Conference koolit::disney

      Perhaps someone can help ??? I've been looking for a book that
     details the developing and building of Disney World, I vaguely
     remember seeing such a book several years back, but don't recall
     where. Does anyone know if such a book exists, or was I only 
     hallucinating ??? It may have been an article in an old National
     Geographic ????? If you have read this book, could you tell me
     where I may be able to get one???? Thanks.....
    
                                                     Steve Tucker

    Steve,
    
    I don't know if you're telepathic because if not, then I am!
    
    I was heading into work just now with the intent to add exactly
    the same request that you've posted. I'd be interested in a book 
    for EPCOT as well as one for the MK (if that's what you meant 
    when saying 'Disney World').
    
    Please could any people replying include the FULL name of the books
    & authors because as these will be USA publications, I'll need to
    give as much information as I can to my local bookstore, so that
    they can order the books for me.
                                      
    
    Regards,
    
    Andy.

There is a *great* book about the construction of Disneyland called 
"Disneyland: The Inside Story" available at The Disney Store near you.
If they plan on doing one for Disneyworld that would be great.  Besides 
that some of the hardcover books give information (some on consytruction
and behind the scences).  

They are: "Walt Disney World: The First Decade" published in the 10th 
anniversary year (wow! that was a while back).  A blue, hardcover with
Cinderella's Castel by night on the cover.

The book they currently sell is simply entitled "Walt Disney World", it
is a green hardcover with the Castle and Spaceship Earth on the cover.
I believe it had even less information but you might want to take a look
at these two.

George

    In 1976 I purchased a book called "The Story of Walt Disney World".
    
    This book covers everything from the first time Walt came up with the
    idea to a few years after it opened.
    
    Some interesting tidbits in the book center on the secrecy of WED when
    they started buying up parcels of land which is now WDW. It also
    mentions that it was probably the largest private construction project
    in history.
    
    Various photos depict the developmental stages and discusses problems
    they (Disney) encountered.
    
    One interesting bit of information: During the construction Disney
    would find a lot of rotting logs in swamps and had them removed until
    some conservation faction made the point that many swamp animals needed
    said logs to dry off and feed. At considerable cost Disney returned the
    logs as they did not want to disturb the natural beauty and habitat.
    
    The book is black with a small square cut out in the center. The hole
    allows you to see a portion of the title page...a portion showing
    Cinderella's Castle.
    
    I'll dig out the book and see if there are any other interesting
    tidbits regarding "The Story of Walt Disney World".
    
    Mike 

    The "Story of Walt Disney World" rings a bell, could you tell me
    where I could buy a copy??? Is it available from any of the Disney
    stores around Massachusetts??? Any help is greatly appreciated..
    
                                               Steve Tucker

    
    The Disney people might put out a book next year (20th anniversary and
    all that) about the history.  This probably didn't help anyone, but I
    wanted to put in my 2 cents worth anyway.
    

    I'm new to this, so I don't know if anyone is still interested in the
    following information.  I have a book that details the planning and
    construction of EPCOT Center.  The book contains numerous pictures of
    the behind the scenes planning that went on since Walt first described
    his "revolutionary vision of an Experimental Prototype Community of
    Tomorrow," in 1966.  The book is 239 pages long, has 244 illustrations,
    including 162 full color plates (I know these figures solely because
    I'm looking at the book as I write this), and is packed with great
    information about EPCOT Center, Walt Disney World as a whole, and
    Walt's visions.
    	The following are some examples of the information contained in this 
    book:
    
    	"Considering Epcot Center's present layout - everything fitting so
    neatly and smoothly, as if it could be no other way - it is hard to
    imagine that in its original conception, the American Adventure
    pavilion was to be smack in the middle of Future World, where Showcase
    Plaza now stands.  Moreover, it was planned as a sleek contemporary
    edifice, a mammoth ultramodern structure on stilts, somewhat akin to
    the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C."
    
    Can you image how horrible that would have looked?  I think,
    without a doubt, that the colonial-style building was a much better
    choice.  Here is another bit you may find interesting:
    
    	"There is an ever-expanding number of pavilions to be incorporated
    into the World Showcase complex, some already in the planning stages.
    	"Farthest along in concept is the African Nations pavilion, unique
    among World Showcase projects in that it is not devoted to any single
    country but to all of those in Afirca that lie, roughly, across the
    equatorial belt.
    	"The pavilion will offer a comprehensive view of the 'dark
    continent.'  Its architectural motif is a tree house, in which vistors
    will overlook a jungle water hole in a simulated nighttime environment. 
    The illusion of the jungle will be heightened by a remarkably authentic
    diorama of trees, vines, boulders, and rushing water; even the scents
    of the forest will be re-created.  These actual objects, sounds, and
    smells are blended skillfully with a rear-projected film of animals
    visiting the water hole to convince visitors that they are actually in
    the heart of Africa."
    
    When I was last in WDW this past November, I asked why this pavilion,
    originally projected to open in 1983, had not yet been completed.  They
    explained (after I found a person that knew) that Disney has not be
    able to find a country or group of countries in Africa that could be 
    economicly involved with the project, and because of the high cost,
    Disney is holding off on opening this pavilion indefinitely.  Here's
    one more interesting bit:
    
    	"Japan pavilion's show, when it is ready, will afford an
    unparalleled overview of Japanese history.  Entitled "Meet the World,"
    it will also be the feature attraction of Tokyo Disneyland, scheduled
    to open in 1983.  The Florida version will be substantially the same as
    the Toyko show, although there will be a few changes, if only in
    phraseology.
    	"Nevertheless, audiences in Tokyo and Florida alike will be
    fascinated by the Disney way of showing them history in a manner
    they've never before experienced.  It's a manner nobody has
    experienced, combining as it does Audio-Animatronics figures,
    live-action film, and animated film.
    	"Inside the castle, the audience is seated in a rotating carrousel
    theater, which will revolve in front of four stages, each presenting a
    chapter of the story of Japan."
    
    I still have not been able to find out why the "Meet the World"
    attraction was never completed.  I should clarify that the book was
    writen in 1982 when Epcot Center first opened.  The book is titled WALT
    DISNEY'S EPCOT CENTER:  CREATING THE NEW WORLD OF TOMORROW.  The text
    is by Richard R. Beard, and is published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New
    York.  As it was a gift some three years ago, I do not know where it
    can be purchased, but it is a must for any true Disney fan.  I hope
    someone will have found this of interest.
    
    John.
    
    

    Grover, Ron.
    "The Disney Touch: How a Daring Management Team Revived an Entertainment
    Empire"; Pub 1991, Business One Irwin; ISBN 1-55623-385-X
    ------------

    If you want to know about Walt Disney and the company that bears his
    name, you have to consider three periods of the Studio's history.  The
    years that Walt was alive, making pictures and building his dream of
    Disneyland; the period of decline and near takeover by corporate
    raiders; and finally, the remergence of Disney as a preeminent force in
    the worldwide entertainment business under leadership of Michael Eisner
    and Frank Wells.

    The Walt years are treated in a number of biographies, most notably Bob
    Thomas's 1976 book, "Walt Disney: An American Original".  The attack of
    the corporate raiders is covered in fascinating detail in John Taylor's
    "Storming the Magic Kingdom".

    A new book covering the period of 1984 to the present has just been
    published.  "The Disney Touch", by Ron Grover begins where Taylor
    leaves off with Eisner and Wells accepting the jobs heading up the
    troubled Disney, and runs through the beginning of the Disney Decade,
    including the planning and construction of the Euro-Disney Resort.

    Grover was granted access to many of the Disney top execs, yet his book
    is not a Disney PR whitewash.  He writes of many of the new "Team
    Disney's" successes, but also of the company's new reputation for being
    tight-fisted, and control-oriented.  In a chapter titled "When Mickey
    Gets Grumpy", he deals with Disney's new found litigious nature.

    Eisner is described as an earnest hard-working family man.  His boyish
    charm and creative adventurism is balanced by an obsession with the
    bottom line.  Disney President Frank Wells is the head business man of
    the far-flung empire.  Together they make up the '80s version of the
    Walt and Roy team.  The duo wasted no time bring in dozens of their
    own people from Paramount, Marriott, and elsewhere, displacing many
    long time Disney staffers, and creating the new Team Disney.

