Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek is releasing a memoir called Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth, giving his account of running Disney through the pandemic and his removal from the job in 2022. The book launches on 29th September 2026, but will only be available in the UK in audiobook form on that date. The physical hardback edition won't be available until 8th October 2026 - preorders are now live.
Article Summary
- Book title: Behind the Castle Walls
- Release date: 29th September 2026 (8th October 2026 in the UK for the hardback edition)
- Price: The preorder price on Amazon and Waterstones is £20 for the hardback edition. Audiobook included with Audible subscription
- What it covers: Chapek's rise at Disney, the pandemic response, the clash with Florida's state government, and his ousting
- Timing: the book lands just as Bob Iger's own second go as CEO comes to an end
Preorder Behind the Castle Walls here
Read on for what led to Chapek's exit, how his tenure changed ticket prices and Genie+ for UK guests, and where to preorder your copy.
What Is Bob Chapek's New Book About?
Bob Chapek spent nearly 30 years working at the company, starting in 1993 as marketing director for home video, before he was named CEO in February 2020. Weeks later the pandemic shut down every Disney park, resort, cruise ship and film production the company had running, and Chapek spent the next two years steering it through closures, capacity limits and a very public row with Florida's state government. He was removed from the top job in November 2022, with Bob Iger stepping back in as CEO.
His new memoir, titled Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth, is his account of that period. Chapek frames it as an answer to whether he was given a fair shot at the job, or whether he ended up carrying the blame for decisions that were going to land badly whichever way he chose. The book covers his rise through the company, the pandemic response, the political pressure from Florida, and the events that led to Iger's return.
When Is Behind The Castle Walls Released In The UK?
The hardback physical edition of Behind the Castle Walls is scheduled for release on 29th September 2026 in the US, but will release in the UK on 8th October 2026. In the UK it will be available in Audiobook form through Audible on 29th September 2026. Preorders are open now through Amazon and Waterstones for the hardback edition, priced at £20.
Check the current price and preorder here >
Why Did Bob Chapek Leave Disney As CEO?
The Disney board removed Chapek from the CEO role in November 2022, less than three years into the job, and brought Bob Iger back. The reasoning at the time pointed to disappointing streaming results and a run of controversies that had knocked confidence in Chapek's leadership, including the lawsuit from Scarlett Johansson over the Black Widow release and the fallout from Disney's response to Florida legislation.
How Did The Chapek Era Change Disney World Prices For UK Guests?
Whatever you make of his tenure, several of the changes introduced under Chapek are still shaping how UK families have to budget for a Walt Disney World trip. Genie+, now known as Lightning Lane, launched in October 2021 and replaced the free FastPass+ system with a paid skip-the-line product, while the free Disney's Magical Express airport transfer was discontinued in early 2022. Several Disney hotel perks were trimmed along the way, including complimentary Magic Bands. Most of these changes are still in effect today, and together they've added real extra cost to a holiday booked from the UK.
Will Behind The Castle Walls Reveal New Details About Bob Iger's Return?
The publisher's description says the book covers Chapek's exit "given Bob Iger's apparent desire to return", which lines up with what's been widely reported about the power struggle between the two men in 2022. The timing is interesting though, because Iger has already left the CEO chair again. Josh D'Amaro took over as Disney's chief executive on 18th March 2026, with Iger stepping into a senior advisor role until he retires from the company at the end of December 2026. You can read Disney's own announcement about D'Amaro's appointment here. Chapek's memoir arrives just as that chapter of Disney's leadership story closes for good.
If you want to make sure you don't miss the release, preordering now is the easiest way to guarantee your copy on day one.
Preorder Behind the Castle Walls here
Join the FREE Mickey From The UK Email Club
Click Here To Join The FREE Mickey From The UK Email ClubYou may not see all our content on social media - signing up to our Email Club means you won't miss out.
See more from Mickey From The UK in Google Search
Click Here To Add Us As A Preferred Source On GoogleAdding us as a preferred source means you'll see more of our news, guides, and reviews when you search.
Bob Chapek's Disney Book: Your Questions Answered
What is Bob Chapek's new book called?
Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth is the title of Bob Chapek's memoir about his time as Disney CEO.
When is Behind the Castle Walls released?
The hardback edition book is due out on 29th September 2026 (8th October 2026 in the UK).
Can UK readers preorder Behind the Castle Walls?
Yes. Preorders are available now through Amazon ahead of the October release.
Will there be an audio version of Behind the Castle Walls?
Yes, the audio version will be available worldwide through services like Audible on 29th September 2026.
How much does the Behind the Castle Walls book cost?
The UK preorder price for Behind the Castle Walls is £20.
When did Bob Chapek become Disney CEO?
Chapek was named CEO of the Walt Disney Company in February 2020. He worked at the company for a total of about 30 years.
When was Bob Chapek removed as Disney CEO?
Chapek was replaced as CEO in November 2022, when Bob Iger returned to the role.
What does Behind the Castle Walls cover?
The book covers Chapek's rise through Disney, his handling of the pandemic, the clash with Florida's state government, and the events around his ousting.
Is Bob Iger still Disney's CEO?
No. Iger stepped down as CEO on 18th March 2026 and was succeeded by Josh D'Amaro, though Iger remains with the company as a senior advisor until his retirement at the end of December 2026.
Did Bob Chapek work at Disney before becoming CEO?
Yes. He joined Disney in 1993 as marketing director for home video and spent 30 years at the company.
Chapek's account of one of the most talked-about chapters in Disney's recent history lands on 29th September 2026 (8th October 2026 in the UK), and whatever his version adds to what's already been reported, it's shaping up to be a must-read for anyone who follows the Disney boardroom as closely as the parks.
