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The Wisdom of Walt: Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth
Why did Walt Disney build Disneyland?
Because he wanted one!
Can success really be that simple? It can be when you know what you want and you are willing to do what it takes to get there.
Disneyland began as one man’s dream on a park bench one Saturday afternoon. Today, it is a symbol of success and an example of entrepreneurial leadership around the world. In Jeff Barnes’ The Wisdom of Walt, discover how Walt Disney took action to transform his dreams into the concrete reality we still benefit from sixty years later.
Disneyland’s story is one every student of success should know. Like a great theme park attraction, The Wisdom of Walt takes its readers on a storytelling ride with many twists, turns, drops, and surprise endings.
Reading this book will change the way you see and experience Disneyland. Instead of being a place of escape, Disneyland will become for you a model of success. Learn how the Park can challenge you to live your dream, inspire you to take action, and teach you how to create your own magic so that every day for you is as fun as a day at Disneyland.
Because he wanted one!
Can success really be that simple? It can be when you know what you want and you are willing to do what it takes to get there.
Disneyland began as one man’s dream on a park bench one Saturday afternoon. Today, it is a symbol of success and an example of entrepreneurial leadership around the world. In Jeff Barnes’ The Wisdom of Walt, discover how Walt Disney took action to transform his dreams into the concrete reality we still benefit from sixty years later.
Disneyland’s story is one every student of success should know. Like a great theme park attraction, The Wisdom of Walt takes its readers on a storytelling ride with many twists, turns, drops, and surprise endings.
Reading this book will change the way you see and experience Disneyland. Instead of being a place of escape, Disneyland will become for you a model of success. Learn how the Park can challenge you to live your dream, inspire you to take action, and teach you how to create your own magic so that every day for you is as fun as a day at Disneyland.
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2015
629 people are currently reading
890 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 17, 2017
This book is going to be my student leadership and classroom culture Bible this next year. I really enjoyed this book and the practical leadership advice that's accessible for all ages.
September 16, 2024
2.5 stars. The Disney facts were fun, but I felt like the ties to leadership lessons was a little forced. It reminded me of papers I wrote in college with all the quoting and paraphrasing from other authors.
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March 10, 2025The chapter on waiting in line was especially impactful for me. Loved the stories about Walt, and found many little helpful gems along the way.
August 14, 2019
Interesting Disney
Book was enjoyable and I learned many things about Walt. I also thought it was good to compare how we can Be more like Walt.
Book was enjoyable and I learned many things about Walt. I also thought it was good to compare how we can Be more like Walt.
December 1, 2016
This is a refreshing slant on life-enhancement, using Walt Disney and his original theme park as the inspiration.
Gently blending his own experiences with thoughts and ideas from one of the world’s greatest innovators and entrepreneurs, Jeffrey Barnes creates a fun yet educational ride of his own.
This is an easy read and a refreshingly enjoyable homage, from a truly original perspective.
Gently blending his own experiences with thoughts and ideas from one of the world’s greatest innovators and entrepreneurs, Jeffrey Barnes creates a fun yet educational ride of his own.
This is an easy read and a refreshingly enjoyable homage, from a truly original perspective.
June 9, 2019
Not only was the book interesting, but I really loved the little stories that the author, Mr. Barnes, put in between chapters. There is definitely a lot someone can learn from reading about Walt, and one of the biggest ones for me, was sitting on the bench and observing everything around you before making the next big decision. Really enjoyed!
August 23, 2016
Awesome book! Very enjoyable, very enlightening! Great writing!
Mark Bowser
Author of "Unlocking the Champion Within" & "Sales Success"
Mark Bowser
Author of "Unlocking the Champion Within" & "Sales Success"
May 21, 2019
I loved learning about the history of Disney and about Walt's journey tied into how it can be applied into my own path to success
August 23, 2020
A self-improvement manual parading as a Disneyland history lesson, but it hits home both ways.
