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Designing Disney
Designing Disney sets into history and puts into context the extraordinary contributions of the late John Hench, who, at the age of 94, still came into his office at Imagineering each day. His principles of theme park design, character design, and use of color made him a legendary figure, not only for Disney fans but also for students and aficionados of architecture, engineering, and design. Designing Disney reveals the magic behind John's great discoveries and documents his groundbreaking in several key Design Philosophy examines the values, attitudes, aesthetics, and logic that went into the original concepts for Disney theme parks. In The Art of the Show and The Art of Color, Hench reveals the essence of what makes the parks work so well. And in The Art of Character, he lets the reader in on the how and why of the Disney characters' inherent popularity'their
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 22, 2017
I'd love to buy this book for my permanent collection, but the lowest going hardcover price is $110. I guess that says something about how good it is, though.
I really enjoyed this book and can honestly say I learned a lot about Imagineering, which I wasn't expecting after reading Marty Sklar's "Mickey's Ten Commandments" (a bit of a letdown in terms of educational content). I wasn't overly impressed with the first half of the book (had it ended there, I would have only give it three stars). A lot of it was common sense (e.g. be consistent, don't overstimulate) and on the whole, forgettable; but some of it was provoking in its simplistic ingenuity. For example, the concept of wienies - an object that beacons someone in with its design and placement - makes so much sense; and knowing that everything inside a Disney park from its buildings to its bushes is designed *as* a story makes me appreciate their details and congruity even more.
But where this book really shines is in its chapters on characters and color. I learned more about using color in these 35 pages than in every art book and class I ever took combined. Hench explains the uses of literally every single major color and how the colors react to their environments in the park. For example, they had to paint the castles in each park a different shade because the "blue skies" in Paris, Orlando, Hong Kong, etc. all contain different hues, skewing the perceived colors. It was fascinating to learn how they counteracted this problem, which presented itself every single day. Before they paint anything (a building, say) they actually paint 4x4 boards with single colors and lay them in front of the environment during different times of the day and weather to see how it reads to the eye. The amount of work they put into every detail seems unfathomable.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in Imagineering or how to create beautiful, engaging spaces.
I really enjoyed this book and can honestly say I learned a lot about Imagineering, which I wasn't expecting after reading Marty Sklar's "Mickey's Ten Commandments" (a bit of a letdown in terms of educational content). I wasn't overly impressed with the first half of the book (had it ended there, I would have only give it three stars). A lot of it was common sense (e.g. be consistent, don't overstimulate) and on the whole, forgettable; but some of it was provoking in its simplistic ingenuity. For example, the concept of wienies - an object that beacons someone in with its design and placement - makes so much sense; and knowing that everything inside a Disney park from its buildings to its bushes is designed *as* a story makes me appreciate their details and congruity even more.
But where this book really shines is in its chapters on characters and color. I learned more about using color in these 35 pages than in every art book and class I ever took combined. Hench explains the uses of literally every single major color and how the colors react to their environments in the park. For example, they had to paint the castles in each park a different shade because the "blue skies" in Paris, Orlando, Hong Kong, etc. all contain different hues, skewing the perceived colors. It was fascinating to learn how they counteracted this problem, which presented itself every single day. Before they paint anything (a building, say) they actually paint 4x4 boards with single colors and lay them in front of the environment during different times of the day and weather to see how it reads to the eye. The amount of work they put into every detail seems unfathomable.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in Imagineering or how to create beautiful, engaging spaces.
December 22, 2020
Superb insight into the creative arm that drove this company.
February 5, 2021
It was surprisingly tedious and uninteresting in parts (my mind wandered in areas). However, there were some fascinating behind the scenes tidbits throughout.
March 27, 2019
Easily my favorite book, shooting past Harry Potter & Six of Crows.
The way John Hench introduces the challenges of designing each element of Disneyland is remarkably informative and humble at the same time. He never comes across as a condescending know-it-all, and yet his expertise shines through walking through each element of the theme park, hitting on each of the highlights.
I find his teachings in character (consistency), color (emotion evocation), storytelling, and place (milieu) applicable not only to theme park creation, but also to my work in app development, user interfaces, character design, technical problem solving, and creative storytelling. He teaches down to the details while staying general enough to transcend boundaries of profession and discipline. He draws from familiar examples -- Mickey's characteristics, Disneyland rides like Space Mountain -- but shines a new light on them, showcasing their stories in the mold of challenges: turning the 2D of animation into the 3D of walkaround park counterparts, and devising the proper settings in which to show each character. At first, I thought the text was too dumbed down and basic to be enlightening, but as John Hench stringed together basic examples to concoct more complicated solutions -- like his way of fitting buildings into Main Street, spewing water from a fountain, or breathing new life into a derelict theme restaurant -- I quickly realized that this was not a dumbing down: it was well-written simplicity, breaking a grueling task down into its understandable, applicable constituent parts and lessons.
