This campaign is for pre-ordering the book, Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond. We know there are thousands of readers who want this book, which chronicles Claude Coats' contributions to the creation of Disneyland with Walt Disney.

This book will showcase Claude Coats' key innovations in immersive ride design, and his pioneering use of new technologies and visual methods that still influence theme park experiences today. Here is your chance to own a First Edition of what will be the prize of any Disney collection with its behind-the-scenes text, lush production value and rare, never-before-seen artwork and photos. Supported with the full cooperation of the Claude Coats estate and family, pre-ordering this book is your opportunity to join with us in documenting the legacy of a major creative force in the annals of the Disney universe. This is your chance to make history! 

(The original Toad Hall attraction mural painted by Claude Coats)

Over the last two years, I have worked closely with Claude Coats' son Alan Coats, also an Imagineer, to get a book published about his father through traditional publishing houses. Traditional publishers rely on sales teams to make the decisions on which books get published., so, it's not a surprise that we have been met with “he doesn’t have enough name recognition” from the various  publishers that the project has been pitched to. This has been frustrating to us both because we know that there are thousands of Disney fans and theme park enthusiasts who do know who Claude Coats is and what his stellar accomplishments are in Disney animation and at Disney Theme Parks worldwide. That is why we have decided to pitch to you, the fans and enthusiasts, on pre-ordering Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond, which we believe will show that this is a story that is worth telling. We hope that you will agree as well.

(Claude Coats and Yale Gracey with Adventure Thru Inner Space model.)

Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond is the story of artist and designer Claude Coats who, for more than half a century, was one of the most prolific creative talents at The Walt Disney Company and, arguably, the most accomplished. An unpretentious man of strapping stature, Claude was the artist behind some of the most stunning backgrounds produced at the Disney studio during the Golden Age of animation before becoming one of the eighteen founding members, handed-picked by Walt Disney, to start the fabled WED Enterprises—now known as Walt Disney Imagineering.

                  

(Pinocchio backgrounds painted by Claude Coats)

For the first time ever, this all-inclusive book will focus on one of the most revered artists who successfully crossed over from the animation department to become one of the original Imagineers. Working side by side with Walt Disney, Claude Coats was a major influence in not only creating the first theme park, but a new form of creativity called Imagineering that would forever change the worlds of global entertainment, technology, architecture and popular culture.

(Claude Coats, seated center, with (L to R) John Hench, Mary Blair and Walt Disney)

Coats started at the Disney Studios in the background department, working on Mickey and Pluto cartoons. A watershed moment came with his color styling and naturalistic backgrounds for The Old Mill (1937), which featured breakthrough techniques in mood, lighting and color, and the use of the new Multiplane camera, creating what he described as, “the emotional response that comes from a background painting.” His star rose quickly in Walt’s eyes, and he was asked to develop the styling for the opening Wishing Well sequence in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

(Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, background and overlay by Claude Coats)

With the completion of Lady and the Tramp, Walt Disney asked Claude Coats to be part of the team to design Disneyland. This would begin what Coats would call, “my second Disney career,” as he joined an elite group of artists and engineers working with and on Walt's vision for Disneyland. This book will cover those astonishing first fifteen (15) years of the meteoric rise of the original theme park. 

(Claude Coats painting the scenic flats, in the special effects building on the studio back lot, for the Mr. Toad's Wild Ride attraction at Disneyland, 1955)

With his architectural training and ability to visualize dimensionally, Claude Coats went on to design some of the most beloved theme park attractions including the original Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. He was known for designing an attraction from the point-of-view of the guest by creating a sense of place that allowed the guest to be part of the story. As Marty Sklar, former head of Walt Disney Imagineering, observed; “Walt saw how Claude could translate his talent into three dimensions, and not everybody could do that. Understanding how things were going to work dimensionally helped him create these immersive environments.”*

*(Dave Bossert & Alan Coats did an extensive interview with Marty Sklar about Claude Coats’ career, one of the last known interviews with Marty before he passed away on July 27, 2017. )

(Claude Coats airbrushing the Pirates attraction model.)

Aside from his contribution to attractions in the original Disneyland theme park, Claude Coats was a key player in the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. He spearheaded the concepts for the Ford Magic Skyway, the GE Carousel of Progress, and the now world famous It’s a Small World attractions. Versions of these and many other iconic attractions that Claude Coats was involved with designing during those pivotal first decades of Disneyland are now permanent fixtures at the Disney theme parks around the world. Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond will explain in detail the behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes that make many of these Disneyland attractions iconic. 

(Claude Coats with Walt Disney discussing Primeval World, 1966)

Claude Coats was one of the chief Imagineers involved in the Haunted Mansion, which was the first new major attraction built after Walt passed away in 1966. Claude Coats is best known for creating the spooky, moody atmosphere in the first half of the ride as well as making this a much more scary experience. The original Haunted Mansion at Disneyland is a fan favorite at Halloween with Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. Variations of the Haunted Mansion are still one of the seminal attractions at the Disney parks worldwide today.

(Concept art by Claude Coats of the Haunted Mansion graveyard.)

Throughout his career, Claude Coats painted profusely on his own time, often while traveling. He was a master water-colorist known for his layered washes and skillful painting.  His personal art would change from watercolor in the 30s (when he became a member of the California Watercolor Society), to poster paint in the 40s, and by the 60s, working in acrylic, colored pencil and marker—mastering each medium.

In his years as an Imagineer, Claude Coats was known as a mentor to many young artists and aspiring theme park designers. He was always an approachable individual and Dave had the pleasure to know him in his last years at Walt Disney Imagineering. Claude Coats was always generous with his time and they had many wonderful conversations together.

(Claude Coats with Baloo walk-around-character at the Magic Kingdom, Orlando, 1973.)

Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond is a comprehensive volume generously illustrated with rarely seen artwork from seminal theme park attractions, the 1964 World’s Fair, and Claude Coats' personal work. It will include a thorough text chronicling attractions designed by this Disney Legend, who helped to realize Walt's dreams of a Magic Kingdom and EPCOT in Florida. He also helped spread the magic of Disney entertainment worldwide to Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. 

Dave has received permission and the full cooperation of the family, which is allowing unprecedented access to Claude Coats’ papers, artwork and photos.  Claude’s son Alan Coats, an Imagineer in his own right who worked with his father, will write the Introduction. This book will appeal to Disney animation and theme park fans alike. It will be a must have book—the first ever, in-depth look at Claude Coats, one the legendary Disney artists responsible for how animated films translated into immersive theme park experiences.

(Claude Coats discussing the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through with Fred Joerger, Walt Disney, Claude and Ken Anderson.) 

Alan and I are launching this campaign to produce a beautifully crafted book on Claude Coats and his pivotal contributions to the creation of Disneyland. Pre-orders of at least 1000 books are needed in order to make this a viable campaign meeting the level of quality this book deserves. As many of you know, Dave took on the mission to document Kem Weber's furniture designs for the Disney Studios and that has become a multi-award-winning book. It also featured many never-before-seen photos and images. We will do the same for this tome and maintain the same level of quality for Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond.

(Claude Coats working in his home studio.)

We want to raise at least $40,000 in order to have this book professionally created using top quality materials, printing and book binding techniques. This will also cover additional costs associated with publishing including editing, copy editing, design & layout, licensing fees, distribution, shipping, marketing, promotion and advertising. That means if 1000 people order the book at the pre-order price of $40.00, we will be able to create this book. Ultimately, we would like to sell out the 3,000 copy print run. If we do, we may be able to print a softcover version of the book to satisfy any additional demand. Frankly, we would love nothing better than to prove that there are thousands of interested individuals who do know who Claude Coats is and what he contributed to the making of Disneyland. We hope that you agree and will purchase your copy of this important book. Be a part of making Disney history!

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

-Dave Bossert & Alan Coats

Post Script: Please note that the giclée prints in the $100, $250, and $500 perks are numbered, estate signed and come with a certificate of authenticity. The sizes listed are the actual image dimensions and there is an additional one-and-half inch white boarder around the image making the overall size three inches larger in height and width.   

The Impact

Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond will be an important part of the ever expanding story of Disney. It will be another document of the legacy, history and valuable contributions made by Claude Coats to the Disney timeline. As many of you know, we have taken on passion projects in the past and have completed everything we've set out to do. If we can meet our funding goal, we will deliver to you a stunning book with some material you've likely never seen before!

Risks & Challenges

As with any new project there are always risks and challenges. There are hurdles to overcome and unforeseen situations, but that's what makes it fun! We have never backed away from obstacles and this book will be no different. When we start a project, we will finish that project. We have the track-record to prove it. Please note that often times the scope of a book, its title and other production aspects may change as the project evolves. Please visit author Dave Bossert's website to see his publishing accomplishments to date at: www.davidbossert.com 

Other Ways You Can Help

Our hope is that this story is a compelling reason why you will pre-order Walt Disney’s Imagineer Claude Coats—The Making of Disneyland: From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond. If you agree and order the book, we thank you. You can also help us by getting the word out to your friends and social networks. This campaign will run for 60 days and our hope is that we can meet and exceed the goal in that time frame and then get cracking on producing this long overdue book on Claude Coats.