For Themed Experience alumnus Anthony Aguilar, UCF’s graduate program was the step he needed to advance his career in the theme park industry.
The UCF Themed Experience program brings together students from a variety of creative disciplines to explore the storytelling, design, technology and business behind immersive experiences. Through hands-on projects, collaboration and opportunities to learn from professionals in the industry, students gain a broader understanding of how ideas move from concept to reality.
After more than a decade working in themed entertainment, Aguilar turned to the program to deepen his knowledge and expand his perspective. Today, as an Art Director with Universal Creative, he works with teams across disciplines to bring concepts to life for guests around the world.
What inspired you to study Themed Experience?
I’ve been fortunate to work in themed entertainment for over 10 years. However, I found the UCF Themed Experience graduate program when I was ready to advance my career. The program felt like it was tailor-made for me. It was exactly what I was looking for at this time in my life.
I was inspired to further my career by pursuing a graduate degree with UCF because I knew there was more to learn and discover about this fascinating and dynamic field of work.
What was the most valuable thing you learned in the program?
The program helped me develop an even deeper appreciation for storytelling. I am not a writer, so being challenged to create intricate characters and an entertaining story behind the art and design was, at first, a struggle for me.
However, with the help of UCF’s professors and class speakers, I was able to embrace and understand the importance of an origin story and a character’s journey. As a visual artist, I never thought I would actually enjoy writing scripts and imagining a dramatic backstory for characters in a themed experience.
How did the program help prepare you for your career at Universal?
After almost seven years at Universal Creative, this program helped me prepare for the next step in my career. Viewing themed entertainment through an academic lens helped me approach my work in a more strategic and intentional way.
In addition, I enjoyed showing my work to other professionals in the business and hearing their thoughts and constructive feedback.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
There really isn’t a typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job. As an Art Director, my day can involve design reviews, working with show set designers to solve issues, meeting with our ride and show team to develop new and exciting experiences, meeting with architects and engineers, reviewing drawings and models, developing creative direction and problem-solving with different teams.
A lot of my role is making sure that the creative vision stays cohesive while also working within the realities of the budget, schedule, construction, technology and operations.
Every day brings a different challenge, which keeps the work exciting. I feel very fortunate to say I truly love what I do.
What has been your favorite project or accomplishment at Universal?
One of my favorite accomplishments was working on the design for the Butterbeer cart for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Beijing and seeing my initial visualization turned into a souvenir candy container that is now sold worldwide. Being able to watch the positive response to the Butterbeer cart souvenir on social media and in the parks has been an incredible honor.
Interested in turning your passion for storytelling, design and immersive experiences into a career? Learn more about UCF’s Themed Experience graduate program and discover how the program prepares students to create the next generation of themed entertainment.