Life in HW Inspires New Disney Book “Camp Mickey and Minnie: One Wild Summer” by Resident Ryan March

About the Story

The tale finds Goofy preparing for campers and wanting nothing to get in the way of his Art of Water Sports club. When he notices an abundance of frogs on the lake, he finds a solution: plastic flamingos! But Goofy's flamingos are just the start of his humorous (and ultimately harmless) attempts to control the natural world. Every time Goofy solves his problem with one animal, another shows up in its absence. Mickey and Minnie help Goofy see that his actions caused a big stink (cue the arrival of skunks!) and that it is best to live in harmony with nature. The story showcases how every animal has a role to play in their environment, even if that role isn't always clear to people. In the end, natural balance is restored to the camp, and Mickey and his friends prepare for the rest of an amazing summer.

At the end of the story, there is a spread of fun facts about the animals featured in the story, which were created in collaboration with Disney’s Animal, Science, and Environment Team.

Behind the Story - Friendship & Inspiration

Friends for years through the magic of Disney, Ryan and Bret are perfectly paired as writer and illustrator. They combined their love of the great outdoors, vintage stylings and the timeless warmth of classic Disney cartoons to create the enchanting world of Camp Mickey and Minnie. With all the heart and humor of stories they fell in love with as kids, they have created a story about the beauty and balance of nature as well as the unintended consequences of decisions not thought through, which can be very, well, 'Goofy.'

The inspiring story is interwoven with playful vintage visuals throughout the fully illustrated hardcover. The art style of "Camp Mickey and Minnie: One Wild Summer" is a charming nod to Bret Iwan's love for the iconic National Park promotional posters from the 1930s and 1940s.

Ryan notes, "I hope that readers of all ages are as drawn to the book's artwork as I am. Bret is a true outdoorsman, and his distinctive illustration style is inspired by his love of vintage U.S. National Parks posters. It's a style you see in many Bret Iwan pieces that hang in my home, including screenprint posters that place Mickey in National Parks settings. Those prints have become highly collectible and, like many collectibles, can carry a hefty price tag. So, I love that this book allows fans to essentially own dozens of pieces of Bret's outdoorsy artwork -- all for less than $20."

Art Imitates Life ... in Horizon West

The book's playful and poignant story highlights the importance of disconnecting from technology and embracing the great outdoors, just like how the March family enjoys their time right in their own neighborhood.

Ryan lives with his wife and young daughter in a residential subdivision in Hamlin, part of the Town Center of Horizon West. His family was drawn here, not only by the proximity to Walt Disney World and the area's outstanding schools, but also the prominence of open green spaces throughout the neighborhoods, which he says have proven to be their favorite part of living in Hamlin. "Our home is fronted by a park-like green space where neighbors frequently gather," he adds.

With just a few years as Horizon Westers, he says, "I've never felt a stronger sense of community than I've felt over these past five years in Hamlin. I spent nearly two decades in my previous neighborhood outside of Horizon West and never really knew my neighbors. Almost immediately upon moving into Hamlin, we got to know our neighbors and their kids, and those families have become some of our closest friends."

By showing Mickey and his pals at summer camp, the book encourages kids and families to dive into activities like camping and exploring nature, which promote mental and physical health through play and enjoyment of our natural surroundings. This is possible even in our little corner of Central Florida.

Ryan credits his life experiences in Horizon West as an influence and inspiration for the story.

"The idea for 'Camp Mickey & Minnie' was born during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many of us were spending more time close to home. Suddenly, I couldn't take my little girl down the road to enjoy the magic of a Walt Disney World Theme Park. We had to find magic around our own home and living in a community so rich with wide open green spaces made that decidedly easier. We found ourselves rolling pinecones in peanut butter and seeds to feed the birds that perched in our trees. We planted milkweed to feed caterpillars and set up enclosures to protect those caterpillars as they became butterflies. The magic of nature in our own yard allowed us to make happy memories during what was otherwise a difficult time. So, Horizon West living was very much a spark of inspiration for what would become 'Camp Mickey & Minnie: One Wild Summer,"' a book deeply rooted in the magic of nature."

Let Your Life Imitate Art!

With its captivating illustrations and heartwarming story, "Camp Mickey and Minnie: One Wild Summer" is sure to become a beloved favorite for Disney fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This delightful new contribution to children’s literature not only entertains, but also inspires readers to cherish and protect the beauty of our natural world.

Ryan commented that with technology so omnipresent in all our lives, playing outside doesn't necessarily come as naturally to today's kids as it did when he was growing up. "I hope the book inspires kids to find the kind of fun that doesn't involve a gaming console or mobile device." In Horizon West, this is a breeze to do thanks to our many interconnected multi-use trails, close-by neighborhood parks and shimmering lakes. And anyone can find their own connections to nature, just as the March family did!

Horizon West Magazine is proud to know Ryan as one of our neighbors here in Horizon West!

So, grab your camping gear and get ready for one wild summer with Mickey and friends thanks Ryan and his pal Bret!

"Camp Mickey and Minnie: One Wild Summer" was released on June 18, 2024, and it is available everywhere you find great books, including at Orange County Library branches and select locations at Walt Disney World.