Not Just a Walk in the Park

“An untold story that demands to be told, Cora paints a picture not just of a fascinating career with The Walt Disney Company, but of a personal culture, starting with an immigrant family in Southern California, that continues through the development of Disney Resorts worldwide. Jim Cora’s memoir is a fascinating read from start to finish, steeped in a culture and philosophy that we all can learn from.”––Craig D. Barton, writer and editor of Communerdy web site“Jim Cora certainly made enormous contributions to the success of Disney parks internationally. He paid attention to operating details, but most of all he constantly cared about Guests’ park experience, making sure they were happy and were having a fun time. Readers of Not Just a Walk in the Park will discover Jim’s remarkable and impressive career, and how his impactful practice has touched the hearts of millions of Guests each year in ways that will always be admired and remembered.”––Wing T. Chao, Disney LegendFormer Executive Vice President, Walt Disney Imagineering–Wing T. Chao, “Jim Cora is a major part of the history of Disney Theme parks, and Disney Theme parks are a major part of Jim. His book explains the growth of Disney’s worldwide outdoor entertainment; built with sweat, creativity, and a massive commitment to excellence during a half a century of fortitude.”––Michael D. Eisner, past CEO, The Walt Disney Company “Jim Cora’s personal values and love of entertainment became an unstoppable motivation to learn and teach others, training his way, a smile at a time, to the top–eventually opening ‘The Happiest Places On Earth.’ From Walt Disney himself seizing Jim’s potential in a life-changing moment, to overseeing parks globally amid government challenges, setbacks, and operational hurdles, Cora’s story fills us with life lessons as well as valuable management techniques. When the product of your factory is fun, then creating that atmosphere where work gets done with spirit and a smile is a ‘how to’ we could all use more of. Great Read. Recommend”––Eddie Sotto, former Imagineer“Jim’s story is an American story. A story of how opportunity, curiosity, hard work and a chance encounter with the preeminent entertainment businessman of his day propelled him on a career that would make him one of the elite theme park executives of all time. Jim is at once a charming, fair, but tough leader with high expectations–forged in him by his parents, grandparents, and Walt Disney himself. His early experiences in those formative years of Disneyland set the stage for him to captain Disney’s international expansion on two continents. A true Disney Legend, Jim has been a leader, mentor and friend to the very best in the theme park industry and reading his book you’ll feel like you took a walk in the park right beside him.”––Jon Storbeck, Vice President & General Manager, Knott’s Berry Farm

Jim Cora started as a part-time Disneyland attraction host in 1957, but a push from a fellow named Walt Disney began a forty-year career exporting the ideas and ideals of Disney to far-flung locations around the globe. The international success of Disney theme parks and resorts, and indeed, the growth of the theme park industry worldwide, owes an enormous debt to his experience, vision, and diligence. Jim was named a Disney Legend in 2005 and has the prestigious honor of a “Window on Main Street” in four Disney Magic Kingdom Parks around the world.