Book Review: The Art of Walt Disney World by Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon
The Art of Walt Disney World Resort by Jeff Kurtti and Bruce Gordon. 2009. 139 pp. Originally a Theme Park Exclusive.
It’s hard to believe I first wrote this review more than 15 years ago, but The Art of Walt Disney World Resort remains as relevant today as it was then. This stunning book by Jeff Kurtti and the late Bruce Gordon is still a one-of-a-kind treasure — a rare look at the concept art and visual history that shaped Walt Disney World. Copies can be very expensive on the secondhand market, but if you can find one in good condition, it’s absolutely worth the investment.
About The Authors
Jeff Kurtti is a well-known and much-admired name in the Disney community. He has written many of the seminal works on the history of the theme parks, animated films, characters and theater. Since the World Began is one of his more treasured books and one of the few that looks at the early history of Walt Disney World. Jeff has created several award-winning documentaries and consulted for film and theater. Currently, he is working with the Walt Disney Family Museum. The late Bruce Gordon was an Imagineer and consultant to the Walt Disney Family Museum. He co-authored many of my favorite books, including: The Nickel Tour, Walt’s Time (with Jeff) and Disneyland Now, Then, and Forever.
A Visual Celebration of Walt Disney World
This book is the sister companion to their previous work, The Art of Disneyland (2006) and carries a similar philosophy of presenting unheralded artwork. One of the unique features off this book is in its presentation–it is a true picture book in the sense that the images are all rotated 90 degrees for our viewing pleasure. In other words, you turn the book sideways and see all of the images in the same direction.
Much of the artwork presents a scale and magnitude that was never put into place at Walt Disney World, for whatever reason. You can trace the transitions from Disneyland to the Magic Kingdom through much of the late-60’s and mid-70’s artwork. There is scale and openness that can only be achieved in the space that was the Florida property. Some of my favorite pieces recount the early days at Fort Wilderness when there was only the Magic Kingdom, Fort Wilderness and a growing Village. The days when a vacation was more than just squeezing four theme parks into a trip; when you could ride horseback, shop, eat and spend time vacationing. The images hearken to a simpler time at Walt Disney World Resort.Why This Book Still Matters
Even more than a decade after its release, The Art of Walt Disney World Resort remains one of the most beautiful and insightful Disney history books you can find. It captures a time when Imagineers dreamed big, experimenting with ideas that shaped — and sometimes never made it into — the parks we know today.
If you’re a Disney enthusiast, historian, or simply love concept art, this book is a must-have. While it was originally a theme park exclusive, you can sometimes track down copies on the secondhand market — and it’s worth every penny.
Have you read The Art of Walt Disney World Resort? Or do you own a favorite Disney art book that captures the magic in a similar way?
Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts and swap recommendations. And if you enjoyed this review, consider sharing it with fellow Disney fans so more people can appreciate this treasure of Disney history.
Are You Going to Pick Up a Copy of the Art of Walt Disney World Resort?
It is an extraordinary book and a must have for anyone with a serious collection. How fun it must have been to sort through the files and discover these treasures.