Imagineering is the concept that brought Walt Disneys dreams alive. Imagineering, originated by Disney himself describes the combined effect of both imagination and engineering. At a beginning of the Disneyland project, Disney put together a team of best architects, play writers, engineers, musicians, theatre personalities; all experts from the infrastructure and entertainment fraternity, whom he called as imagineers. They were the people who would imagine and create a wonderful world filled with fun and food for thought. There are a whole lot of Imagineering books written by the Imagineers themselves and by a few others, which give the spectator an insider’s view of the various facilities at Disneyland. Lets have a look at the top 10 Imagineering books.
- Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look At Making the Magic Real by ImagineersThis book offers an insight to the technalities involved in designing amusement parks, accompanied by a whole lot of colorful illustrations and pictures of the buildings and rides in Disneyland.
- The Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Disney Imagineers The book, true to its name is a field guide to the Magic Kingdom, detailing the story behind the creation of each themed land and its attractions. Also, minute details are highlighted along with the Imagineers’ personal experience that went with them.
- The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers and Alex Wright This pocket guide doesn’t overburden the reader with technicalities. However, it does present the reader with a whole lot of facts and considerations that went into the creation of the Future World and the World Showcase pavilions at the Epcot Center.
- The Imagineering Workout: Exercises to Shape Your Creative Muscles by The Imagineers This book is actually on what it takes to be an Imagineer. It contains hints on how to hone and apply creative skills and also few project ideas that could be tried out firsthand. The book, though intended for students will keep people of any age group occupied.
- Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show by John Hench, Wendy Lefkon, and Peggy Van Pelt From the design of Mickey to the Haunted House and the Pirates of the Carribean, the behind the scenes thought and execution has been highlighted elaborately.
- The Imagineering Way: Ideas to Ignite Your Creativity By The Imagineers Another book on the creative process, that shares with reader the basics on creativity. The contents are in the form of essays written by the Imagineers.
- Walt Disney’s Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park By Kurtti, Jeff The book is an introduction to all Imagineers who worked at Disney, with their work experiences and contributions highlighted in detail. It also gives an insight into their working conditions during the early Disney days.
- The Imagineering Field Guide to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers Another addition to the Field Guide series, the book offers a behind-the-scenes look into the attractions of Animal Kingdom and also a whole lot of interesting things to look out for on your next trip, lest you miss them.
- The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak by Jason SurrellThe book provides an insiders view to all the Mountain Attractions at the Disney Parks worldwide. It may not be as exhaustive as the earlier works by the same author.
- Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance By Neil Harris, Erika Doss, Yi-Fu Tuan, Greil Marcus
This book is not about Imagineering though. It offers a picture of how the architecture of the theme parks influence and was influenced by architectural trends around the world.
So, these are a few books that offer an insight into the Imagineers world. Do try and read them if you havent already done so.
