LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – It’s a creative competition like no other and the challenges are uniquely Disney. The stakes are high for Walt Disney Imagineering’s annual ImagiNations Design Competition but the rewards can make career dreams come true.

“Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be an Imagineer,” said Erissa Wood describing her desire to work at Walt Disney Imagineering. “The ImagiNations Design Competition allowed me to achieve this goal.”

Now a member of WDI, Wood, joined by fellow ImagiNations finalists, Allie Fishman, Adam Ressa, Laura Whitbeck and Bill Wroe, recently spoke with Disney College Program and professional interns about their experiences as former competitors.

Established nearly 20 years ago, the ImagiNations Design Competition seeks to expand diversity and cultivate the next generation of Walt Disney Imagineers by challenging teams of college and graduate students to develop their own innovative Disney experience. While many submit projects, only six finalist teams earn an all-expense paid trip to California, where they will tour WDI’s headquarters, present their project to Disney executives, compete for cash prizes and interview for paid Imagineering internships. Last year’s ImagiNations program produced 25 percent of all WDI interns. Finalists also received professional internships in other departments throughout the Disney Company.

“ImagiNations is about finding creative students with a natural ability for integrating innovative ideas and developing that talent to become future Imagineers,” said Chris Trout, Walt Disney Imagineering vice president of human resources. “The competition allows contestants to showcase skills and ideas which will resonate with our guests and possibly launch their careers within The Walt Disney Company.”

The panel of former finalists enthusiastically addressed the prospective participants about the contest, WDI culture and their entries. “Imagineering focuses on immersive storytelling to really engage our guests,” said Wood. “ImagiNations gives you the unique opportunity to showcase your skills at blending storytelling, innovation and creativity to create a stellar experience.”

The three finalists from 2010 presented portions of their elaborate submissions to the audience. Fishman and Whitbeck created an interactive all-inclusive resort, which centered on famous Disney maritime characters, while Ressa’s group designed a ride that transplanted guests onto the Axiom space hub from Disney-Pixar’s Wall-E.

Fishman, Ressa, and Whitbeck also shared the opportunities they received through ImagiNations to further develop their talent. All three earned professional internships with Fishman and Ressa joining WDI in Show Design and Props, respectively, and Whitbeck interning with Walt Disney World’s safety team.

Wroe and Wood, both 1994 finalists, praised the gateway offered by ImagiNations into multiple disciplines throughout the company. Wroe built on relationships formed through ImagiNations to engage in various roles within Disney, leading him to his current position as a sales tour guide with Disney Vacation Club.

“Disney truly cares about its employees, allowing us to grow professionally, find our niche, and move forward in the company,” he said. “In Disney, if you have passion there is no limit for where you can go.”