Disney fans fascinated by how theme park worlds are brought to life are getting another rare look behind the construction walls. The newest episode of We Call It Imagineering explores the role architecture plays in Disney storytelling while revealing fresh behind-the-scenes details from several major projects currently taking shape at Walt Disney World.
Inspired by Walt Disney’s original television specials that introduced audiences to Disneyland, We Call It Imagineering takes viewers inside Walt Disney Imagineering. The video series explores how artists, designers, engineers and other creative professionals work together to develop new lands, attractions and entertainment experiences.
Six episodes have now been released, covering everything from the creation of Disney’s iconic castles to the intricate details being designed for upcoming theme park attractions.
A Closer Look at Disney Architecture
Released on August 27, 2026, the latest episode focuses on Disney architecture and how Imagineers use buildings, streets, landscaping and carefully planned views to make fictional worlds feel believable.
At Disney Parks, architectural storytelling extends far beyond the attraction itself. The dimensions of a doorway, the curve of a pathway, the texture of the pavement and even what guests see as they turn a corner can contribute to the story of a themed environment.
The episode examines architectural choices dating back to the construction of Disneyland while showing how those original principles continue to influence projects under development today.
New Look at Monstropolis
One of the episode’s biggest highlights is a look at the exterior façade work underway for Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The new land inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. is being created within the park’s former Animation Courtyard area. The Imagineering episode gives viewers an opportunity to see how the team is using themed architecture to transform the space into a world inhabited by monsters.
The footage offers another glimpse at the work necessary to make Monstropolis feel like a place guests have stepped into rather than simply a collection of attractions and buildings.
Testing Themed Details for Tropical Americas
Imagineers also visit the sample yard for Tropical Americas, the new land under development at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Sample yards allow project teams to test materials, colors, textures and themed finishes before those details are installed throughout a completed land. These early tests help Imagineers determine how individual elements will appear under different lighting and weather conditions while ensuring the final environment supports the project’s story.
The segment demonstrates just how much planning can go into surfaces and architectural details guests may only encounter for a few moments during their visit.
Balloon Testing at Piston Peak National Park
The episode also takes viewers behind the construction walls at Piston Peak National Park, the Cars-inspired area coming to Magic Kingdom.
Imagineers are shown conducting balloon testing, a technique used to study how the height and placement of future structures could affect surrounding sightlines. Large balloons are raised to planned building heights so project teams can evaluate how the structures may appear from different locations throughout the park.
Sightlines have long played an important role in Disney theme park design. Imagineers carefully control what guests can see—and what remains hidden—to preserve the setting and story of each themed area.
Imagineering Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge
Viewers also receive an update from Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge, where Imagineers are combining physical and digital architecture to advance the project’s immersive storytelling.
The resort is being designed as more than a collection of guest rooms and amenities. Its architecture will help establish the environment and story guests experience throughout their stay.
The episode examines how modern technology can support the traditional architectural principles that have shaped Disney destinations for generations.
Exploring Animation Courtyard and Pandora
In addition to the projects currently under construction, the episode spotlights Animation Courtyard and Pandora—The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Pandora is presented as an example of architecture and landscape design working together to create a cohesive environment. Its pathways, structures, plant life and towering rock formations combine to surround guests with the world of Avatar.
>Examining completed destinations alongside projects still under development helps demonstrate how architectural concepts move from early planning and testing to finished themed environments.
Disney Continues Walt’s Behind-the-Scenes Tradition
Part of what makes We Call It Imagineering particularly interesting is its connection to Walt Disney’s original approach to sharing the creative process. Walt regularly used television to take viewers behind the scenes, showing audiences how Disneyland and other ambitious projects were being developed.
This new series carries that tradition into the present by introducing viewers to the people, technology and creative decisions behind the next generation of Disney experiences.
As construction continues across Walt Disney World, the Disney Architecture episode offers fans more than a collection of project updates. It provides a deeper understanding of how Imagineers use scale, materials, landscaping, sightlines and technology to turn an idea into a place that feels real.
New episodes of We Call It Imagineering are released through the official Walt Disney Imagineering YouTube channel. With Monstropolis, Tropical Americas, Piston Peak National Park and other projects moving forward, future installments could provide even more opportunities to look beyond the construction walls and watch Disney’s newest worlds take shape.
You May Also Enjoy: Walt Disney Imagineering’s “Pardon Our Pixie Dust” Is Back With New Looks at Lakeshore Lodge, Hollywood Studios, and Disney California Adventure
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