A Disney legend now says “See Ya Real Soon” to the Walt Disney Company. Join us as he says his final farewell and sets off on his next adventure.
Joe Rohde
Joe Rohde has served at the Walt Disney Company for 40 years. He was a model designer at Epcot around the World Showcase. When ground broke for Walt Disney World’s 4th theme park, Animal Kingdom, Joe Rohde led a team that conceptualized, designed, and built Animal Kingdom. He was responsible for Disney’s Aulani resort. He then later led in the development in the most beautiful land of Pandora.
Fans even enjoyed the opportunity to purchase Disney Designer Ears that were imagined but the Imagineer himself. Check out these amazing ears HERE.
Announced Retirement
After 40 years with the Disney Company, Walt Disney Imagineering announced that Joe Rohde will be retiring. His official last day was set for today, January 4, 2021. Disney fans have loved the opportunity to meet him and also to enjoy the immersive designs that he has created across the Disney Parks.
Joe rohde announced his last day at the walt disney company would be today, January 4, 2021.
See Ya Real Soon
Today, Joe Rohde set to Instagram to say “See Ya Real Soon” to Disney Fans across the globe:
“Well. This is it. I will be just Joe Rohde, creative guy, after today. I still plan to work some, but in new areas and new mediums, and I’d also like to just paint. I heard that the postponed Explorers Club expedition to Nunavut, way up north, is back on, so I can prepare for next August when that will happen.”
“Since November when I announced my retirement from Imagineering, I’ve received lots of very nice congratulations and testimonials from people for whom my work has made a difference. That is gratifying and I’m very thankful to all.”
“People have also warned me about feeling bored by retirement…but I truly have so many deferred projects that I know I cannot complete them all in any rational amount of time I may have. Books. Paintings. Sculptures. Plays. Chores. Expeditions, and time to spend with my wife Melody, whom I met when were still in school all of this huge adventure… and with my boys, now grown young men starting their own careers.”
“My family has always been my first and greatest love…. last night we raised our glasses and toasted… ‘Here’s to 40 Years’.”
Joe Rohde
“As much as I have enjoyed my work, and the joy it has brought to so many…my family has always been my first and greatest love. Last night we all got together (only one lives off the Rohde campus right now) we raised our glasses and toasted… ‘Here’s to 40 years.‘ “
Big Shoes to Fill
Zach Riddley shares on his Instagram account that Joe Rohde donated a personal item to the Walt Disney Archives in honor of his retirement. Riddley shared, “Joe has donated these boots- that touched the ground during some of our most iconic endeavors– to the Walt Disney Archives.”
“They will preserve these boots for future generations of Disney imagineers, fans and historians.”
“Thank you Joe for teaching us how to be better stewards of this world and how to create experiences that entertain, educate and inspire. No one can fill your boots, but we are ready to continue the legacy of curiosity and courage that defines your designs and teams.”
“No one can fill your boots, but we are ready to continue the legacy of curiosity and courage that defines your designs and teams.”
Zach Riddley
We wish many magical days for Joe Rohde and his family. Share your well wishes to Joe Rohde and thank him for his creative service to the Imagineering Department on our Facebook Page.
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