I don't normally read autobiographies but this book called to me because it was written by Marty Sklar, a legendary Disney Imagineer whose career spanned fifty years and who participated in all the Disney parks across the world.
What makes this book a great recommendation on my travel-oriented blog is the fact that you will learn the history behind many of the popular rides or even rides that no longer exist in addition to the building of the parks. Marty's book is extremely detailed littered with quotes and recollections throughout his career.
Next time you visit Disneyland in California, look at the second floor window of City Hall to see it dedicated to Marty: "Main Street College of Arts and Sciences, Martin a. Sklar, Dean, Inspiring the Dreamers and Doers of Tomorrow". It was dedicated on July 17, 2009 on his retirement day and the 54th anniversary of Disneyland.
The 1964-1965 World's Fair in New York, Disney introduced the Carousel of Progress (which was moved to Disneyland in 1970 and then to Magic Kingdom in 1975 and is currently still running but is supposed to be getting an upgrade) in addition to audio-animatronics. The PeopleMover was also introduced at the fair and later was featured at Disneyland then Magic Kingdom. (And it was installed at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in 1981).
In 1857, Anaheim was a colony of German farmers. "Heim" in German means "Home". Ana is derived from Santa Ana River. Walt Disney hired Buzz Price to scout a perfect location for Disneyland and he ultimately decided Anaheim was ideal due to location and climate. At that time, Walt paid $4500 per acre for an initial 160 acres (he later expanded to 456 acres).
Marty describes the work to open Disneyland on July 17, 1955 and the issues they faced (like non-working water fountains). In 1959, several major additions were made to Disneyland: The Submarine Voyage (which they claimed at the time was the eighth largest submarine fleet in the world), The Matterhorn Bobsleds (the first roller coaster in the world to use tubular track and a special eletronic dispatch system to enable more than one vehicle on the track simulataneously), and the first daily operating Monorail System in the Western Hemisphere.
Disney purchased 27,400 acres of swampland in Orlando, Florida at $200 per acre. They designed Cinderella's Castle to be much taller than Disneyland's 77-foot Sleeping Beauty Castle so it can be seen a mile away at the TTC (Transporation and Ticketing Center)(and also at the nearby resorts). Cinderella's Castle stretches up to 189 feet. If the castle had been 200 feet it would have been required to have a red light on top to warn aircraft. Walt Disney World' Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971. Adult admission on opening day was $3.50 (now it ranges from $179 to $229 depending on busy dates). At the end of its first year, attendance had grown to 10.7 million making it the most visited theme park in the world (it still is today at about 17.8 million visitors in 2025).
The book also discusses many of the leaders that have been through Disney and some controversies. It's a really interesting read for Disney fans and anyone planning a trip to one of the Disney parks to get a little bit of background.
Title: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms
Author: Marty Sklar
ISBN: 978-1423174066
Pages: 384
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