Disney Books to Dazzle at D23 Expo 2019

By D23 Team

D23 Expo is a time for celebration! For fans of Disney books, that means being the first to own the newest titles, meeting the talent who created them, and taking in behind-the-scenes riches at an array of compelling presentations. (Plus, don’t forget about getting books personalized with autographs!) Bookmark this page, because here’s everything you need to know about books at D23 Expo 2019:

Books Available Exclusively at D23 Expo
Interested in getting the newest Disney books before anyone else? Disney Publishing Worldwide will release six new books at their D23 Expo booth in Hall B. Treat your shelf to these titles before they go on sale to the public:

Travels with Figment

Travels with Figment: On the Road in Search of Disney Dreams
Get it here
Disney Legend Marty Sklar’s final book is a collection of captivating and untold tales from his storied career. In his 54 years at Disney, Marty travelled the globe—creating Disney magic, committing his adventures to memory, and bringing them together in this fresh volume.

Sold in wide release: November 5, 2019

  • Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

 The Art of Costuming

The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between
Get it here
Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail invested in each Disney costume within this gorgeous coffee table book! Renowned Disney historian Jeff Kurtti and the staff of the Walt Disney Archives present an elegant and adventurous array of dresses, uniforms, and other attire. At each turn, this volume offers a one-of-a-kind backstage view of remarkable works of art, and it inspires a true appreciation for the highly skilled and talented costumers who created them.

Sold in wide release: September 17, 2019

  • Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below. And plan to check out the book’s companion exhibit on the show floor: Walt Disney Archives Presents Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume.

Magic Journey

Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career
Get it here
After a 40-plus-year storied career—beginning in the dish room at the Plaza Inn in Disneyland—Kevin Rafferty has conceived, designed, written, and overseen the creation of some of the most memorable Disney park attractions. Kevin chronicles his unimaginable career with great humor, honesty, and heart.

Sold in wide release: September 10, 2019

  • Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Walt Disney Studios

The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember
Get it here
Prepare for an insider tour from Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline! Abundantly illustrated with behind-the-scenes photographs and artwork from the Studio’s 90-plus years of productions, the deluxe history book celebrates Walt’s dream factory, which has always been and continues to be the heart of The Walt Disney Company.

Sold in wide release: September 3, 2019

  • Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Marc Davis: In His Own Words

Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks
Get it here
Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt have created a treasure trove for artists, students, and Disney collectors. Featuring Disney Legend Marc Davis’s groundbreaking work designing Walt Disney’s theme parks, this magnificent two-volume set includes more than 1,500 rare pieces from the Imagineering archives. Also, for the first time, Marc’s design theories and stories of working with Walt are featured in his own words as recorded during hours of interviews by Merritt.

Sold in wide release: September 3, 2019

  • Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Oswald The Lucky Rabbit

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons, Revised Special Edition
Get it here
David A. Bossert’s revised edition updates Oswald’s story, plus includes images from a newly discovered Oswald film, a foreword by Disney CEO Bob Iger, and six collectible lithographs. Readers will find this engaging and accessible volume delivers an in-depth look at Walt’s first major animated success and the journey to reclaim the lost Disney films.

Sold in wide release: August 27, 2019

Must-have Titles for Your Bookshelf

The exclusive books will not be the only treasures on sale at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B. No Disney book library would be complete without these remarkable releases:

The Art of The Lion King

  • The Art and Making of The Lion King – Get it here
  • The Art and Making of Dumbo – Get it here
  • Practically Poppins in Every Way: A Magical Carpetbag of Countless Wonders – Get it here
    Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.
    Disney Christmas Card
  • From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card – Get it here
    Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.
  • Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World – Get it here
    Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.
  • Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century – Get it here
    Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Ink and Paint

  • Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation – Get it here
    Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.
  • Dream It! Do It! My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms – Get it here

The TASCHEN booth in Hall B will also sell their gorgeous fan favorites, including these notable books:

Walt Disney's Disneyland

  • Walt Disney’s Disneyland – Get it here
  • Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History – Get it here

Get them signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Books for a New Generation of Disney Fans

For the budding Disney aficionado, don’t miss these nonfiction picture books at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B:

Pencils, Pens, and Brushes

  • Pencils, Pens & Brushes: A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation – Get it here

Get it signed! See “A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo” below.

Mary Blair's Unique Flair

  • Mary Blair’s Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends – Get it here

A Disney Book Fan’s Guide to D23 Expo

Friday, August 23

Book Shop
9 a.m.–7 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
The tradition of great storytelling has always been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company. See how Disney Publishing continues to inspire a love of reading with families and fans around the world.

Don Hahn

Talent Signing—Don Hahn

  • Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century – Get it here

10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

1–3 p.m. at the D23 Emporium in Hall A (Magical Memories booth)

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti

  • From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card – Get it here

12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Talent Signing—David Gerstein and J. B. Kaufman

  • Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History – Get it here

1:30–3:30 p.m. at the TASCHEN booth in Hall B

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti

  • From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card – Get it here
  • The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between – Get it here
  • Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World – Get it here
  • Practically Poppins in Every Way: A Magical Carpetbag of Countless Wonders – Get it here

2–3 p.m. in the D23 Emporium in Hall A (Hyperion Historical Alliance / Ryman Arts booth)

Presentation—Behind the Art of Disney Costuming
4–5 p.m. at Stage 28
Go behind-the-scenes with the team that crafted the dazzling new Walt Disney Archives exhibit on the Expo show floor and its accompanying coffee table book: Jeff Kurtti, Becky Cline, Robert Maxhimer, Holly Brobst, and Rick Lorentz.

