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How Does Disney Do That?: How Disney Makes Us Feel and Why It Matters
There are plenty of books on Disney, but James Warda, in collaboration with former Imagineering creative executive Theron Skees, approaches things from a different angle—Why and how does Disney make such an emotional, life-changing connection with us? There's something very profound and deep that begins with the storytellers and designers and reaches deep into our hearts. After having conversations with numerous former Imagineers and designers, leaders, cast members, and fans, James has identified patterns that not only help explain our love for Disney and the parks, but also provide ideas we can apply in our own workplaces and lives. It's a fun, sometimes whimsical, always thoughtful journey, enriched by Theron's professional insight from his years of leading major projects at Disney, including overseeing Disney Springs, cruise ship design, and more.
The book's foreword is by former Imagineer and Disney Legend Joe Rohde, and a portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, FL.Story quotes from the “When I was twelve, I remember standing on Main Street in Disneyland as it got dark. The lights started coming on along all those gingerbread buildings, a horse car was clopping quietly by, I could hear the whistle of the steam train, and suddenly it was twilight on a tranquil American small city street in 1908. And I thought, ‘I want to stay here forever.’ And, in a way, I did.”
—Richard Snow, author, Disney’s Land; former editor-in-chief of American Heritage magazine; consultant for Glory and other motion pictures; writer for PBS on Burns brothers’ Civil War and Rick Burns’ Coney Island
“We started with story. And, though many guests won't notice all the details...they can feel them.”
—Dan Cockerell, former VP of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom Parks; author and consultant
“You have to be emotionally sincere (when designing experiences). Emotions override our intellect...to create valid emotion, you have to have valid emotions. You have to feel them yourself, and then you have to be able to say, ‘How could other people feel them based on what I intend to do?’”
—Joe Rohde, former Disney Imagineer, Chief Experience Architect for Virgin Galactic, Recipient of the TEA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Explorer’s Club Member
Advanced praise for How Does Disney Do That?"This very fun-to-read book is a heartfelt study of the science, creativity, and just plain hard work that makes Disney magic so uniquely potent. (As Arthur C. Clarke famously said, 'Magic’s just science that we don’t understand yet.') Anyone who has been swept away by Bambi, or Mary Poppins, or the Haunted Mansion, or whatever first 'got them into Disney' will enjoy this deep dive into Disney’s creative process, told through the author’s personal experience and interviews with Imagineers, themed entertainment designers, authors, and other Disney fans."
—The Walt Disney Birthplace
"In How Does Disney Do That? James Warda explores an important subject. You see, Walt Disney was many A film maker, a dreamer, an innovator, an idealist and a futurist, but perhaps his greatest title was that of 'storyteller.' Indeed, perhaps Disney was the greatest storyteller of the 20th Century.
The book's foreword is by former Imagineer and Disney Legend Joe Rohde, and a portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, FL.Story quotes from the “When I was twelve, I remember standing on Main Street in Disneyland as it got dark. The lights started coming on along all those gingerbread buildings, a horse car was clopping quietly by, I could hear the whistle of the steam train, and suddenly it was twilight on a tranquil American small city street in 1908. And I thought, ‘I want to stay here forever.’ And, in a way, I did.”
—Richard Snow, author, Disney’s Land; former editor-in-chief of American Heritage magazine; consultant for Glory and other motion pictures; writer for PBS on Burns brothers’ Civil War and Rick Burns’ Coney Island
“We started with story. And, though many guests won't notice all the details...they can feel them.”
—Dan Cockerell, former VP of EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom Parks; author and consultant
“You have to be emotionally sincere (when designing experiences). Emotions override our intellect...to create valid emotion, you have to have valid emotions. You have to feel them yourself, and then you have to be able to say, ‘How could other people feel them based on what I intend to do?’”
