While Walt Disney Imagineering has always been known for its innovation, much of the spotlight historically focused on male leaders. That is, until now. Let’s take a closer look at a book dedicated to twelve of the women who helped shape the world’s most iconic theme parks.
PREMISE
Women of Walt Disney Imagineering showcases the invaluable contributions of women in art, engineering, design, and leadership. Each of the twelve women featured in this book offers a unique perspective, sharing how they broke barriers and left an indelible mark on Disney parks worldwide. From creating groundbreaking attractions to leading important projects, their stories highlight the collaboration and creativity that power Disney’s Imagineering department.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The twelve women featured tell their own stories, so they are credited as the authors (with a forward by broadcaster Ginger Zee). The authors in alphabetical order are as follows: Karen Connolly Armitage, Becky Bishop, Paula Dinkel, Maggie Irvine Elliott, Elisabete Erlandson, Peggie Fariss, Tori Atencio McCullough, Katie Olson, Pam Rank, Lynne Macer Rhodes, Kathy Rogers, and Julie Svendsen. (Side note: I’m working to have blog posts on every one of these ladies eventually!)
MY REVIEW
This is one of my favorite “behind the scenes” books I’ve read. There’s an excellent balance of relatable, human stories and nerdy details about engineering and technical feats these women worked through to build Disneyland (and other parks of course). The book also spends a lot of time talking about mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy for women in male-dominated fields.
While this is of course not even close to an exhaustive list of amazing female Imagineers, it’s a joyful celebration of the amazing ways women have contributed to Disney magic through Imagineering. You don’t have to be a super knowledgeable Disney expert to appreciate it either – at the end of the day, these are stories about artists who have done amazing things.