The Themed Experience program hosted Talking Story: How Stories Become Legends Friday, bringing students, storytellers and Disney veterans together in a lively discussion on the power of storytelling.
The panel featured four speakers with deep ties to storytelling and themed experiences: Bob Allen, former Disney creative executive and founder of IDEAS and the Zennovation Network; Rick Allen, former Walt Disney World operations executive; Jody Maberry, entrepreneur and nationally celebrated podcast host; and Bob Weis, author and past president of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Panelists discussed how stories shape traditions, inspire communities, and even influence large-scale projects such as multi-billion-dollar theme parks. The audience engaged with questions and shared experiences, reflecting on the ways stories endure and connect people across generations.
“Talking Story was a masterclass, seamlessly blending compelling storytelling, industry expertise, and practical advice from theme park legends,” says Themed Experience Instructor Adora English, “each attendee left with meaningful takeaways, regardless of their career stage.”
The discussion was hosted by UCF Themed Experience and the Zennovation Network and was followed by a lively networking session, giving attendees a chance to connect and continue the conversation.