Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.
Loading... The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dreamby Sam Gennawey
None Loading...
Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. I received "The Disneyland Story" as part of a Goodreads giveaway. Sam Gennawey explores the history of the original Disney theme park. Often overshadowed by Walt Disney World, Disneyland has a special place in my heart because, well, it's the one I've visited, so there's a certain nostalgia connected with it. It was a nice read, comprehensive without being unwieldy, detailing the park's conception prior to WWII and its opening in the mid-1950s. Much attention is paid to the early years of Disneyland, particularly the first decade or so, when Walt Disney was still alive. This period takes up probably 2/3 of the book, whereas the last 40 years or so receive the remaining third. If I had a complaint, it was that the book got a little listy and repetitive chapter after chapter--a lot of "In [year], [ride/attraction] was closed/outdated and was updated in the following ways." Tha said, it's a pretty good read, especially for big Disney fans who want an in-depth history of the park. no reviews | add a review
The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream is the story of how Walt Disney's greatest creation was conceived, nurtured, and how it grew into a source of joy and inspiration for generations of visitors. Despite his successors' battles with the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt's vision maintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it Walt Disney's way. No library descriptions found. |
Current DiscussionsNonePopular covers
Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)791.068The arts Recreational and performing arts Public performances Amusement ParksLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
Is this you?Become a LibraryThing Author. |
The book is basically in two parts. The 1950s and 1960s are more intricately covered with the focus on Disney's dream and the projects completed and started in his lifetime. From the 1970s to the present, the book is more of a listing of annual changes to the park, and the sense that Disneyland is getting neglected due to the company's focus on new parks in Florida, Japan, France, and China. The Michael Eisner era seems to be wrapped up in red tape and bad ideas as the company continually fails to expand Disneyland and the initial disappointment of the Disney California Adventure when it finally opens in 2001. This period is also marked by the Disney company seemingly doing everything in their power to avoid ever paying any taxes to the city of Anaheim. Nevertheless, while the book is rightly critical it also celebrates the imagination that went into creating and changing Disneyland and the joyous role it plays in American culture.
Favorite Passages:
( )