Note: This project is the sole property of Walt Disney Imagineering and all rights to use these ideas are property of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Team Disney Pier members:
James Tir
Jenny Hoang
Tee Tran
Elizabeth Gonzalez
This project was conceived by the CSULB Design Team and created for the Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 Walt Disney Imagineering's ImagiNations Design Competition and ranked with the honor of Semifinalist.
The competition is a way for students and recent graduates to showcase their talents and for Disney to identify new talent.
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Team "Disney Pier: Christchurch, New Zealand"
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7. Team #34
Disney Pier at Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is a scenic city located on South Island where, at one end, is bordered by rolling hills,
and at the other, is met with the endless Pacific Ocean. Additionally, Christchurch is positioned right
next to the lush, green Canterbury Plains that eventually transform to the vast Southern Alps, truly
making it a unique location as it is surrounded by so much diverse natural beauty.
Known to have friendly, laid-back locals in a low crime rate location, visitors are sure to be welcomed
in this culturally diverse city originally discovered by native Māori tribes, whose language, visual arts,
and food can still be commonly recognized and discovered throughout New Zealand. Considered to
have one of the world’s best climate conditions year round, it is a perfect place for an outdoor
experience that Disney can host for both locals and tourists to enjoy.
For these reasons, we are eager to see Walt Disney Imagineers collaborate with the locals of New
Zealand to create Disney Pier, a place that meshes traditional Māori and contemporary New Zealand
culture, history, and customs. From rich, indigenous visual arts to everyday Kiwi outdoor activities, the
Christchurch Disney Pier embraces both lifestyles by offering fun rides, engaging entertainment,
diverse cuisine, and much more. Disney Pier will welcome guests in a celebration of culture and a
family-friendly experience that recognizes the historic elegance and vibrant culture of Christchurch.
Team Member Major/ Minor Contribution
Participant #1 Design, BA Research, schematics, concept art, graphic design, layout
Participant #2 Design, BA Research, schematics, concept art
Participant #3 Design, BA Research, concept art, character development, documentation
Participant #4 Design, BA Research, schematics, concept art, renderings
8. Story behind the design
Over seven hundred years ago, an indigenous tribe from the mythical island of Hawaiki discovered Aotearoa,
now modern day New Zealand, by voyaging in canoes across the Pacific Ocean. It is said that the expedition
to New Zealand was not an easy one; in addition to the extensive journey, the tribes had to battle harsh
winds. In the end, the courageous Māori found their way to new land, using stars as navigation and following
bird and whale migration patterns.
The Māori spread across New Zealand and lived in isolation for several centuries until European explorers
arrived. The uniqueness of Māori culture and the settlement of New Zealand over time gave way to the
diversity that is currently present there. Disney Pier exhibits the rich history of the Māori and how their culture
still persists today.
Guest Experience
We want guests to experience the contrast of historic Māori and modern day New Zealand culture at
Christchurch, where both already exist. With Disney Pier, we hope to ultimately unify both lifestyles in
one location. Visitors will be able to learn about how the island of New Zealand was formed in “The
Legend of Maui” by taking a canoe ride that illustrates an ancient Māori myth. They will also be able to
overlook the pier in “Above the Sky,” a tethered helium balloon ride that references an activity Kiwis
partake in, hot air ballooning. Children and adults can engage in fun activities, such as Māori arts and
crafts, or stop by the Manaakitanga Amphitheater to hear ancient storytelling or listen to the sounds of
Eastern Polynesia. Guests will enjoy purple potatoes and hangi-style food at “Kai Time: Māori Cuisine”
before indulging in sweet lolly cakes and hokey pokey ice cream (New Zealand’s specialty desserts) at
Kiri’sKorner. With over 25 rides, attractions, food establishments, and retail venues combined, Disney
Pier is sure to amaze its visitors in this magical and memorable experience where two cultures coexist.