Eric's WDI Info Page
Here is some information on Walt Disney Imagineering that I have dug up in my search into finding out how to become one.    I have also included a outline of some of the common departments at WDI.
        WDI was initially formed in 1952, by Walt Disney himself.  Actually, these were a small handful of animators and movie makers that worked for Disney.  These few persons were called upon to think up and design Walt's greatest dream...Disneyland.

    Back then, they were not known as Walt Disney Imagineering, but rather WED Entereprises, or Walter Elias Disney Enterprises.    The main office is located about 40 miles away from Disneyland in California.  Next door to the WDI offices is the MAPO building (derivived from the name MAry POppins), where a lot of prototype manufacturing goes on.  This is where the first Audio-Animatronics came from (the singing bird that Julie Andrews holds in Mary Poppins).

    Like I said earlier, WDI employs all sorts of proffessions come together to make the magic happen.  Here are some of the types of jobs available in Imagineering

Artists and Writing - They usually visually organize the storyboards used in attraction design.

Designers - They come up with the initial concepts for the show or attraction.

Model Builders - Construction of minature models that help give a three-dimensional view of things are done by model builders.

Sculptors - Sculptors help build figures, first in miniature, then full size.

Graphic Artist - They design signing and all show graphics

Show Set Design - They take concept, models, storyboard to the blueprint stage.

Architectural Designers - By working close with the Set Designers, they design the actual physical structures where the show or attraction will be housed.

Wardrobe - If any Audio-Animatronic or Cast Members need costuming, they are the ones who take care of it.

Props - They take care of construction of full-sized show and attraction sets.

Animation - If any of the show elements call for animation, the animators design it.  They may also help program movements of Audio-Animatronics.

Audio - They create the final tracks, narration, dialouge, music score, and sound effects of an attraction.

Special Effect and Lighting Designers - They create the mood and atmosphere of the show.  Most are refered to as "illusioneers".

Engineering - They develop ride, facility, and show systems to meet the needs of the show designers.

These are just some of the things and departments that fits under the umbrella of Imagineering.  There are other things like Research and Development, which will test new and prototype systems, and Record Keeping.  Like I said earlier, there is just about every job you can think of that would be a part of Imagineering.