It's not too often that someone from Imagineering writes about their career, but Kevin P. Rafferty's warm and nostalgia filled book Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career is one book worth picking up. I knew relatively little about this man up until recent years. When I discovered he was the main person behind the incredible Cars Land, I started paying more attention.
If you're reading this blog, chances are you have followed the antics of the executives of the Walt Disney Company for years, even during Walt Disney's lifetime. Although they might love to hide it or present it differently, Disney and its Imagineering branch are just as petty and cutthroat as anywhere else. Tales revealed are lurid and uncover an unsavory and seedy side of the company the world now loves.
But it's not like this in Rafferty's book- and therein lies its charm. He focuses not on others exploits, but instead of his own shortcomings and many adventures with a sense of humility and astonishment that is rarely seen when someone experiences great success. I attribute that to his indications of being a man of faith in Jesus. He's generous to others as well, everyone from revered Joe Rohde and Tony Baxter and Marty Sklar to the less than appreciated Barry Braverman and Tom Fitzgerald. Nicely done.
If you want a very funny read- I laughed out loud many, many times during the course of pouring over each of his stories- you'll enjoy this book as you learn even more about what makes Disney attractions world renown. Now I really can't wait to ride Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway!
No comments:
Post a Comment