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Bob Gurr Headlines IAAPA Hall of Fame Class for 2026

IAAPA's pick signals formal industry recognition of Gurr's ride‑vehicle designs, scheduling his induction for November 16 at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando.

Overview

  • IAAPA announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class includes veteran Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr along with Chip Cleary, Jeffrey Ellis, and Miguel Quintana Pali.
  • The four inductees will be formally honored at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando on November 16, 2026, when they are added to the association's Hall of Fame.
  • Gurr is credited with designing key Disneyland ride systems and vehicles such as Autopia, the Matterhorn Bobsleds, Submarine Voyage, the Monorail, and the Omnimover.
  • Themed Entertainment Association honors creators with the Buzz Price Lifetime Achievement Award while IAAPA's Hall of Fame has typically recognized owners, managers, and operators, making Gurr's IAAPA induction a notable addition to his prior creator awards.
  • The inclusion of a living original Imagineer in IAAPA's class highlights industry interest in preserving creative legacy and may prompt renewed public and professional attention to ride‑system design and safety innovations.