A lot of other manuals sugarcoat the Disney story, while others provide behind-the-scenes tales of days gone bad at Disneyland. The Wisdom of Walt is much more optimistic, and the lessons it teaches are applicable to daily life. It blends both the personal stories of Jeffrey Barnes, Dr. Disneyland, as well as the history of Walt Disney as it relates to Disneyland.
What this book offered me that others didn't was
1.) Curation -- Little vignettes about Disneyland's development that aren't as widespread in more modern Disney guidebooks. The author curates a lot of stories from other books that are lesser-known in the space. One such story from Michael Broggie in Walt Disney's Railroad Story describes how Walt convinced his friend Herb to draw the original Disneyland map, and how much of it remains similar and recognizable even today. Jeffrey Barnes then ties this fact into the idea that our creations often change over time, so we shouldn't be shy or fearful of creating an imperfect v1.0. We should start and let our adventures and ideas evolve over time, rather than worrying about getting it perfect the first time.
2.) Building Value -- I would have liked to see a more detailed breakdown of Walt's negotiations with his creditors and investors, but the overall strategy receives fair attention in this book. In a discussion of characters and how Oswald the rabbit was stolen from early Walt Disney, for example, Jeffrey Barnes quickly mentions how Universal ended up trading rights to Oswald back to Disney for the rights to Sunday Night Football announcer Al Michaels. It's a story that has been told elsewhere, with more or less detail, but Jeffrey Barnes ties that into the context of character creation so well the story has more meaning than a cute anecdote. Another story discusses Walt's marketing tactics introducing Disneyland to viewers via television before the park's opening, as a way to educate them. Taken alone, these stories are bits of interesting trivia, but Jeffrey Barnes casts them in the context of building our own vision and selling that to prospective guests, applying the stories to our own lives.
3.) Sense of Place -- The author grounds each lesson or chapter in some aspect of Disneyland that represents the idea. For example, the berm -- a wall or natural cropping of territory shield the park from the outside world -- is presented as a way to keep your guests focused on your vision, your world, your product, or the positive side of things, rather than being distracted by the temptations and realities of the outside world. Even though I knew about the berm coming in, Dr. Disneyland carves out more specific examples, like the Haunted Mansion's antechamber snaking beyond the berm, and uses them to teach the importance of focus and giving the guest an enjoyable experience, not only in Disneyland but also when trying to accomplish a goal or use a product.
In many ways, the book is more of a self-improvement manual than a guide to Disneyland, but by using the objects and history of Disneyland, from E-ticket (E for excellent, and high-quality, better than A through D) attractions to park benches. In doing so, he leverages a bevy of research, other Disney books, sources, and commentaries, and his own personal experiences as a university teacher of Disneyland history.
If I had any criticism of the book, it would be that the paperback version feels a bit like a self-published book in terms of print & paper quality, and the book is primarily textual, almost workbook-esque in its blanks and end-chapter exercises; it does lack more general images and illustrative diagrams that could help bring the magic more to life. And finally, while the book is infinitely applicable to any walk of life, I would have liked to dig deeper into those moments where Walt faced tension, turning points in Disneyland's creation, whether it was that key financier meeting, that heated negotiation with the television network for airing his show, or the conflicts he and Herb faced drawing that map for the first time. Those were key moments, and I would've liked to be a fly on the wall. I know not whether or not those moments were documented in any accessible form, but the story of a creator facing a legion of doubters is so well-told and traveled that the line separating success from a deal falling through is razor thin, and is often the sum of several actions, behaviors, and negotiation tricks, many of which Walt probably used effectively. Finally, the book covers California Disneyland almost exclusively, and could benefit from insights acquired globally from other Disneyland resorts such as Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
I still highly recommend the book to any creator eager to take inspiration from Disneyland.
A lot of other manuals sugarcoat the Disney story, while others provide behind-the-scenes tales of days gone bad at Disneyland. The Wisdom of Walt is much more optimistic, and the lessons it teaches are applicable to daily life. It blends both the personal stories of Jeffrey Barnes, Dr. Disneyland, as well as the history of Walt Disney as it relates to Disneyland.
