Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot will be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, becoming the first living Disney Imagineer to receive this prestigious honor. He now joins Walt Disney, who was posthumously inducted for the invention of the multiplane camera.
Smoot’s career spans more than four decades, combining creativity and engineering in ways that have elevated the Disney guest experience across the globe.
Lanny Smoot’s Impact on Disney Experiences
During his 25 years at Disney, Lanny Smoot has created 74 patents. In total, he holds over 100—an impressive achievement few inventors reach.
His innovations include:
- Madame Leota’s floating illusion in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion
- Extendable lightsabers used in Disney Live Entertainment
- Magic Playfloor on Disney Cruise Line
- Fortress Explorations at Tokyo DisneySea
- “Where’s the Fire?” at EPCOT, an interactive fire safety exhibit
These inventions combine theatrical technology with guest interactivity, transforming how stories are told in Disney Parks.
A Journey Fueled by Innovation
Lanny began his career after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University. He contributed to early video-on-demand and conferencing technologies at Bell Labs and Bell Communications Research. Eventually, he brought that expertise to Disney, helping create some of the most immersive guest experiences ever imagined.
He has received several honors over the years. These include three Thea Awards and recognition as a TEA Master for his lifetime contributions to themed entertainment. In each role, he has shown how innovation and heart can work together.
The Next Big Leap: HoloTile
Currently, Lanny is developing the HoloTile floor—a modular, omni-directional treadmill that lets multiple users walk freely in virtual spaces. This technology opens new possibilities for gaming, theater, virtual reality, and even theme park attractions.
Performers could move in new ways. Stage props could reposition themselves automatically. And fans might one day explore immersive digital worlds without ever leaving a shared physical space.
Lanny’s Words of Gratitude
“As a lifelong inventor, I feel honored and grateful to join the National Inventors Hall of Fame,” Lanny said. “To be recognized alongside Thomas Edison, Jim West, and Walt Disney is truly meaningful.”
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, applauded Smoot’s achievements. “Lanny continues to amaze us with his endless imagination and technical mastery,” he said. “His work inspires guests and fellow Imagineers alike.”
Continuing Walt Disney’s Inventive Spirit
Walt Disney revolutionized animation with the multiplane camera. Lanny Smoot carries that legacy into the future. His inventions empower Imagineers, entertain millions of guests, and prove that magic comes from creativity combined with engineering.
Lanny’s induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame marks not just a personal milestone but also a defining moment for Disney Parks. It reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, storytelling, and timeless wonder.
Congratulations to Lanny Smoot and to the entire 2024 class of inventors. Your work inspires the world—one brilliant idea at a time.
Lanny Smoot National Inventors Hall of Fame
