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Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career
A forty-year storied career-beginning in the dish room at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland, Kevin Rafferty has conceived, designed, written, and overseen the creation of some of the Disney parks most memorable attractions including Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks, Cars Land, Toy Story Mania, Test Track, Tower of Terror, MuppetVision, and many others.including the first-ever Mickey and Minnie Mouse attraction set to debut at Walt Disney World in 2019. For a young man who began studying for the priesthood at a seminary, the journey to halls of Imagineering has truly been a magical one. A master storyteller, Kevin chronicles his unimaginable career with great humor, honesty, and heart.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2019
72 people are currently reading
932 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 12, 2020
A magical journey through an incredibly creative, genius man’s life as a Disney Imagineer. It’s the job everyone wants but only few have and thrive in, but Kevin’s description of an Imagineer is a thing of dreams. This man’s love and dedication to his work is clear, and I loved getting to hear his stories. He writes as I imagine he would talk, crafting tales with the details, pauses, and plots you’d expect from an expert storyteller. How lucky we can sit down and imagine Kevin standing in front of us, waving his life in front of us with color and spirit. For any Disney fan this is a must read, and an inspiring book for times like these when the magic feels further off than usual.
February 6, 2021
A really delightful and inspiring read of Rafferty’s 40 year career as a Disney Imagineer. He weaves great stories and funny anecdotes with great insider information on how his largest projects came together. The only reason that I give 4 instead of 5 stars is that yes it’s apparent that he’s worked incredibly hard but there’s not a lot of personal struggle or reflection on his family’s mindset of all that time spent away or moments where he may have wondered whether he was doing the right thing. But this is a Disney published book so it’s going to be told with Mickey Eared and rose colored glasses. It’s hard to read sometimes bc it feels like a Boomer dream to get to work someplace for 40 years and retire on your own terms. But beyond those critiques-ish moments it’s a really charming and uplifting read.
March 26, 2020
Kevin Rafferty is an incredible story teller, and that shouldn't surprise me given his career at Disney. He does such a good job in this book talking about the many attractions he's led at Disney, including Radiator Springs Racers, Toy Story Midway Mania, and The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management), plus so many more. The story of how he even got to Imagineering is amazing in itself. This is a must read if you're a fan of theme parks or just want to read a great story.
January 18, 2023
Kevin had a fantastic life story, from being a dishwasher at Disneyland to designing rides such as the Tower of Terror. I wished we got more of his life story and that every chapter was as revealing and fascinating as the Cars Land chapter! Seeing the full journey from pre-concept to research trips to completion was amazing. Some sections felt underbaked in comparison, and I wanted to know more about my favorite attractions! 7/10
January 5, 2021
An absolute joy to read, Rafferty is funny and engaging and most importantly, passionate about his life's work which really shines through. My favorite parts were all of the notes and letters he shared.
August 17, 2021
A fantastic look at a prolific imagineer. Recommended for any theme park fan, Disney or otherwise.
February 20, 2022
If you have any interest at all in Disney Parks history or in Imagineering, please pick up this book. Absolutely charming.
April 23, 2021
Painfully old-school corny. I just wanted the facts, man! (p.s. I feel guilty being harsh on the guy. Feels like beating up your sweet granddad.)
December 12, 2021
I've read quite a bit about Walt Disney, and about Disney corporate/Bob Iger, but this is the first book by an Imagineer about what goes on to bring these amazing ideas to life in the Disney Parks. And what better behind-the-scenes tour than one you can take with Kevin Rafferty, one of the iconic "second generation Imagineers"?
Having spent nearly 40 years working for The Walt Disney Company, Rafferty began his career humbly working in the basement of The Plaza Inn on Main Street in Disneyland as a dishwasher, but quickly went on to other, more notable roles. If you've been on gives you stories of California Adventure, Toy Story Mania, Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster, Carsland, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (among others), you get a great sense of the importance of storytelling with every Disney attraction, how ideas are generated (and "plussed up", or improved with group feedback), and about how Kevin and his peers built on the past "first generation" Imagineers like X Atencio and Claude Coates that brought us attractions like the Haunted Mansion.
As Rafferty looks back on his 40+ year career, he ends on a high note with an open letter for the current generation of Imagineers, Cast Members, and those that dream of joining the ranks of these amazing engineers, storytellers, and dreamers.
If you're interested in the Disney Parks, and want a guided tour of how some of the magic is brought to life, add this one to your list!
