19 Disney Books I Look Forward to in 2022, Including “The Imagineering Story”, “Walt’s Apprentice”
This article was originally published February 22nd, 2022, and was last updated September 19th, 2022.
Hi everyone!
I am continually updating this article, with now 19 books I’ve been looking forward to in 2022. Some of the books I’ve already read and reviewed, some I haven’t read yet and then others – like “The Imagineering Story”, I’m eagerly anticipating. The books I’ve reviewed have links below. I first wrote this in February, which is earlier than usual, but my 2023 list is already in my head with 10+ books.
There are still a lot of terrific books still to come in 2022! Here is my list for the year.
1 – The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering (November 8th, 2022)
From the publisher: The highly acclaimed and rated Disney+ documentary series, The Imagineering Story, becomes a book that greatly expands the award-winning filmmaker Leslie Iwerks’ narrative of the fascinating history of Walt Disney Imagineering. I can’t wait for this one!
2 – 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World (October 25th, 2022)
This is another book from Marcy Carriker Smothers! She is a wonderful researcher and a huge Disney fan. There appears to be two editions, I will be posting more about the book when I have information. From the publisher, National Georgraphic: Wake up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside of your window. Soar 400 feet into the sky on a hot-air balloon ride over Walt Disney World. Watch the Disneyland fireworks from The Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, far away from the crowds. Taste your way through 11 countries of the world at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Take a jet trip around the world. All these experiences and more bring the magic of Disney alive–and you can find 100 not-to-be-missed adventures in this one-of-a-kind collection.
3 – Walt’s Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive (October 11th, 2022)
From the publisher: Walt’s Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive is the memoir of Disney Legend Dick Nunis. It is a warm personal reminiscence of learning directly from Walt Disney for 12 years, followed by more than 30 years devoted to championing his vision and standards as the Disney empire grew.
4 – Women of Walt Disney Imagineering (March 15th, 2022) –
After I wrote the article, I received and reviewed this wonderful book. My review is here. From the publisher: A dozen female Imagineers recount their trailblazing careers! Capturing an era ― and preserving the stories they have told their daughters, their mentees, their husbands, and their friends ― a dozen women Imagineers have written personal stories from their decades designing and building the Disney world-wide empire of theme parks.
5 – The Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece [Walt Disney Family Museum (November 1st, 2022)
From the publisher: The ultimate collection of artworks, history, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes every fan of The Jungle Book, one of the Disney Studios’ most popular movies, will cherish. This book is from Andreas Deja.
6 – Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara: The Stories. The Influence. The Legacy (September 20th, 2022)
From the publisher: Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara features memorabilia and interviews with Disney historians, directors, voice talent, and fans. Explore the different eras, influences, and legacies of the princesses with Disney legends such as Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid and author of the book’s foreword) and composer Alan Menken.
7 – Marvel: Avengers Campus: The Official Cookbook (July 26th, 2022)
Insight Editions puts out a lot of themed cookbooks, I have quite a few of them. From the publisher: 60+ RECIPES: This cookbook assembles food from the park, such as chicken shawarma wraps and Guardians of the Galaxy-inspired Cosmic Cream Orbs, as well as a variety of recipes inspired by the wider world of the Avengers. Featuring recipes for appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks, this cookbook is the ultimate guide for Marvel foodies.
8 – Poster Art of the Disney Parks, Second Edition (Disney Editions Deluxe (October 11th, 2022) –
From the publisher: An expanded and updated second edition of the stunning collection of posters from Disney theme parks around the world! Features more than 85 new posters and concept art pieces and a lively narrative about their behind-the-scenes development.
9 – The Art of Turning Red (February 22nd, 2022)
This is the second book that I received while writing this article and my review is here. The book is an “Art of” the upcoming Disney and Pixar film that will debut on Disney+ on March 11th, 2022.
10 – Disney Enchanted Recipes Cookbook (May 24th, 2022) (I haven’t reviewed it yet but have received it)
I have seen this book in the past couple of years at Disneyland Paris and look forward to having it in English. From the publisher: EXPLORE 40+ RECIPES: Dishes such as Princess Tiana’s Gumbo, Kronk’s Spinach Puffs, and Jack-Jack Cookies are sure to be a hit among your family and friends. This book also includes a useful guide to the necessary cooking utensils and stunning photos of the prepared recipes.
