On Monday, March 31, 2025, Disney and history fans could be found at the Nixon Library and Museum to hear from Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Disney historian Tim O’Day about their book Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth. The event went for just under an hour and was followed by a book signing in the lobby.
Throughout the event, Martha B. and Tim O’Day shared a little bit about the process of writing the book and how they worked together. This led to some amusing moments as their two personalities shone through and drew laughter from the crowds. It is easy to see the rapport the two have built over the five years it took to write this book.
The discussion then pivoted to Martha B.’s story. This started with the story of her parents and how they came to California. This is a story of the American dream of what could be better for both a young couple that came to California, and then eventually their four kids. Memories were shared of childhood moments. It painted a picture of what her family life was like growing up and the support she received, particularly from her mother.
Martha B. eventually decided to work at Disneyland to help pay for college. She shared how this came to be and the challenges that she faced along the way. This was the start of a 50-year career at what would eventually become the Disneyland Resort. There were ups and downs throughout this career, many of which can be found in this book. Martha B. also shared about her weekend hosting Cary Grant, his daughter, and her friend when he hosted the Candlelight Processional.
Throughout the night, along with many incredible stories being told, Martha B. also shared some words of wisdom. She reminded people not to let anyone tell them they can’t do something they know they can. She was very adamant that this applied to all ages and walks of life. Martha also advised on how to choose the battles that are worth fighting. Many of these lessons and more can be found in her book.
Tim O’Day, who co-wrote the book with her, shared some funny stories about the process of writing the book and then the book tour that followed after it was released. He also shared that this book isn’t just a Disney story, it’s an American story. It is a unique perspective on what was going on in the United States throughout the course of Martha B.’s life.
The event was full of humorous moments, heartfelt stories, and inspiring lessons. Even more of these can be found in Groundbreaking Magic. Following the presentation, Martha B. and Tim O’Day signed copies of the books. The line for this was quite long. The duo gave a special moment to each person who waited to meet them, along with their signatures.
About Martha Blanding
Martha Blanding was hired at Disneyland in 1971 as a part-time tour guide. Within a year, she would be promoted to a full-time tour guide at Disneyland. This made her the first-ever Black tour guide for Disneyland. In this role and eventually, as a VIP hostess, she showed incredible hospitality and courtesy and continued the legacy of Walt Disney’s dream. She hosted guests like Cary Grant, Diana Ross, Elton John, and Cher.
She shared about the role, saying, “It was very important to me that every guest experience was special. As cast members, our job is to create happiness and that’s what I strove for every day.” She credited her welcoming personality which was a core to every tour that she led, to her upbringing. It gave her the tools she needed to interact with all types of people.
Throughout her career, she worked her way up through different roles at Disneyland, particularly within Disneyland merchandise management. She was the first-ever Black woman in this role at Disneyland and one of the first Black cast members in management across the company as a whole. Eventually, she became a Senior Manager of Disneyland Resort merchandise special events. Throughout her career, she led and cared for cast members at Disneyland. She became a mentor to many and co-founded PULSE (People United to Lead, Serve and Excel), a business employee resource group for cast members of African and Caribbean descent and backgrounds, as well as allies. She retired in 2022. In 2024, she was honored as a Disney Legend.
In March 2025, a window on Main Street, U.S.A. was decorated to honor Martha B. Along with different nods to her, guests who look closely could also find Groundbreaking Magic in the display.
Groundbreaking Magic can be purchased at multiple bookstores and Amazon. If you get the chance to see Martha Blanding and Tim O’Day share about this book and their experiences, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity!
