Disney Imaginations 2019 - Kiiġuyaruq Express

About

"This year, teams were challenged to create an experience that explores a Natural or Ancient Wonder of the World. The contest proved challenging with a focus on places that are difficult to enjoy either because they are remote, inhospitable, or no longer exist. Students created experiences that explore and share these Wonders safely for a wide range of guests, at or near the original presumed location. The designers had to consider how guests could have a communal and family friendly experience as a group; how traditional methodologies and advanced technology solutions would allow the experiences to be shared; and they had to be mindful to honor the environment, history, codes and local ordinances."

Given this prompt, my team designed "The Kiiġuyaruq Express", a five day glass top train journey across Alaska to experinece the wonder of the Northern Lights. After initial rounds of judging we were chosen as finalists to be flown out to Disneyland where we presented the project, along with five other teams, in front of a series of Imagineers and Disney executives where we ultimately placed third out of more than 360 original applicant teams with the crowning compliment of our experience "capturing the romance of travel".

Based on memories, nature, and our own love of travel, each day of the journey finds the Kiiġuyaruq Express stopping in a lovingly recreated memory of the Northern Lights where guests can explore a moment of Alaska's history from the Iditarod Dog Sledding race, to a gold rush town, to native traditions, to the first human settlement of Alaska as nomads crossed the Bering straight Land Bridge. Along the way guests use a high-tech compass, embued with the power of the Northern Lights to solve mysteries, have adventures, and get to know their fellow passengers in the journey of a life time.

My own role on the project, along with assisting with story development and iteration, was primarily CAD modelling and renders of the Kiiguyaruq Express, compass, and other details to be used as refrence to the more traditional art done by my teammate. All CAD was original work by me. These pieces can be seen in the media on this page.

To learn more about the project, see our initial and final submission pieces in the media pieces on this page or check out the Disney Press releases surrounding our experience.

Disclaimer: The project was conceived by the Olin College of Engineering Team and created for the 2019 Walt Disney Imagineering’s Imaginations Design Competition. This project is the sole property of Walt Disney Imagineering and all rights to use these ideas are exclusive to Walt Disney Imagineering. The competition is a way for students and recent graduates to showcase their talents and for Walt Disney Imagineering to identify new talent.

Skills

• SolidWorks - The train, compass, and bubbles were designed and rendered in SolidWorks and Photoview 360, dimensioned to meet various disability standards.
• Storytelling - Within the project making sure the guests would be experiencing a uniquely connected experience that would resonate with anyone of any age, nationality, or ability while getting our own values across. In the context of the compeition, with an audience of Imagineers of both incredibly technologically dirven and creatively driven occupations, walking the line between the two while still telling clear, concise and easy to follow story in the limited amount of space and time (originally 8 slides for initial submission, 15 minute presentation for the finale) to get across the passion, excitement, and details of the 6 months spent on this project.
• Presentation - We presented our project multiple times in front of over a total of 100 Disney Imagineers, needing to communicate our story and passion for the project.
• Research - With the prompt asking us to consider local history, economy, environment,ordinances and culture, there was a lot to look into to make sure we were not only respecting, but also promoting and empowering our local location of Alaska. Additionally ensuring our train was up to accessbility standards.

Team

• MJ McMillen - Robotics Engineer - Did literally all the art for the project
• Eric Miller - Robotics Engineer - Made a prototype of the compass from our story