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The Imagineering Way
Famed for making dreams come true, the Disney Imagineers are world renowned for their incomparable creativity and their ability to turn fanciful ideas into reality. How do they do this? By approaching all projects, problems, and questions with the knowledge that they will undoubtedly accomplish the task set before them. Now for the first time, the Imagineers off a detailed look at their principles and processes that allow Disney to do what it does so well. Beyond paper and canvas, beyond wood, steel, and concrete, there is magic at the heart of every Imagineering project. In The Imagineering Way, the Imagineers reveal the secrets to creating an environment that fosters explosive creativity, with clear examples of how to adapt the most creative thinking in the world to your home and work life. The difference between the Imagineers and the rest of the world is that the Imagineers assume they can do what they dream.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
17 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2011
A great book to read when looking for some words of encouragement and inspiration. It talks about how many of the Imagineers found inspiration and the process they went through when creating. It also talks about some of the Imagineers experiences. They share a few tips and tricks about the process of creating and encourage people to never give up.
My favorite quote out of this book was: "Never fall in love with your idea because it will change tomorrow. Enjoy the process-- enjoy the change."
My favorite quote out of this book was: "Never fall in love with your idea because it will change tomorrow. Enjoy the process-- enjoy the change."
April 15, 2024
It’s a great collection of anecdotes and self contained ideas. My only reason for not rating higher is I wanted more detail and some connective thread around it. Fun read and would be nice addition to your desk to pick up every now and then for inspiration (or comfort)
Random quotes:
There is no right way just the best way.
When facing a new challenge let go of fear. There’s nothing you can screw up that can't be fixed.
There are two ways to be creative: 1) listen to everyone. 2) don't listen to anyone. Either way works. The point is everything works if you expect it to.
Walt Disney once said, “ it's kind of fun to do the impossible.” but sometimes when you burn out you think it's kind of impossible to do the fun!
If you have 5 mins to do a project, spend 4 minutes figuring out how to do it and one minute doing it.
It is better to have a clear vision and a sound plan, and accept the possibility of failure, the to have neither and remove all doubt.
Life is a trip and an education. Don't be afraid of the stop signs, dangerous curves, and bumps in the road.
Shut down for a while. There’s a rhythm to your soul- you generate and regenerate. Read a poem, listen to a song, go see a play. Feed your creative self. Sometimes itndiesnt make sense on a balance sheet, but it's importance and value are unquantifiable.
Sometimes the answer is obvious but the solution isn't.
Random quotes:
There is no right way just the best way.
When facing a new challenge let go of fear. There’s nothing you can screw up that can't be fixed.
There are two ways to be creative: 1) listen to everyone. 2) don't listen to anyone. Either way works. The point is everything works if you expect it to.
Walt Disney once said, “ it's kind of fun to do the impossible.” but sometimes when you burn out you think it's kind of impossible to do the fun!
If you have 5 mins to do a project, spend 4 minutes figuring out how to do it and one minute doing it.
It is better to have a clear vision and a sound plan, and accept the possibility of failure, the to have neither and remove all doubt.
Life is a trip and an education. Don't be afraid of the stop signs, dangerous curves, and bumps in the road.
Shut down for a while. There’s a rhythm to your soul- you generate and regenerate. Read a poem, listen to a song, go see a play. Feed your creative self. Sometimes itndiesnt make sense on a balance sheet, but it's importance and value are unquantifiable.
Sometimes the answer is obvious but the solution isn't.
September 30, 2016
Need an epiphany? This book is full of inspiration, fast read. I enjoyed the quote "Yes, if"
July 16, 2025
I’ve read this three times now. The first two times were for my entrepreneurship program I went through im college. Disney is a crooked company and I don’t love supporting them but they are very smart and run an amazing business model. They just make my tummy turn. Idk .. I’ve got this gut feeling that the mouse is hiding something.
June 20, 2020
A disjointed look behind the curtain of Imagineering at Disney. I was hoping for more specific stories from projects imagineers worked on and fewer pithy philosophies. If you're looking to understand how a company can scale creative output, I highly recommend "Creativity, Inc." instead.
December 31, 2017
A very helpful engaging book. Tells the techniques used by Disney Imagineers and talks thoroughly about creativity and how to show and share your creativity.
March 30, 2019
Fun way to be inspired
December 12, 2019
Fun and easy inspirational read.
March 6, 2025
Great book written by smart, clever and creative people. Reminder to keep things simple and childlike at times- even dealing with big projects.
