Dream It! Do It!
Over the years I’ve found that I’m not a big reader. While some enjoy relaxing on the couch with a good book, this is not a really a hobby of mine! There’s only one type of book that I really enjoy and it includes a magical topic (kind of the theme around Kait Around The Kingdom), but specifically the history and stories behind it.
There’s just something about learning everything I can about my favorite place and biggest passion! Luckily for me, Disney has such a rich history that I’ll always have something new to learn.
In addition to the icon that is Walt Disney, Disney history includes several other key players that helped the company to grow to where it is today! Roy Disney was known for his unwavering devotion to making Walt’s dream of the Florida Project a reality. The Sherman Brothers are known for their amazing music that went on to be a part of classic Disney movies and attractions!
One key player in the Disney company that you’ll want to know about is Marty Sklar. Sklar was a part of the Disney for over 50 years, helping to create the magical Disney Parks around the world that we enjoy today! Did you know that Marty Sklar was one of the only people to experience opening day in every Disney Park around the world? From Anaheim in 1955 to Shanghai in 2016, he’s been there for them all — How cool is that?!
So how did Sklar get started at Disney? As a student at UCLA and the editor of the university’s Daily Bruin newspaper in 1955, Marty Sklar was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt Disney’s new theme park! Upon graduation in 1956, Sklar became employed full-time at Disney and became Walt’s right-hand man. He had his hand in everything from marketing efforts to scripting speeches!
Sklar joined WED Enterprises and eventually went on to be the Creative Leader of Imagineering. Because of his close connection to Walt, he was a major part of the development of the Disney Parks and their attractions for three decades! When Sklar retired from the company on July 17, 2009, he was retiring as Executive Vice President and Imagineer Ambassador. After his 54 years at Disney, Marty Sklar recieved one of the highest Disney Parks and Resorts recognitions: A window dedicated in his name on Disney’s City Hall!
With over a half-century at Disney, Marty Sklar had tons of memories at Disney to share and he put them all together in his book Dream It! Do It! My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms.
Looking for opening day stories about your favorite Disney parks? Sklar’s got em! Interested in the 1964 New York World’s Fair and Disney’s involvement? Sklar was there! Can’t get enough of the icon that is Walt Disney? Sklar shares his stories and memories with us!
I’m so thankful that Marty Sklar took the time to put together this book of memories and experiences from over a half-century of magic! On July 27, 2017 at the age of 83, Marty Sklar passed away at his home in the Hollywood Hills. Thanks to his books and his many contributions to the Disney company over the years, his memory lives on.
Looking for more from Sklar? He wrote a second book, One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and the Road to Imagineering. (This will be my next Disney read!) Marty Sklar also spoke at the Legends of Walt Disney Imagineering panel at the D23 Event in 2017. (You can watch this video clip here!)
As someone who has such a deep love for Disney and its history, this book is a treasure to me. It’s been so inspiring to follow along with Sklar’s many accomplishments during his time at Disney! Much like Creativity Inc., I have found such happiness learning about my favorite company through a key player! If you’re looking for more must have Disney reads, you can see my full list here.