GEORGE McGINNIS 

George McGinnis Industrial Design


PROFILE

Experienced, creative, Industrial Designer with over twenty years in concept development, designing show attractions and 
ride vehicles for theme parks. Skilled at creating conceptual plans, perspectives, and study models, also 3D modeling using
computers (SGI/Alias and Power PC/Alias Sketch!). Skilled in the execution of final concepts through production design.
Strong experience managing design and redesign of projects to restore concept integrity and meet cost restrictions and
delivery schedules.

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Walt Disney Imagineering                        1995-2002

Have continued to provide concept design at Walt Disney Imagineering and Disneyland for new vehicles and improvements
to others.

National Inventors Hall of Fame               2000-2001

Designed food service vehicle.
Designed concept for polymer exhibit.

Entertainment Engineering/Caruso Affiliated Holdings     2001-2002

Designed trolley for The Grove at Farmer`s Market in Los Angeles

Walt Disney Imagineering                        1966-1995

Concept Designer (1989-1995)
Developed aesthetic and practical concepts for the team. Presented work in plans, perspectives and renderings. Directed 
the design and building of maquettes. Utilized computer based 3D modeling techniques for final presentation.

• Corrected theming and ergonomics of Indiana Jones ride vehicle late in design phase, providing a variety of choices for the "look" consistent with the ride theme.
• Designed a Jules Verne period ride vehicle for Space Mountain, Disneyland Paris, providing riveted iron plate projectile representation consistent with Civil War period technology.
• Developed initial storyboard for Delta Dreamflight show at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, providing show concepts such as giant "pop-up book" ride finale, maximizing sponsor`s travel theme.
• Designed vehicle concepts for Disney`s Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in Florida
  • Kilimanjaro Safari Vehicles
  • Wildlife Express "Steam" Train
  • Dinosaur Ride Vehicle, formerly Countdown to Extinction
  • Kali River Rapids Rafts .

  PROJECTS

  Indiana Jones Ride Vehicle / Disneyland

  Space Mountain / Disneyland Paris Ride Vehicle

  Delta Dreamflite Show Concept Storyboard / WDW

  "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" Play Area, Net Climbers / Disney MGM Studio Tour

Project Designer (1981-1989)
Manager responsible for design time estimates and design direction to project team from concept through production design.
Worked with writers, project managers, engineering and vendors to achieve public-pleasing design.

• Challenged to reduce overall cost by $10 Million for Horizons Pavilion, EPCOT Center. Scaled back track and building size by 35%, achieving major cost reduction while maintaining scheduled opening date.
• Developed magical special effects show around computer center at EPCOT Center Communicore - The Astuter Computer Review
• Designed new larger MK6 monorails for Walt Disney World working with Bombardier of Canada, giving a luxurious look to interior by selecting colors, materials, and creating soft friendly forms.
• Reestablished Disney design concept for Mark 5 Monorail manufacturer in Germany (MBB), redesigning entire train surface resulting in aesthetically pleasing replacement monorail for Disneyland.

PROJECTS

Horizons Pavilion / EPCOT Center

Astuter Computer Review / EPCOT Center

MK6 Monorail / WDW Mfg: Bombardier, Canada

MK5 Monorail / Disneyland Mfg:MBB, Germany

MK4 Monorail Interior / WDW Mfg:WDW Staff Shop

Space Mountain Post Show / WDW

Disney/MGM Studio Tour Tram / WDW

Industrial Design Manager (1979-1984)
Interviewed, hired and trained team of new designers to handle numerous design projects throughout EPCOT Center.

• Developed earliest concepts for Horizons Pavilion including multiple screen Omnimax theater layout and ride vehicle concept, providing multiple choice ending for show.
• Directed concepts for show elements of Universe of Energy Pavilion, Spaceship Earth and World of Motion, all with the look of the future.
• Provided hands-on interactive experience in EPCOT Communicore using a voice-activated robot for Astuter Computer Review preshow.

PROJECTS

Horizons Pavilion Concepts / EPCOT Center

Communicore Concepts / EPCOT Center

Universe of Energy Pavilion Concepts

Spaceship Earth Concepts

World of Motion Pavilion Concepts

World Showcase Concepts

Industrial Designer (1966-1978)
Developed show layout and vehicle concepts from earliest stage. Used renderings and surface developments to communicate 
design to engineers and architects.

• Developed concept design for Space Mountain/Disneyland, achieving compact design in limited space, fitting queue, load/unload and show elements into 200 foot diameter building.
• Prepared conceptual layout for Space Mountain/Walt Disney World including show spaces, queue and lifts, providing detailed show elements of House of the Future for RCA.
• Adapted the film version of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine to attraction at Walt Disney World, achieving authentic look in a scaled down version.
• Developed new Peoplemover design for Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, providing greater safety on the load/unload moving platform.
• Designed four robotic characters for major science fiction film "The Black Hole", providing memorable figures for target audience. Recieved screen credit.

PROJECTS

Space Mountain / WDW

Space Mountain / Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain Locomotive and Cars

Peoplemover Vehicle / WDW

20,000 Leagues Submarine / WDW

Snow White Ride Vehicle / Disneyland

Rocket Jets / Disneyland

"The Black Hole" Science Fiction Film, Robots Design

Monsanto "Mighty Microscope"

Education

Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design with Honors

Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania
Pre-Engineering