Attractions Expert Q&A: Björn Heerwagen
Björn Heerwagen has worked with Walt Disney Imagineering for over 13 years, currently as director of show design and production at Disneyland Paris, where he oversees all show disciplines for new attraction construction, including audio, video, show lighting, theme lighting, graphics, animation, show control, ride control, special effects, and projection.
By Kendall Wolf
Previously, as a technical director for the Walt Disney Company, Björn Heerwagen oversaw concept development and technical and safety-related aspects for special events, and as a production and installation manager, he coordinated all on and off-site contractors to produce and install scenic elements and ride systems (track, special effects, show set, animated props, and figures).
What theme park souvenir might we be surprised to find on your shelf?
Master molds of a few iconic items I have been privileged to build.
What theme park have you always wanted to visit but have never been to?
Tokyo Disney. It’s the only Disney Park I have never been to, and I hear great things.
Was there a theme park or attraction that inspired you to be in this industry?
No. I fell into the industry by mistake, as I originally came out of the live entertainment industry. I started off as a soprano soloist, my voice broke on stage in front of 900 people, and I went backstage, where I remained. I was blessed to have been in a youth theater where we did productions, and I started doing lighting, sound and set construction. That led to me going to theater school, and while there, I worked on productions in the West End in London. I have worked on musicals, ballet, and opera. Done some rock ‘n’ roll, worked for entertainment on cruise ships, organized special events, and was Executive Producer of The Lion King in France and Cabaret at the Folies Bergère.
What was your favorite ride/attraction as a child?
Bumper cars New Brighton Beach, UK. I had never been to a theme park until I joined Disney.
Was there a ride, attraction, or character that frightened you as a child?
Haunted houses at fairgrounds
What was the oddest est or coolest job you’ve had in a theme park?
My job. Being part of the creative process to completion and opening to visitors is just an absolute privilege, given the diverse projects I have worked on.
What ride do you think everyone needs to experience?
Avatar [Flight of Passage] at WDW Florida. The amazing immersive experience is just a delight for the eyes and the soul.
If you were tasked with creating a new theme park food, what would it be?
It’s not about the food, but we definitely need better, simpler receptacles for fast food to make it more practical and easy to eat.
You’re a walk-around character for a day; who do you choose?
Already done that. I can’t tell you which character I was, but it was an amazing experience.
What types of attractions would you like to see more of?
Family-orientated experiences and rides definitely not VR [Virtual Reality].
Do you have any interesting theme park pandemic stories?
It was a strange time with parks closed like a ghost town but with small teams working away, maintaining, and updating. Walking through an empty theme park was strange during the day but, at the same time, comforting.
You are going to your favorite theme park. Which industry people (dead or alive) are you taking with you?
Marty Sklar. Who better to take a walk with and be educated by?
Writer Kendall Wolf is a long-time consultant in the themed entertainment industry. She has worked with designers, producers, and fabricators to help developers create unique and successful projects around the world. In 2017, she introduced Merlin Entertainments to a development group in Sichuan province for the first Legoland park in China. Kendall continues to consult for the developer to open more themed resorts in China.