    The book tells of how the team went right to work, exploiting existing
    assets, embarking on some creative financial deals, and NOT agonizing
    over every move wondering, "What would Walt have done?"

    I borrowed the book form the local library, but then thought enough of
    it to go out and buy a copy for myself.  No self respecting
    Disney-holic should be with out it.  Everyone else should at least read
    it.

    The rest of this topic can be used for discussion of the book, and the
    issues it raises.

    I bought this book while in the Magic Kingdom Bookstore on Main Street
    last week.  I've only gotten through the first few chapters but find
    it very interesting.  A must for ALL Disneyholics.

    Someone from  Salem who has just returned, has loaned to me for the Day
    the new
    
        Walt Disney World 20 Magical Years
    
    Picture Book, with an  off-white cover with a picture of several of the
    characters in front of the  Castle,  that  apparently is only available
    from WDW ($18.00), and put out by  Disney  since  there  is  no ISBN or
    publisher info  that  I  can see other than the number WO127-10003/1190
    found on the  bottom right of page 168.  I was in the Disney Store here
    in Salem last week and didn't see it.
    
    It's 168 pages, mostly  Color  Photographs  of  WDW,  the first section
    deals with Walt's announcement of  WDW on Wonderful World of Color, has
    some  construction  shots of MK, Epcot,  DISNEY/MGM  and  some  of  the
    resort, then on to sections devoted to  MK,  Epcot, Disney-MGM, Resorts
    etc.
    
    From what I've been able to gleam over,  it  makes  for  a nice picture
    book to have when discussing WDW vacations with friends  etc.   I would
    still  like  to  see  somthing  similar  to the Inside Disneyland  book
    mentioned in an earlier reply that covers WDW.
    
    Claude

    Claude,
    
    A few months ago someone put a note elsewhere in this conference
    that he had received a pamphlet offering 20th Anniversary items
    from the Disney mail order department. I had received the same 
    brochure, and this book was offered, along with T shirts, key
    chains, jackets, cups and mugs. 
    
    I ordered one, thinking the contents might have been updated since 
    the last similar book was published. The contents is *identical* to 
    the hard cover book I picked up at WDW in May 1990. The only
    difference is the cover. So if you already have a copy of the cream
    colored hard bound book, this contains nothing new. 
    
    We frequently enjoy leafing through our copy while remembering past
    trips. 
    
    Linda 

    "The Man  Behind  the  Magic" 'THE STORY OF WALT DISNEY'
    by Katherine and Richard Greene subtitled
    Published by the Penguin Group
        
    I've yet to  read  the  other  favorite  'Walt  Disney:    An  American
    origianl' (anyone care to  loan  me  a copy?), but I picked this one up
    last night at the Disney  Store in Salem NH ($18 retail).  
    
    I've only been able read the first few chapters and it  already  has my
    interest.  It is an interesting profile of the man we all  love.  Based
    on  the  Contents,  it  covers Walt's history from when he was around 4
    years old to when he died.  
    
    When  I  come  back  from my week of camping up in Maine (first week in
    August) I see about putting in a full report.
    
    Claude

    Rep to <<< Note 318.0 by SALEM::BERUBE_C "Where do you think you are? WDW!!" >>>

    Oh Yeah from the Back Cover
    
    "Walt  was  a    genius,    he  was  also  a  human  being  with  human
    frailties...Reading this book has reminded me what an inspiration and a
    joy he was, is, and always will be."
    
                - Hayley Mills
    
    "I really enjoyed this book. you will, too."
    
                - Fred Macmurray
    
    "No other biography of my  father  has  explored his boyhood...so well.
    the curiosity, energy, innocence, and optimism  of his youth never left
    him. This is a carefully done...biography and I am grateful for it"
    
                - Diane Disney Miller
    
    Oh  yeah in case you don't have  a  Disney  Store  around  the  ISBN  #
    0-670-822590-0  by  Viking,  Published  by  the  Penguin Group, Penguin
    Books.

