I’m of the opinion that there’s no better way to learn about Disneyland than to hear directly from the people that helped shape it. You get so much perspective on intention, engineering, and design that you’d never pick up on just from walking around the park. These Imagineer books are also how I learn about so many of the park’s hidden gems!
Let’s take a closer look at Magic Journey, Kevin Rafferty’s memoir on his 40 year career with Imagineering.
PREMISE
Part memoir, part commentary on the parks that helped shape his career, Magic Journey is Imagineer Kevin Rafferty’s look back on four decades with the Walt Disney Company. He walks through his humble career beginning as a Disneyland cast member, recounts his contributions to some of the most famous attractions across Disneyland and Disney World, and reflects back on his own growth and learning throughout his journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
From the publisher:
Kevin Rafferty has spent 40 years developing dimensional storytelling experiences for Disney Park guests around the world. Kevin began his Disney career in 1974 as a dishwasher at the Plaza Inn restaurant at Disneyland. After earning his B.A. degree in Art from California State University, Fullerton, he joined Imagineering in 1978 and contributed to the development of Epcot.
After helping to develop Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, he was show writer for the original Comedy Warehouse live stage show at Pleasure Island in Walt Disney World. Kevin worked with Jim Henson on the story development for MuppetVision 3D and created the original concept, story and name for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. He was a key member of the concept development team for Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park at Walt Disney World, and was the co-concept creator, designer and show writer for the award-winning Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Disney California Adventure and Tokyo DisneySea.
He most recently contributed to The Imagineering Story docuseries now streaming on Disney+.
MY REVIEW
This is my favorite book written by an Imagineer that I have read so far. Kevin is a natural storyteller, which makes sense given his career trajectory. I thought he did an excellent job of blending personal learnings and his own experiences with interesting information about the attractions he helped create. He is also naturally funny and I found myself cracking up in different sections as I read.
I will say though, the book does paint his career with very, very rose colored glasses. I would’ve loved to hear more about his struggles – as I find it impossible to believe a career at Disney comes without them.
But if you’re looking for an entertaining and engaging book about a truly remarkable tenure in Imagineering, or want to learn more about how some of your favorite attractions came together, I highly recommend this book.