Having spent nearly 40 years working for The Walt Disney Company, Rafferty began his career humbly working in the basement of The Plaza Inn on Main Street in Disneyland as a dishwasher, but quickly went on to other, more notable roles. If you've been on gives you stories of California Adventure, Toy Story Mania, Aerosmith's Rockin Roller Coaster, Carsland, and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (among others), you get a great sense of the importance of storytelling with every Disney attraction, how ideas are generated (and "plussed up", or improved with group feedback), and about how Kevin and his peers built on the past "first generation" Imagineers like X Atencio and Claude Coates that brought us attractions like the Haunted Mansion.
As Rafferty looks back on his 40+ year career, he ends on a high note with an open letter for the current generation of Imagineers, Cast Members, and those that dream of joining the ranks of these amazing engineers, storytellers, and dreamers.
If you're interested in the Disney Parks, and want a guided tour of how some of the magic is brought to life, add this one to your list!
January 12, 2024
Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career
There are many books written about the history of the Disney parks, the attractions, the hotels, the shows, but it is rare to read a detailed account of one who worked there. Mr. Rafferty has worked there for forty years, throughout most of the great expansions, renovations and rescue of the parks during their rebirth in the years 15 years after Walt Disney’s death.
I would love to sit down with Mr. Rafferty and watch him recount these stories face to face. His method of storytelling works well in person. However, it does not translate well to the printed page. Somewhere near the beginning he brags that an editor acquaintance informed him he didn’t need much of it. That editor blatantly lied. I have never read such a convoluted, ADHD influenced, rambling series of stories.
Once I put the pieces together, and found a way to understand what he was trying to say, I was excited to get this glimpse behind the curtain on how our favorite attractions came to be. I listened to him promote the book on the D23 Inside Disney podcast, and his excitement is infectious. I know a lot of people, including Mr. Rafferty, were excited to write/hear/read all of these details, and I am one of them.
Massive editing, a reduction in the abundance of inside-jokes that were jarring in their placement and perhaps focusing more on project details, would make this book much better. Details are present, but again, you have to have a pad of paper, and perhaps a road map, to understand what he’s trying to say. I had such high hopes for this book, but it’s not quite what it could have been.
There are many books written about the history of the Disney parks, the attractions, the hotels, the shows, but it is rare to read a detailed account of one who worked there. Mr. Rafferty has worked there for forty years, throughout most of the great expansions, renovations and rescue of the parks during their rebirth in the years 15 years after Walt Disney’s death.
I would love to sit down with Mr. Rafferty and watch him recount these stories face to face. His method of storytelling works well in person. However, it does not translate well to the printed page. Somewhere near the beginning he brags that an editor acquaintance informed him he didn’t need much of it. That editor blatantly lied. I have never read such a convoluted, ADHD influenced, rambling series of stories.
Once I put the pieces together, and found a way to understand what he was trying to say, I was excited to get this glimpse behind the curtain on how our favorite attractions came to be. I listened to him promote the book on the D23 Inside Disney podcast, and his excitement is infectious. I know a lot of people, including Mr. Rafferty, were excited to write/hear/read all of these details, and I am one of them.
Massive editing, a reduction in the abundance of inside-jokes that were jarring in their placement and perhaps focusing more on project details, would make this book much better. Details are present, but again, you have to have a pad of paper, and perhaps a road map, to understand what he’s trying to say. I had such high hopes for this book, but it’s not quite what it could have been.
October 27, 2019
Kevin’s career in WDI is one of very best examples of the creativity and flexibility an Imagineer needs to thrive. Kevin is part of the second generation of imagineers, his mentors were legends like Marty Sklar, X Atencio and John Hench. He went from rejecting participating in the creation of the original Disney California Adventure Park to creating Toy Story Midway Mania and Cars Land to help bring the park to its new era, one where it is “more like Disneyland”. Additionally to the stories shared, this book is the funniest Imagineering book you’ll read, there are a lot of comments, anecdotes and jokes in every chapter that’ll make you laugh out loud. Great book for Theme Park and Imagineering fans.
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La carrera de Kevin Rafferty en WDI es uno de los mejores ejemplos de creatividad y flexibilidad que un Imagineer necesita para prosperar. Kevin es parte de la segunda generación de imagineers, sus mentores fueron leyendas como Marty Sklar, X Atencio y John Hench. Pasó de rechazar participar en la creación del parque Disney California Adventure original a crear Toy Story Midway Mania y Cars Land para ayudar a llevar el parque a su nueva era, una en la que es "más como Disneyland". Además de las historias compartidas, este libro es el más divertido sobre Imagineering que existen, hay sin fin de comentarios, anécdotas y chistes en cada capítulo que te harán reír a carcajadas. Gran libro para los fanáticos de los parques temáticos.
