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Bob Chapek Memoir ‘Behind the Castle Walls’ Will Tell Former Disney CEO’s Side of the Story
Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek is ready to tell his side of one of the most turbulent chapters in recent Disney history. Chapek’s new memoir, Behind the Castle Walls, is scheduled to be released September 29, 2026, promising an inside look at his rise through The Walt Disney Company, his brief tenure as CEO and the events surrounding his sudden departure.
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Chapek joined Disney in 1993 and spent nearly three decades with the company before being named CEO in February 2020. His timing could hardly have been more dramatic. Just weeks later, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships and productions around the world. His tenure would go on to include the phased reopening of Walt Disney World, major changes to the theme park experience and some of the most debated corporate decisions in recent Disney history.
According to the publisher’s description, the 272-page memoir will explore Chapek’s upbringing, his early days as Disney CEO during the pandemic, Disney’s political battles in Florida, his removal from the CEO position and Bob Iger’s return. The book also promises Chapek’s reflections on his legacy and his perspective on whether he was given a fair opportunity to lead the company.
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Chapek’s time at the top included several changes that Disney Parks fans still talk about today, including the replacement of the free FastPass system with paid Disney Genie+ and the pause of several previously announced Walt Disney World projects. His contract was extended by Disney’s board in June 2022, but only five months later, Iger returned as CEO and Chapek stepped down. Now, nearly four years later, Behind the Castle Walls could offer a very different view of those events from the man who was sitting in the CEO chair when they happened.
Behind the Castle Walls is available for pre-order ahead of its September 29 release. Whether you were Team Chapek, Team Iger or simply watched the corporate drama unfold with popcorn in hand, this could be one of the more fascinating Disney reads of the year. And if all this Disney talk has you ready for a less complicated kind of adventure, our partners at Get Away Today can help plan your next Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation.
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