{"id":143673,"date":"2024-10-29T13:24:30","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T17:24:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/?p=143673"},"modified":"2024-10-30T14:33:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T18:33:10","slug":"one-knights-journey-to-walt-disney-imagineering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/one-knights-journey-to-walt-disney-imagineering\/","title":{"rendered":"One Knight’s Journey to Walt Disney Imagineering"},"content":{"rendered":"

The stories of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management<\/a> alumni are a constant reminder of the power of dreams and hard work. Few journeys embody that spirit more than Corey Clancy \u201921<\/strong>\u2019s, whose path from Rosen College classrooms to Walt Disney Imagineering is one fueled by imagination, determination and a little bit of magic. His most recent achievement \u2014 the completion of Tiana\u2019s Bayou Adventure \u2014 highlights not only his success but also the unique relationship between Rosen College and Disney that allows dreams like his to come true.<\/p>\n

A Dream Begins at Rosen College<\/h3>\n

Corey\u2019s fascination with Disney started long before his time at Rosen, but it was at the college that his dream took shape and found direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve always been obsessed with Disney\u2019s ability to tell stories that transport people to another world,\u201d Clancy says. \u201cBut I didn\u2019t know how to turn that fascination into a career until I came to Rosen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t know how to turn that fascination [with Disney’s storytelling] into a career until I came to Rosen.” \u2014 Corey Clancy \u201921<\/strong>, project coordinator for Walt Disney Imagineering<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Graduating with a degree in entertainment management<\/a>, a minor in theatre studies<\/a>, and a certificate in theme park and attraction management<\/a>, Clancy\u2019s academic excellence was undeniable. But his commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Clancy was heavily involved in UCF’s Burnett Honors College<\/a>, served on the Rosen College Leadership Council, was an undergraduate admissions student ambassador and participated in numerous student organizations while also volunteering outside of school.<\/p>\n

His hard work and dedication didn\u2019t go unnoticed. Clancy earned multiple scholarships, including the Harris Rosen Scholarship, and culminated his undergraduate achievements by receiving the Order of Pegasus, UCF\u2019s highest student honor. After graduation, Clancy was accepted into the themed experience<\/a> track of the MFA in theatre program, where he is currently continuing his studies.<\/p>\n

Like many Rosen College students, Clancy got his start working in the parks at Walt Disney World Resort.<\/p>\n

\u201cI worked as a quick service food and beverage cast member, a safari driver at Kilimanjaro Safaris, and even sold balloons in the parks,\u201d he says with a laugh. \u201cThose roles taught me more than I could have imagined about creating moments of joy for guests.\u201d<\/p>\n

What sets Rosen College apart is its deep connection to Walt Disney World Resort, the top employer of Rosen students. With Disney Day events and direct pathways into internships, Rosen College students like Corey have a unique window into the world of Disney. \u201cWorking at Disney while studying at Rosen gave me a perspective that I couldn\u2019t get anywhere else,\u201d Clancy says. \u201cI wasn\u2019t just learning about hospitality in theory \u2014 I was living it, every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the real turning point for Clancy came in the classroom, where he found the tools and mentorship to chart his course toward Walt Disney Imagineering.<\/p>\n

\u201cClasses like Theme Park and Attraction Management<\/em> and Leading in the Entertainment Industry<\/em> were pivotal for me,\u201d Clancy says. \u201cThey didn\u2019t just teach me technical skills; they helped me figure out what kind of leader I wanted to be and how to turn my passion for themed entertainment into something tangible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bringing Hospitality to Themed Entertainment<\/h3>\n

The lessons Clancy learned at Rosen College went far beyond textbooks and tests.<\/p>\n

“At Rosen, I learned that hospitality is about more than just service \u2014 it\u2019s about people,” Clancy reflects. “That\u2019s something I\u2019ve carried with me into every role I\u2019ve had at Disney. Whether I\u2019m working on a small project or something as big as Tiana\u2019s Bayou Adventure, I always keep the human connection at the forefront.”<\/p>\n

Clancy\u2019s time at Rosen was filled with experiences that mirrored the collaborative nature of Walt Disney Imagineering. “Those group projects taught me how to lead, how to collaborate, and how to pivot when things didn\u2019t go as planned \u2014 all skills I use every day at Disney,” Clancy says. “Rosen really prepared me for the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of Imagineering.”<\/p>\n

“At Rosen, I learned that hospitality is about more than just service \u2014 it\u2019s about people,” Corey Clancy \u201921<\/strong>, project coordinator for Walt Disney Imagineering<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

His professors played a significant role in his development, with Dr. Carissa Baker particularly recalling his blend of enthusiasm and drive.<\/p>\n

“[Clancy] has always been immensely enthusiastic about the industry, but he combined that with strong motivation to achieve,” she says. “He is bright and inquisitive, really wanting to delve into industry topics to thoroughly understand them. Clancy is also conscientious and has a positive personality, making it easy to want to collaborate with him. He exemplifies our hospitality core.”<\/p>\n

Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at Rosen College who also sits on Clancy\u2019s thesis committee, expressed her excitement for Clancy\u2019s role in Tiana\u2019s Bayou Adventure. “He has always been passionate about The Princess and the Frog<\/em>, and to see him tasked with this project was amazing. He is an emerging leader in the industry, and I cannot wait to see what he accomplishes next,” she adds.<\/p>\n

Bringing Tiana\u2019s Bayou Adventure to Life<\/h3>\n

For Clancy, Tiana\u2019s Bayou Adventure was more than just a job \u2014 it was a deeply personal project.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrincess Tiana has always been my favorite Disney character,\u201d Clancy says with a smile. \u201cHer story of resilience and hard work has always resonated with me, so when I found out I\u2019d be working on her attraction, it felt like everything had come full circle.\u201d<\/p>\n