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Interview: Randy Reighard, Themagical

Bob talks with Randy Reighard about Disney thrill ride simulations

- by Bob McLain, February 16, 2011

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Here's something you don't see everyday: on-line simulations of Disney thrill rides.

Some of the best are on Themagical, a site run by Martijn Leseman and Randy Reighard. Didn't get your fill of Tower of Terror or Expedition Everest or Space Mountain at Disney World? Not a problem. Themagical has frighteningly authentic simulations of those rides, and more.

There's no minimum height requirement but the sims do need a warning: highly addictive!

I spoke with Randy Reighard about his involvement with Themagical and what goes into the creation of one of their highly addictive (warning!) ride simulations.

Themagical is a website where people can play simulations of Disney thrill rides. Whose idea was it to create these simulations? Can you provide a brief history of the site?

RANDY: Themagical started back in December 2000 as a Disney fan site. Martijn Leseman, the site's founder, wanted to showcase his ability to bring Disney ride attractions 'to life' online. Using Adobe Flash, he created four Disney simulations: Tower Of Terror, Space Mountain, Phantom Manor, and Big Thunder Mountain.

How did you become involved?

RANDY: I found Themagical in 2006 while attending college, and I was hooked like a bee on a flower! After graduation, I went to another college for a second major in graphic design. As part of the requirements for that major, I had to perform free-lance graphic design work - for free! So I sent Martijn Leseman an e-mail to ask whether he'd like my help with Themagical. He'd get a better site, I'd get some experience and fulfill a college requirement. It worked out for both of us.

One of your contributions to Themagical is the Expedition Everest simulation. Was it your idea to create it?

RANDY: Martijn and I had some blue sky moments during our chats about what simulation we should do next now that we had finished 'Millionnaire Play It'. We wanted to do an E-Ticket attraction, and we knew hands-down that Expedition Everest would fit in perfectly with the other simulations on Themagical.

I assume you've been on the actual Expedition Everest ride. Probably a lot?

RANDY: This will make all Disney fans who've been to the parks many times cry: I've only been to a Disney park once since 1996. I'm way overdue for another visit, but that doesn't mean I'm behind with what's happening at Disney. I have my connections, and I still follow and experience the magic via my PC. So there's some hope for me.
I'm not sure if you count a Disney Cruise as a Disney visit? Well, that's another story...
Anyway, I know my colleagues Martijn and Carter went to Disney World in the same year but at different times. They took pictures and videos of Expedition Everest, and they made some drawings, as well. They rode it a lot to get the feel of the ride as well as to understand the story that the Imagineers were trying to tell.
When I do return to Disney World, I hope the Yeti is in 'A' mode, not 'B' mode. One day the Yeti will be refurbished and returned to its full glory!

How did you create the Expedition Everest sim?

RANDY: The process is similar to the process used by the Disney Imagineers to create the original ride: 1) blue sky; 2) research, research, research, etc.; 3) research!; 4) gather information from books, videos, websites, and other sources; 5) develop graphics for the ride layout; 6) code; 7) beta test and revise code; 8) review the storyline; 9) beta test again; and 10) launch!

So far, it looks like more people have played your Everest simulation than any of the other ones. That must make you proud!

RANDY: Yeah, I'm surprised by how many visitors enjoy this simulation in particular. But even though it's in production mode, it's always possible to tweak it and add new things to keep it interesting. We hold with what Walt Disney said: how can we make the ride even better.

What are your some of your other contributions to Themagical?

RANDY: Over the last few years, I've done a lot behind the scenes as the site co-administrator. I did all of the graphic work for our 'Magical Wishes' promotion, including custom avatars. I designed with Martijn not only Expedition Everest but also a simulation of Who Wants to Be a Millionnaire?. I'm working on other simulations both for Themagical and for our new partnership site, DorneyOnline. I also did a live stream via UStream.tv and facilitated interaction between ourselves and our visitors through Skype and chat rooms.

When you're not developing thrill ride simulations, what do you do for fun?

RANDY: During the summer you'll find me at local amusement parks (or working there); drawing scenery, landscapes, or other objects; watching movies; relaxing with family and friends; doing freelance graphic design; and traveling to interesting places with my loved ones.

Disney question time: when was your first park visit? Magical memories?

RANDY: My first and (sadly) only visit was to Disney World in September 1996.
My magical memory happened at Disney's MGM (now Hollywood) Studios. We had just arrived and our first stop was the Studios. Our first ride was Tower of Terror. As we got closer, we saw from the outside people going up and down the elevator shaft. When we got inside to the library, we saw hand-rails on the side of the room.
We waited until everybody had been brought inside and the room went dark.
Then we held onto the railings for dear life because we thought we'd be dropping up and down just like the people we saw on the outside of the Tower!
Boy, we didn't know, but we do now!
After the television show ended, everyone was herded to the basement area, and yes, we were embarassed by what we did. Funny thing is that we weren't the only ones! Quite a few others on Tower of Terror for the first time grab those rails!
So, when I play the Tower of Terror simulation, I see the virtual people entering the room and remember how my family and I held onto that railing in the dark library.

Do you have any Disney future plans? Maybe your own site? A career with the company?

RANDY: Currently, I'm running our official blog. It's a great place to stay up-to-date on what's happening with Themagical and to get sneak peaks at our upcoming projects. We want to share the magic and hope others enjoy it as much as we do creating it. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.
My position on Themagical isn't paid and I do it in my free time to help Martijn create and maintain the simulations. We both have busy work schedules, and there's a seven-hour time difference between us (I'm in the United States, Martijn is in the Netherlands). For both Martijn and myself, Themagical is a 'free time' project.
I have thought of working for Disney, but in the long run I doubt it would suit me. Working on Themagical is not so far off from being a Cast Member: we both help others experience and enjoy their favorite Disney rides, the difference being that I provide that help virtually. That's what we're mostly about. To share our love and passion for the Disney Parks with others.

Thanks very much, Randy!

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