Walt Disney Imagineer Sylvie Massara was honored recently with a window. This honor was bestowed on the Imagineer and Art Director who has had a 35 year career with Walt Disney Imagineering. Disney shared that “this special tribute acknowledges the legacy of her passion and creativity forging unforgettable memories for generations of guests.”
Upon receiving the honor, Sylvie said, “I was so surprised, I must admit, when I received the news.” Sylvie said. “I was very honored, of course, and very, very moved, because I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
The tradition of this honor dates back to the opening of Disneyland in 1955. The shops on Main Street, USA needed names. It was decided that it would be a great idea to put names of employees who helped open the park. This tradition became an honor that has grown and windows can be found honoring people around the globe today.
Sylvie’s window is found above the Ribbons and Bows Hat Shop at the beginning of Main Street, USA. Her window has a theme that honors her interior design work. It says, “New Century Interiors, Sylvie Massara, Proprietor, ‘All-time designs for all times!’”
About Sylvie Massara
Sylvie began her Walt Disney Imagineering career during the construction of Disneyland Paris back in 1988, working mainly on developing the layout and interiors in Fantasyland. Sylvie shared, “I went to both Italy and England to follow the production of the furniture. In particular, I worked on La Chaumière des Sept Nains, La Bottega di Gepetto, as well as Le Chalet de la Marionette – which we called Village House at the time.”
Following the park’s opening and a brief year in Glendale working on early concepts for what would become the resort’s second park, she came back to France as part of Design and Show Quality, the team that maintains Disney magic.
In 1996, she was offered the opportunity to work specifically on Disneyland Paris hotels, a role she has since never left. In 2010, an ambitious transformation plan gave Sylvie and her team the opportunity to reimagine each hotel of the destination, starting with Disney Sequoia Lodge in 2010 up to the royal transformation of Disneyland Hotel earlier this year.
“It is far more challenging to work and transform an existing hotel rather than start from scratch and build a new one. For Disneyland Hotel, we pushed the boundaries of creativity further, with an extra level of detail. We also adapted the technology to add special effects, which I had never done when redesigning a hotel before,” shared Sylvie about the project.
Looking back at her career, Sylvie reflects, “My absolute highlight all those years has been the collaboration with Imagineers and cast members to turn dreams into reality and create emotions for our guests. Seeing the look on their faces as they enter a freshly reinvented space makes me proud to have been part of this experience, alongside all other teams.”
Be sure to check out Sylvie’s window the next time you visit Disneyland Paris! What do you think of this honor? Do you have a favorite window in the parks? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
