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UX, DESIGN, SPEAKER & CREATIVE CONSULTANT

UX, DESIGN, SPEAKER & CREATIVE CONSULTANT UX, DESIGN, SPEAKER & CREATIVE CONSULTANT Joe Lanzisero drawing sketch artwork at his desk

About Me

A 40-YEAR CREATIVE CAREER
A MAGICAL CAREER

Joe’s creative career can simply be described as magical. A spectacular journey with 37 years at Disney, Joe began as an animator and worked his way up to the top of Imagineering. He’s served as creative lead on over $9B in marquis projects to date but more importantly his work inspires and brings joy to generations of guests around the globe.

 

Joe continues to consult on select projects and enjoys sharing his knowledge through UX talks, his Zoomcast and advising on the creative projects of tomorrow.

01/09 02/09 03/09 04/09 05/09 06/09 07/09 08/09 09/09 Sketch pad and drawing of Mermaid Lagoon concept art by Joe Lanzisero Photos of Joe Lanzisero's early career at Cal Arts and Disney Animation Photo collage of Joe Lanzisero's early career at Disney Imagineering Photo collage of Joe Lanzisero and grand opening ceremonies of Mystic Manor, Toy Story and Grizzly Gulch in Hong Kong Joe Lanzisero winning a TEA Award for Mystic Manor at the Themed Entertainment Awards Drawings of Joe Lanzisero as Dr. J.L. Baterista in the Society of Explorers and Adventurers Photo collage of Joe Lanzisero and his time at Disney Cruise Lines Joe Lanzisero giving various talks on UX Design and Story Photo collage of Joe Lanzisero in various offices and drawing desks

Career Achievements

Years at Disney
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Animated Films
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Billion $ in Marquis Projects
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TEA Awards
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Select Works

EXCITEMENT + ANTICIPATION = MAGIC
THEME PARKS

If you’re going to drive design at theme parks, you might consider yourself blessed to have had that experience at Disney Imagineering. I do.

Pro Tip: Trust the process.

01/11 02/11 03/11 04/11 05/11 06/11 07/11 08/11 09/11 10/11 11/11 Mystic Manor collage in Disney Hong Kong Mermaid Lagoon collage of concept drawings and photos at Tokyo DisneySea Toy Story collage of rides, Disney Hong Kong Splash Mountain Tokyo Disney, collage of concept drawings and photos The Arabian Coast at Tokyo DisneySea, a collage of concept drawings and photos Mickey's Toontown, collage of concept artwork and photos The Muppets Move Ride concept artwork for the Jim Henson company by Joe Lanzisero Ketchakiddee Creek concept artwork and photo collage by Joe Lanzisero Hettema Group concept drawings by Joe Lanzisero Zeitgeist USA concept artwork for Chimelong by Joe Lanzisero Concept Sketche and artwork for the Hettema Group by Joe Lanzisero

01/09 02/09 03/09 04/09 05/09 06/09 07/09 08/09 09/09 Disney cruise ships: Dream, Fantasy, Magic & Wonder Magic Portholes on Disney cruise ships Disney Cruise Line Aqua Dunk water slides Disney Cruise Lines Aqua Duck water slides Disney Cruise Line Aqua Lab kids play area Satellite Falls sketch design on napkin and photo collage Twist n Spout water slide on Disney Cruise Lines Oceaneer Lab photo collage on Disney Cruise Line Concept sketch design drawings for children's play zones on Disney Cruise Lines
CRUISE LINES

My decade in cruising was like the names of the ships I worked on – a Fantasy and a Dream filled with Wonder and Magic.

Pro Tip: Strive for ‘Oh-My-God moments’ to astound even the most seasoned cruiser.

HOTELS

The best hospitality experiences tell a story – and bringing that story to life in a hotel or a restaurant – is one of my absolute sweet spots.

 

Pro Tip: Create life size mockups of the rooms for design and stash a bottle of champaign in the fridge for when the executives drop by.

