Stories from Magic Kingdom Park Featured in New Children’s Book by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt

When I was younger, I loved when my parents would read stories to me. I still have my collection of Disney storybooks that I now read to my son. I can’t wait to add the newest book created especially for Disney Parks to that collection. Titled “The Magic Kingdom Storybook,” this incredible 128-page, hardback book was written and illustrated by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt. You may recall Jason from previous Disney Parks Blog articles about Princess Fairytale Hall in New Fantasyland or the Orange Bird in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. This book is amazing; it’s easily at the top of my gift list this year! I recently spoke with Jason to learn more about this exciting new book.

Steven: Why did you write this storybook?

Jason: “As a young kid, I loved our parks but knew nothing about Walt Disney Imagineering so I dreamt of being a Disney animator. I watched a lot of cartoons. In particular, I really loved animated shorts because they told a quick concise story and they were just so fun. I spent a lot of time making my own little stories and would draw and create the worlds for them. Our attractions at Disney Parks are often just like these little stories, so the idea of a storybook that uses the Magic Kingdom Park as its setting felt like a really fun idea to pursue.”

Steven: How long did it take you to write and illustrate this book?

Jason: “I’ve been working on this book for almost three years. I would write the stories first then create the illustrations. The Adventureland story titled “Donald’s Wild Bird Chase” was the first one I completed. I jokingly call that one ‘Clown of the Jungle Cruise’ as the original 1947 Donald Duck short heavily inspired me.”

Steven: The illustrations in the book are beautiful. How were they created?

Jason: “I wanted the illustrations to be bold and graphic but also feel lush and rich. Ultimately, I wanted to try to create a playful look that hasn’t been seen before. I would draw the images by hand then refine the shapes and color and then digitally paint them. Looking back, the process may not have been the most efficient but the outcome was worth it.”

Steven: Walt Disney Imagineering is known for adding hidden surprises or nods into Disney attractions. Are there any in this book?

Jason: “There are a few nods and familiar characters I added to the story illustrations. Fans of the classic Epcot attraction Horizons should keep an open eye. There are homages to some of my favorite WDI artists, and I even added a little nod to my favorite live action Disney film ‘Snowball Express.’”

The book has a retail of $19.99 plus tax, and will be carried in select locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. The book will not be offered online at this point, but you can contact our Merchandise Guest Services team by telephone at 877-560-6477 or by email at Merchandise.Guest.Services@DisneyParks.com to place an order. Please refer to item number 400007803428 when contacting them.

Finally, you can meet Jason at an upcoming appearance inside Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney Marketplace on December 7. He will be meeting with guests and signing his new book from noon to 2:00 p.m. that day.

Stories from Magic Kingdom Park Featured in New Children’s Book by Walt Disney Imagineer Jason Grandt by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Step In Time: Bringing Dumbo’s Circus to the Parade Route at Magic Kingdom Park

In the 1941 film “Dumbo,” there’s a scene in which the circus comes to town in a big way – by parading through the streets and offering a glimpse at fun that awaited would-be customers in the big top. In the scene, the procession includes exotic camels, colorful clowns, Dumbo and more.

In 1979, Walt Disney Entertainment brought a parade inspired by this scene to life at Magic Kingdom Park in the form of Dumbo’s Circus Parade, with famous (and a few long-lost) Disney characters taking up circus roles. The train from Dumbo, Casey Jr., rolled down the parade path, with Winnie the Pooh waving from the caboose. A large three-ring circus float followed with Mickey Mouse dressed as the ringmaster, Minnie Mouse as a lovely aerialist, Donald as a snake charmer and Goofy as circus weightlifter. The circus ended with the clown headquarters, an Engine House float, moving down the line.

Do you remember this parade? Tell us what you enjoyed about it in the “Comments” section below.

For more from the “Step In Time” series, click the links below:

• Step In Time: Mickey’s Birthday Parade Marks 50 Years for the Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park
• Step In Time: Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom Park in 1977
• Step In Time: Main Street Electrical Parade Lights Up Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort

Step In Time: Bringing Dumbo’s Circus to the Parade Route at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap

This week, we shared another behind-the-scenes peek at Disney Parks. The creative team at Disney’s Yellow Shoes Creative Group gave Disney Parks Blog readers a first-of-its-kind look at creating a “Very Merry” ad campaign at Magic Kingdom Park.

Check Will’s original story to learn more about the idea behind this year’s holiday campaign.

And Will unveiled some very merry wallpapers just for Disney Parks Blog readers. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpapers before you download it.

Also, we shared the latest story in a special blog series featuring the history of the Disneyland Monorail. We continued our look back at this iconic Disneyland park attraction with the next model, the Mark II. Check Erin’s original post for the full history and a chance to share some of your favorite Disneyland Monorail memories.

Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week.

Vintage Walt Disney World: Happy Thanksgiving! – Gobble! Gobble! Take a look at this giant turkey strutting down Main Street, U.S.A., during “America on Parade” in 1975.

December Merchandise Events at the Disneyland Resort – Learn about December appearances from some of our favorite artists at Disneyland Resort!

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Gets in the Spirit of Holiday Season at the Disneyland Hotel – Three new specialty drinks have arrived this season at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Every Role a Starring Role – “World of Color” Stage Manager at the Disneyland Resort – Watch “World of Color” Stage Manager Adeena Welle in action!

Mickey Mouse Creates a Magical Reunion For a Military Family at Magic Kingdom Park – Watch as Lt. Colonel Jason Liddell is reunited with his family at Magic Kingdom Park, after 14 months in Afghanistan.

Holiday Treats Delight at the Disneyland Resort – Our Disney Candy Makers have been preparing for December, with over 25 different offerings available this season. Sweet right?

Step In Time: “Mickey’s Birthday Parade” Marks 50 Years For the Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park – Step back to November 18, 1978 with photos of “Mickey’s Birthday Parade” at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog