Wing Chao retiring from WDI

elizabethswann · Post by **elizabethswann** » May Sun 10, 2009 3:03 pm

After Marty Sklar, another WDI long time Imagineer, Wing Chao, Executive Vice President, Master Planning, Architecture and Design, will be retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering on June 30.

Wing oversaw the designs and master plans of Disney resorts, Disney Vacation Clubs, Downtown Disney entertainment centers, restaurants, retail venues, and office buildings in California, Florida, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong. He also oversaw the master planning for the town development of Celebration in Florida and Val dâ€™ Europe at Disneyland Paris Resort.

Wing led the design direction of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Disney Cruise Lineâ€™s two ships, as well as the two new ships under construction. He was part of the teams that negotiated with the French government to build the Disneyland Paris Resort and the Hong Kong government for Hong Kong Disneyland.

For his design excellence, Wing has received many awards and accolades including the American Institute of Architects Outstanding Achievement Award.

[more in article: http://disneyandmore.blogspot.com/2009/ ... utive.html ]

Post by **Len90** » May Sun 10, 2009 5:43 pm

Another huge loss for WDI. There are some really big shoes to fill at WDI.

CaptainJackSkellington · Post by **CaptainJackSkellington** » Jul Sat 25, 2009 2:12 am

Len90 wrote:Another huge loss for WDI. There are some really big shoes to fill at WDI.

Agreed. Let's hope they at least consider advising WDI in future projects! I myself am aspiring to become an Imagineer someday, so hopefully I can rise to the challenge!

But I personally don't think anyone will be as good as people such as Wing Chao, Marty Sklar, and Tony Baxter, amongst others, not to mention Walt Disney himself! All we can hope for is that the quality continues and that WDI doesn't let corporate and TDA/TDO override them!

On the other hand, Tony Baxter is still with WDI for the time being, and I believe John Lasseter is going to be bringing in some great new changes, such as the DCA facelift and the proposed new Fantasyland for WDW.

josewilliam · Post by **josewilliam** » Jul Mon 27, 2009 8:40 am

It comes at a great loss. Disney has always been able to find great talent.

PureDisney · Post by **PureDisney** » Jul Mon 27, 2009 9:56 am

That's sad to hear. I hope he enjoys his retirement. Maybe go ride on some of those cruise ships he helped to make.

Clusty · Post by **Clusty** » Jul Mon 27, 2009 10:50 am

CaptainJackSkellington wrote:
Len90 wrote:Another huge loss for WDI. There are some really big shoes to fill at WDI.
Agreed. Let's hope they at least consider advising WDI in future projects! I myself am aspiring to become an Imagineer someday, so hopefully I can rise to the challenge!

But I personally don't think anyone will be as good as people such as Wing Chao, Marty Sklar, and Tony Baxter, amongst others, not to mention Walt Disney himself! All we can hope for is that the quality continues and that WDI doesn't let corporate and TDA/TDO override them!

On the other hand, Tony Baxter is still with WDI for the time being, and I believe John Lasseter is going to be bringing in some great new changes, such as the DCA facelift and the proposed new Fantasyland for WDW.

That's cool! Do know what part of Imagineering you want to do?(such as Engineering, Architect, Interior Design, etc.)

CaptainJackSkellington · Post by **CaptainJackSkellington** » Jul Mon 27, 2009 11:49 am

Clusty wrote:
CaptainJackSkellington wrote:
Len90 wrote:Another huge loss for WDI. There are some really big shoes to fill at WDI.
Agreed. Let's hope they at least consider advising WDI in future projects! I myself am aspiring to become an Imagineer someday, so hopefully I can rise to the challenge!

But I personally don't think anyone will be as good as people such as Wing Chao, Marty Sklar, and Tony Baxter, amongst others, not to mention Walt Disney himself! All we can hope for is that the quality continues and that WDI doesn't let corporate and TDA/TDO override them!

On the other hand, Tony Baxter is still with WDI for the time being, and I believe John Lasseter is going to be bringing in some great new changes, such as the DCA facelift and the proposed new Fantasyland for WDW.
That's cool! Do know what part of Imagineering you want to do?(such as Engineering, Architect, Interior Design, etc.)

Yeah, I'm hoping to work in Engineering! Fingers crossed!

CaptainJackSkellington · Post by **CaptainJackSkellington** » Jul Mon 27, 2009 11:50 am

PureDisney wrote:That's sad to hear. I hope he enjoys his retirement. Maybe go ride on some of those cruise ships he helped to make.

Yes! Definitely- he deserves it!