—————
La carrera de Kevin Rafferty en WDI es uno de los mejores ejemplos de creatividad y flexibilidad que un Imagineer necesita para prosperar. Kevin es parte de la segunda generación de imagineers, sus mentores fueron leyendas como Marty Sklar, X Atencio y John Hench. Pasó de rechazar participar en la creación del parque Disney California Adventure original a crear Toy Story Midway Mania y Cars Land para ayudar a llevar el parque a su nueva era, una en la que es "más como Disneyland". Además de las historias compartidas, este libro es el más divertido sobre Imagineering que existen, hay sin fin de comentarios, anécdotas y chistes en cada capítulo que te harán reír a carcajadas. Gran libro para los fanáticos de los parques temáticos.
September 16, 2019
For die-hard Disney Parks fans like myself, MAGIC JOURNEY by Imagineer Kevin Rafferty is a must read. Having developed such timeless rides as Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster (my two all time favorites), Cars Land, Test Track, it’s tough to be a bug, and numerous others, it’s a joy to take a walk with Kevin as he reminisces about his time working on these attractions. It’s certainly a professional memoir, packed with loads of photos, humblebrags, and great cocktail party stories.
Rafferty is extremely likable (we hear get a ton of Dad jokes and puns from him, his specialty) but one of my complaints is that we don’t hear about anything really negative or frustrating about Disney as a company. I would have liked some more insight in the ups and downs of working at such a place, which I imagine are a ton. Instead, the book gives a pretty glossy overview what Imagineering is like. Granted, I know the author would not want to go into details that may jeopardize relationships with his former bosses and coworkers, but I always love hearing both sides of Disney park stories, because as much as the popcorn glistens and the fairy dust sparkles, there are always two sides to every story.
Rafferty is extremely likable (we hear get a ton of Dad jokes and puns from him, his specialty) but one of my complaints is that we don’t hear about anything really negative or frustrating about Disney as a company. I would have liked some more insight in the ups and downs of working at such a place, which I imagine are a ton. Instead, the book gives a pretty glossy overview what Imagineering is like. Granted, I know the author would not want to go into details that may jeopardize relationships with his former bosses and coworkers, but I always love hearing both sides of Disney park stories, because as much as the popcorn glistens and the fairy dust sparkles, there are always two sides to every story.
July 14, 2021
Optimistic, magical, funny, inspirational.
Technically, this book is intended for current Imagineers. To be completely honest, it was a little off-putting as a current student to get through all the magic of Kevin's career and then read a chapter saying "Congrats, you've made it further than most! Of all those resumes, you had something special!" Not yet sir, I haven't even joined that resume pile yet... though this was definitely an encouragement.
Also with this book, it's really easy to get absorbed in the magic of his career and forget the work that went into building it. It puts some THICK rose-colored glasses on you. Maybe that's the point, just further proving that the work hardly feels like work, however, it's something to keep in mind.
But I have no regrets. This book and its story were amazing and magical. While I may not have been the intended audience in the end, this book did encourage me to become that audience.
Disney fans would be entertained and interested in the stories behind the rides they know and love, at least I was. Personally though, I would recommend this more to all aspiring Imagineers and Themed Entertainment professionals. Especially for those in need of optimism.
Technically, this book is intended for current Imagineers. To be completely honest, it was a little off-putting as a current student to get through all the magic of Kevin's career and then read a chapter saying "Congrats, you've made it further than most! Of all those resumes, you had something special!" Not yet sir, I haven't even joined that resume pile yet... though this was definitely an encouragement.
Also with this book, it's really easy to get absorbed in the magic of his career and forget the work that went into building it. It puts some THICK rose-colored glasses on you. Maybe that's the point, just further proving that the work hardly feels like work, however, it's something to keep in mind.
But I have no regrets. This book and its story were amazing and magical. While I may not have been the intended audience in the end, this book did encourage me to become that audience.
Disney fans would be entertained and interested in the stories behind the rides they know and love, at least I was. Personally though, I would recommend this more to all aspiring Imagineers and Themed Entertainment professionals. Especially for those in need of optimism.
