As a Disney fan and someone who avidly keeps up with the news and development of the Parks specifically, I was excited to receive a copy of this book. I read Dick Nunis's memoir last year as well and was interested to see the differences in the experiences of a first generation Parks employee (worked with Walt directly) and a second generation Imagineer. I did enjoy this memoir quite a bit. It spans a giant swath of Disney history from the opening of Tokyo DisneyLand in 1983 to some of the most current projects such as 2023's Zootopia land at Shanghai Disney. However, much like Weis's career, the book jumps around quickly and at times abruptly from project to project. This may be to show how many projects Weis and Imagineering were always working on, but I found it discombobulating at times to get a paragraph or three about a project and then jump to something else. While there are some very interesting anecdotes included (the creation of Tower of Terror, the development behind Shanghai's Pirates ride, etc) those looking for a true behind the scenes look at the development of rides/parks may be disappointed by the depth offered here.

A wonderful look at the career of a long-time Disney Imagineer. As a Disney fan, it was fun to take a peek at the creativity that goes into some of my favorite Disney attractions.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this book and getting a glimpse behind the scenes of Disney!

Dreaming Chasing is a fun and informative look at the life of a Disney Imagineer.

Bob Weis worked at Walt Disney Inagineering (WDI) for many years and helped bring to life many of the parks and especially rides which people will be familiar with. It was a ton of fun to see the conception, development, and final product of many of my favorite rides and lands, including the Tower of Terror, Radiator Springs Racers, and Tokyo DisneySea. It was also incredibly interesting to see how WDI’s role has changed over the years as different projects were developed and different people headed the company. Also interesting to read about were the projects that didn’t become a reality, such as Disney’s America outside DC and Disney Wharf in Australia.

As this is Weis’s personal experience with WDI, readers also get to see how much work goes into developing a Disney park and how that takes a toll on mental and physical health as well as relationships. Weis doesn’t shy away from telling readers that such a career is difficult, but it’s clear that Weis has loved his time with WDI and his memoir provided encouragement for any who might want to seek a career with WDI.

Dream Chasing is a book for Disney fans and for those interested in how Disney develops their parks. It’s fun from start to finish and filled with the creativity and magic you’d expect from someone who has worked so hard to bring Disney parks to life.

I've been a casual fan of Disney's Imagineering group (WDI) for some time and this book was a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain at how Imagineers bring the Disney magic to their audience! Weis dives deep into his entire career at WDI going from Disneyland Tokyo to Disneyland Paris to California Adventure to leading many of the most recent changes at the parks. I feel like the book struggled with its identity and oscillated between an autobiography and history of WDI. Weis gets into the weeds pretty often and it feels like he is trying to make sure that every person he has worked with gets mentioned in the book. Clocking in at 450 pages, I felt like the book was probably 200 pages longer than it needed to be and I struggled to cross the finish line. Weis has a really fun writing style and you can tell he is an expert in his field. You will come away from this book as an expert in WDI history and know how more recent parks came into existence from project start to finish. Disney nerds will love this book, but casual readers may not be hooked enough to finish.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book will be released 9/24/24!

I used to want to be an engineer working for Disney when I was a kid so this book was super interesting to me! Dream Chasing is an extraordinary journey into the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering, offering a rare and inspiring glimpse behind the magic that has captivated millions worldwide. With four decades of experience under his belt, Weis masterfully recounts his adventures, challenges, and triumphs as he helped bring some of Disney’s most iconic projects to life.
From the swamps of Central Florida to the bustling streets of Tokyo and beyond, the author takes readers on an exhilarating ride through the creative process that has defined his career. His narrative is not just a recounting of projects but a deep dive into the passion, innovation, and resilience required to turn dreams into reality. Whether navigating the complex intersections of design, technology, and culture or overcoming the myriad obstacles that inevitably arise in such ambitious endeavors, the author's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and imagination.
The author's writing is infused with the same wonder and excitement that Disney itself embodies. He beautifully captures the spirit of a true Imagineer, never losing sight of the belief that “it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” His reflections on the nature of dreams—how they can be exhilarating, elusive, and sometimes even unattainable—resonate deeply, offering wisdom that extends far beyond the world of theme parks and attractions.
Dream Chasing is more than just a memoir; it’s a love letter to creativity and the relentless pursuit of innovation. It’s a must-read for Disney enthusiasts, aspiring Imagineers, and anyone who has ever dared to chase a dream. The author reminds us that while not all dreams come true, the adventure of pursuing them is always worth the effort. This book is as magical as the experiences it helped create—a true page-turner that leaves you feeling inspired and ready to chase your own dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.

I am a lover of all things Disney and truly enjoyed this perspective from someone other than Walt himself. Took a little while to engage but once there I thorough enjoyed the story

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for granting me this ARC (Advance reader copy).

This was such a fascinating read for me as someone who has loved and grown up with the Disney Parks. I knew of Bob Weis' involvement, yet I did not know the full extent of it until I read this book. It was definitely interesting to read about the logic behind certain decisions, such as Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway replacing The Great Movie Ride due to the latter apparently having "run its course." Overall, it is wonderful to read about the stories of those who have worked behind the scenes at Disney to make the Disney Parks happen, and I hope to see more from these perspectives.

I cannot tell you how much I am thrilled and ecstatic for this book! I have been such a Disney sprang for so many years and my late father had taken me as a surprise for my 5th birthday and that trip has stayed with me forever. It is going to be so exciting fir readers to know some of the magic that goes into making such a historic magical place. I am beyond excited to acquire and share more on this very soon!