Jeff Kurtti and Becky Cline

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti and Becky Cline

  • The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between – Get it here

5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Renowned Disney historian Jeff Kurtti and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline celebrate the companion book to this year’s Walt Disney Archives show floor exhibit. Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Saturday, August 24

Book Shop

9 a.m.–7 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
The tradition of great storytelling has always been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company. See how Disney Publishing continues to inspire a love of reading with families and fans around the world. 

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti

  • Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World – Get it here

10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Mindy Johnson and Lorelay Bové

Talent Signing—Mindy Johnson and Lorelay Bové

  • Pencils, Pens & Brushes: A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation – Get it here

12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start. 

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti

  • From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card Get it here
  • The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between Get it here
  • Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World – Get it here
  • Practically Poppins in Every Way: A Magical Carpetbag of Countless Wonders – Get it here

1–2 p.m. at the D23 Emporium in Hall A (Hyperion Historical Alliance / Ryman Arts booth)

Talent Signing—Chris Nichols

  • Walt Disney’s Disneyland  – Get it here

2:30–4:30 p.m. at the TASCHEN booth in Hall B

Talent Signing—Becky Cline

  • The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember – Get it here

3–4 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Talent Signing—Leah Sklar and Leslie Sklar

  • Travels with Figment: On the Road in Search of Disney Dreams – Get it here

3–4 p.m. at Talent Central 

Presentation—Travels with Marty: A Conversation with the Sklars and Imagineers
6–7 p.m. at the Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join Leah and Leslie Sklar and editor Wendy Lefkon in conversation with Imagineers Daniel Jue, Kevin Rafferty, and Bob Weis. Each a colleague and mentee of Disney Legend Marty Sklar, they will recount their journey to publishing Marty’s last book and discuss Marty’s lasting impact on Disney.

Sunday, August 25

Book Shop

9 a.m.–7 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
The tradition of great storytelling has always been part of the fabric of The Walt Disney Company. See how Disney Publishing continues to inspire a love of reading with families and fans around the world.

Kevin Rafferty

Talent Signing—Kevin Rafferty

  • Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career – Get it here

10:30–11:30 a.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Talent Signing—Disney Legend Don Iwerks

  • Postcard previewing Walt Disney’s Ultimate Inventor: The Genius of Ub Iwerks

10:30–11:30 a.m. at Talent Central
Meet and greet Don Iwerks, and learn all about his father, Disney Legend Ub Iwerks, the iconic animator, innovator, and technical genius. Don will sign a postcard previewing his upcoming Disney Editions book, Walt Disney’s Ultimate Inventor: The Genius of Ub Iwerks. Don followed his father to The Walt Disney Studios in 1950. There, among many leadership roles and accomplishments, he assisted his father with the development of special cameras, projectors, and other technical systems, many of which are still used in Disney parks around the world—among them Circle-Vision 360°, wide-gauge 3-D film systems, and the projection system for the wildly popular Star Tours attraction.

Talent Signing—Mindy Johnson

  • Pencils, Pens, & Brushes: A Great Girls’ Guide to Disney Animation – Get it here
  • Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation – Get it here

11 a.m.–5 p.m. at the D23 Emporium in Hall A
(Magical Memories booth 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. and Hyperion Historical Alliance / Ryman Arts booth 1–3 p.m.)

Presentation—Marc Davis In His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks
12–1 p.m. at Stage 28
Authors Pete Docter and Christopher Merritt reveal their magnificent two-volume tribute to the inimitable Marc Davis, a deluxe book set celebrating Marc’s groundbreaking work designing Walt Disney’s theme parks. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Haunted Mansion will be a special focus of this presentation.

Talent Signing—Jeff Kurtti

  • Practically Poppins in Every Way: A Magical Carpetbag of Countless Wonders – Get it here

12:30–1:30 p.m. at the Disney Publishing Worldwide booth in Hall B
Signing limited to the first 50 guests and will require purchase of this book. There will be a ticket distribution, and the line opens 30 minutes prior to start.

Pete Docter and Chris Merritt

Talent Signing—Pete Docter and Chris Merritt

  • Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks – Get it here

1:30–2:30 p.m. at Talent Central

Talent Signing—Don Hahn

  • Yesterday’s Tomorrow: Disney’s Magical Mid-Century – Get it here

1–3 p.m. at the D23 Emporium in Hall A
(Magical Memories booth)

Presentation—Magic Journey: My Fantastical Ride with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty
4–5 p.m. at the Walt Disney Archives Stage
Join veteran Imagineer Kevin Rafferty in conversation with his editor, Wendy Lefkon, as he reminisces about his 40-plus-year career from dishwasher at Disneyland to world builder. Kevin explains his path to Imagineering and talks about his new book.