Imagineer Jim Sarno Interview
Welcome former Walt Disney Imagineer Jim Sarno on our very first episode of The WDW Connection Show! Jim graciously took the time to sit down with us and share his remarkable experiences from his time at WED (now known as Walt Disney Imagineering). In this interview, we explore some of Jim’s fascinating stories, whose career spanned decades in the creative world.
Jim shares inspiring insights about his childhood dreams of working at Disney, revealing the magic, mastery, and meticulous craftsmanship behind the iconic attractions you see today. Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or just curious about the artistry and dedication involved in creating theme park masterpieces, this story offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of Disney’s creative talents.
If you’re a fan of 1980s Epcot Center, this is a show you definitely won’t want to miss! Jim talks about his experiences in WED’s Model Shop, sculpting many great masterpieces that became part of Journey Into Imagination, The Land, and CommuniCore at Epcot Center.
Journey Into Imagineering: Creativity and Magic Building
Growing up near Disneyland in Southern California, Jim’s fascination with Disney began early in his life. “My first trip was when I was five, and like everyone else, I fell in love instantly,” he recalls. His childhood nickname, “Dumbo,” made the magic of Disney feel personal and connected to him, setting him on a path that would ultimately lead to a career at Disney.
Jim’s passion for art and toys led him to develop a custom curriculum in toy design at California State University, Northridge. His goal was to create toys that spark joy by combining his artistic skills with playful imagination. Jim’s journey was unconventional; he worked for Sid and Marty Krofft, collaborated with Ken Forsse on Teddy Ruxpin, and gained experience with fiberglass at Hanna-Barbera. Ultimately, he found his way to the WED Model Shop at Walt Disney Productions, now known as The Walt Disney Company.
Imagineer Jim Sarno’s journey at Disney began in a humble manner, such as working with fiberglass at MAPO (Disney’s manufacturing division). However, his curiosity and dedication never faltered. “I wandered into the model shop during lunch, and it was like stepping into Disneyland,” he recalls. This serendipitous encounter changed his life. The team at Disney recognized his talent and soon gave him opportunities to work on some of their most iconic attractions.
One of Jim’s first significant projects was sculpting the iconic fountain at The Land Pavilion in Epcot. This was his chance to showcase his skills in the world’s greatest model shop. At the time, the Imagineers were not widely known, so he secretly carved his name into one of the panels – a small act of pride that he kept hidden from Disney executives. His skill and creativity impressed those executives, leading to increased responsibilities, including designing elements for the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot and creating the Tinkerbell perch for the Matterhorn in Disneyland.
Source: Imagineer Jim Sarno
Working Alongside Disney Legends
Jim’s stories showcase not only his technical craftsmanship but also his personal relationships with Disney Legends such as Walt Peregoy, Harriet Burns, and Blaine Gibson. “Walt [Peregoy] appreciated good art, but he was also a perfectionist,” Jim recalls. His interactions with Walt Peregoy laid the groundwork for his later “indirect” encounter with another famous Walt: Jim had the incredible opportunity to sit at Walt Disney’s desk during a special flight to Florida – a dream come true for this lifelong Disney fan and Imagineer.
Among his most notable achievements was sculpting the model of SMRT-1: a robot that has become a Disney legend in fan circles and among guests who visited Epcot Center during its first decade. Using a napkin sketch by Imagineer George McGinnis, Jim crafted the model overnight, transforming a simple idea into a tangible piece of Disney history.
The Heart of Disney: Friendships, Memories, and Legacy
Jim’s stories go beyond technical achievements; they highlight the deep friendships and cultural impact of Disney Legends. He vividly portrays Harriet Burns, whose artistry and camaraderie enriched Disney’s creative environment. Harriet’s playful spirit, often shown through her collection of Disney artifacts, left a lasting impression. Jim even inherited a famous cage with a mounted myna bird that was given to him by Harriet’s family. Jim’s life reflects a unique blend of wonder, dedicated craftsmanship, and genuine admiration for Disney’s creative heroes. Through his stories, Jim reminds us of the magic that comes from passion, collaboration, and friendship.
Imagineer Jim Sarno’s willingness to start from the ground up, learn new skills, and seize opportunities – like carving The Land’s fountain or developing the SMRT-1 robot – demonstrates that persistence truly pays off. His stories are more than just nostalgic; they serve as valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to turn their passion into a profession. Whether your interests lie in art, engineering, or storytelling, Jim’s experiences emphasize the importance of curiosity and collaboration.
If you ever visit Disney parks, remember that behind every majestic fountain, imaginative ride, and beloved character lies the craftsmanship and stories of talented artists like Imagineer Jim Sarno. His dedication has ensured that Disney’s magic continues to inspire generations. We thank Jim for his incredible achievements, as he has laid the foundation for future generations of Imagineers who aspire to create magic for all who visit this spectacular vacation kingdom.
The WDW Connection Show Podcast
The WDW Connection Show podcast welcomes you to enjoy informative conversations about the history and planning of Walt Disney World and its attractions. Join Mike, the host of The WDW Connection Show, as he has in-depth discussions with former Imagineers, Cast Members, and other significant people associated with Walt Disney World and the Disney brand. You can find the video component of the show on YouTube and Facebook, and the audio component of the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts.
We sincerely appreciate the fantastic support from our WDW Connection community and loyal podcast listeners. If you could please take a moment to rate and review our new podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify it would mean the world to us! Your feedback will help more people find and enjoy our engaging and insightful conversations. Thanks for your support!