It was a joy to read, and something I'll carry with me and recommend to colleagues for the rest of my life.
The way John Hench introduces the challenges of designing each element of Disneyland is remarkably informative and humble at the same time. He never comes across as a condescending know-it-all, and yet his expertise shines through walking through each element of the theme park, hitting on each of the highlights.
I find his teachings in character (consistency), color (emotion evocation), storytelling, and place (milieu) applicable not only to theme park creation, but also to my work in app development, user interfaces, character design, technical problem solving, and creative storytelling. He teaches down to the details while staying general enough to transcend boundaries of profession and discipline. He draws from familiar examples -- Mickey's characteristics, Disneyland rides like Space Mountain -- but shines a new light on them, showcasing their stories in the mold of challenges: turning the 2D of animation into the 3D of walkaround park counterparts, and devising the proper settings in which to show each character. At first, I thought the text was too dumbed down and basic to be enlightening, but as John Hench stringed together basic examples to concoct more complicated solutions -- like his way of fitting buildings into Main Street, spewing water from a fountain, or breathing new life into a derelict theme restaurant -- I quickly realized that this was not a dumbing down: it was well-written simplicity, breaking a grueling task down into its understandable, applicable constituent parts and lessons.
It was a joy to read, and something I'll carry with me and recommend to colleagues for the rest of my life.
January 13, 2020
The text felt longer/more repetitive than it needed to be to me, but all the examples and associated concept art (or storyboards, colorboards, photos, etc.) are fantastic. So honestly, mostly here for the concept art.
The first section, about show, is going to be very unsurprising to anyone who has read any other Imagineering book. The sections about visual storytelling, character, and color certainly have some overlap with other Imagineering books, but it's less. Visual storytelling and character have a lot about adapting animation ideas to theme parks, and the color section was probably what I found most new and interesting. (Lots about aging, using different shades at different heights so that they look like the same color, thinking about reflection, etc.)
The first section, about show, is going to be very unsurprising to anyone who has read any other Imagineering book. The sections about visual storytelling, character, and color certainly have some overlap with other Imagineering books, but it's less. Visual storytelling and character have a lot about adapting animation ideas to theme parks, and the color section was probably what I found most new and interesting. (Lots about aging, using different shades at different heights so that they look like the same color, thinking about reflection, etc.)
February 16, 2023
John Hench, who had a long career as a Disney Imagineer, has written a colorful and informative book about some of the projects he worked on over the decades. He particularly discusses the use of forced perspective and color in designs used around the various theme park attractions and resort areas. It was a visually appealing, interesting look at some Disney history and well loved imagery that guests have enjoyed in the past, and still enjoy today.
Prompts this book fits for reading challenges: celebrity, history, Florida, set in a workplace, misdirection.
Prompts this book fits for reading challenges: celebrity, history, Florida, set in a workplace, misdirection.
December 28, 2023
Decent collection of art and anecdotes, mostly from the development of Disneyland and Epcot. The art was all pretty incredible and hearing about Disney’s care for guests was inspiring. John Hench clearly is an amazing artist and professional though the book can be a bit repetitive in theme and of course, is glowing in its appraisal of Disney. Not necessarily a book I would read again, but one I would flip through for the art again.
November 15, 2020
Imagineering & the Imagineers themselves are a great interest of mine. This book delves into the mind & work of one of the most influential of their ranks: John Hench. He offers some brilliant insights into his design process as well as some interesting artwork. However, with all I had previously read about Hench, I felt the book should offer more: More insight, more commentary & more artwork.
January 9, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. While this book gets deeper into the technical details than most I've read, it still only scratches the surface. I feel like Ibmight just have to get into Imagineering itself to learn the stuff I want to know. But this was a VERY good read... Very quick, too.
August 12, 2017
Great and informative, however, many areas seemed repetitive and not as in depth as the title suggested. Fantastic nuanced stories from the early days of Disneyland/ Walt Disney World.
March 26, 2019
Inspiring perspective re the methodology and process of imagineering, applicable elsewhere.
January 3, 2025
To read this book is to be inside the mind of a genius. I wasn’t just learning what Hench did, but also why he did it.
September 9, 2025
Couldn’t put it down, love me some John Hench
October 17, 2025
First half significantly more interesting than the second half.
