Following a 35-year career with Walt Disney Imagineering, David Hoffman will join University of Central Florida’s Themed Experience graduate program as a full-time instructor. Hoffman achieved great success at Disney and is transitioning from his role as the Creative Development Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering Florida.
Students in the themed experience program will benefit from Hoffman’s extensive leadership and international creative development background at both Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort. His project portfolio includes work at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
Hoffman will be a Themed Experience Instructor in the MFA Track and MS design concentration in Themed Experience. Previously, he taught as an adjunct instructor in the program. He brought real world examples into the classroom, as well as the ideal communication skills and temperament to teach.
“Dave Hoffman is an incredible talent who has achieved extraordinary success,” says UCF Director of Themed Experience Peter Weishar. “His combination of talent, experience, knowledge and leadership make him an ideal mentor for our students looking to start their dream careers.”
Before retiring in 2025, Hoffman led creative directors and producers responsible for design and show-quality initiatives at Walt Disney Imagineering Florida. His team’s recent work includes the reimagining of Country Bears Musical Jamboree and The Beak and Barrel pirate tavern at Magic Kingdom.
A Miami native, Hoffman earned his BFA in Graphic Design from Ringling College of Art and Design. He began his themed entertainment career at Disney as a graphic design intern in 1989 and joined Walt Disney Imagineering the following year as an Environmental Graphic Designer. In 1997, he managed the graphic design department and art directed property-wide sponsor initiatives, including the sponsorship program at ESPN Wide World of Sports.
In 1999, Hoffman became the front-line creative leader for EPCOT as park Art Director, later serving in the same role at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom until 2012. During this time, he led numerous retail and restaurant redesigns; the return of the original Enchanted Tiki Room attraction; the Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian attraction; and multiple attraction enhancement projects. In 2012, he was promoted to Senior Creative Director for the Disney Springs Town Center project, overseeing all architecture, area development, dining concepts, and the signature 1.2-million-gallon spring feature. Prior to relocating to Tokyo, he creative directed the reimagining of Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the creation of the Space 220 Restaurant.
In 2018, Hoffman was promoted to Creative Development Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering Japan at Tokyo Disney Resort. He led a multidisciplinary team providing day-to-day art direction for the parks and hotels, supporting major developments including New Fantasyland, Fantasy Springs, and the Toy Story Hotel. He returned to Walt Disney Imagineering Florida in 2023, serving again as Creative Development Executive until his retirement in 2025.
UCF’s Themed Experience graduate program prepares the next generation of creative leaders for careers in immersive entertainment, attractions and experiential design. With courses led by world-renowned creative leaders and hands-on industry collaboration, the program helps students develop skills in storytelling, design and technology that bring unforgettable experiences to life. Located in Orlando, the global hub for theme parks and entertainment, UCF provides unparalleled access to industry professionals and real-world projects. Learn more at ucf.edu/themed-experience.