01/07 02/07 03/07 04/07 05/07 06/07 07/07 Disney Explorers Hotel in Hong Kong concept drawing and real image Disney Explorers Hotel story inspiration for each hotel zone Disney Explorers Hotel overhead layout geography concept and map Disney Explorers Lodge mood boards and drawings of Asia and Africa zones Disney Explorers Lodge mood boards and drawings of Polynesia and Amazon zones Disney Explorers Lodge front desk concept drawing and images Mystic Manor collage in Disney Hong Kong
RESTAURANTS

Hotels and restaurants – or at least the successful ones – are no longer places to sleep and eat. They’re pure theatre and powerful expressions of a corporate brand on a human scale.

 

Pro Tip: Napkins are great emergency sketch paper

01/09 02/09 03/09 04/09 05/09 06/09 07/09 08/09 09/09 Animators Palate restaurant collage Enchanted Garden restaurant collage Pink restaurant collage Ooh La La restaurant collage La Piazza restaurant collage The Tube restaurant collage World of Color restaurant collage Dragon Wind restaurant collage Summertime Freeze at Castaway Cay image collage
RESTAURANTS

Hotels and restaurants – or at least the successful ones – are no longer places to sleep and eat. They’re pure theatre and powerful expressions of a corporate brand on a human scale.

 

Pro Tip: Napkins are great emergency sketch paper

CHARACTERS

My animation work was a priceless entry into my time as a creative director and consultant where I never forget that The Story reigns supreme.

 

Pro Tip: Drawing is like exercising and the sketchbook is your gym.

01/09 02/09 03/09 04/09 05/09 06/09 07/09 08/09 09/09 Critter Country character drawings Tiki Room Bird drawings at Disney Disney Mini Golf concept drawings Duffy the Bear from Disney Disney Fair concept character drawings Disney Cruise character drawings by Joe Lanzisero Disney Fair character concept drawings Mid World character and costume concept drawings Bear Town drawings by Joe Lanzisero for Zeitgeist USA
CRUISE LINES

My decade in cruising was like the names of the ships I worked on – a Fantasy and a Dream filled with Wonder and Magic.

 

Pro Tip: Strive for ‘Oh-My-God moments’ to astound even the most seasoned cruiser.

01/08 02/08 03/08 04/08 05/08 06/08 07/08 08/08
RETAIL & MERCH DESIGN

In my over 3 decades at Disney I designed dozens and dozens of retail spaces and merchandise. I learned a few things along the way.

Pro Tip: Got story? Use emotional connections to make people react, relate and remember.

UX Speaker & Consultant

AVAILABLE FOR SELECT ENGAGEMENTS & PROJECTS
ADDING MAGIC TO SELECT CONFERENCES & PROJECTS

Immersed in the UX sphere, Joe is a renowned keynote speaker and consultant, drawing on his 40-year Disney career to deliver unparalleled insight. His engaging presentations skillfully intertwine the magic of Disney and Imagineering with the very real challenges of today’s designers. Whether he’s speaking on stage or consulting, Joe leaves his audience and clients with a refreshed perspective and a spark of inspiration.

 

Connect with Joe for your next speaking engagement or to take advantage of his expert UX consulting services.

BOOK JOE TO SPEAK >>
Click here

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Blog Media & Podcast

THOUGHTS, ARTICLES & MORE
BLOG HOME >>
THE SPIRIT OF THE TIME
 

Next: Flight #47 with Craig Hanna:  Friday, Nov 14, 2025. 12 Noon to 1PM PST.

Set your time machines for the past . . . and the future!

Zeitgeist Design & Production hosts  “The Spirit of the Time” Zoomcast — a bespoke live peer-to-peer interactive web-based talk show.

Celebrating the history and next generation of themed entertainment, “The Spirit of the Time” promises to share the philosophies, insights and industry tradecraft of the top creatives and executives who made or are making their mark in timeless and timely out-of-home entertainment projects all over the world.S

REGISTER HERE >>
CRUISE LINES

My decade in cruising was like the names of the ships I worked on – a Fantasy and a Dream filled with Wonder and Magic.

