I recently picked up Art of Coloring: Walt Disney World from DisneyStore.com, expecting a relaxing collection of park-inspired illustrations. What I didn’t expect was a surprisingly deep dive into Walt Disney World history.
Originally released as part of the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration, the coloring book pulls artwork from both modern park designs and vintage Disney coloring books (!!) that were once sold at Walt Disney World. It honestly feels like a little time capsule for longtime fans. None of the actual coloring pages are featured on the official Disney Store listing; I wanted to make sure to share so like-minded fans are in the know!
As I flipped through the pages, I kept spotting references to beloved attractions that have long since closed. Horizons, Food Rocks, Maelstrom, The Living Seas, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Communicore, Dreamfinder, and Mickey Mouse Revue all make appearances. Even more recent departures, including DINOSAUR, the original Country Bear Jamboree, and Muppet*Vision 3D, are represented.
What makes this book stand out is that many of these illustrations aren’t newly commissioned artwork, they’re reproductions of actual vintage coloring book pages, complete with small notes explaining their origins. Old and new Disney Parks artwork sit side by side throughout the book.
One of my favorite discoveries was a page showing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs riding the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The illustration originally came from a 1971 Walt Disney World coloring book and perfectly captures the charm of early Magic Kingdom.
The nostalgia doesn’t stop there. There are pages devoted to each Walt Disney World park, including vintage maps and artwork. Disney-MGM Studios fans will spot the enormous hidden Mickey built into the original park layout, including mention of The Great Movie Ride (not soon after you’ll find the marquee for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway featured). Even Fort Wilderness’ original campground guide map makes an appearance.
At $15.99, it’s become one of my favorite Disney purchases this year. As someone who enjoys coloring, painting, and scrapbooking as a way to unplug from screens, it’s been a fun way to relax while revisiting decades of Walt Disney World history.
Best of all, it’s still available on Disney Store for anyone looking to add a little Disney nostalgia to their downtime. Check it out HERE!