—Joe Rohde, former Disney Imagineer, Chief Experience Architect for Virgin Galactic, Recipient of the TEA Lifetime Achievement Award, and Explorer’s Club Member
Advanced praise for How Does Disney Do That?"This very fun-to-read book is a heartfelt study of the science, creativity, and just plain hard work that makes Disney magic so uniquely potent. (As Arthur C. Clarke famously said, 'Magic’s just science that we don’t understand yet.') Anyone who has been swept away by Bambi, or Mary Poppins, or the Haunted Mansion, or whatever first 'got them into Disney' will enjoy this deep dive into Disney’s creative process, told through the author’s personal experience and interviews with Imagineers, themed entertainment designers, authors, and other Disney fans."
—The Walt Disney Birthplace
"In How Does Disney Do That? James Warda explores an important subject. You see, Walt Disney was many A film maker, a dreamer, an innovator, an idealist and a futurist, but perhaps his greatest title was that of 'storyteller.' Indeed, perhaps Disney was the greatest storyteller of the 20th Century.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 12, 2024
I was expecting a more deeply-dived, psychology or science-based treatment of how visitors to Disney respond emotionally, i.e. how the Imagineers behind a ride design with intention.
What the title "How Does Disney Do That?" promises is a glimpse behind the scenes, not necessarily into technical detail but certainly in storytelling. Take us from the concept in the mind of an Imagineering leader or director, through to the execution of a ride.
I like the concept and the acknowledgment of emotional response. Where this book lost me was the over-focus on modern USA-based rides, the author's surface-level reaction, and those of immediate family (most of them Disney fans), and today's Disney in the USA.
For one, what you see and feel today was designed, architected, and built years and decades ago. The Imagineering Story (by Leslie Iwerks) details the long timelines involved in conceiving projects like this. As such, it's strange that so much time and pages were spent on Star Wars, Avatar, Marvel, and Pixar-themed attractions.
Furthermore, I didn't know most of the rides this book mentioned. Secondly, they don't really represent the stories that normal people think of when Disneyland comes to mind. The author may represent the rabid fan well, but not the Shanghai grandma who has never heard of Disneyland but has Snow White storybooks on her refrigerator from reading to her granddaughter, or the typical Tokyo Disneyland visitor whose Disney fandom centers around Mickey, Minnie, and Pooh. I just didn't get what made the author choose these rides. The emotional response traces farther back much further, and Imagineering philosophies date back into franchises and worlds older than those mentioned in this book.
What the title "How Does Disney Do That?" promises is a glimpse behind the scenes, not necessarily into technical detail but certainly in storytelling. Take us from the concept in the mind of an Imagineering leader or director, through to the execution of a ride.
I like the concept and the acknowledgment of emotional response. Where this book lost me was the over-focus on modern USA-based rides, the author's surface-level reaction, and those of immediate family (most of them Disney fans), and today's Disney in the USA.
For one, what you see and feel today was designed, architected, and built years and decades ago. The Imagineering Story (by Leslie Iwerks) details the long timelines involved in conceiving projects like this. As such, it's strange that so much time and pages were spent on Star Wars, Avatar, Marvel, and Pixar-themed attractions.
Furthermore, I didn't know most of the rides this book mentioned. Secondly, they don't really represent the stories that normal people think of when Disneyland comes to mind. The author may represent the rabid fan well, but not the Shanghai grandma who has never heard of Disneyland but has Snow White storybooks on her refrigerator from reading to her granddaughter, or the typical Tokyo Disneyland visitor whose Disney fandom centers around Mickey, Minnie, and Pooh. I just didn't get what made the author choose these rides. The emotional response traces farther back much further, and Imagineering philosophies date back into franchises and worlds older than those mentioned in this book.
July 12, 2024
A joy to read!
August 28, 2024
Well intentioned, but a little light on substance. I was expecting more technical information. For example “Disney uses this shade of green paint because XYZ”, or “This is the typical project timeline for a new attraction and the milestones along the way”.
Instead, you’ll find passages like “Disney uses certain colors to make us feel what the designers wanted” or “Walt emphasized quality in all of the steps of the project development because he wanted his girls to enjoy the park”. You’ll also read a lot anecdotal stories from Disney fans about how they feel visiting a Disney Park and what it means to them. I didn’t think any of those stories offered meaningful insight into how Disney does it. Thankfully you’ll read a couple passages from an actual Disney imagineer in each chapter to help resolve the questions the book hopes to answer.