August 17, 2025
Such a great concept, and really cool for a big group of imagineers to share stories and advice. I also got this from my old manager so love that!
October 5, 2020
It's niche for sure, but it's my type of niche.
I gave this 4 stars because this company is my life's goals, so I have an incredible desire to learn about as much of as I possibly can.
That being said, it seems like this follow-up to "A Behind Dreams Look..." was moreso pushed than inspired. It reads like the editor sent an e-mail out to everyone asking "what does imagineering mean to you?", and the responses vary as such. Some people write entire essays, some write a paragraph, and some contribute a catchy motivational line.
It's not so much a look into the workings of the company or any detailed insights, but much more so an idea of the culture, and how the people who work there think. It follows a lot of the Disney trademark encouragements and ideals, like a push for creativity and continuation through failure! The variation of response types means you have a plethora to connect to, but you'll also have some that you quickly forget.
If you love the imagineers, this is fantastic. If not, it can be another book of encouraging words.
I gave this 4 stars because this company is my life's goals, so I have an incredible desire to learn about as much of as I possibly can.
That being said, it seems like this follow-up to "A Behind Dreams Look..." was moreso pushed than inspired. It reads like the editor sent an e-mail out to everyone asking "what does imagineering mean to you?", and the responses vary as such. Some people write entire essays, some write a paragraph, and some contribute a catchy motivational line.
It's not so much a look into the workings of the company or any detailed insights, but much more so an idea of the culture, and how the people who work there think. It follows a lot of the Disney trademark encouragements and ideals, like a push for creativity and continuation through failure! The variation of response types means you have a plethora to connect to, but you'll also have some that you quickly forget.
If you love the imagineers, this is fantastic. If not, it can be another book of encouraging words.
May 31, 2013
The Imagineering way is a collection of essays and quotes written and anthologized the the Disney Imagineers - the team of designers, engineers, artists, writers, and more, that create the attractions and Disney's parks and resorts. Given the unique nature of the work, it is important to remember that this book is not like most, in that it is not designed to be read front to back, or back to front, or in any particular order really. The Imagineering Way is designed to read in what ever order, or lack there of, that tickles your fancy at any given moment.
Overall the ingenuity found within it's format and the wisdom of the experts within cause this book to rank as one of the richest and most easily accessible resources to spark and hone creativity both the imaginative/literary sense as well as the practical, problem solving sense that I have yet to encounter.
Overall the ingenuity found within it's format and the wisdom of the experts within cause this book to rank as one of the richest and most easily accessible resources to spark and hone creativity both the imaginative/literary sense as well as the practical, problem solving sense that I have yet to encounter.
June 9, 2009
This is a really interesting book written by Disney's imagineers - the people who dream up Disneyland and Disney World, and all the Magic Kingdom properties and make them happen. It was fairly inspirational at times, and a fairly quick read. It included ideas and inspirational stories from a wide variety of imagineers. I liked the idea from the jacket that they start every project from the perspective of knowing that it can be done, and that they will accomplish it.
July 10, 2011
Taken from stories of when the imagineers were designing theme parks, attractions and other Disney related projects, The Imagineering Way is actually a fairly interesting read. It's short and to the point, meaning you can get through it relatively quickly. It's no award winning book, but there's some good tips and information here to help you unleash some inner creativity.
September 29, 2011
As a fan of the creative process, this book gave me a unique perspective of how to boost my imaginative power. With scenarios and exercises that help to stimulate creativity. I recommend this book to round out your library on creative problem solving.
January 28, 2014
Definitely the book to read when you're going through a creative block! And also shows that the best if the best fail but still pick themselves back up and take another route that makes some of the most iconic attractions. Ever!
August 27, 2007
I LOVE all the imagineering books. If you aim to tap into your creativity for any reason, this books are fantastic. Who is more creative than the team of imagineers at Disney? Fun, fun read.
April 22, 2011
I remember that after I finish it I felt really good. There are a bunch of stories anecdotes and stuff, but is Disney people you just have to be inspired by it.
July 25, 2011
Read FEB 2005
March 26, 2012
Great insight and wisdom to the creative process by those who make the biggest dreams happen! It was an inspiring and entertaining read!
March 30, 2013
A must-read company profile for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.
July 1, 2016
This was a very fun book to read. I love the insight and stories in it.
August 26, 2012
One of the best gifts I was ever given! Thanks, Ed Kee!
October 8, 2014
just a little bit Cretive light.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews