Joe Rohde
Joe Rohde | |
|---|---|
 Rohde in 2016 | |
| Born | Joseph Rohde September 10, 1955[1][2] |
| Alma mater | Occidental College[3] |
Joseph Rohde is the Experience Architect for Virgin Galactic. Rohde was previously a veteran executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, the division of The Walt Disney Company that designs and builds Disney's theme parks and resort hotels. Rohde's formal title was Executive Designer and Vice President, Creative.
Rohde was born in Sacramento, California and raised in Hawaii. He graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory, Canoga Park, Calif., in 1973, where he starred in student dramatic productions and was Class Salutatorian. Rohde received a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Rohde's trademark is a large collection of earrings he wears in his left ear, all of which are souvenirs from decades of travel to remote corners of the world. This tradition began when he stuck his 5-year anniversary pin into his ear.[4]
Career at Walt Disney Imagineering
Rohde was the lead designer of
Rohde joined Disney Imagineering in 1980 during the development of
Rohde was featured in an April 2006
After designing Aulani in Hawaii Rohde was tasked with creating Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The project took six years to complete and opened in May 2017. Most recently, Rohde led the team that transformed the former Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!. The attraction opened in May 2017.[6][7] This new project is part of the expansion of his role as global creative leader of the Marvel property.[8] In February 2020, Rohde served as the lead developer on Disney second private island, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.[9]
On November 23, 2020, Rohde announced his retirement from Walt Disney Imagineering effective January 4, 2021.[10] On February 22, 2021, Virgin Galactic announced Joe Rohde had been hired as their Experience Architect.[11]
References
- ^ @joe_rohde (September 16, 2015). "A 60th birthday present from the GM of the Disneyland resort, a good friend and valued colleague" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Jambo Everyone: Let's Send Joe Rohde a Birthday Gift!". www.jamboeveryone.com. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Joe Rohde | Faculty/Staff Directory". directory.calarts.edu. Archived from the original on August 15, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Doyle, Gavin. "Interview with Joe Rohde, Imagineer Behind Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and More". Disney Dose. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ Lancaster, Cory (April 10, 1998). "A Disney Executive With Big Earrings?". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Disney Theme Park Ride Set For Summer 2017 – Comic-Con". Deadline. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ Glover, Erin (February 15, 2017). "Step into Blockbuster Super Hero Stories at Disney California Adventure Park! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Opens May 27 with Summer of Heroes and All-New Epic Experiences". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
- ^ "High ranking Imagineers Joe Rohde and Bob Weis expand their roles with Walt Disney Imagineering". WDW Magic. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ Storey, Ken (February 11, 2020). "Disney Cruise Line gives new details on its upcoming, game-changing private Bahamian port of call". Orlando Weekly. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
- ^ Bevil, Dwayne (November 23, 2020). "Disney: Joe Rohde, Imagineer who designed Animal Kingdom, is retiring".
- ^ "Virgin Galactic Announces Legendary Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde as Experience Architect". February 22, 2021.