WDWNT’s Wayback WED is bringing together an extraordinary lineup of former Disney Imagineers and creatives for two days of panels, presentations, rare Disney history, and opportunities to meet the people who helped create some of the most beloved experiences in Walt Disney World history.
Wayback WED is October 2 – 3 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Purchase tickets and get the latest schedule, participating guests, and additional event information at waybackwed.com.
Wayback WED
Wayback WED will feature discussions covering everything from the creation of Walt Disney World and EPCOT to unbuilt attractions, classic entertainment, DisneySea, Journey Into Imagination, and more.
Rather than simply looking back at Disney history, guests will hear the stories directly from the people who were there — including Tony Baxter, Bob Weis, Tom Morris, Joe Lanzisero, Peggie Fariss, Rick Rothschild, Kathy Rogers, Tim Delaney, Mike West, Paul Osterhout, Ron Schneider, Steve Taylor, and many more.
Panels will also feature rare artwork, concept designs, archival footage, and stories that offer a look behind the curtain at how Disney attractions and experiences were created, changed, and sometimes never built at all.
Meet the Imagineers and Disney Legends Who Made the Magic
Wayback WED isn’t only an opportunity to hear these stories from the stage.
One of the biggest parts of the event is the Meet & Greet and Autograph Session, giving attendees the rare opportunity to spend time with the former Imagineers, artists, performers, and creatives appearing throughout the weekend.
Guests will be able to meet the people behind many of the attractions and experiences being discussed, get autographs, take photos, and personally connect with the creators whose work has become part of Disney Parks history.
Attendees will also receive a special gift suitable for collecting autographs throughout the
event.
For Disney Parks fans accustomed to seeing these names in books, documentaries, concept art credits, and attraction histories, Wayback WED offers something much more personal: the chance to actually meet them.
Friday Panels & Presentations
Wayback WED begins Friday morning with “The Original Walt Disney World You Thought You Knew,” featuring Tom Morris and Tony Baxter. The presentation will showcase never-before-seen media and previously unheard stories from the creation of the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
The day continues with “Class of ’71,” as Peggie Fariss, Tom Nabbe, and others share stories from Walt Disney World’s earliest years.
Joe Lanzisero, Mike West, Paul Osterhout, and more will explore two of Disney’s longest-
running musical attractions during “The Perseverance of Singing Bears & Birds: The
Evolution of The Country Bear Jamboree and Enchanted Tiki Room.”
Friday afternoon turns the spotlight to some of the women who helped shape Disney parks during “The Women of Walt Disney Imagineering,” featuring Kathy Rogers, Peggie Fariss, Eli Erlandson, Paula Dinkel, and others.
Tony Baxter then takes guests into the American frontier for a presentation dedicated to Western River Expedition, Big Thunder Mountain, and Frontierland, including the story of the enormous Magic Kingdom attraction that was designed but never built.
Later, Eric Jacobson, Kathy Rogers, Paul Osterhout, and others will revisit 55 years of
presidential history with “Recounting The Hall of Presidents: 55 Years of Liberty’s Leaders
(and It Almost Didn’t Happen).”
Friday concludes with Don Dorsey, Eric Jacobson, and Steve Taylor celebrating decades of
nighttime spectaculars and patriotic entertainment during “All-American Entertainment: A
Celebration of America on Parade, Electrical Water Pageant, and the Main Street
Electrical Parade.”
Saturday Panels & Presentations
Saturday begins with one of Disney’s most fascinating unrealized projects: Disney’s America. Bob Weis, Rick Rothschild, and Jim Bockstall will discuss the ambitious theme park proposed for Virginia and the story behind its development and ultimate cancellation.
Rick Rothschild and other Disney veterans will then turn to EPCOT for “Golden Dreams: The Creation of Disney’s Ultimate American Attraction — The American Adventure.”
Bob Weis returns for “Time Capsules: A Conversation with Bob Weis,” focusing on DisneySea, Disney California Adventure, and a preview of The Marty Sklar Archives book.
Joe Lanzisero will take guests around the world during “Demystifying Disney,” with stories about Mystic Manor, the ports of DisneySea, the creation of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, and even Duffy the Disney Bear.
The history of EPCOT continues with “From The Land to The Living Seas,” bringing Tony
Baxter, Tim Delaney, Kym Murphy, Mike West, and Brock Thoman together to discuss two of the park’s most memorable original pavilions.
Then, Wayback WED concludes its panel programming with an extended 90-minute celebration of one of EPCOT’s most beloved attractions.
“More Than Just a Figment: The Dreamfinders of the Original Journey Into Imagination” will bring together Tony Baxter, Tom Morris, Ron Schneider, Steve Taylor, and more to revisit
the original Journey Into Imagination and the character who invited generations of EPCOT
guests to discover the power of their imaginations.
Special Pricing for Walt Disney World Cast Members
Current Walt Disney World Cast Members can attend Wayback WED at 50% off regular ticket prices.
Cast Members should email [email protected] to request the exclusive discount code before purchasing tickets.
A $25 Cast Member Exclusive Saturday Autograph Session Ticket is also available, providing an affordable opportunity for Cast Members to take part in the Saturday autograph session.
Wayback WED is October 2 – 3, 2026, at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Tickets, the latest schedule, participating guests, and additional event information are available at waybackwed.com.
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