Travels with Figment: On the Road in Search of Disney Dreams

by Marty Sklar

When you've spent fifty-four years at Disney, the first ten at Walt's side, you accumulate a lot of stories. As Marty tried to answer the most asked question "when are you writing your next book?" he mined his memory for stories he hasn't told before. In this fresh volume, Marty regales readers with tales from his career.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2019

About the author

Marty Sklar worked for the Disney company for over 50 years. He was hired shortly before Disneyland opened and rose through the company to become Vice President of Creative Development. He was honored as a Disney legend and with a window on main street. Now in retirement he has released a book chronicling his tenure for Disney.

Reviews

[Amanda Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years ago, I attended Marty’s first talk at MSI Chicago as part of his Dream It, Do It book tour. He signed my book, I watched in awe - but my brain also cranked. I wanted, so badly, to be in the company - not just attending talks on how the magic happens. I moved to Florida and joined the company just over a year later. I would see Marty speak several more times before his passing, even inadvertently sitting right behind him at Destination D one year.

When this was published, I didn’t have the heart to read it yet. But since we’re at 10 years since that talk, I figured I really, really should. His stories still are such a joy to read.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not lucky enough to meet Marty before he passed (I've only met one Disney Legend, Dave Smith. I made sure to see the archivist!) but this book made me profoundly sad that I never got to meet this man. Working for the Mouse is hard; it's not all fairy tales but Marty clearly delighted in the hard work and realism it took to bring to life a magic kingdom. I loved the focus on travel in this book but also all the wonderful advice Marty collected through his travels that he was willing to share. Also, any man who clearly appreciates Figment as much as he did is A-OK in my book.

[Michelle Leighty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tribute to the late Marty Sklar.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an Imagineer-in-training (because yes, that's still the dream!) I devour anything and everything with Marty Sklar's name on it. He is, by far, one of the most influential people in experiential and themed entertainment design and he has significantly impacted the way I think about my own work and how I approach creative challenges. Many of his other writings and speeches are incredibly eloquent, well thought out, and beautifully written, showcasing why he became Walt Disney's ghost writer while the entertainment magnate was still alive.

Unfortunately, this book was published after Mr. Sklar's death in 2017 and it really shows. Even though his family sets it up as, technically, a work in progress that Marty never finished, that didn't alleviate the disappointment around just how "in progress" this was at the time of his death. Meant to be a travel memoir documenting his many trips as part of his role leading Imagineering (particularly during the development of Walt Disney World), this read more like a transcript of someone's voice recordings, not really seeming to go anywhere and without any clear connection to anything else. There were also too many references to his other books for my taste, leaving me to wonder what the point of reading this book really was.

His unexpected death also meant that this book was severely bloated with quotes from people who knew and loved him in life. Many were touching, but many more seemed to be here just for the sake of being here. As a result, the book felt more like a giant eulogy than a memoir, and while I'm sure that was cathartic for his family it made for a rather dry, uninspiring read.

Luckily, this was not my first encounter with Mr. Sklar's work, and nor will it be the last. Even though this book didn't inspire or move me the way others did, there were still moments of Disney joy among the pages that had me smiling and thinking fondly of my own experiences at the most magical place on earth - something I can never be upset about.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Travels with Figment is Marty’s last retelling of his Disney adventures. The grand finale to a magical career, Marty’s conversational approach is a fun-filled time capsule for readers. The change in writing style from diary-like entries to inclusion of letters and extracts not only transport readers to times’ past, but almost gives them a sense of being on-the-job with Marty. Marty’s fondness for his colleagues and those he admired, too, shines through on almost every page.

Though there are many references to Marty’s earlier publications Dream It! Do It! My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms and One Little Spark! Mickey’s Ten Commandments and the Road to Imagineering, Travels with Figment can stand alone. The takeaways in the book speak for themselves. Mickey’s Ten Commandments appear towards the end of the book, so readers new to Marty’s books do not miss out on some of his great lessons shared in earlier books. Moreover, many of Marty’s anecdotes are supplemented by commentary and extracts from those who lived the commandments or otherwise marched with Marty throughout his career. Safe to say, if you don’t learn anything from Travels with Figment, you aren’t paying attention.

Interestingly, and with much sincerity, editorial director Wendy Lefkon notes that the book as written is essentially Marty’s first draft as he sadly passed away before its completion. However, as Wendy states, his legacy lives on. With the help of Marty’s family, Travels with Figment was completed and published. Get ready for a rough, ready n’ real ride. And Marty – thanks for the fun.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the very good fortune to hear Marty Sklar speak once, about the 1964 New York World's Fair and Disney's involvement therein. I found him charming and delightful.

The first draft of this book was completed before Marty's death, and his family decided to polish it up, add several lovely tributes from colleagues, and publish the work. I'm so glad they did. We get a new insights into Marty's belief in the power of imagination, and why it's important to support it in those around us.