What this book offered me that others didn't was
1.) Curation -- Little vignettes about Disneyland's development that aren't as widespread in more modern Disney guidebooks. The author curates a lot of stories from other books that are lesser-known in the space. One such story from Michael Broggie in Walt Disney's Railroad Story describes how Walt convinced his friend Herb to draw the original Disneyland map, and how much of it remains similar and recognizable even today. Jeffrey Barnes then ties this fact into the idea that our creations often change over time, so we shouldn't be shy or fearful of creating an imperfect v1.0. We should start and let our adventures and ideas evolve over time, rather than worrying about getting it perfect the first time.
2.) Building Value -- I would have liked to see a more detailed breakdown of Walt's negotiations with his creditors and investors, but the overall strategy receives fair attention in this book. In a discussion of characters and how Oswald the rabbit was stolen from early Walt Disney, for example, Jeffrey Barnes quickly mentions how Universal ended up trading rights to Oswald back to Disney for the rights to Sunday Night Football announcer Al Michaels. It's a story that has been told elsewhere, with more or less detail, but Jeffrey Barnes ties that into the context of character creation so well the story has more meaning than a cute anecdote. Another story discusses Walt's marketing tactics introducing Disneyland to viewers via television before the park's opening, as a way to educate them. Taken alone, these stories are bits of interesting trivia, but Jeffrey Barnes casts them in the context of building our own vision and selling that to prospective guests, applying the stories to our own lives.
3.) Sense of Place -- The author grounds each lesson or chapter in some aspect of Disneyland that represents the idea. For example, the berm -- a wall or natural cropping of territory shield the park from the outside world -- is presented as a way to keep your guests focused on your vision, your world, your product, or the positive side of things, rather than being distracted by the temptations and realities of the outside world. Even though I knew about the berm coming in, Dr. Disneyland carves out more specific examples, like the Haunted Mansion's antechamber snaking beyond the berm, and uses them to teach the importance of focus and giving the guest an enjoyable experience, not only in Disneyland but also when trying to accomplish a goal or use a product.
In many ways, the book is more of a self-improvement manual than a guide to Disneyland, but by using the objects and history of Disneyland, from E-ticket (E for excellent, and high-quality, better than A through D) attractions to park benches. In doing so, he leverages a bevy of research, other Disney books, sources, and commentaries, and his own personal experiences as a university teacher of Disneyland history.
If I had any criticism of the book, it would be that the paperback version feels a bit like a self-published book in terms of print & paper quality, and the book is primarily textual, almost workbook-esque in its blanks and end-chapter exercises; it does lack more general images and illustrative diagrams that could help bring the magic more to life. And finally, while the book is infinitely applicable to any walk of life, I would have liked to dig deeper into those moments where Walt faced tension, turning points in Disneyland's creation, whether it was that key financier meeting, that heated negotiation with the television network for airing his show, or the conflicts he and Herb faced drawing that map for the first time. Those were key moments, and I would've liked to be a fly on the wall. I know not whether or not those moments were documented in any accessible form, but the story of a creator facing a legion of doubters is so well-told and traveled that the line separating success from a deal falling through is razor thin, and is often the sum of several actions, behaviors, and negotiation tricks, many of which Walt probably used effectively. Finally, the book covers California Disneyland almost exclusively, and could benefit from insights acquired globally from other Disneyland resorts such as Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
I still highly recommend the book to any creator eager to take inspiration from Disneyland.
January 14, 2025
As a preacher, teacher, and someone working in advancement at a Christian university, Jeffrey A. Barnes’ The Wisdom of Walt offers profound and practical lessons that transcend the theme park gates and reach into the heart of leadership, vision casting, and relationship building. Drawing inspiration from Walt Disney’s journey and the creation of Disneyland, Barnes distills timeless principles of innovation, perseverance, and intentionality that resonate deeply with my work.