 

Pro Tip: Strive for ‘Oh-My-God moments’ to astound even the most seasoned cruiser.

My new book! Visit Lemonadetheyellowbear.com for more info
MY NEW BOOK!

Hello friends! I’m excited to share my latest creation – Lemonade the Yellow Bear! A hand-drawn book that celebrates life’s simple joys. Visit the website for a sneak peek, watch our charming video, and download free activity books. The perfect gift for the young and young at heart! 🌼

VISIT LEMONADE
HOT OFF THE PRESS!

I’m thrilled to introduce Magic Moments—a new book I co-wrote with my UX partner-in-crime, Johannes Robier. Together, we explore how powerful, transformative experiences aren’t accidental—they’re designed. Blending my decades at Disney Imagineering with Johannes’ UX leadership, we share stories, strategies, and insights to help anyone create moments that truly matter—in business, leadership, and life.

BUY NOW
CRUISE LINES

My decade in cruising was like the names of the ships I worked on – a Fantasy and a Dream filled with Wonder and Magic.

 

Pro Tip: Strive for ‘Oh-My-God moments’ to astound even the most seasoned cruiser.

Amazing Clients

OR AS I CALL THEM, FRIENDS

Testimonials

KIND WORDS FROM TALENTED FOLKS
Bruce Vaughn
PRESIDENT & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER at WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING
During my tenure as Chief Creative Executive of Disney Imagineering I had the privilege to work closely with some of the most talented experience designers and creative leaders in the world. Joe was one of our superstars. He is a rare breed of creative visionary who expertly balances playfulness with practicality. He understands how design encourages togetherness and community, consistently bringing buildable ideas to the table that resonated with the general public. He understands how to translate narrative and storytelling into physical environments, and does so with a completely unique style.
Joe is impressive in his ability to create a broad range of experiences, from family-oriented to highly sophisticated. This rare talent was most obvious in his flawless execution as the lead creative for the Disney Cruise Line ships, the Fantasy and Dream. Truly floating cities, Joe not only lead a diverse team of many disciplines, but personally made sure the ships delivered the full spectrum of whimsy, sophistication, luxury, playfulness, and attention to detail required of such a unique product offering. Joe has a boundless imagination and the experience to lead integrated teams to deliver operationally viable and maintainable products. I highly recommend Joe as a creative visionary and leader.
Read more
Karl Holz
SENIOR ADVISOR MCKINSEY & COMPANY
FORMER PRESIDENT DISNEY CRUISE LINES
Wherever Joe’s travels take him, he brings the destination to life through his drawings. As I think of his recent Iberian experience, it simply captures the essence of Spanish culture, the personalities, the quirkiness of the surroundings and so much more. Joe’s images made me smile and then... ponder the many projects we enjoyed together while we were both with Disney. Those were special times and Joe was a superb example of the special talent that lived in Imagineering. If ever we needed creative, “out of this universe” thinking... Joe was the person I turned to. Thanks for being a great partner and friend!
Don Hahn
CEO STONE CIRCLE PICTURES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DISNEY NATURE
I’ve known Joe as an exceptional creative executive that brings a sense of storytelling and emotional connection to his work. He understands the development process that nurtures complex ideas into reality with a balance of creative vision and real-world problem solving that is a rare combination. With roots at the vaunted Walt Disney Animation Studios, his work in themed entertainment, cruise, hotel and restaurant industries connects with international audiences on an emotional level with humor and a human touch that makes his work deeply appealing.
Adam Leipzig
CEO ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA PARTNERS
FORMER PRESIDENT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FILMS
Genius + Art + Fun = Joe Lanzisero. There is no one I have ever worked with, and I mean ever, who better grasps the whole of a project to create wondrous, joyous experiences. Joe is a true collaborator who is a prime gigantic asset to any team!

LanziserWorld

GLOBAL PROJECTS, CASE STUDIES AND MUSINGS

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