New Disney World Book Focuses on Fond Memories
Disney Editions debuts a new Disney World book on September 28, 2021. The coffee table book is titled “A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Photo: Amazon
Recently, authors Kevin Kern, Tim O’Day, and Steven Vagnini shared details about creating this impressive book. So, here is what they said about the process.
Photo: A Photo of Walt Disney World
What was the goal of the book?
Kevin Kern: “Our goal was to create a historical snapshot using as many voices as possible. We’re especially delighted to feature essays from the likes of Debby Dane Browne, Dick Nunis, and Roy Patrick Disney. Each adds a rich sense of placemaking detail…during the development and opening of Walt Disney World.”
Photo: Kevin Kern
Debby Dane Browne was the first Walt Disney World Ambassador. Also, Dick Nunis is a Disney legend and former head of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Roy Patrick Disney is Roy O. Disney’s grandson; Roy O. Disney was the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company.
Photo: Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Detail your first visit to Walt Disney World.
Tim O’Day: “My first visit was in 1983…less than a year old and I’ll never forget the sense of wonder and optimism. During one particular evening, EPCOT had officially ended its day and we discovered…seemingly having EPCOT all to ourselves…Spaceship Earth, with the magnificent and inspiring music of EPCOT surrounding us, remains an indelible memory for me.”
Photo: Disney
What was the most important or transformative memory you have?
Steven Vagnini: “Meeting my incredible wife at the resort as Cast Members and eventually having a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. The second was producing…the programming for D23’s 2011 Destination D event, celebrating 40 years of Walt Disney World. Throughout that weekend, fans of all ages came together to celebrate the stories and Disney Legends behind this remarkable place. I think all of us…felt something pretty magical that weekend. A special sense of community bonded by a deep-rooted love for our shared Walt Disney World experiences. That certainly inspired me to want to spotlight those inspiring voices and incredible stories in our book.”
Photo: Steven Vagnini
Which sections were you most excited to write?
Kevin Kern: “When the three of us sat down to chat an apt metaphor presented itself – a ‘thematic compass.’ By focusing on the resort through various conceptual lenses…we were able to tie concept art, photography, and ephemera from across the five decades together in ways that hopefully will surprise and delight readers.”
Photo: A Portrait of Walt Disney World
What is your favorite section of the book?
Tim O’Day: “I love all of it! We really wanted to create the most comprehensive book yet written on Walt Disney World…we’ve done that. I also love our 15-pages of endnotes. They demonstrate our extensive research and gives the book solid credibility. I bow to Kevin’s insistence and am proud that our book features such detail.”
Photo: A Portrait of Walt Disney World
What excites you most about the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary?
Steven Vagnini: “Gathering together to celebrate 50 years of Walt Disney’s last, and arguably grandest, the dream could be nothing short of ‘The World’s Most Magical Celebration!’ To me, the cast and Imagineers of Walt Disney World are the very definitions of ‘magic makers.’ I can’t wait to see them in action, creating magic for our Guests, amid all the new entertainment and excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration!”
Accordingly, you may purchase “A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth” at Walt Disney World, shopDisney, and wherever books are sold on September 28, 2021.
Photo: Amazon
Also, if you would like to read this interview in its entirety, please click here. Additionally, remember that The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort begins on Friday, October 1, 2021!
Featured Image: Disney
Photo: Disney
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