June 18, 2022
If you're looking for Disney dirty laundry, you're not going to find it here. The foreword specifically says you're not going to get any of that. If you're looking for detailed behind-the-scenes information about the creation of your favorite attractions, you're not going to get that either. This is a man's memoir of his time as an Imagineer and as a memoir, you're treated to anecdotes about creating these rides, not full break downs. As a memoir reminiscing, I did enjoy it. His career is truly astonishing and since I recently went to DisneyWorld, I have a fuller appreciation of it. I would have like to have known a bit more about Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. That was the only part I felt was a little shortchanged. His final years with the company don't get as much coverage. That being said, if you have a low tolerance for puns or dad jokes, you're going to want to toss this book out of a window by the 10th page. Each page is dripping with them, and even though I don't have a problem with that kind of humor normally, it made it tough to get through the entire book. By the end of it, I was thinking "Yes, we know you're a creative guy! Give it a rest already!"
November 1, 2020
Shallow and facetious.
I think Kevin Rafferty tried to be funny, but the story just didn't feel informative, insightful, or inspirational. It was a string of "I did this, then met him/her, and that happened." The book reads as a string of events, with lots of jokes and parenthetical remarks thrown in.
The book didn't leave me with any takeaways, or any feeling that I could relate to the storyteller. He kept repeating that he wasn't much of a writer, but somehow wrote X, Y, and Z. Words smacked of false humility. The chapters held no common thread, other than the sequence of jobs that led to his work in Imagineering was random. The anecdotes and stories themselves didn't leave any mark: I didn't feel like the characters did things out of the ordinary, or that there was any hustle or personality involved. The entire book felt bleached of any kind of conflict, personal drive, or behind-the-scenes interaction. I don't recommend this at all.
I think Kevin Rafferty tried to be funny, but the story just didn't feel informative, insightful, or inspirational. It was a string of "I did this, then met him/her, and that happened." The book reads as a string of events, with lots of jokes and parenthetical remarks thrown in.
The book didn't leave me with any takeaways, or any feeling that I could relate to the storyteller. He kept repeating that he wasn't much of a writer, but somehow wrote X, Y, and Z. Words smacked of false humility. The chapters held no common thread, other than the sequence of jobs that led to his work in Imagineering was random. The anecdotes and stories themselves didn't leave any mark: I didn't feel like the characters did things out of the ordinary, or that there was any hustle or personality involved. The entire book felt bleached of any kind of conflict, personal drive, or behind-the-scenes interaction. I don't recommend this at all.
May 4, 2020
Want to know what an Imagineer does without just a dry nuts and bolts lesson? This is the book for you.
With more than 40 fantastical years working for Disney under his creative belt, and an extensive track record of delighting Disney park guests with truly unforgettable experiences, Imagineer Kevin Rafferty has a story or two.
There's an endearing rags to rags to riches aspect to his story. Rafferty's writing style charms the reader such that they feel like they’re a pal: celebrating his victories, relishing the clever puns and practical jokes, and toe-tapping along to those playful lyrics. The cherry on top for me in Magic Journey is that Rafferty listened to my favorite song, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, I quote, “ten million times” while doing research on Route 66 for Cars Land.
I don’t recall ever having so much fun while reading a book.
With more than 40 fantastical years working for Disney under his creative belt, and an extensive track record of delighting Disney park guests with truly unforgettable experiences, Imagineer Kevin Rafferty has a story or two.
There's an endearing rags to rags to riches aspect to his story. Rafferty's writing style charms the reader such that they feel like they’re a pal: celebrating his victories, relishing the clever puns and practical jokes, and toe-tapping along to those playful lyrics. The cherry on top for me in Magic Journey is that Rafferty listened to my favorite song, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, I quote, “ten million times” while doing research on Route 66 for Cars Land.
I don’t recall ever having so much fun while reading a book.
July 14, 2021
I'm a fan of books about Disney history and especially Disney Imagineers. The writer was captivating (appropriate given his career), the stories were engaging and the characters were all fabulously brought to life. I loved that it was more recent attractions and things from the park that I experienced both before and after Kevin Rafferty's time. He definitely made a mark on the parks experience for this Disney-lover and the book is a great testament to that. I rarely give 5-star reviews, but this one earned it!
July 24, 2021
Take the chance. Make something happen. Nothing will happen if you do nothing! - Kevin Rafferty (2019)
I will Kevin, I will. - Keir Rhodie (2021)
Honestly such a nice read and Kevin's career is so inspiring. To think he was a dishwasher and went on to create some of my favourite rides at Disneyworld (Test Track, Rockin Rollercoaster, Carousel of Progress - 1994 version). Also Disneyland but I haven't been yet.
