would lose SO MUCH of the experience. Or in Flight of Passage... I was bummed to have gotten a lightning lane because I missed the avatar animatronic in the lab :D

@officialmonarchmusic 28 күн бұрын

Rise of the Resistance queue is kind of boring though, it's just mostly empty caverns. There's a small bit in the Star Destroyer that's great, but overall it could be much better

@themackshack9140 Ай бұрын

So basically you can know what generation of imagineer you are if you used tinker toys, erector, or k’nex as a kid

@stanfordite1 Ай бұрын

When I take over Disney and make it great again, I will make sure kids know the names Tony Baxter and Bob Gurr to the point that they are as revered as Walt. I just might give them statues.

@officialmonarchmusic 28 күн бұрын

How are you going to do it?

@AXander1978 Ай бұрын

Bruce Vaughn and Carmen Smith and Zach Riddley think they are in the same league as these two men

@rocketrodlover Ай бұрын

Dollar store imagineers

@officialmonarchmusic 28 күн бұрын

I don't actually think Bruce Vaughn is all bad. He should make for a decent head of imagineering if Bob and Josh can get off his back

@Msteve-nt5bx Ай бұрын

What he's describing at 4:10 is the problem (one of them) with the company now...

@mattwas2896 Ай бұрын

great video thanks … they should build a 5th park in florida under the national geographic brand that brings history to life … they could have a national treasure coaster and a night at the museum attraction, great moments with MLK .. the could move Carousel of progress to the net park. the could have a wright brother attraction maybe sponsored by boeing or airline

@keyman6689 28 күн бұрын

I miss WDI since they transformed it into WDEI.