In The Beginning: The Grand Floridian Resort – My Very First Disney 3D Model

I had just finished three, or maybe it was four, semesters of 3D design in college. I capped the final semester with an independent study project that combined live action with digitally animated scenes. It was my first team project, and I was put in charge of all the architectural models, since I had shown an early aptitude toward architecture.

After school was out, I needed a new project to challenge me… something I could dive into during the summer. My greatest contribution to the school project was a gothic cathedral full of detail, so I was in need of another high detail challenge that would test my growing 3D modeling skills.

During my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1990, I fell in love with the design of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The contrasting red roofs and white walls, doors, and windows spread over a dozen buildings made this Victorian seaside-themed resort a perfect candidate for my next project.

In those early days, I was horrible at planning and organizing my scenes. My initial modeling work began in June of 2002 and I would restart the entire project in early 2016. This included new modeling techniques, increased accuracy and detail, and updated site plans using new Google Maps satellite photography.