Finishing his book today made me smile so much. His book just wanted me to go back to WDW.
I will Kevin, I will. - Keir Rhodie (2021)
Honestly such a nice read and Kevin's career is so inspiring. To think he was a dishwasher and went on to create some of my favourite rides at Disneyworld (Test Track, Rockin Rollercoaster, Carousel of Progress - 1994 version). Also Disneyland but I haven't been yet.
Finishing his book today made me smile so much. His book just wanted me to go back to WDW.
February 17, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Rafferty does a great job taking the reader through his career at Disney from dishwasher at Disneyland to a long and successful career in Imagineering.
Rafferty goes over his theme park projects that readers would be most interested in. And it seems there are interesting stories to go with every project. The writing is very well done, the author’s writing skills very much evident. An easy and overall enjoyable read for any Disney park fan.
Rafferty goes over his theme park projects that readers would be most interested in. And it seems there are interesting stories to go with every project. The writing is very well done, the author’s writing skills very much evident. An easy and overall enjoyable read for any Disney park fan.
July 13, 2020
What a great story!
If you are a fan of Walt Disney's Imagineers, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I typically will read anything I can get my hands on from Disney Legends and this did not disappoint.Kevin has a great storytellers pace and style that makes it interesting and engaging. Read it!
If you are a fan of Walt Disney's Imagineers, then you will thoroughly enjoy this book. I typically will read anything I can get my hands on from Disney Legends and this did not disappoint.Kevin has a great storytellers pace and style that makes it interesting and engaging. Read it!
July 18, 2020
I LOVED reading this book! I so enjoyed reading about Kevin’s journey from being a dishwasher at Disneyland all the way to designing Cars Land and beyond! It was so fun to get an inside look to the world of Imagineering- the pranks those folks played on each other over the years made me laugh out loud. Any Disney parks fan would absolutely love this book.
February 28, 2024
Such an amazing read. The insight given by the author Kevin P. Rafferty on his long career with WDI is out of this world.
Behind the scenes, stories and more on how some of the best attractions and lands at the parks came to be.
This book takes you on a roller coaster of a journey as told through the eyes of an Imagineer!
A must read for all Disney Fans!
Behind the scenes, stories and more on how some of the best attractions and lands at the parks came to be.
This book takes you on a roller coaster of a journey as told through the eyes of an Imagineer!
A must read for all Disney Fans!
December 29, 2019
The throughline is very meandering and sometimes hard to follow as Kevin jumps around through his 40 year career and shares anecdotes, but I'm fascinated by imagineering and couldn't put it down regardless!
March 7, 2020
This is a must read for Disney fans! I was always curious about the life of an Imagineer and Kevin shares all the secrets into his amazing career. The funny stories Kevin told had me in tears laughing so hard!
February 14, 2021
Great info and reveals of some previously unknown unbuilt attractions. But Rafferty’s constant and overwhelming use of puns meant I could only read in short bursts. I’ve been known to drive a good pun into the ground, and this was a bit much even for me.
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May 6, 2021Truly wonderful
I took a deep emotional journey with Kevin, and loved every minute of it. Truly a wonderful and heartfelt book that any true Disney fan should read and treasure. Here’s to the next fifty years of making the impossible be possible.
I took a deep emotional journey with Kevin, and loved every minute of it. Truly a wonderful and heartfelt book that any true Disney fan should read and treasure. Here’s to the next fifty years of making the impossible be possible.
September 8, 2021
Very well written with lots of love and laughter! Having done both Disneyland and Disneyworld too many times to count, I now desire to go back to both and see the rides with this background knowledge!
June 16, 2025
fun and inspiring
Kevin is a great story teller. Even if you're not a Disney fan, you'll find this book inspiring and fun to read. If you are a fan get ready for a backstage pass to what it's like to be an imagineer.
Kevin is a great story teller. Even if you're not a Disney fan, you'll find this book inspiring and fun to read. If you are a fan get ready for a backstage pass to what it's like to be an imagineer.
July 21, 2020
Amazing, inspiring, will make you appreciate the rides knowing the behind the scenes that Kevin had his hand in. What a great career to be a part of Disney history!
January 21, 2021
A great and funny exploration of Kevin’s career at Disney Imagineering.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews