Disney Legend Joe Rohde Brings 'Floating Mountains' to Castle Green

Disney Legend Joe Rohde is bringing his book 'Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible' to Castle Green in Pasadena on Monday, September 14. The evening event starts at 7 p.m., with a public book signing following the presentation. Rohde, who spent four decades at Walt Disney Imagineering and led the design of Disney's Animal Kingdom, will discuss how creativity comes from his career and childhood.

Rohde's book is an attempt to reach readers 'beyond just Disney fans,' according to its publisher, National Geographic. The event is ticketed, with admission including one copy of the book handed out at check-in. Vroman's Bookstore is co-presenting with Castle Green, which opens to the public only twice a year.

Rohde retired from Walt Disney Imagineering on January 4, 2021, after more than 40 years and was named a Disney Legend in 2024. He joined the company in 1980 as a model designer and scenic painter on the Mexico pavilion at Epcot and worked on other notable projects including Expedition Everest and Pandora, The World of Avatar.