11 – Birnbaum’s 2023 Walt Disney World (Birnbaum Guides) (October 11th, 2022 )
This official book mentions “the return of coupons inside”, which is what many of us were hoping for this year.
12 – Santa Stops at Disneyland (Little Golden Book) (September 6th, 2022)
Another Disney parks Little Golden Book! From the publisher: This brand-new Little Golden Book features Santa Claus at Disneyland! Kids ages 2 to 5, Disney Park fans, and Little Golden Book collectors of all ages will love this fun and festive storybook!
13 – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Treasures from Batuu (August 9th, 2022 )
From the publisher, Insight Editions: Full of treasures from Black Spire Outpost, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Treasures from Batuu offers unique items inspired by Star Wars:Galaxy’s Edge. Learn about Batuu’s secrets and locales—from Oga’s Cantina to Savi’s Workshop—and gather one-of-a-kind items along the way, including high-quality stickers, keychains, and a collectible button.
14 – Star Wars Everyday: A Year of Activities, Recipes, and Crafts from a Galaxy Far, Far Away (October 25th, 2022)
Ashley Eckstein is authoring this book. From the publisher: Join Ashley Eckstein and live your best Star Wars life, with this 12-month guide to party planning, crafting, and cooking inspired by a galaxy from far, far away!
15 – The Art of Lightyear (May 17th, 2022)
I am a huge fan of the “Art of” Disney books from Chronicle. From the publisher: The Art of Lightyear explores the exciting visuals of Disney and Pixar’s newest original feature film. Lightyear is a sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans)—the hero who inspired the toy. My review is here.
16 – The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Disney Classic) (Little Golden Book) (July 5th, 2022) –
I am a fan of the story and look forward to seeing it as a Little Golden Book. From the publisher: The exciting tale of Disney’s Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman is retold in the classic Little Golden Book format!Perfect for Halloween or anytime, this spooky story will thrill young readers ages 2 to 5 as well as Disney and Little Golden Book fans of all ages.
17 – Marvel’s WandaVision: The Art of the Series (March 8, 2022)
This book has been delayed many times, hopefully it will release on or close to the current date. From the publisher: Now, go behind the scenes of this tale of magic, love and sitcoms with this collectible volume — packed with exclusive concept art and interviews with the creators behind Marvel’s first Disney+ TV show!
18 – Career Magic: The “Secret to Success” Principles Anyone Can Use to Create the Job and Life of Their Dreams (August 23rd, 2022)
This is the latest book by Lee Cockerell. From the publisher: Within Career Magic, readers will find Lee Cockerell’s story, colored with the lessons he learned during his magical and successful career with Hilton, Marriott and Disney. Lee’s focus on self-education, experience and exposure to the world teaches how motivated individuals can achieve their dreams, with or without a college degree.
19 – The Art of DuckTales (October 25th, 2022)
This book is by Ken Plume and there is a Deluxe version as well. Scrooge McDuck and nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie are back in the 2017 remake of the classic series from Disney Television Animation, DuckTales! Now, find out about the making of DuckTales and read stories from the developers and cast covering every episode from all three seasons!
Moved to 2023
People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. (now scheduled for March 7th, 2023)
This book has been delayed for years, has a new price and is planned to be a hardcover coffee table style book. From the publisher: Meet the people who created Disney theme parks around the world! Through rare Disney theme park concept art and photographs, this must-have collector’s book showcases more than 280 biographies and features more than 50 pages on the evolution and behind-the-scenes of the Main Street, U.S.A. areas across the globe, up to and including the fairytale castles at the end of each street.
Unknown date: The Disney Afternoon: The Making of a Television Renaissance – This book has been delayed continually and was supposed to now release October 4th but the author said it is “forthcoming” but not in 2022. From the publisher: For the first time, learn the history of the Disney Afternoon shows, read interviews from the creative teams, and revel in rare, behind-the-scenes artwork, plus get the full making of story of the modern-day DuckTales series and its legacy connections to the past.
There are other books I look forward to as well, including other cookbooks! I’ll update as new books are added, as covers are revealed, and as some books receive new release dates.
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