Xavier X Atencio - (Disney Editions Deluxe) by Tori Atencio McCullough & Kelsey McCullough & Bobbie Lucas (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From apprentice animator on Pinocchio to the lyricist behind "Yo Ho, Yo Ho A Pirates Life for Me," Xavier "X" Atencio's Disney career was diverse and spectacular.

Now for the first time his talent, humor, and creativity come to life in a book celebrating the body of work and the legacy of one of Walt's original and most versatile Imagineers.

Xavier "X" Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend depicts the life, art, and lasting legacy of X, detailing how he put himself into his work and used his talents, passion, humor, and creativity to inspire generations. It is the most comprehensive look to date at the one of Walt's original and most versatile Imagineers.

Featuring previously unpublished artwork and photographs from X's personal collection, this book grants readers the unique opportunity to discover the true depths of influence X attained on his life journey. For while it was rare to become a Disney Imagineer, it was even rarer to end a career at Disney with as diversified a resume as X's--from "small-town Colorado boy" to art school attendee, Disney animator, attraction scriptwriter, lyricist, voice-over artist, and finally Disney Legend.

Set against the historic and cultural evolutions of The Walt Disney Company, Xavier "X" Atencio: The Legacy of An Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend provides a deeply personal perspective into the life and career of a Disney Legend whose story, until now, had remained largely untold.

Review Quotes

"Play is a fitting way to describe Atencio's contributions to two of Disneyland's most beloved attractions, where pirates and ghosts are captured at their most frivolous and jovial."--Los Angeles Times

"This book is a must-have. From cover to cover, it is full of fascinating stories and documents that I had never seen before. The authors of the book, Atencio's family members, have really done their homework. Whether you love the art of Disney animated features or are interested in the behind-the-scenes of Imagineering, this book is for you."--Didier Ghez, Disney author and historian

"This is a must read for any Disney fan. . . . By the final pages, Xavier 'X' Atencio: The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend feels like stepping off a favorite attraction--that perfect mix of satisfaction, nostalgia, and the quiet urge to go right back through the queue. It's a loving celebration not only of X's extraordinary career but of the creative spirit that defines Disney itself."--Laughing Place

"Xavier 'X' Atencio. . . is a deep dive into the life of a Disney Legend in every sense of the word. . . . An enjoyable read, telling a compelling story."--Disneygeek blog

About the Author

Tori Atencio McCullough is X's eldest daughter and the only one of his four children who followed in their father's footsteps, having had her own forty-year career at Walt Disney Imagineering in the interior design department. Tori retired in 2016 and later co-authored a book about her Disney career, Women of Walt Disney Imagineering: 12 Women Reflect on Their Trailblazing Theme Park Careers.

Kelsey McCullough is X's first granddaughter. Following in the family footsteps, she started her Disney career working in technology for Disney Parks in 2013 and has since moved over to working on technology innovation at Walt Disney Studios.

Bobbie Lucas could most closely be defined as X's "grandchild-in-law." She is a writer, producer, and film professor in Los Angeles. In the Atencio family tradition, she's spent part of her career at Disney, where she most recently worked in television development at Disney General Entertainment.