One of the book’s standout themes is the importance of dreaming big and embracing a visionary mindset. Walt Disney’s story is a powerful reminder that bold ideas, when paired with persistence and faith, can transform communities and leave lasting legacies. In my role, whether I'm sharing the mission of our university with donors or inspiring students to see beyond their current circumstances, I’m reminded that vision is contagious when communicated with clarity and passion.
Barnes also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, a principle that parallels my preaching and teaching. Walt understood that stories captivate, connect, and inspire—and so must we as leaders. By weaving relatable narratives into sermons or donor conversations, I can better engage hearts and minds, making the message personal and unforgettable.
Another critical takeaway is the value of excellence and attention to detail. Walt’s commitment to creating a park where every guest feels special reflects a principle I can apply in advancement work: every interaction matters. Whether I’m preparing for a fundraising appeal or fostering relationships with donors, this book challenges me to deliver with integrity and care, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects the university’s mission and values.
Finally, The Wisdom of Walt highlights the power of teamwork and empowering others. Walt’s success wasn’t his alone; it was built on the collaborative efforts of those who shared his vision. This is a reminder to cultivate partnerships and invest in the people around me, whether in ministry, education, or advancement, because shared success is always greater than individual effort.
This book is not just about leadership; it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive and find joy—just like Disneyland. For anyone who leads, teaches, or builds relationships, The Wisdom of Walt is an inspiring guide to dreaming boldly, serving with excellence, and leaving a legacy that reflects the values we hold dear.
One of the book’s standout themes is the importance of dreaming big and embracing a visionary mindset. Walt Disney’s story is a powerful reminder that bold ideas, when paired with persistence and faith, can transform communities and leave lasting legacies. In my role, whether I'm sharing the mission of our university with donors or inspiring students to see beyond their current circumstances, I’m reminded that vision is contagious when communicated with clarity and passion.
Barnes also emphasizes the importance of storytelling, a principle that parallels my preaching and teaching. Walt understood that stories captivate, connect, and inspire—and so must we as leaders. By weaving relatable narratives into sermons or donor conversations, I can better engage hearts and minds, making the message personal and unforgettable.
Another critical takeaway is the value of excellence and attention to detail. Walt’s commitment to creating a park where every guest feels special reflects a principle I can apply in advancement work: every interaction matters. Whether I’m preparing for a fundraising appeal or fostering relationships with donors, this book challenges me to deliver with integrity and care, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects the university’s mission and values.
Finally, The Wisdom of Walt highlights the power of teamwork and empowering others. Walt’s success wasn’t his alone; it was built on the collaborative efforts of those who shared his vision. This is a reminder to cultivate partnerships and invest in the people around me, whether in ministry, education, or advancement, because shared success is always greater than individual effort.
This book is not just about leadership; it’s about creating spaces where others can thrive and find joy—just like Disneyland. For anyone who leads, teaches, or builds relationships, The Wisdom of Walt is an inspiring guide to dreaming boldly, serving with excellence, and leaving a legacy that reflects the values we hold dear.
September 16, 2018
This book is part Walt Disney/Disneyland biography and part motivational, goal-setting success strategies. As someone who has read dozens of Disneyland and Walt Disney books, this was a refreshing perspective, and even included some stories and anecdotes about Walt I had never read, which at this point, are difficult for me to find. I didn't learn anything new about Disneyland, but then again, I consider myself an expert, just like the author. The author teaches a "History of Disneyland" course at a college in Riverside, how fun would that be to take!? The course includes field trips to the park of course, and I assume this is the textbook to go along with the class. There was a workbook element to it, that I couldn't really participate in via the Kindle. It was mostly about jumpstarting your dreams and taking the first steps toward your goals, and as I'm already well into my journey towards my goals, I would of had to modify the questions a bit. I can definitely use the "enhancement" strategies in my life and work! An enjoyable read, and a can't miss if you're a fan of Walt Disney and his wonderful parks.
