We learned back in November that legendary Walt Disney Company Imagineer Joe Rohde would be retiring today, January 4th, 2021.
©Disney
His 40 year-long career with Disney has included such amazing projects as World Showcase pavilions, Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!, Captain EO, and most notably, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. His time with the Imagineering department has produced some incredible work, and today he and his coworkers had a few things to say about his retirement.
Earlier today, Rohde himself reminded fans of today’s special occasion with a post on his Instagram account (@joerohde). He noted his future plans in the post, including travel, artwork, and spending time with his wife, Melody.
Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley gave a tribute to Rohde’s work via his own Instagram account (@thezachriddley). In his post, Riddley shared a photo of Joe Rohde’s work boots. The boots were worn by Rohde throughout various projects, and the names of his completed projects are written on the side.
According to Riddley, Joe Rohde has donated these boots to the Walt Disney Archives. There they will be saved for viewing by guests, fans, historians, and future Imagineers who dream to follow in Rohde’s footsteps.
©Joe Rohde
Rohde has contributed many brilliant ideas to the Walt Disney Company over the years, and we’re grateful for the time he dedicated to the Disney parks. We’ll be on the lookout for any more tributes to him in the near future, especially as his legacy is remembered among those who worked with him.
Read Here About Joe Rohde’s Greatest Projects!
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