Legendary Director Ron Clements' Long-Awaited Memoir Set for Release in October

Back in 2024, legendary Disney animator and director, Ron Clements announced his memoir, titled Making Disney Magic … from a Mermaid to Moana: Tales of a Disney Animation Director. Originally set to be released in 2025, the book was delayed and will now finally be released this fall.

What's Happening:

• At D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in 2024, Ron Clements announced the writing of his memoir, Making Disney Magic … from a Mermaid to Moana: Tales of a Disney Animation Director.
• It was originally announced to be released in July 2025, but the date came and went without the memoir's release.
• Now, we finally have a new release date for the book, which is will be released on October 13, 2026.
• This robust and illustrated memoir by a 45-year iconic filmmaker reveals his journey to discover his own voice, to hone his strengths, and to become a key storyteller and a pivotal leader at Walt Disney Animation Studios for more than four decades. 
• An engaging story of 40 magical years of Disney animation, featuring nearly 500 museum-quality, full-color pages and 1,000+ pieces of archival artwork and photos.
• The corners of this smaller-than-typical coffee table book also serve as an animation flip-book celebrating Disney characters from the 1970s–2010s.
• As a key filmmaker of some of the most beloved Disney movies of all time, Ron Clements shares his 40-year history at Walt Disney Animation Studios. His armchair-worthy memoir meets coffee table art book is an honest, fun, and eye-opening ride sure to delight every Disney fan!
• The book will include a foreword from Clements’ long-time collaborator, John Musker.
• Pre-order Making Disney Magic … from a Mermaid to Moana: Tales of a Disney Animation Director now from Amazon and other fine retailers.
• We learned more about Clement's memoir during a special appearance aboard last year's Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise.

Movies that Ron features in his book include:

• Moana
• The Princess and the Frog
• Treasure Planet
• Hercules
• Aladdin
• The Little Mermaid
• The Great Mouse Detective
• The Fox and the Hound
• Pete’s Dragon
• The Rescuers 
• Pinocchio