April 5, 2025
The Wisdom of Walt was the first book of the year in my work book club. My company’s home office is located in Miami Lakes so Disney is near and dear to a lot of their hearts. It was very interesting to read a professional development book that centered around Walt Disney and Disneyland. It definitely made it more interesting. Jeff Barnes is a Disney fanatic and has gone so far as to teach a college history course based on Disney. The book itself is extremely well structured. The reader is prepared from the very beginning about how each chapter will flow. Barnes starts with one of Walt Disneys principles and then relates it to his own life and how it relates to professional development. My favorite part of each chapter is where he provides a section on how the reader can implement the principles of the chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
An optimistic, thoughtful read which blends together life advice, leadership lessons and stories from the life of Walt Disney, Disneyland, and the author himself, 'Dr. Disneyland'. I liked how this book felt like an experience in the way it was structured, with 'souvenir stops' at the close of chapters to help me reflect on the tales shared and how I could learn and better my own life through their teachings. I'm definitely finishing this relating a little more to the quotes scattered throughout the book and looking forward to employing some of the suggestions. I'm also more than a little bit jealous of those that have been able to take Dr. Barnes' 'History of Disneyland' class - can you even imagine??
June 19, 2017
I loved this book! I mean come on, who doesn't love Disney and Disneyland? I still make sure to go to Disney World once a year and even had my bachelorette there :) So combining a place I love with inspirational lessons? I was hooked from the opening page.
I'm not usually one to read self-help/inspirational books. I usually read for pure enjoyment. But this didn't read like a self-help book. Its full of stories and Disney quotes that illustrate each chapters point in a fun way. And it inspired me to do something I haven't done since I graduated college - I've made a commitment to start writing 15 minutes a day as it makes me happy to do so and I've always wanted to write more.
I'm not usually one to read self-help/inspirational books. I usually read for pure enjoyment. But this didn't read like a self-help book. Its full of stories and Disney quotes that illustrate each chapters point in a fun way. And it inspired me to do something I haven't done since I graduated college - I've made a commitment to start writing 15 minutes a day as it makes me happy to do so and I've always wanted to write more.
January 4, 2018
A lesson in leadership from Disneyland.
A truly enjoyable look at leadership with lessons provided by the example Walt Disney provided for anyone willing to look for them while he was following his life long dream to build "the happiest place on earth". Jeff Barnes writes in a easy flowing manner that allows one to learn something new with the passing of each chapter. While some of the lessons in the book are not new, they are reviewed using the application of Disneyland which allows a new way to look at them. I truly enjoyed this book and will definitely add its follow on volume to my reading list.
A truly enjoyable look at leadership with lessons provided by the example Walt Disney provided for anyone willing to look for them while he was following his life long dream to build "the happiest place on earth". Jeff Barnes writes in a easy flowing manner that allows one to learn something new with the passing of each chapter. While some of the lessons in the book are not new, they are reviewed using the application of Disneyland which allows a new way to look at them. I truly enjoyed this book and will definitely add its follow on volume to my reading list.
January 9, 2018
This a book filled with personal stories and random factoids from the internet. I find it hard to believe this guy is an actual history professor. I didn’t like the references to his god, nor the reference to his wife being a nazi (defined as a gatekeeper rather than a murderer). Rated this a one star.
November 8, 2018
I was actually looking for architectural books when I found this, so the leadership/self-help bits were a bit too cheesy for my liking. However, this is ideal for a real Disney fan. The author’s stories were also engaging despite differing opinions.
Overall, though, I felt I learned a lot from this book.
Overall, though, I felt I learned a lot from this book.
August 8, 2019
A little boost from Walt
A great book to give you the inspiration to move forward in your dreams. I love the chapter set ups with the very appropriate souvenir stop at the conclusions. Plus the stories of Walt's struggles and achievements helps you to realize maybe you can push through and succeed.
A great book to give you the inspiration to move forward in your dreams. I love the chapter set ups with the very appropriate souvenir stop at the conclusions. Plus the stories of Walt's struggles and achievements helps you to realize maybe you can push through and succeed.
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January 8, 2020Buy this book right now!
Want a fun self-help book with great advice?
How about a fun history of Disneyland?
A fun biography of Walt Disney?
