Ron Schneider takes you on a journey through 40 years of personal triumph and corporate challenges. It's an intimate look into the creative worlds of Disney, Universal, and Six Flags Magic Mountain; a no-holds-barred memoir filled with wild characters and wilder concepts, complete with a step-by-step guide to how the magic is made!
From Dreamer to Dreamfinder
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The book just struck so many chords with me on a personal level, it really hit home hard. I've found myself recommending it to all sorts of people. It's dripping with awesome stories for theme park fanatics, bursting with inspiration for performers." -- Samantha Singer
"Ron... calls it as he sees it (translation: he pulls no punches about various creative and cost-cutting decisions he's been witness to). That's refreshing, but more than anything else it helps you feel like you're on the inside for a change, watching theme park (and entertainment) history unfolding." -- Kevin Yee
"This is quite possibly the best (unofficial) manual about theme park and entertainment performers ever written... Ron makes the material incredibly approachable and unbelievably funny. As a performance guidebook, it's invaluable. As a memoir, it's incredibly rich and extremely entertaining." -- Jeff Heimbuch
"Ron... calls it as he sees it (translation: he pulls no punches about various creative and cost-cutting decisions he's been witness to). That's refreshing, but more than anything else it helps you feel like you're on the inside for a change, watching theme park (and entertainment) history unfolding." -- Kevin Yee
"This is quite possibly the best (unofficial) manual about theme park and entertainment performers ever written... Ron makes the material incredibly approachable and unbelievably funny. As a performance guidebook, it's invaluable. As a memoir, it's incredibly rich and extremely entertaining." -- Jeff Heimbuch
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More About the Author
Ron Schneider was born in Southern California in 1952 and attended the opening day of Disneyland when he was only 2 1/2 years old. An early interest in magic, puppetry & theater grew into a fascination with theme park performance. For 40 years he has been an actor, writer, director and consultant for Disney, Universal and Six Flags on both coasts as well as numerous themed dinner attractions and events across America and Canada. Favorite roles include the comic lead at Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Revue, Creative Manager of Womphopper's Wagon Works, Creative Supervisor of Universal's Look-Alike Program and the strolling Dreamfinder & Figment for Disney's EPCOT Center.
Customer Reviews
“ Accomplished theme park performer, writer, and creative guru Ron Schneider condenses his many decades of themed show experience into this amazing book. ”
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I, as well, first knew of the author as the lovable Dreamfinder, a character who will forever live in my memories of being a small child exploring EPCOT Center with my family. Reading this book it becomes quite apparent the role of Dreamfinder was only one of many amazing characters and shows Mr. Schneider portrayed and worked to create. I had been looking forward to this book and it far exceeded my expectations, not something often done.
The book is written in a style that is not only easy to comprehend but incredibly entertaining. I found it extremely difficult to put down and now that I'm finished I believe I will go back for a second read through, it's just that good! His way with words and descriptions of his experiences is captivating to the point I often found myself mistaking the book for a conversation with a good friend. Amazing how his talents for stage, script and like translate so magically into book form. The background of various positions he has held in the entertainment industry are truly something to marvel, I believe any theme park fan would benefit from reading this prose.
One thing which I realized while reading, my adoration for Dreamfinder was not necessarily that of the character WDI created but indeed the character that Mr. Schneider created while perfecting his craft as the live action meet & greet character. For that, I truly thank him for sharing his talents. I look forward to the day my future children ask me who this "Dreamfinder" I speak of was and I can hand them this book to continue the legacy of an amazingly talented performer & writer.
The book is written in a style that is not only easy to comprehend but incredibly entertaining. I found it extremely difficult to put down and now that I'm finished I believe I will go back for a second read through, it's just that good! His way with words and descriptions of his experiences is captivating to the point I often found myself mistaking the book for a conversation with a good friend. Amazing how his talents for stage, script and like translate so magically into book form. The background of various positions he has held in the entertainment industry are truly something to marvel, I believe any theme park fan would benefit from reading this prose.
One thing which I realized while reading, my adoration for Dreamfinder was not necessarily that of the character WDI created but indeed the character that Mr. Schneider created while perfecting his craft as the live action meet & greet character. For that, I truly thank him for sharing his talents. I look forward to the day my future children ask me who this "Dreamfinder" I speak of was and I can hand them this book to continue the legacy of an amazingly talented performer & writer.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ron took me along on the amazing journey of a performer following his dream. Beyond that he gave me insight into the mind of a true fan of the magic that an actor playing a character can create for a guest. This element is especially key to me as a lover of both Disney and Universal theme parks.
