Walt Disney Imagineering Magic Comes to FIRST Robotics with Greg Johnson & Mark Mesko

Timecoded Guide:

[00:00] Podcast begins - Imagineering Robotics for FIRST Kids

[01:30] Engineering storytelling at Walt Disney Imagineering

[05:19] Disney’s involvement & investment in FIRST education

[09:09] Running a booth at FIRST Robotics Competition 

[10:33] Mentoring creativity with FIRST kids 

[12:52] Paving the way for future engineers

What do you both do in your roles at Walt Disney Imagineering? 

As Imagineers, Mark and Greg work as the creative engine for Disney parks and resorts. The technology present on Disney rides, attractions, resorts, and cruises is crafted by the hard working Imagineers that are dedicated to combining their engineering experience with storytelling. This puts Mark and Greg in a unique position to be both creative and technical. 

“Imagineers drive all those awesome experiences that take the stories that our guests are so familiar with and make them real and tangible in our parks and resorts all around the world.” — Greg Johnson

How does Disney work with FIRST?

Disney has a 30-year history of being involved with FIRST, and the very first FIRST Robotics Competition was held at Epcot in Disney World. Now, Disney sponsors events and teams, especially in Florida and California, and offer their Imagineers as mentors. This mentorship opportunity allowed for Mark and Greg to get involved personally and professionally. 

“The students are asking at a young age: What's the path to Imagineering? And the very first thing I ask them is: What are you passionate about? You have to follow your passion.” — Mark Mesko

Can you tell us more about the booth you have at the FIRST Robotics Competition? 

Not only have Imagineers like Mark and Greg been involved with mentoring at FIRST, but they’ve also been hosting their own booth at the Robotics Competition. This booth helps kids get a hands-on view of what it’s like to be an Imagineer. Mark and Greg love how this booth has given them a chance to answer questions and give advice to the next generation of engineers. 

“It was just heartwarming and really, it gives you, with all the craziness going on in the world, it gives you faith and confidence in the future when you see these kids [at FIRST].” — Mark Mesko

What goes into mentoring kids at FIRST? 

Providing mentorship to kids at FIRST isn’t always about the technical aspects, Greg and Mark explain. Sometimes, mentoring is about giving kids the space to problem solve creatively and learn more about themselves. The goal isn’t just to create engineers, according to Greg and Mark, but to give children of all ages a chance to discover their future passions. 

“Mentoring gives us an opportunity to talk a little about our process. If we're doing our jobs right, the technology is in support of telling a good story. When we collaborate at our best, things just become seamless.” — Greg Johnson