Peter Weishar, UCF Director of Themed Experience, Receives IAAPA Brass Ring Inspiration Award
February 10, 2026 Director of Themed Experience Peter Weishar has received the 2025 North America “Inspiration” Individual Achievement Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).
UCF and AOA Launch New Scholars Program to Train the Next Generation of Themed Experience Talent
February 09, 2026 The collaboration aims to address a long-standing gap in how students enter one of Florida’s fastest-growing creative industries. Florida has long been a global center for themed entertainment, but for many students hoping to enter the industry, the path can feel unclear. Spanning storytelling, architecture, engineering, media, operations, and production,...
Disney, SeaWorld, Legoland unveil 2026 attractions as Orlando theme park evolution continues
February 03, 2026 Now retired and teaching at the University of Central Florida, David Hoffman spent 35 years across numerous roles with Walt Disney Imagineering Florida, the creative design arm for The Walt Disney Co. “At one point during my career at Imagineering, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was right outside of my office,” Hoffman...
UCF alum, theme park expert returns to enhance themed experience education
December 02, 2025 A UCF alum and themed experience expert shares five key insights every student should know about storytelling.
Dave Hoffman joins UCF’s themed experience faculty
November 19, 2025 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.
Talking Story: How Stories Become Legends
November 17, 2025 Panelists discussed how stories shape traditions, inspire communities, and even influence large-scale projects such as multi-billion-dollar theme parks.
The League of Extraordinary Storytellers Episode 10: Peter Weishar
September 16, 2025 In this podcast episode, Theron Skees talks with Peter Weishar about teaching the next generation of themed experience leaders how to create unforgettable worlds.
Welcoming New Faculty Members to the College of Arts and Humanities
August 07, 2025 The UCF College of Arts and Humanities welcomes new faculty members joining our college in fall 2025!
UCF Welcomes Adora English as Instructor of Themed Experience
June 23, 2025 UCF welcomes industry veteran Adora English to lead the new producing concentration for the Themed Experience major.
Annual CAH Staff Awards Honor Excellence and Service
June 11, 2025 The UCF College of Arts and Humanities’ annual staff awards recognize employees who have delivered exemplary service to their department, the university and the community.
Walt Disney Imagineer Bob Weis makes an appearance at UCF
December 03, 2024 Former Walt Disney Imagineers President Bob Weis visited UCF and spoke to students about his book “Dream Chasing.”
UCF partners with Universal Creative to inspire next generation of Themed Entertainment leaders
November 07, 2024 Each semester, UCF students work on-site at Universal Orlando Resort, gaining first-hand experience in developing theme park rides and experiences, including the upcoming Universal Epic Universe.
LIFE at UCF Members Learn about Themed Experience Track
September 23, 2024 UCF Themed Experience professor and director Peter Weishar spoke to LIFE at UCF members about the Themed Experience master’s track.
Why My Journey as a Theme Park Professional Led Me to Academia
September 13, 2024 New UCF-themed Experience Program visiting instructor, Chaz Moneypenny, reflects on his journey as a theme park professional and what led him to academia.
Welcoming New Faculty Members to the College of Arts and Humanities
August 07, 2024 The UCF College of Arts and Humanities welcomes new faculty members joining our college in fall 2024.
Industry and Academia Collaborate to Empower Themed Experience Students
March 04, 2024 Peter Weishar, Professor of Themed Experience; Program Director, Themed Experience MS Degree and MFA Track speaks on the UCF Universal Creative Lab
InPark Magazine: Education Front feature
November 14, 2023 Themed Experience Program Director Peter Weishar interviewed several members of his Advisory Council for InPark Magazine.
Themed Experience students create concepts for Alterface’s The Wander
September 13, 2023 Five students in UCF’s Themed Experience program gained hands-on industry experience by collaborating with Alterface’s new interactive technology, The Wander.
The Art of Attractions
March 30, 2023 UCF’s themed experience students are learning the methods behind entertainment magic.
Former Disney Imagineer Patrick Brennan Joins UCF Themed Experience Program Faculty
January 10, 2023 UCF welcomes creative powerhouse Patrick Brennan as a visiting instructor, to inspire innovation and imagination in the next generation of themed experience creators. He joins founding program director of Themed Experience Peter Weishar on the faculty.