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

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.

[@chronomatt6990]

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

[@carsonfran]

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

[@GoodTimesWithScar]

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

[@TuxMan20]

I know right?! (#BringBackDisneyLandPeopleMover :P)

[@kitsunedreamz]

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

[@AMagicProduction]

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!

[@VirtualTempleOfTheForbiddenEye]

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

[@MELFREES55]

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

[@charlesewen6636]

I could listen to these two talking for 4 hours!

[@nik1987o]

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

[@eriknelsen5954]

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

[@splshmntaine]

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.

[@Msteve-nt5bx]

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

[@davidnevolo4402]

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.

[@collincatastrophe]

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

[@keithbarnes9419]

I could listen to these two guys for hours!

[@itsHeatherKay]

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

[@wonderrob3225]

I will instantly buy that book !

[@STSGuitar16]

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

[@user-ds8wy7mz3z]

Long live Bob and Tony!

[@spiritimagineer]

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

[@McoloradoP]

What a GIFT this interview was❤

[@wonderrob3225]

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.

[@jamesl1130]

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.

[@karenleemallonee684]

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

[@JayRy]

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

[@nickhenline1532]

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

[@gonzimerchan]

This is so much fun guys thank you both

[@darkridearts]

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.

[@mike_ewins]

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. 🥰

[@CBDisney]

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

[@vikingfan9677]

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

[@wonderrob3225]

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]

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

[@jimt9245]

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.

[@marivicj5853]

Another great episode and interview. Thank you Bob!

[@lydia-rose5756]

Two of my idols, incredible. Thank you gentlemen.

[@timothyhuebner3889]

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

[@yugitube24]

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 🥲

[@charliemacsart]

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

[@AdvWithEli]

I loved every bit of this episode🥹🥹🥹

[@MetaverseAdventures]

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.

[@AnthonyAcuna-zi9zr]

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

[@ratbones620]

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

[@Balootoyoutoo]

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

[@chaosplan]

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.

[@jamesl1130]

Most definitely the movie Big is exactly the key

[@keouine]

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

[@enriquealba315]

What a wonderful and truly magical interview!! I am grateful to have watched thiiis! I can watch both of you speak for hours! Thank You for your wisdom and magic!!❤❤❤

[@7846NEWCO]

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

[@Mr.SlashX]

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

[@jph4852]

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

[@JustinRidgeArt]

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!

[@michaelsullivan3581]

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

[@lcruz2783]

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

[@travis8377]

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

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

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!

[@philpearson7587]

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!

[@jamiemilhorn5909]

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.

[@veromikes]

So amazing!!!!

[@mikespeedfromspeedway2812]

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!

[@BrotherLaymanPaul]

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

[@wonderrob3225]

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.

[@aw76587]

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.

[@annemariec7659]

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

[@DABagain23]

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.

[@emilyencinosa5459]

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

[@CrissyOShow]

Bob Gurr is my absolute FAV! Great show!

[@mslightfoot1611]

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 .

[@williamgraff7593]

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!

[@donrumpsickle1992]

Absolutely incredible and awe inspiring, great show!

[@johnmchugh8049]

Two legends 🔥🙌🏻

[@himynameiscorey]

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

[@sunshineandpixiedust1776]

i could listen to you 2 chat for hours!!

[@Justintime619]

This is GOLD! 🙏 Thank you

[@jon-kl9mk]

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

[@DukeCityExplorer]

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

[@themoldcars]

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

[@Lance1805]

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.

[@himynameiscorey]

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!

[@sunshinesky6926]

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

[@suzyukla]

this was so much fun! two greats

[@kevintamas3309]

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

[@nancytroast9297]

Outstanding!

[@peteroverstreet9450]

Love you guys! Thank you for this!

[@ginadoyle4089]

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 😎

[@Ridlo162]

Great hour listening to two legends.

[@gordonwchas]

This is so good

[@m.hreels9822]

Awesome wow

[@Magic3Star]

When did Bob Gurr get his own show? 😱

[@keyman6689]

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]

And that attraction is trash

[@jeffhaddox2239]

What a great show 👏

[@spiritimagineer]

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

[@KawaiiNancy]

💜💜💜

[@lynnstone6998]

❤

[@TuxMan20]

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]

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

[@hannahokelley3907]

omg pls bob can you get Joe Rohde!!! I would love to hear you guys together 🥹🫶🏻

[@officialmonarchmusic]

Yes

[@stanfordite1]

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]

How are you going to do it?

[@williamgraff7593]

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.

[@WhittneyBarger]

love you and tony. great show! I agree you need to get joe rohde on! 🤗

[@AXander1978]

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

[@rocketrodlover]

Dollar store imagineers

[@officialmonarchmusic]

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

[@stanfordite1]

Walt would've ratted them out to the HUAC and had them blacklisted just as I will do after I take over Disney.

[@themackshack9140]

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

[@Msteve-nt5bx]

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

[@mattwas2896]

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

[@TrojTV]

It's too bad that while the original team at Disneyland Paris were "children of Walt", and none of that energie is left at Disney Imagineering in Paris. Cheap and easy fixes without any heart behind it (or at least it seems) seem to be the guideline for rides and fixes at Paris. And since most "fans" will swallow anything because it is Disney without knowing better from the other parks, they have no incentive to actually do better. Where Catherine Powell brought a lot of that heart back, Natacha Rafalski flushed it all down the drain again. Business over fun. 😪

[@officialmonarchmusic]

Disneyland Paris was designed with so much love but it's gone to waste. More than any other Disney park, you can see the people running it don't care about the genius behind it. Some (emphasis on SOME) of the cast members are really great there, but the management unfortunately does not share that sentiment

[@keyman6689]

I miss WDI since they transformed it into WDEI.