I thought I might only be interested in the Disney/Universal-related chapters but I was quickly captivated by every aspect of his journey and his evolution as a student, apprentice, performer, mentor, and leader. Throughout we see his conviction for his art and the joy that performing can bring despite the issues that working for a corporate entity can entail.
One of the most insightful (and envious) parts of my reading was the interactions he was able to have with Disney Legends, members of WED Enterprises/Disney's Imagineers, and witness the birth of the Disney Archives.
Overall it was a well-paced and interesting read that left me wanting to hear more about Ron and his continuing journey as an artist and an entertainer. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in an inside look at theme park entertainment, acting in general, and the varied life that those things can bring you.
I thought I might only be interested in the Disney/Universal-related chapters but I was quickly captivated by every aspect of his journey and his evolution as a student, apprentice, performer, mentor, and leader. Throughout we see his conviction for his art and the joy that performing can bring despite the issues that working for a corporate entity can entail.
One of the most insightful (and envious) parts of my reading was the interactions he was able to have with Disney Legends, members of WED Enterprises/Disney's Imagineers, and witness the birth of the Disney Archives.
Overall it was a well-paced and interesting read that left me wanting to hear more about Ron and his continuing journey as an artist and an entertainer. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in an inside look at theme park entertainment, acting in general, and the varied life that those things can bring you.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Invaluable tool for theme parks and great memoir for people who love theme parks!
August 7, 2012
Format:Paperback
Like most folks, I know of Ron from his time as Dreamfinder at EPCOT Center. I have many memories of the character, and he was a staple of my childhood. But being Dreamfinder was just the tip of the iceberg for Ron's career.
I think people will be amazed at just how many beloved theme park and entertainment attractions that Ron actually had his hand in. But what really struck me was the incredible amount of information that Ron packs in here. This is quite possibly the best (unofficial) manual about theme park and entertainment performers ever written. And even for people who do not want to be performers, this is an amazingly entertaining book. Ron makes the material incredibly approachable and unbelievably funny. As a performance guidebook, it's invaluable. As a memoir, it's incredibly rich and extremely entertaining.
I think people will be amazed at just how many beloved theme park and entertainment attractions that Ron actually had his hand in. But what really struck me was the incredible amount of information that Ron packs in here. This is quite possibly the best (unofficial) manual about theme park and entertainment performers ever written. And even for people who do not want to be performers, this is an amazingly entertaining book. Ron makes the material incredibly approachable and unbelievably funny. As a performance guidebook, it's invaluable. As a memoir, it's incredibly rich and extremely entertaining.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved the book and since I am Ron's aunt it gave me insight and...
I read the book on my Kindle the chapters were explicted and to the point!
I love having emotional books to read that envolk tears and laughter. Read more
I love having emotional books to read that envolk tears and laughter. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Vita Schneider
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow !!!
The Best Book I've read in a long time! I was absolutely riveted by this book and couldn't put it down! I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in years! Buy it... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Claude Herbert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun Read for any Theme Park Fan!
As someone who grew up going to the theme parks and witnessing them evolve through the past 30 odd years, this book was a great walk down memory lane. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Scott D. Hoover
5.0 out of 5 stars
One litle spark....
I had this song running in my head for all this book. I had devored this book in 2 days. (Sorry for my english, I learn your language by reading some books about Disney.)
Published 1 month ago by Pen Name
4.0 out of 5 stars
Kind of fell off at the end there….
I really found this book interesting, and had very good details about Ron’s experiences. Why 4 stars? Read more
Published 1 month ago by T. Russell
5.0 out of 5 stars
From Dreamer to Dreamfinder... A Uniquely American Story
I enjoyed reading the story of Ron Schneider's training and career in themed entertainment. Ron has worked in a variety of settings and attractions beyond Disney and Universal. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rachel N.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining Stories, But Not Reflective
I enjoyed reading this book, but it's not as good as other reviews suggest. There are a lot of fun details, but ultimately Schneider paints himself as a hero, despite the fact that... Read more
Published 1 month ago by N. Shanske
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dreams do come true
Ron has done a wonderful job reminding us all that life is a journey and you are in control of what you become. Read more
Published 2 months ago by David S. Young
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular ! A dream that can be a dream come true.
No little sparks are necessary here. This book is touching, hilarious, heartfelt, and essential for any disney parks and universal fan.
Published 2 months ago by J. Bond
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theme ParkSupreme!
A truly wonderful read from beginning to end, Ron allows us to follow, and hopefully find, his dream. Read more
Published 2 months ago by B. Lewis
