The Magic Maker: Why Lanny Smoot Is My Favorite Imagineer

The Magic Maker: Why Lanny Smoot Is My Favorite Imagineer

When you think about Disney magic—the kind that makes your jaw drop or your heart race with excitement—you’re really thinking about the work of incredible Imagineers. These are the visionaries behind the scenes, blending science, art, and a whole lot of creativity to bring the impossible to life. And among them, Lanny Smoot stands out as one of the most brilliant and inspiring.

So, who is Lanny Smoot?

Lanny Smoot is a Disney Research Fellow and a Senior Imagineer. That might sound like a fancy title (because it is!), but simply put, he’s one of the masterminds behind the groundbreaking tech and magical experiences at Disney parks and attractions. With over 100 patents, Smoot is not just a Disney legend—he’s a real-world inventor who creates the future of immersive storytelling.

From interactive lightsabers and haunted mirrors to real-time character holograms, Lanny’s inventions aren’t just fun—they’re deeply innovative. He’s helped turn imagination into reality for millions of park guests across the world.

Why He Inspires Me

What makes Lanny Smoot my favorite Imagineer isn’t just his long list of accomplishments—it’s his passion for blending creativity with technology. As someone who loves art, design, and tech (hello, 3D printing!), I see Lanny’s work as proof that the future belongs to creators who aren’t afraid to explore new tools and ideas.

He doesn’t just build gadgets—he builds experiences. He brings science to life in ways that feel like pure magic, and that’s something I want to do in my own creative work, too.

Lessons from Lanny

1. Imagination is the starting point. Lanny often talks about dreaming big. His inventions begin as wild ideas—and he finds ways to make them real.

2. Tech + Creativity = Magic. Whether it’s an invisible ghost effect or a new kind of virtual interaction, Lanny reminds us that art and science can—and should—work together.

3. Keep learning. Lanny Smoot didn’t stop with one invention—he’s always pushing boundaries. He’s a lifelong learner and a fearless innovator.

Why It Matters

In a world where kids are taught to pick a lane—artist or scientist, techie or designer—Lanny shows us you don’t have to choose. You can be all of it. You can invent, create, imagine, and inspire.

That’s exactly the spirit we bring to A3DPYO: a place where kids explore both traditional art and new technology, where their creative ideas are taken seriously and brought to life—just like Lanny Smoot does for Disney.

He’s proof that one person’s creativity can make millions of people feel something amazing. And that’s what being an Imagineer—and a creator—is all about.

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