Bob Gurr is an American engineer who has worked on a number of iconic attractions, including the Disneyland Monorail, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and the Haunted Mansion. He is also known for his work on the Ford Magic Skyway, the King Kong Encounter, and the Autopia cars.
Gurr was born in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. He was interested in technology from a young age, and his father, a machinist for Lockheed, encouraged him in this pursuit. At the age of 15, Gurr earned a machinist’s apprenticeship at Lockheed, and he gained valuable experience working in the aviation industry.
In 1954, Gurr was hired by Walt Disney to work as a mechanical engineer for WED Enterprises, now known as Walt Disney Imagineering. During his time at WED, Gurr was responsible for designing and engineering a number of iconic Disneyland attractions. He helped develop the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Disneyland Monorail, and the Autopia cars. He was also involved in the creation of the Ford Magic Skyway, the King Kong Encounter, and the Haunted Mansion.
Gurr left WED in 1976, but he continued to work as an independent consultant in the theme park industry. He has worked on projects for Universal Studios, Epcot, and Tokyo Disneyland. He has also written three books on the history of Disney’s theme parks, including “Designing Disney’s Theme Parks” and “The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at its Peak.”
Gurr has been honored for his contributions to the theme park industry. He was inducted into the Themed Entertainment Association Hall of Fame in 2007, and in 2009, he was honored with a window on Main Street USA at Disneyland. He also received an honorary degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2010.
Bob Gurr’s contributions to the theme park industry have been invaluable. His engineering work helped create some of the most beloved attractions in the world. His passion for creating innovative and magical experiences continues to inspire generations of engineers and designers.
