Creating Memorable Worlds

"Theron Skees strikes the perfect balance with an attractive, straightforward, and well-organized book that guides the reader through the creative and practical process of developing compelling narrative environments. Creating Memorable Worlds is a must-read for the novice seeking to find their place in themed experience as well as professionals looking for insight from a highly accomplished industry leader."— Peter Weishar, Director of Themed Experience Graduate Programs, University of Central Florida

"At 384 pages, Theron Skees's Creating Memorable Worlds is hardly 'themed experience design at a glance,' and we should all be thankful for that. This book is quite possibly the most thorough exploration of themed experience design I have ever seen, and it's destined to become one of the core texts at any institution that attempts to teach what we do in this crazy hybrid of entertainment forms and the myriad disciplines it takes to do it. Creating Memorable Worlds is required reading for everyone from younger dreamers just beginning to think about a career in our industry to longtime veterans like myself eager to see their life's work captured in such a complete and accessible way. If you've ever dreamed of transporting people to another world or even just turning an 'activity' into a true experience, then this volume needs to take pride of place on your bookshelf.”— Jason Surrell, Former Walt Disney Imagineer and Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative

"Finally a book that breaks down how to design an environment for extraordinary experience to happen. Theron speaks from his extensive thirty years of experience on the art and business of themed entertainment as a VP of Walt Disney Imagineering.He not only dives deep into the ecosystem and team required for themed experience design, but also describes practical tools and a framework for executing such projects. Then the book is beautifully wrapped by focusing on the reader, providing advice on how to consider your role within this global industry while introducing his methodology: Narrative Experience Design.Theron guides us how to merge brand purpose with emotional connection and design intent, thus transforming passive consumers into devoted audience members.”—Michael Arief, LiveLife—Connecting People with Activities

For you out there trying to understand how to attract and keep customers, Theron Skees’s new book, Creating Memorable Worlds, will provide you with an excellent road map on how to approach building your own memorable world for your organization, because at the end of the day you can only be successful if you are memorable. Today we are in an experience economy with unlimited choices. And we all choose over and over those memorable experiences. Be memorable or be gone no matter what business you are in.
A masterclass in interdisciplinary collaboration, creative leadership, and maintaining story through process!— Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort

The Foundations & People

Dive into the core elements that compose the industry and discover the people who bring dreams to life. Perfect for those new to the field or seasoned professionals seeking to discover new dimensions for their careers.

The Process

Embark on a journey to uncover complex project sequences from before the beginning to after completion. This invaluable roadmap for managing the projects, people and processes will ensure successful, story-driven experiences.

The Story of You

Unlock your potential by gaining deep insights into your super powers and how to apply them in your career journey. Insights into personal branding, career pathways, and the balance of soft and hard skills, provides strategic guidance for defining your unique role across diverse professional landscapes.

About The Author

As a former senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, Theron Skees has spent his career injecting brand story and narrative into theme parks, destination experiences and organizations around the world. He has led diverse creation, design and construction projects from 100's of millions to billions of dollars in a wide variety of experience types. Now, as the founder of The Designer's Creative Studio, he applies lessons from his 30+ year career in Themed Entertainment focusing on the use of storytelling solutions and experience design to transform “customers” to “audience” members, drive business uplift and grow brand equity.Theron represents how experience and story are not just something that gets applied on top of a brand but are the core values an audience considers to be a part of any organization’s DNA. With notable brand collaborations across a broad section of the global economy, he demonstrates that this area of expertise is needed wherever people live, work, eat, shop, or play.

Uncover New Possibilities

More than a manual or text book, each chapter demystifies the process of turning creative visions into unforgettable guest experiences.

Elevate Your Craft

Receive practical instruction on everything from the creative spark of idea generation to the strategic realities of design, construction, and turn over.

Inform Your Journey

From students studying the craft to seasoned professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge, this book offers a detailed roadmap for anyone fascinated by the world of destination experiences.

Ignite Inspiration

Go beyond the industry and explore the transformative power of Narrative Experience Design at the intersection of story, brand and business objectives, learn how experiences drive value in today's global marketplace.