At the D23 Expo 2019, legendary Disney Imagineer Kevin Rafferty took the Archives Stage for a heartfelt and often hilarious look back at his incredible four-decade career in themed entertainment. Titled “Take a Fantastical Ride with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty,” the panel session was a love letter to Imagineering, storytelling, and one of the most creative minds to ever walk the halls of Walt Disney Imagineering.
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with The Tower of Terror
Kevin’s journey started in 1974—not as an artist, engineer, or designer—but as a dishwasher at Disneyland’s Plaza Inn. Within four years, he transitioned to Imagineering, contributing to early concepts for Epcot and never looking back.
A Ride Through the Highlights
The panel was filled with fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes insights from Rafferty’s long and varied career:
He contributed to the creation of Typhoon Lagoon and served as the show writer for the original Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island.
He played a key role in what would become Cars Land, bringing Radiator Springs to life.
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin worked closely with Don Rickles during the production of Toy Story Midway manind of course, his latest—and at the time of the panel, still upcoming—project, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, was the topic of much anticipation. Set to open in Hollywood Studios in 2020 and Disneyland’s Toon Town in 2021, it marked the first Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction in Disney history.
A Look Inside “Magic Journey”
Kevin also used this D23 session to preview his first book, Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career. With classic storytelling flair, he shared what it was like to pitch big ideas, navigate Disney’s creative culture, and work alongside Imagineering legends.
“Take a Fantastical Ride with Kevin Rafferty” wasn’t just a title—it was an invitation to join a man who helped build the magic, from the ground up.
A Magical Journey with Kevin Rafferty – From the D23 Expo 2019
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) D23 EXPO 2019
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) WENDY LEFKON, KEVIN RAFFERTY
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) KEVIN RAFFERTY
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) WENDY LEFKON
D23 EXPO 2019 – The Ultimate Disney Fan Event – brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which takes place August 23 – 25 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. (The Walt Disney Company/Image Group LA) WENDY LEFKON, KEVIN RAFFERTY
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin as a dishwasher at Disneyland
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage -Kevin the Imagineer
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with The Tower of Terror
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage -Kevin’s Magical Journey
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage -Kevin started as a Disneywasher at the Plaza Inn at Disneyland
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin spent some time at Club 33
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage -The original location of WED
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with Marty Sklry
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – An early book about Disney imaginnering with Kevin and others.
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – One of many historical photos Kevin shared during the Presentation
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage -The Tower of Terror, one of Kevin’s many credits
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin worked closely with Don Rickles during the production of Toy Story Midway mania
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin was part of the Original Car land… before the Cars theme was applied
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Early concept art of Cars Land…
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with Marty at the Site of Carsland… and with his “car”
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin and Marty
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin’s latest concept… Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with a model of Carsland
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin at PhilharMagic
D23 Expo 2019 Kevin Rafferty Presentation at the D23 Archives Stage – Kevin with a model of Carsland