September 4, 2013
Reading John Hench’s Designing Disney: Imagineering and the Art of the Show reminded me a bit of my trip to Las Vegas last December. Although we usually think of Imagineering in terms of Disney theme parks, the core ideas of the job apply to most anywhere people gather to relax and have fun. In that respect, Vegas must be the biggest example of Imagineering on Earth. While exploring the various casinos, I was very aware of how everything was designed in a way to create a world away from the world, preferably to get patrons plopped down at the slots. While some casinos treat this idea as an afterthought, the immersive themeing of places like New York New York or Paris, Las Vegas (where even the men’s bathrooms have a quaint “Paris in 1900″ aura) never failed to impress. It made me wish that everything in my life was Imagineered.
Which brings me to this book! Amongst Disney Imagineers, John Hench had the most durability (having served at Disney for an astonishing 65 years) and was the one whose ambition and scope most resembled Walt Disney’s own. He’s the one responsible for conceptualizing much of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland (original and 1967 remodel), the Enchanted Tiki Room and Main Street U.S.A. Beautiful achievements all, and all the more impressive when one realizes the work encompasses architecture, signage, interior design, costumes and even the floors below guests’ feet. The proof of this is displayed throughout the book in fabulous renderings that called to mind the work of Syd Mead.
The renderings are really what makes this book special. Unfortunately the great imagery is offset with lousy, unprofessional looking fonts. Hench’s text itself (co-authored with Peggy Van Pelt) is rather rudimentary and textbook-like; I would picture the ideal audience for this book as young would-be Imagineers in their teens. Despite those disappointments, there are a lot of great anecdotes in here. I was especially fascinated with how Hench and his fellow Imagineers explored color possibilities for a hotel exterior in Disneyland Paris by factoring in the area’s climate and lack of sunlight at various times of the day. Tiny details like that are something that an ordinary theme park guest would never consider, but added together they complete the immersive experience. All in a day’s work for Mr. Hench.
- Scrubbles.net review, May 9, 2010
Which brings me to this book! Amongst Disney Imagineers, John Hench had the most durability (having served at Disney for an astonishing 65 years) and was the one whose ambition and scope most resembled Walt Disney’s own. He’s the one responsible for conceptualizing much of Disneyland’s Tomorrowland (original and 1967 remodel), the Enchanted Tiki Room and Main Street U.S.A. Beautiful achievements all, and all the more impressive when one realizes the work encompasses architecture, signage, interior design, costumes and even the floors below guests’ feet. The proof of this is displayed throughout the book in fabulous renderings that called to mind the work of Syd Mead.
The renderings are really what makes this book special. Unfortunately the great imagery is offset with lousy, unprofessional looking fonts. Hench’s text itself (co-authored with Peggy Van Pelt) is rather rudimentary and textbook-like; I would picture the ideal audience for this book as young would-be Imagineers in their teens. Despite those disappointments, there are a lot of great anecdotes in here. I was especially fascinated with how Hench and his fellow Imagineers explored color possibilities for a hotel exterior in Disneyland Paris by factoring in the area’s climate and lack of sunlight at various times of the day. Tiny details like that are something that an ordinary theme park guest would never consider, but added together they complete the immersive experience. All in a day’s work for Mr. Hench.
- Scrubbles.net review, May 9, 2010
January 12, 2015
Artists can always profit from lessons delivered by the masters, and, often times, the lessons transcend the different artistic forms. Musicians can learn from writers. Painters can learn from architects. Dancers can learn from sculptors.
As John Hench says in this book, "The rules of art are the rules of life." The things that make art work do so because art - in all its forms - is both a reflection and an expression of human experience.
Given all of that, plenty of books have been written about the Disney empire's business model. This is the first I've had the opportunity to read that has delved into what drives the creative side of one of Disney's greatest artists. It's a peek behind the curtain with one of the men who went back almost to the very beginning. If there was an authority on Disney's artistic design concepts - both for animation and the amusement parks - John Hench was probably it.
The book is not a long read, and it certainly left me wanting to know more about the details of Disney artistic philosophy. I would have welcomed more depth, to be sure. But there are some brilliant and thought-provoking insights provided here that all artistically-inclined people can learn from, such as: genuinely appreciating & liking your audience and doing your best to see things from their perspective (Walt himself used to walk through Disneyland in disguise in order to interact directly with its attendees), the vital importance of paying attention to small details (like proper period doorknobs & cash registers to keep with the theme of attractions, shops & restaurants), and the invaluable nature of trial-and-error experience (like the 26 attempts at finding the right shade of pink for the castle in Disneyland Paris).
