Together in the Dream: The Unique Careers of a Husband and Wife in the Early Decades of Walt Disney World

by Suzanne Ogren, Randy Ogren, Bob McLain (Editor)

R.J. painted Animatronic figures and "plussed" attractions. Suzanne drove monorails, marched in parades, and entertained as Sleepy the dwarf. Together, the Ogrens brought their unique skills to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom during its formative years. This is their story. R.J. and Suzanne were indeed "together in the dream": their adventures as husband-and-wife cast members spanned the backstage areas of iconic attractions, Main Street parades, and Disney executive offices. They worked with celebrities, Disney artists like Marc and Alice Davis, and the fun-loving, creative geniuses who called the "Animation Art Studio" home. Among the stories the Ogrens JOIN R.J. AND SUZANNE IN THIS UNIQUE ACCOUNT OF WORKING AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM!

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2015

Reviews

[Brian Finegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, if you're a Disney and went during its early years this brings back a rush of memories. I got to meet both authors at a local event, they were so nice. I talked with them a while and they filled me in on upcoming chapters since I wasn't done. about 20 pages left. It was like true life narration. the best part was finding out we even had connections related to people mentioned in the book. cannot wait for the next one!

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and I recommend it to anybody it is a book for all people.I had an amazing time reading this book and it is now my favorite book of ALL.Each chapter took me on a journey that I will never forget its set in my memory.I could also read this book over and over a million times.

[Bill Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the adventures of Suzanne and R.J., behind the scenes at Walt Disney World, make me want to feel like a kid again and return to the fabled theme park that I only visited once, and that as an adult. A very enjoyable read, I can't wait for the next installment.

[T.J. Chenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read!

This book is absolutely fantastic. RJ and Suzanne are such incredible people with so much talent and reading their stories is so much fun and very inspiring.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One Word Book Review for this would be "Authentic." Suzanne and R.J. Ogren have collected stories from their time working at Walt Disney World and present them in a joyful and loving style. The cynics among us may read this and think it's too cheery, they seem too thankful for the time spent as cast members, they are too adorably in love with each other, the"magic" of being paid to work on and inside Disney attractions is overblown. But it's not. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Suzanne and R.J. quite at random one evening at Mizners Lounge in the Grand Floridian. We were there as part of our 20th anniversary trip and they were there celebrating their 50th. We both proudly wore Happy Anniversary buttons and the bartender noticed and introduced us. We heard first hand several of the stories in this book, which was fun. We also saw the look on each of their faces as R.J. requested favorite songs from the jazz band playing just outside the bar (something Suzanne mentions in one of her stories, see....authentic). These two are simply a happy, totally in love, couple. They clearly love the Disney Magic, which truly exists for those of us who let it.

I wish everyone could meet Suzanne and R.J. in person, even if it were onl for a couple hours in a lounge, but this book is the next best thing. If you've ever been to Walt Disney World and wondered even a little bit about how it was all done, this book is for you. If you are a believer in the Disney Magic, you'll be enthralled by these stories and the way in which they are told. It's joyful autobiography without any of the self aggrandizement that can creep into such books. That's just not who these two are.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves Walt Disney World, anyone with curiosity about how the show is created, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy some quality time with some wonderful, happy, good-natured people with stories to tell.

[Harriet Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a couple who, alternatingly, tell of their careers at Walt Disney World. Each of the authors tells of their experiences during their years there. I found the book to be very enjoyable and easy to read. Many photos are included. Anyone who is interested in Walt Disney World would enjoy reading this book. The couple, both very artistic, had dreamed of working at Disney for many years and the story tells of their work in different jobs and different departments. I recommend it for everyone.

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolutely wonderful read. I felt like I was there at WDW working alongside them. The format of the authors writing subsequent chapters was a brilliant idea.

I urge you to read this book - you will be touched in many ways - the love and dedication of the authors, not only to the Disney dream, but to each other, is the thread that pulls it all together. I could hardly set it aside once I began reading. I caught myself chuckling from time to time and smiling often - bravo to R.J. and Suzanne...

David Ward Davis

[Jeff Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So MUCH fun reading about the life of this couple and how their careers as Diney arists woulnd though the years!