Book Review: From Dreamer to Dreamfinder

Books written by former Disney cast members are everywhere.  Sometimes it seems like every former employee either wrote a book, is writing a book, or thinking about writing a book.  Most of those books are made up stories so similar that if you've read one of them you'll get little to nothing out of reading another.

If you want something different then look no further than "From Dreamer to Dreamfinder" by Ron Schneider. This book is different because it's not another cast member memoir.  This book is less about Disney and more about a career working as a theme park actor / writer.

This book goes far beyond Disney.  You get stories from multiple theme parks, restaurants, and events.  The stories came in rapid fire succession with no one section dominating another. Some of the stories are funny, some are sad and some make you want to grind your teeth along with the author.

One thing about this book that is very enjoyable is the fact that it give you a glimpse into world few of us will ever experience.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to be an actor for a living you'll get an idea by reading this book.  I think anyone who wants to be an actor should read this book.  Through his career Ron took jobs that some "actors" would have laughed off as something a serious actor wouldn't do.  How did it turn out?   Ron has a book full of fun stories.  Since he was willing take some odd jobs he ended up working with a lion, harassing kids as character who can't stand kids, and working with some people that became his friends for life.

As you read through the book you realize that Ron touched the lives of a lot of people through the years.  I have proof too.  Back in the 80's I found myself in Epcot.  Where a certain cast member was playing Dreamfinder. Here is the only known photo of Ron Schneider and The Cousin Mickey Doesn't Talk About. Enjoy it because the odds of our paths crossing again are not good.

From left to right, CMDTA, Ron Schneider, Figment, Ellen Walker

Overall this book is worth a read. Most people will enjoy this book. You might not enjoy all the stories but you will find something that puts a smile on your face.



You can get a copy of the book here.