International readers—shipping is extremely expensive. The eBook version, available for pre-order, is optimized for tablets and computers (not Kindles or similar devices) and is just about as beautiful as the print edition.

Jason Surrell, Former Walt Disney Imagineer and Executive Creative Director at Universal Creative

“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.”

Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World® Resort

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. 

• An end-to-end breakdown of how themed entertainment projects are imagined, built, and maintained

• A masterclass in interdisciplinary collaboration, creative leadership, and maintaining story through process

• Introduction to Narrative Experience Design, a strategic and story-centric approach to brand experience

• Guidance for students, professionals, and leaders who want to navigate and contribute meaningfully to the experience economy

• Thought-provoking prompts for personal growth, leadership mindset, and professional transformation

Jamie DeRuyter, Department Head of Entertainment Design at Ringling College of Art and Design

Creating Memorable Worlds: A Journey into Themed Experience Design by Theron Skees is a much needed piece of literature in the world of themed entertainment. With so much incredible industry experience, Skees gives us a comprehensive guide that bridges the creative and business sides of experience design.

The book feels practical and gives us a peek behind the curtain at how iconic destinations like Disney and Universal Studios come to life. Theron provides readers with actionable frameworks and real-world insights that span the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept to opening day and beyond.

The three-section structure works perfectly. The early chapters establish essential industry vocabulary and explores the collaborative dynamics that make or break complex projects. This industry is all about the people and Theron understands that very well. The process-focused middle section offers genuine value through its exploration of the pitch, “solutioneering,” project cycles and, most importantly, storytelling. The final section is such a thoughtful career guide. As an educator myself, these questions of why we do what we do are what really matters. 

Skees’ introduction of Narrative Experience Design as a proprietary methodology feels organic rather than forced, positioning storytelling as the strategic thread that should guide every decision. This concept alone makes the book worthwhile for professionals seeking to understand why some experiences create lasting emotional connections while others fall flat.

The modular design of the book lends itself well to the classroom or as a reference guide in your own professional practice. I really appreciate Theron’s deep industry insights. This book is  essential reading for anyone serious about understanding how extraordinary experiences are intentionally crafted in today's experience-driven economy.

Peter Weishar, Director of Themed Experience Graduate Programs, University of Central Florida

“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.”

Michael Arief, LiveLife—Connecting People with Activities

“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.”

About the author

Theron is a highly adaptive, senior creative executive with 30 years experience assembling and leading multi-disciplined, cross-functional teams in the themed entertainment industry. 

A veteran of Walt Disney Imagineering, he has led diverse concept, design, and construction projects from hundreds of millions to multiple billions of dollars in a wide variety of experience types all over the world. Theron has spent his career injecting brand story, narrative, and experience into theme parks, attractions, destination resort developments, and cruise ships, including Disney Springs, Tower of Terror at Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Discover more

Learn more about the book at CreatingMemorableWorlds.com and discover additional resources to help you in your journey, such as videos and master classes. Theron’s company, The Designer’s Creative Studio, can also help you incorporate story and experience into whatever you’re working on. Find out more at designerscreativestudio.com.