CLAYTON -- The dream to become a creative member at the Disney theme parks might become a reality soon for Clayton resident Michael Habersetzer.
The North Carolina State junior was recently named a finalist in the 21st ImagiNations design competition sponsored by Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative arm of all Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide. The contest is open to students from colleges and universities in the United States that are juniors, seniors, or full-time graduate students and allows them to showcase their talents and gain practical knowledge in design from leaders in immersive storytelling and themed entertainment.
Contestants were given the unique challenge of imagining the Disney experience in the year 3011. They were told humans were finally living on the moon and sent to task to create the first entertainment experience for its inhabitants.
Habersetzer, 21, along with team members Kyle Thompson, Brian Gaudio and Andy Park, devised the concept "The Mind of Molly Mouse", based on the story of Molly, a descendant of Mickey Mouse. The interactive adventure is split into two separate moon parks and utilizes modern-day 3011 technology to communicate her story. Families would customize and drive a vehicle while journeying through subterranean lava tubes. A "Taibreamh," an old family heirloom device Mickey himself, brings dreams to life and enables visitors to adapt to their surroundings scanning objects and selecting desired traits.
"The wonderful thing about the Walt Disney Company is that they are the greatest storytellers in the world," said Habersetzer. "We wanted to pay homage to the company by telling the best story that we could."
Habersetzer's interest in working for the entertainment company began as a child growing up in northern Virginia. In 2009 he moved to Clayton to live with his father, George, and attend N.C. State. Michael learned of the ImagiNations competition from the school's website during his freshman year but had to wait until two years to become eligible to participate.
"To a freshman just coming into college, the contest sounded awesome," he explained. "All that time I had been hoping to find a team to be able to enter and they found me."
The team began working on their concept in September in between classes and their studies. They were notified just before Christmas that their proposal had been selected as one of six finalists. Last week, they flew to Glendale, California for the final competition and presented their project to a room full of over 50 members of Imagineering staff for judging.
This year's finalists also represented California State Polytechnic University - Pomona, Carnegie Mellon University, Savannah College of Art & Design, University of California, Berkeley and Utah State University.
Past winners of this competition are currently Imagineering employees, and some of these finalists may possibly be future designers of Walt Disney Park & Resort attractions.
"I would really love to have the opportunity to work with the Walt Disney Imagineers," Habersetzer said. "To have made it this far is winning in its own right. We're thrilled to be here and so blessed to have this opportunity."
This marks the second time in two years that a team from North Carolina State has made it to the finals.
In 2011, second place was awarded to N.C. State's "Fantasia: The Lost Symphony," an interactive concert turned dark ride based on Disney's "Fantasia."
The top three placed teams will be awarded cash prizes with the first place team receiving $3,000. An additional $1,000 grant will be awarded to the first place team, to be equally divided among its sponsoring universities and/or organizations.