Hench is, as many masterful artists tend to be, somewhat enigmatic and ambiguous. But, his insights and stories are well worth reading. I came away with a new found understanding and respect for the attitudes and artistic worldview that created some of the world's most famous cultural icons, and any artist looking to glean a bit of inspiration can definitely find it here.
As John Hench says in this book, "The rules of art are the rules of life." The things that make art work do so because art - in all its forms - is both a reflection and an expression of human experience.
Given all of that, plenty of books have been written about the Disney empire's business model. This is the first I've had the opportunity to read that has delved into what drives the creative side of one of Disney's greatest artists. It's a peek behind the curtain with one of the men who went back almost to the very beginning. If there was an authority on Disney's artistic design concepts - both for animation and the amusement parks - John Hench was probably it.
The book is not a long read, and it certainly left me wanting to know more about the details of Disney artistic philosophy. I would have welcomed more depth, to be sure. But there are some brilliant and thought-provoking insights provided here that all artistically-inclined people can learn from, such as: genuinely appreciating & liking your audience and doing your best to see things from their perspective (Walt himself used to walk through Disneyland in disguise in order to interact directly with its attendees), the vital importance of paying attention to small details (like proper period doorknobs & cash registers to keep with the theme of attractions, shops & restaurants), and the invaluable nature of trial-and-error experience (like the 26 attempts at finding the right shade of pink for the castle in Disneyland Paris).
Hench is, as many masterful artists tend to be, somewhat enigmatic and ambiguous. But, his insights and stories are well worth reading. I came away with a new found understanding and respect for the attitudes and artistic worldview that created some of the world's most famous cultural icons, and any artist looking to glean a bit of inspiration can definitely find it here.
January 17, 2012
As a Disney nerd, I'm ashamed to admit I had not heard of John Hench prior to reading this book. However, I now have a much greater appreciation for what a unique talent he is. Probably the most enjoyable aspect of this book is its wealth of concept drawings created by Hench for various attractions at the parks. Hench began as an animator, so his skills as a draftsman are very impressive. But his concept drawings even go beyond that, they are absolutely full of life and creativity.
In addition to the drawings, Hench does an excellent job of explaining the thought process used for creating new attractions. There are so many details in the Disney parks that most guests pick up only subconsciously. But when Hench points out all these different facets, you can't help but admire the genius in it. The design techniques he describes are valuable not only for theme park design, but for any creative industry.
Hench worked directly with Walt Disney from the creation of Disneyland onward. His obvious admiration for the man still comes through in his writing. And his stories of working with Walt are a pleasure to read.
In addition to the drawings, Hench does an excellent job of explaining the thought process used for creating new attractions. There are so many details in the Disney parks that most guests pick up only subconsciously. But when Hench points out all these different facets, you can't help but admire the genius in it. The design techniques he describes are valuable not only for theme park design, but for any creative industry.
Hench worked directly with Walt Disney from the creation of Disneyland onward. His obvious admiration for the man still comes through in his writing. And his stories of working with Walt are a pleasure to read.
June 27, 2014
While the book is peppered with insights, it's really, really, really incoherent. I can't tell if it's because Hench is insane, or if it's because he's insecure about the points he's making, and therefore fluffs them up into Highfalutin Language.
At the beginning, for example, he states that the three basic components of themed design are Story, Character, and Color. He never goes on to explain why he believes that Color is as important as Story, or why it's more important than, say, Architecture. After alluding to the significance of Color for most of the book, when he finally reaches the chapter where he explains how Color can be used as a language, it's full of "insights" like, "Green reminds the audience of nature."
To me, the most revealing part of the book was the sentence, "A line is a recording of action, which expresses the revelation of life." Hench never qualifies its relevance to anything else in the book, and if you think about it for more than three seconds, it doesn't make sense, but there's a poetry to it which can be rewarding, in and of itself.
At the beginning, for example, he states that the three basic components of themed design are Story, Character, and Color. He never goes on to explain why he believes that Color is as important as Story, or why it's more important than, say, Architecture. After alluding to the significance of Color for most of the book, when he finally reaches the chapter where he explains how Color can be used as a language, it's full of "insights" like, "Green reminds the audience of nature."
To me, the most revealing part of the book was the sentence, "A line is a recording of action, which expresses the revelation of life." Hench never qualifies its relevance to anything else in the book, and if you think about it for more than three seconds, it doesn't make sense, but there's a poetry to it which can be rewarding, in and of itself.
December 21, 2014
I was excited for this book, because I'm always interested in an Imagineer's view of the Disney Parks, and of course John Hench is one of the greats. The book features amazing concept are of attractions past and present, along with many that were never built. Sadly, the text is a jumbled mess.
The book is full of headings about the value of "color" and "story", each followed by paragraph after paragraph of whimsical nonsense.
It would have been great to hear some stories from WED Enterprises and from the creation of iconic rides, or some real insights about Hench's approach to theme park design. Sadly, there's almost none of those, and the book only earns a second star because of the great artwork.
The book is full of headings about the value of "color" and "story", each followed by paragraph after paragraph of whimsical nonsense.
It would have been great to hear some stories from WED Enterprises and from the creation of iconic rides, or some real insights about Hench's approach to theme park design. Sadly, there's almost none of those, and the book only earns a second star because of the great artwork.
August 4, 2009
This book was enjoyable on several fronts. The pictures (especially Hench's drawings from the late 50s and 60s) are gorgeous. The chapter on using color was a revelation. And the reminiscences of Walt Disney and Imagineers Hench worked with over a long career are nuggets of gold. I read the first half of the book on the plane coming back from DisneyWorld, so it is not a ponderous tome. But I chose to slowly savor the remainder of the book. That's the only reason it sat in my "currently reading" shelf as long as it did.
February 7, 2018
This is the best design book I've read. John Hench's style is very forward, and full of personal reminiscences of a man who stood next to Disney and Dali, and is a key to many of the designs in Disney's history. He opens the door into his mind, showing us not only what he did, but why, and how it all came together. Filled with sketches and notes about attractions built and only dreamed up, it's a wonderful trip to take. And the graphics are beautiful as well. A well put together, fascinating book highly recommended for anyone with an interest in how Disney's imagineers create their magic.
December 6, 2010
Wonderful and interesting book full of amazing archival photos, drawings and sketches. The only reason it's not 5 stars is because it was a little surface. I would have loved MORE details, MORE depth and MORE behind the scenes info. There was some and I learned a few things (tough for a Florida Resident Annual Passholder who really knows her Disney trivia!) but I could have gone for even more.
Still, it's a really cool book and worth being on the library shelf of any Disney fan.
Still, it's a really cool book and worth being on the library shelf of any Disney fan.
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July 1, 2011One of the very best books about the design philosophy of Disney Imagineering, written by a Disney Legend. John Hench, whose work at Imagineering included work on signature attractions like the Cinderella Castles at Orlando and Tokyo, Space Mountain, and many others, records here his thoughts on design, theming, and the audience relationship. Seldom have I felt so much as if I were being given a personal glimpse of an artist's self-understanding. The book is a joy to read.
May 1, 2015
Great book by a Disney Legend! If you're an Imagineering fan or a Disney fan this gives you a great glimpse into the mind of one of the most legendary designers Disney has ever seen. This is filled with some truly beautiful original sketches, it answers some questions and has some details that even the greatest enthusiast might not know, but above all its a great Disney fix for the time being. Warning: If you are a Disney fan this will make you want to plan a trip!
March 20, 2007
I enjoyed this very much. It's a rare look inside what makes the Disney theme parks so amazing ---a first hand account of the Imagineering creative process by one of the oldest Disney Imagineers still actually in the business--John Hench. Interesting discussions of design techniques and color theories for creating immersive story worlds.
November 10, 2009
Interesting book by a man who spent his career helping create the Disney theme parks. I would have liked it more if it hadn't been so DisneyLand-centric. Also, it is pretty out-of-date now, so many of the rides and items discussed have been changed.
Definitely would be a fun read before visiting.
Definitely would be a fun read before visiting.
May 9, 2015
This book was pretty neat. While the text was relatively light in terms of content, the images of concept art from the Disney Parks were very inspiring. My favorite thing about Disneyland is the incredible attention to detail and completely immersive and carefully planned design, and it was fun to get a look behind the scenes from one of the key guys who made it all happen.
November 11, 2012
Part of my pre-Disney reading. This is mainly sketches with thoughts thrown in. I really like the shots of the old school - 70s era Mickey Mouse costumes, which look so human because it was just a head with a human body underneath. Some interesting information and beautiful photos.
September 29, 2013
I have yet to find a Disney book detailed enough for me but I really enjoyed the perspective of this book since the design of Disney is one of the aspects of the parks that interests me the most. I also really liked all of the concept art. I just want it to go on longer.
May 20, 2015
Pretty much the Disney Imagineering Bible for anyone interested in the how and why of the Disney Parks and their creative. John Hench gives an underrepresented look into the methodology behind Disneyland and the other Disney theme parks.
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