A fun business book about innovation, customer service and culture?
This book is all that in one package. Buy it, read it and put it's principles into action immediately!
Want a fun self-help book with great advice?
How about a fun history of Disneyland?
A fun biography of Walt Disney?
A fun business book about innovation, customer service and culture?
This book is all that in one package. Buy it, read it and put it's principles into action immediately!
January 24, 2020
A book that inspires action
I've been dreading starting my own business for too long and this book was and is the great push I was unknowingly looking for. Walt Disney is a great mentor and Jeffrey Barnes an amazing writer. A must read for everyone who has a dream, because by reading this book dreams do come true.
I've been dreading starting my own business for too long and this book was and is the great push I was unknowingly looking for. Walt Disney is a great mentor and Jeffrey Barnes an amazing writer. A must read for everyone who has a dream, because by reading this book dreams do come true.
May 31, 2020
Surprisingly enjoyable.
I'm not generally the self-help type, but this felt like sitting in class with a professor who has a passion for what he does and wants to share it. I'm also a huge Disney fan, which doesn't hurt. He includes plenty of stories and tidbits about the park, along with quotes. His advice isn't too terrible either.
I'm not generally the self-help type, but this felt like sitting in class with a professor who has a passion for what he does and wants to share it. I'm also a huge Disney fan, which doesn't hurt. He includes plenty of stories and tidbits about the park, along with quotes. His advice isn't too terrible either.
October 11, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. There are lots of great stories about Walt Disney that the author uses to teach the reader important life lessons. The book gives new perspectives.
The author also talks a lot about his life as a teacher and the journeys he’s gone through and I liked this aspect to the book. It’s amazing to see how Disney can help people!
The author also talks a lot about his life as a teacher and the journeys he’s gone through and I liked this aspect to the book. It’s amazing to see how Disney can help people!
October 16, 2017
Amazing book!
So much good stuff here.. want to start chasing your dream? Start here! I was inspired by Walt's story when I was there myself a few years ago. I love how Jeffrey Barnes gives us the tools to follow in Walt's footsteps, but also his own. Thanks so much!
So much good stuff here.. want to start chasing your dream? Start here! I was inspired by Walt's story when I was there myself a few years ago. I love how Jeffrey Barnes gives us the tools to follow in Walt's footsteps, but also his own. Thanks so much!
October 18, 2018
Packed with wisdom
Easy read with plenty of powerful points that urge thinking and doing. The emphasis on fun and its role with experience and education (let’s not forget entertainment) is eye opening and helps achieve a healthier perspective of life’s potential. Time well spent.
Easy read with plenty of powerful points that urge thinking and doing. The emphasis on fun and its role with experience and education (let’s not forget entertainment) is eye opening and helps achieve a healthier perspective of life’s potential. Time well spent.
October 28, 2019
Never been to Disneyland but have a love of Disney world and the ideals Walt created. In this book Jeff Barnes covers the creation of Disneyland but mixes in leadership ideals that will help you grow as a leader in your industry.
December 12, 2019
A great combination of Disney, history, and leadership.
A fun light read weaving thoughts on leadership, history, and personal life lessons from the author. I enjoyed it and would recommend if you are fascinated in the Disney story and leadership.
A fun light read weaving thoughts on leadership, history, and personal life lessons from the author. I enjoyed it and would recommend if you are fascinated in the Disney story and leadership.
February 8, 2020
A wonderful book that will be inspiring and motivating to everyone. Whether you want to channel your inner Walt as a leader or creative or just need a little focus, Dr. Disneyland is sure to have what you need in this wonderful book.
December 26, 2021
This book is a great book if you are a Disney Parks fan, great lessons that a memorable for us, yet for the average person this book won’t mean much to you. So a must read for Disney Park fans, not really your thing if not.
January 6, 2022
I loved this book (even though it took me a while to read haha). I really enjoyed the stories about Walt Disney as well as how the author relates the stories and wants morals to everyone's lives. One day, I may revisit it. For now, looking forward to reading the sequel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews