University of Central Florida
10/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2024 11:37
One Knight’s Journey to Walt Disney Imagineering
The stories of UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management alumni are a constant reminder of the power of dreams and hard work. Few journeys embody that spirit more than Corey Clancy '21's, 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 - the completion of Tiana's Bayou Adventure - highlights not only his success but also the unique relationship between Rosen College and Disney that allows dreams like his to come true.
A Dream Begins at Rosen College
Corey's fascination with Disney started long before his time at Rosen, but it was at the college that his dream took shape and found direction.
"I've always been obsessed with Disney's ability to tell stories that transport people to another world," Clancy says. "But I didn't know how to turn that fascination into a career until I came to Rosen."
"I didn't know how to turn that fascination [with Disney's storytelling] into a career until I came to Rosen." - Corey Clancy '21, project manager for Walt Disney Imagineering
Graduating with a degree in entertainment management, a minor in theatre studies, and a certificate in theme park and attraction management, Clancy's academic excellence was undeniable. But his commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Clancy was heavily involved in UCF's Burnett Honors College, 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.
His hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed. Clancy earned multiple scholarships, including the Harris Rosen Scholarship, and culminated his undergraduate achievements by receiving the Order of Pegasus, UCF's highest student honor. After graduation, Clancy was accepted into UCF's Master of Fine Arts in Theatre program, specializing in themed experience, where he is currently continuing his studies.
Like many Rosen College students, Clancy got his start working in the parks at Walt Disney World Resort.
"I worked as a quick service food and beverage cast member, a safari driver at Kilimanjaro Safaris, and even sold balloons in the parks," he says with a laugh. "Those roles taught me more than I could have imagined about creating moments of joy for guests."
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. "Working at Disney while studying at Rosen gave me a perspective that I couldn't get anywhere else," Clancy says. "I wasn't just learning about hospitality in theory - I was living it, every day."
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.
"Classes like Theme Park and Attraction Management and Leading in the Entertainment Industry were pivotal for me," Clancy says. "They didn't 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."
Bringing Hospitality to Themed Entertainment
The lessons Clancy learned at Rosen College went far beyond textbooks and tests.
"At Rosen, I learned that hospitality is about more than just service - it's about people," Clancy reflects. "That's something I've carried with me into every role I've had at Disney. Whether I'm working on a small project or something as big as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, I always keep the human connection at the forefront."
Clancy's 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't go as planned - all skills I use every day at Disney," Clancy says. "Rosen really prepared me for the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of Imagineering."
"At Rosen, I learned that hospitality is about more than just service - it's about people," Corey Clancy '21, project manager for Walt Disney Imagineering
His professors played a significant role in his development, with Dr. Carissa Baker particularly recalling his blend of enthusiasm and drive.
"[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."
Baker, an assistant professor of theme park and attraction management at Rosen College who also sits on Clancy's thesis committee, expressed her excitement for Clancy's role in Tiana's Bayou Adventure. "He has always been passionate about The Princess and the Frog, 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.
Bringing Tiana's Bayou Adventure to Life
For Clancy, Tiana's Bayou Adventure was more than just a job - it was a deeply personal project.
"Princess Tiana has always been my favorite Disney character," Clancy says with a smile. "Her story of resilience and hard work has always resonated with me, so when I found out I'd be working on her attraction, it felt like everything had come full circle."
Corey Clancy '21As a project coordinator, Clancy played a crucial role in bringing the reimagined attraction to life, overseeing the installation of cutting-edge technology, including brand-new Audio-Animatronics figures.
The attraction immerses guests in Tiana's world after the events of The Princess and the Frog, showing her expansion into Tiana's Foods, where visitors can explore her vibrant gardens and the artistic touches she brings to the bayou. Guests even become part of her Mardi Gras celebration, helping to find the missing band for the party. The audio-animatronic figures, including new critters and familiar faces, showcase some of the most advanced technology ever seen at a Disney attraction.
"I'm not an engineer, but Rosen taught me how to ask the right questions and collaborate with the technical teams," Clancy says. "The project was a massive team effort, and my job was to keep the communication flowing between all the different departments."
"[Clancy] always brought enthusiasm and energy to any project," adds Jessica Richards, associate instructor in the events management program. "He is a great example of the values we hold at Rosen - professionalism, leadership, and service."
One of the highlights for Clancy was seeing how the attraction represented a new era for Disney.
"This ride is about more than just fun - it's about representation," Clancy says proudly. "Tiana's story brings a new voice and new experiences to the parks, and I'm honored to have been part of something that helps more guests feel seen and celebrated."
The attraction opened in June 2024 to widespread excitement, and for Clancy, it's a career milestone he'll always cherish.
"Working on Tiana's Bayou Adventure has been the highlight of my career so far," he reflects. "Being part of something that has such a lasting impact on people is what I've always dreamed of."
Guiding Future Disney Leaders
Clancy's path from Rosen College to Walt Disney Imagineering wasn't just built on passion-i t was built on taking advantage of every opportunity that came his way.
"Internships were critical," Clancy says. "Without my professional internship at Walt Disney Imagineering, I wouldn't be where I am today," he says. "My advice to current students is to apply for every opportunity, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone - you never know what skills you'll pick up that could help you later on."
"The relationship between Rosen and Disney is invaluable. It's what made my career possible. " - Corey Clancy '21, project manager for Walt Disney Imagineering
Rosen College's deep connection to Disney opens doors that other institutions simply can't. Events like Disney Day bring Disney leaders to campus, giving students direct access to potential mentors and future employers. "The relationship between Rosen and Disney is invaluable," Clancy says. "It's what made my career possible, and I know it's helping so many other students achieve their dreams, too."
Corey's work on Tiana's Bayou Adventure is just one chapter in what promises to be a long and exciting career. His journey from Rosen College to Disney is proof that with the right education, opportunities and a little bit of imagination, dreams really do come true.
As Corey looks to the future, he's excited about what lies ahead, both for himself and for the field of themed entertainment.
"We create experiences that allow guests to escape, to leave the real world behind for a little while and just have fun," Clancy says. "To know that I'm part of that process is incredibly rewarding. I can't wait to see what we can accomplish next."