Some of the stories were not new to me, but many of them were. I found myself hearing Marty's voice in my head as I read; his personality came through beautifully in the text.

Those interested in new ways to think about business, imagination, and innovation are sure to enjoy the book on those levels alone. Disneyphiles will love this look at a true Legend who is greatly missed. Highly recommended.

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars because if I rate it any lower, I'll feel like an asshole. Why? Because Sklar died while writing this book so the finished product is half Sklar stories, half reminisces about Sklar. I don't think it's a bad book, but I do think his book Dream It! Do It! (The People, The Places, The Projects): My Half-Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms is better.

[Karly Glauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of short stories about Marty’s time at the Walt Disney Company. Later in the book many of his former co-workers write short essays about his influence on them personally and in their careers. He has clearly touched many lives and of course even more if you count all the guests who have visited the Disney parks. A fitting final book and tribute to someone who has created and inspired magic in those young and young at heart.

[Bookish In Orlando · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of short stories from Marty Sklar’s time with Disney. A lot of these stories were familiar to me from podcasts and other interviews, but it was still enjoyable to read them all in one place. Not groundbreaking if you already know Disney history, but a solid and nostalgic read.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, but not quite as engaging as "Dream It! Do It!" was. It lacked focus, and I wonder if it was because the author passed away before finishing the book himself. What he did write was still interesting, it just doesn't feel cohesive.

[Douglas Roach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was full of enchanting stories with people who love Disney and all the magic that comes with it, as well as people who love(d) Marty. That being said, as a reader, it was a little all over the place and was quite disjointed.

[Cali Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

For real Disney fans…These stories were a real delight to read. The insight took me right into Disney World and Disneyland and all of the days of Walt! I marked up the book with lots of good stories to remember. Marty is a true Disney legend!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty's final book, published after his death. To be honest, the first half reads like a travelogue memoir... And the second half is a tribute. But it really opened my eyes to just how many people Marty influenced and mentored through the years in so many areas.

[Jake Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

By far, Marty’s weakest of his 3 books. Still, the stories of Walt and it’s nice to have another work from him posthumously. His fingerprints on the Imagineering legacy are undeniable.

[Jen Pritchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marty is an inspiration - so much to learn from.

[Diana Duell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the books about the creation of the Disney parks. Epcot is where I decided I wanted to be an engineer. So much goes into those parks.

[lizeindisney · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Hardback] such a beautiful last book of Marty’s!

[Palmer Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt unfinished boringly written most likely due to the tragic passing of this legend where the family decided to leave it unedited and how he left it which in my opinion was a mistake.

[Kellyanne Higgins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Marty Sclar’s last book that he didn’t totally finish before his death. It wasn’t really edited, so it is scattered and rambling. Way too many references to his other books.

[Jenny Bautista · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marty is the epitome of Disney’s mission and he conveys these ideas so well. His impact is unmatched, and always inspiring

[Diego Parada Herrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marty Sklar is a true original. Having the ability to translate Walt Disney’s ideas to words, he was the keeper of the original Disney spirit for more than 50 years. His legacy is contained in his first two books. Travels with Figment is the icing in the cake, sharing his spirit, lessons and the excitement Disney fans have for Walt’s ideas. A great book for Disney and Imagineering fans.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Americana, Disney, History, and I am a Disney travel advisor so this book fit right in to my interests. I have long been fascinated by the ideals of Walt Disney and the empire that he created based on what he thought was right for families and their enjoyment. A good backstory into their lives is always a good read for me. This book was mostly written by Marty, but also a compilation of added text since he passed away before it was completely finished. I love when I can read and discover insider information or details to share with others to make their Disney experiences more complete and fascinating. I also just enjoy reading about the company during this time period.

[Ronald J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was saddened to read that Marty Sklar had passed away July 27, 2017. He retired in 2009, after serving Walt Disney and the company he founded for 54 years, including 30 years as creative leader of Walt Disney Imagineering. He’s the only cast member to participate in the opening of all twelve Disney parks around the world. He was bestowed the title Disney Legend in 2001. As with his prior books, Sklar tells many stories of working with Walt Disney, many Imagineers, and the sponsors of Disneyland and WDW. He discusses Mickey’s Ten Commandments, which is an excellent summary of how to create value for customers. The middle and ending of the book is dedicated to Marty’s legacy, with tributes from colleagues, peers, and others who worked with him. If you’re a Disneyphile you will enjoy the inside look at how the Magic is created.

[Anargyros Antonopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect “ending” to an amazing man’s life and legacy. “Travels with Figment” really pulls on your heartstrings and does so in a way that you’re left more inspired than you began. A true testament to the life of Marty Sklar. I found myself in tears by the end of it and thankful that this man not only helped shape the Walt Disney Company into what it is today but thankful for the fact that he continued to inspire so many even to this day!