The author attempts to connect a Disney park visit with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. Maybe more compelling research on the psychology of vacationing or entertainment could have persuaded me that self-actualization could be achieved through a visit to Disney World.
Instead, you’ll find passages like “Disney uses certain colors to make us feel what the designers wanted” or “Walt emphasized quality in all of the steps of the project development because he wanted his girls to enjoy the park”. You’ll also read a lot anecdotal stories from Disney fans about how they feel visiting a Disney Park and what it means to them. I didn’t think any of those stories offered meaningful insight into how Disney does it. Thankfully you’ll read a couple passages from an actual Disney imagineer in each chapter to help resolve the questions the book hopes to answer.
The author attempts to connect a Disney park visit with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is a bit of a stretch in my opinion. Maybe more compelling research on the psychology of vacationing or entertainment could have persuaded me that self-actualization could be achieved through a visit to Disney World.
February 2, 2026
I low-key wish I had DNF-ed this book because it was really, truly terrible.
I appreciate Warda's passion - goodness knows that I, too, would love to write a book that's nothing but me waxing poetic about how much I love the Disney company and how much it's impacted my life. However, the hero worship and just rambling stories in this book felt VERY far from what is promised through this book's subtitle and the description on the back. Considering this book was meant to explain how Disney makes us feel, it did it very little (if at all). Instead, Warda stuffed this book full of boring stories from him and his friends with vague illusions to the fact that experience design is actually a) a legitimate industry that's extremely compelling and b) Disney helped shape that industry through intentional development and innovation.
The only saving grace in this book was Theron Skees' contributions, particularly his chapter towards the end that spoke about his experience working in the industry. Drawing on his own career path, he provided some insight and recommendations for how others could either get into this line of work or continue succeeding there, with some very actionable and practical tips on how to be more effective.
This was a strong breath (no, a GUST) of fresh air after Warda's immensely irrelevant Disney sequiturs (literally throwing in random callouts about events, people, places - nouns, really - related to Disney that had NOTHING to do with what he was talking about) that just made the book feel bloated and really emphasized how little he actually knows about how Disney makes us feel the way we feel when we engage with the brand.
The straw that really broke this camel's back was the final chapter: his letter to Walt. I am a Disney adult who HATES the Walt hero worship culture that so often pervades the Disney Adult community, and throughout the entire chapter my grimace kept growing bigger and bigger, my discomfort growing exponentially.
I really went over the edge after reading this sentence:
HELLO, this man clearly thinks Walt is some sort of Jesus figure. It's so cringe, I can't believe I had to read that.
TL;DR: don't read this book if you actually want to learn about how Disney does what they do. I'd recco Leslie Iwerks' documentary, Joe Rohde's many digital footprints, or any other number of books that actually deliver on what they promise rather than simply drivel on it.
I appreciate Warda's passion - goodness knows that I, too, would love to write a book that's nothing but me waxing poetic about how much I love the Disney company and how much it's impacted my life. However, the hero worship and just rambling stories in this book felt VERY far from what is promised through this book's subtitle and the description on the back. Considering this book was meant to explain how Disney makes us feel, it did it very little (if at all). Instead, Warda stuffed this book full of boring stories from him and his friends with vague illusions to the fact that experience design is actually a) a legitimate industry that's extremely compelling and b) Disney helped shape that industry through intentional development and innovation.
The only saving grace in this book was Theron Skees' contributions, particularly his chapter towards the end that spoke about his experience working in the industry. Drawing on his own career path, he provided some insight and recommendations for how others could either get into this line of work or continue succeeding there, with some very actionable and practical tips on how to be more effective.
This was a strong breath (no, a GUST) of fresh air after Warda's immensely irrelevant Disney sequiturs (literally throwing in random callouts about events, people, places - nouns, really - related to Disney that had NOTHING to do with what he was talking about) that just made the book feel bloated and really emphasized how little he actually knows about how Disney makes us feel the way we feel when we engage with the brand.
The straw that really broke this camel's back was the final chapter: his letter to Walt. I am a Disney adult who HATES the Walt hero worship culture that so often pervades the Disney Adult community, and throughout the entire chapter my grimace kept growing bigger and bigger, my discomfort growing exponentially.
I really went over the edge after reading this sentence:
...in those moments of doubt, I didn't know if I had it in me to complete the book. But you seemed to know. At least that's what I felt when, from time to time, I'd sense your presence, standing slightly behind me in that same office, just over my right shoulder. [...] Then I'd simply hear your firm, but encouraging, "That'll do. Now, keep going."
HELLO, this man clearly thinks Walt is some sort of Jesus figure. It's so cringe, I can't believe I had to read that.
TL;DR: don't read this book if you actually want to learn about how Disney does what they do. I'd recco Leslie Iwerks' documentary, Joe Rohde's many digital footprints, or any other number of books that actually deliver on what they promise rather than simply drivel on it.
July 8, 2024
There is a scene in Little Women where Jo says what she has to write about their little life isn’t important and Amy counters with, essentially, “Writing makes it important.”
This is how I feel regarding the subject matter of Disney themed entertainment and how it is treated in this book. Author James Warda acknowledges how this line of work can be thought of as trivial by those who do not yet or who do not wish to fully understand but effectively turns us away from that line of thinking by immediately inviting co-writers, including the eloquent Theron Skees, to speak their minds and experiences.
For someone early in their career in Los Angeles-based themed entertainment, this was a riveting read. I very much enjoyed reading about this industry through a respectful and insightful lens.
I would have loved this book as a child interested in this world!
I was scribbling notes and underlining my signed copy before I knew what I was doing.
I look forward to combing through the extra resources provided throughout and compiled at the end of the book! (See you all on LinkedIn!)
For those who enjoyed this book, I wholeheartedly recommend “Power and Paradise in Walt Disney’s World” by Cher Krause Knight, which examines Walt Disney World through the eyes of an accomplished art historian— giving Disney Parks a similar treatment of respect by rightfully considering and examining them as art and part of the cultural zeitgeist.
This is how I feel regarding the subject matter of Disney themed entertainment and how it is treated in this book. Author James Warda acknowledges how this line of work can be thought of as trivial by those who do not yet or who do not wish to fully understand but effectively turns us away from that line of thinking by immediately inviting co-writers, including the eloquent Theron Skees, to speak their minds and experiences.
For someone early in their career in Los Angeles-based themed entertainment, this was a riveting read. I very much enjoyed reading about this industry through a respectful and insightful lens.
I would have loved this book as a child interested in this world!
I was scribbling notes and underlining my signed copy before I knew what I was doing.
I look forward to combing through the extra resources provided throughout and compiled at the end of the book! (See you all on LinkedIn!)
For those who enjoyed this book, I wholeheartedly recommend “Power and Paradise in Walt Disney’s World” by Cher Krause Knight, which examines Walt Disney World through the eyes of an accomplished art historian— giving Disney Parks a similar treatment of respect by rightfully considering and examining them as art and part of the cultural zeitgeist.
August 28, 2024
A wonderful celebration of what makes Disney so special, and why it feels so good to be a Disney Adult. The joy Disney evokes may be part of a manufactured world, but the people doing that work really care about it, which is why I like that the Imagineers get so much focus in this book. They’re the ones creating the magic we get to experience. Being part of a community that helps people understand the importance of childlike wonder in life is putting positive energy into the world, which in my opinion offsets any bad that Disney as a company does. It’s a corporation in a capitalist system; of course it’s going to prioritize profits above all else. But as this book illustrates, Disney showcases the best of humanity—the ingenuity of extreme attention to detail, the mastery of storytelling to build emotional connection, creating a sense of community and belonging—and this book delights in all of it.
November 30, 2024
Much more about the "feel" in "How Disney makes us feel" ane really very little about HOW they accomplish that. Some good resources to follow up on, though.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews