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Ron Clements Book ‘Making Disney Magic . . . from a Mermaid to Moana’ Available for Preorder

Denise ,  ,  ,  , 

Hi everyone!

Legendary writer and director Ron Clements has a book scheduled to release on December 16th, 2025 called “Making Disney Magic…from a Mermaid to Moana” from Disney Editions Deluxe. The book is available for preorder. Clements has often collaborated with John Musker, and films they have brought to life include “The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin” and “Moana”. Musker does write the foreword. The book also has a longer title that includes “Tales of a Disney Animation Director”. The cover includes Moana, Genie, Hercules and Ariel.

“Making Disney Magic…from a Mermaid to Moana” features nearly 500 museum-quality, full color pages and 1,000+ pieces of archival artwork and photos, according to the description. Also, why aren’t Clements and Musker Disney Legends yet? That is such a surprise to me. They should be at the top of the list.

Read below for more information on “Making Disney Magic…from a Mermaid to Moana” from the publisher.

Making Disney Magic . . . from a Mermaid to Moana: Tales of a Disney Animation Director (Disney Editions Deluxe)

Ron Clements Book Cover
 
An engaging story of 45 magical years of Disney animation, featuring nearly 500 museum-quality, full-color pages and 1,000+ pieces of archival artwork and photos.

The corners of this smaller-than-typical coffee table book also serve as an animation flip-book celebrating Disney characters from the 1970s–2010s.

If your favorite Disney Princess is Moana or Ariel . . . if your favorite Disney magic comes from Aladdin’s Genie or Mama Odie . . . if your favorite Disney baddie is Hades or Professor Ratigan . . . then say, “thank you,” to Ron Clements. (He says, “you’re welcome”.)

Ron Clements is a key filmmaker (along with co-writer and co-director John Musker) responsible for some of the most beloved animated Disney movies. Now he shares his 45-year history at Walt Disney Animation Studios. His armchair-worthy memoir meets coffee table art book is an honest & fun ride sure to delight every Disney fan!

Movies that Ron features in his book:

  • Moana (2016)
  • The Princess and the Frog (2009)
  • Treasure Planet (2002)
  • Hercules (1997)
  • Aladdin (1992)
  • The Little Mermaid (1989)
  • The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
  • The Fox and the Hound (1981)
  • Pete’s Dragon (1977)
  • The Rescuers (1977)
  • Pinocchio (1940)

Ron shares Easter eggs, behind-the-scenes stories & fun facts about:

  • People who directly worked on & influenced the films
  • Research trips & selection of artists, voice cast & songwriters in preparation for the films
  • Screenwriting, character development & world-building processes
  • From storyboards, technical innovations, voice recording & animation to final frames
  • Early screenings (reaction to feedback & resulting changes)
  • Press tours, debuts, receptions, awards seasons & growing the Disney legacy

 

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