Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth

by Martha Blanding

An empowering and moving story of a young woman from South Central Los Angeles (Watts and Compton) who took a chance, defied the odds, and became the first-ever Black American to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company.

Disneyland was groundbreaking when it opened in 1955 and continues to possess a legacy of being a trend setter in both the world of themed, immersive, entertainment and workplace culture, experiences, and training. Although change was inevitable it didn’t always come easy.
Here is the incredible story of a young woman from South Central Los Angeles (Watts and Compton) who took a chance, defied the odds, and became the first-ever Black American to achieve a half-century-long career with The Walt Disney Company.
When Martha Blanding started working at Disneyland Park in 1971, it was already a wildly successful and internationally beloved travel destination that had welcomed more than 100 million guests. This book is a personal journey through fifty years of Disneyland as told like never before . . . through the eyes and perspective of a successful Black woman who was indeed an example of Groundbreaking Magic.
This book tells how a twenty-year-old college student came to work in Walt Disney’s original theme park during the racially charged era of the early 1970s, starting as the park’s first Black tour guide and eventually overseeing multi-million dollar generating merchandise-based events, many featuring globally acclaimed artists and celebrities. Martha also had a unique vantage point as she saw how societal changes impacted and changed Disneyland while she helped make much of that change possible.
In addition to all the Disney pixie dust, an incredibly loving, resilient, and close American family is at the heart of this book. With her bedrock parents who had joined the Great Migration out of the Deep South, her family witnessed firsthand some of our country’s most shameful events while never faltering in their faith or pride in being Black Americans.
Part memoir and part cultural history, Groundbreaking Magic is sweet, insightful, sometimes blunt, occasionally heartbreaking, and often funny and surprising, providing the first-ever account of Disney history as seen through the eyes of “Martha B.”

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

384 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kristen Rowsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I read a lot of biographies, and this one is now at the top of my list. I purchased this book at D23 and read it in a few days once I returned home. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear Martha speak at D23 expo, and this book leaves me wanting to hear even more. Thank you for continuing to make magic and inspire others through your story. This is an excellent book and I will recommend it to anyone who needs a mentor, loves Disney, or simply enjoys a great story. Congratulations on your Disney Legends status!!!

[Kirra · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book was very interesting and I learned a lot it was a hard read. I was expecting more about her time as a tour guide and other areas of her Disney career. As I read the last 100 pages I learned a lot about event I didn’t know they hosted. While this was an interesting and informative book it was not what I was expecting.

[Maegan McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Blanding is a true legend in many forms, not just a Disney Legend. Her story of truly trailblazing as a black, woman is incredible and inspiring. If I can only be a fraction of the woman she is that would be an achievement

[Astral Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 this is the story of the first Black tour guide turned Sr Merch Manager for Disneyland. She just received a Disney Legend award for her incredible trailblazing efforts. Her career journey is incredible to read about - she shows resilience in the face of racism at work & while growing up. She offers career advice & the most entertaining celebrity stories, along with how D23 got started. She grabs opportunities with both hands & gets everything she can out of them. I enjoyed learning about her life in LA & the sweeter side of south central. A huge thank you to Martha for leading the way for so many people with diverse backgrounds to know they can make huge strides at TWDC too. After contributing 50 years, i hope she has the happiest retirement. We are thankful for your magic, Martha!

Update: I’m heartbroken to learn that Martha’s home in Alta Dena was taken by the fires. Please consider contributing to her & her family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ma...

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Blanding’s “Groundbreaking Magic” is not only an insight to the many hats she wore as an employee of the Walt Disney Company, but also offers the perspective of climbing the ranks as a Black woman who achieved many firsts while working for the Mouse. Ms.Blanding shares what it was like growing up in what many Angelenos believe is the rough area of South Central during a time of civil unrest due to racial tensions and how she was initially ignored when she first applied for the company. Ms.Blanding also shares insight on the Walt Disney Company’s finest and not so finest moments, from getting to work with Disney Legends on projects one could only dream about to the hardships the Company faced as it entered the 21st Century. She does this all while remaining 100% real and true, not holding back on any of the people she encountered during her 50 year journey in the Magic Kingdom. As she shares the stories of the barriers she broke through and the events she choreographed that helped bring magic to the Disney Parks, it’s no surprise that a powerhouse like her was inducted into the 2024 class of Disney Legends. Truly an inspiration to many.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha, Martha!

Martha Blanding’s story is powerful, heartwarming, and true. And what a great read! I was heartbroken to hear that she loat her home in the Altadena/Eaton fire, which was after this book was published.
I worked on Entertainment events at Disneyland for many years, and two if my favorite special events had Martha at the helm - the Lladro event in New Orleans Square and the Original Mouseketeers show we did at the Plaza Gardens Stage for Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. Both are described in this book, along with many more adventures, happy times and sad.
Don’t miss this journey to see and feel Martha’s life as she takes you along for the ride.

[Arn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book from the heart, full of memories from one of my favorite places in the whole wide world, Disneyland. The book is about the experiences of Martha a 50 year African American employee who was told "they don't have jobs for you" as she originally tried to apply for work. She rose her way to management sharing dream encounters throughout her 50 years at The Happiest Place on Earth. This book is a must read, especially for a young person of color trying to make it in the business world of today. The book made me laugh, cry, and get PISSED OFF. I loved it!

[Mimsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and honest story about a longtime employee at Disneyland. Martha is resourceful, personable, and adaptable. Her long time employment at Disneyland started when she was a student at Cal State Fullerton and she worked there for over 50 years. She’s modest about her many milestones and accomplishments. Her story is a story of an American dream being possible a d helping others achieve their dreams . This is a must read book for Disneyland fans.

[ChelseaReads247 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s! This book is inspiring! Martha Blanding is inspiring! Martha Blanding is an inspiration and trailblazer to every Black woman (and man) working at Disneyland today. I loved that Martha was surrounded by so many positive people that listened to her and stood by her for years and believed in her. I also love that Martha always showcased her Blackness and was an advocate for Black people working at Disneyland! Martha Blanding is a true Disney Legend!!

[suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as M Blanding seems like an incredible woman that I would love to get a cocktail with, the book sometimes gets bogged down with pale stories of business structures & odd co-worker stories. I was hoping to hear more about her & her feelings as a woman in business, not the steps up the corporate ladder. It is heartbreaking to know that she lost her home to the Eaton fire months after this book was published. I hope she can update us all on her life now.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

My path crossed Martha's at the end of her career when she became part of Clark Jones's team and got a magical half hour of her time having a virtual coffee during the COVID pandemic. She has a way of making you feel like you're important and matter to the big picture even though she's the one who is such an amazing person. Reading her memoir both makes me grateful I met her and sad that I didn't have more of an opportunity to work with her earlier.

[Jeri L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved Your Inspirational Story

I absolutely loved your autobiography. It was a blessing to read about your struggles and achievements during your lifetime. To be able to live an authentic black woman had to be a challenge, especially in the early years of your career. Your Mother is surely looking down at you with well deserved pride. Thank you for taking the time to share your life.

[Devon Figge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and fun inside look to a long and successful career at one of the most beloved destinations for families around the world. The magic made by Martha is icing on the cake for the amazing strides she made as a woman and African American. Martha’s candidness and personal POV made this such as enjoyable read. Fittingly, the end is like her own Disney dream come true.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars all around!! This book was a joy to read. Her voice comes through very clearly and it often made me smile, laugh, and cry. She shares lots of great stories of her time at the Disneyland Resort. What a storied life she has led!
On a sad note, it was upsetting to recently learn that her home was lost in the Altadena fires. And I hope she's able to rebuild!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of the behind the scenes info and the author’s upbeat personality shines throughout the book. I also enjoyed the history in and outside of the park.

However, I found it a bit repetitive/redundant in areas and felt the book could have relaid the author’s entire history a bit succinctly.

[Olivia Przybylski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book displayed at the library, so I snatched it without even looking at what it was about. I'm a huge Disney fan, so I knew it would be something I'd enjoy. This book was a quick, fun, easy read. I enjoyed hearing her story and walking her journey through working at Disneyland and how that had changed her life, and career path.

[Jennifer Macias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful telling of Martha’s amazing journey. Such an inspiration for so many and I’m so glad her story has been put out into the world.

Normally, I read before falling asleep, but while reading this book, I couldn’t stop to go to sleep!

Well done!

[Marybeth Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy and entertaining read. I was lucky enough to know Martha at Disney and this book is written in her voice, for sure! There are many interesting details and facts in her story that I hope will encourage and inspire others. Nicely done, Martha!

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this mix of family history and her career time with Disney. Often it felt like listening to my mom and her sisters talk about their growing up years. I also appreciated learning a little more about her experiences as a black woman rising through the ranks at Disney

[Judi Krauss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have gotten a little restless reading about the details of Disneyland events, but I never got tired of hearing Martha's personal experiences, especially against the backdrop of civil rights events and others. My rating is really a 3.5.

[Kara Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story of a Disney Legend

[Claudia Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Martha’s story. I can’t believe she got,to experience so many things and meet so many people. She deserves the title of Disney legend

[Kirsten Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great book for any TWDC lover! The magic and details through her career are very inspirational!

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The book is chronological and begins with her strong family and and their move from the South to Watts in the 1960s. Despite family setbacks, she was able to work her way up to acceptance to a Southern California University. It was a chance occurrence that she would end up applying for what she thought would be a short term/part time job at Disneyland while attending college. But she ended up working for a dynamic unit as a tour guide/hostess, eventually giving up the University and doing a variety of positions at the Park over 50 years.

The accounts are fascinating - from behind the scenes with celebrities visiting the Park to fancy parties for attraction openings or holidays. The merchandising chapters (she was a buyer for the Park) are also great - interesting asides on various products that worked and didn't work - and the 0bstacles she encountered as tastes and materials/vendors changed. Along with the behind-the-scenes of Disneyland Park, she also provides some poignant insights into the changes of management of both the Park and the Disney Company over the years.

Also interesting were the observations and experiences being both a woman and African American j in management. Casual racism was still problematic even at Disneyland. While she doesn't go into too much detail, there are some very sad examples from both behind the scenes and also from Park guests of poor behavior.

I found it interesting that this isn't just about old history in the 1970s and instead she has great observations all the way through the current leadership. She clearly is a strong, intelligent, and kind person who faced many challenges but created a legacy in the process. She has a great personality and the writing is clean, fun, and easy to follow.

Those looking for Disneyland history will find a lot here. And those looking for biographies of inspiring individuals will also find a lot to love. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.