    
    I just finished reading "Prince of the Magic Kingdom". It's about
    Michael Eisner before and after joining Disney. 
    It starts out in the early 80's with a brief overview of the demise of 
    the Disney empire (about the time of "The Storming of the Magic Kingdom", 
    and the Bass brothers takeover,etc.), and how Michael Eisner was recruited 
    from Paramount by Roy Disney. Some parts are excellent insight into how
    it must have felt for Eisner during that time.
    For example:
    He's at a basketball game waiting for a phone call. If it's Paramount
    NOT offering him the presidency then he gets millions of dollars in
    contract settlements. If it's Disney offering a job and he takes it
    then he gets nothing from Paramount.
    Then it gets into the reign of Disney by Eisner and Frank Wells. 
    Like kids in candy stores....
    I won't ruin it by telling any more.... Excellent.

    Rep to <<< Note 319.0 by DABEAN::NEARY "Bob Neary" >>>

    Bob,
    
    Thanks for the report, could you supply the following info though like
    
        Author
        Publisher
        ISBN #
        $
        Where you got it? (Dalton's etc)
    
    thanks,
    
    Claude

    Claude,
    
    Here's the specifics:
    
    Title: 	The Prince of the Magic Kingdom
    Author: 	Joe Flower
    ISBN :	0-471-52465-4
    List price:	$22.95 (I paid $16.06 ... it was a brand new release so
      		on sale, unsure if still discounted.)
    Store:   	Booksmith @ Pheasant Lane mall
    

If you are interested in getting an insight to the "real" Walt Disney this is
the first book I found that makes that attempt.  It does not polish Walt's
image but does show that he was not without flaws.  Disney's World covered
from the roots of the Disney name (Anglicized from d'Isigny) to Walt's death 
in 1966.  It also lists Walt Disney's film credits, Walt as producer or 
executive producer, and the animators and their accomplishments. I did not
think any less of the man after I was finished, just enlightened.

Books on Disney that I've read to date:

"Storming the Magic Kingdom"   John Taylor
"The Disney Touch"	       Ron Grover
"Disney's World" a biography   Leonard Mosley  ISBN 0-8128-8514-7  $14.95

I own but have not read:

"Prince of the Magic Kingdom"	Joe Flower	       

  Three months ago I was listening to a radio talk show. They had the author
of "The Geography of Nowhere" on. I was quite interested and ordered the book
from my local bookstore. I have read about half of it and it's fascinating.
The author, James Kunstler, talks about the loss of community in the U.S. and
related issues, such as the "fantasy industry" and the ugliness of much of what
has been built since 1945.
  He believes that the "fantasy industry" (movies, TV, and Disney-type theme
parks) is both a cause and an effect of much of the ugliness in the manmade
environment. One reason why it is an effect is that people are trying to escape
from this ugliness, and one way to do so is to spend a few days in a theme
park.
  The book devotes about 10 pages to Disneyland and Disney World. He unmasks
much of the mystique surrounding these parks. If you are a devout Disney fan,
you probably won't want to read this, but I found it quite insightful. Two
points I found quite interesting are:

1. The theme parks make most of their money from sales of souvenirs. The rides
and exhibits are set up to lure people into gift shops and to make people, es-
pecially children, want to buy souvenirs.

2. They deliberately hide the lines of people waiting for rides and exhibits
so that people won't know there is a long line until they are more or less com-
mitted. One reason for putting the lines inside is to enable the waiting people
to get out of the sun and heat, but the other reason is that seeing a long line
from a distance discourages people from even inquiring about going in.

  This leads to a question: Can you accurately assess the length of the line at
a Disney theme park ride or exhibit before you commit yourself to "doing" it?

    >  This leads to a question: Can you accurately assess the length of the
    >  line at
    >  a Disney theme park ride or exhibit before you commit yourself to
    >  "doing" it?
    
    No, not really.  Each line can be made shorter and longer within the
    enclosure by moving ropes and connectors.  The actual time is usually
    posted outside each attraction and I've found it to be an OVER
    estimation of the actual time you will be in line.
    
    John
    
    P.S.  I'm back, but I'm not sure for how long!

    
    re: -.1
    
    only if you are real familiar with the ride and can get an idea by
    looking at where the line is come out.
    
    Jungle Cruise, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain always fool
    the most people, I think.
    
    --bert

    The Jungle Cruise fooled me in July '92. During the SpectroMagic
    Parade we wandered by the Jungle Cruise and we thought it was closed.
    
    I peeked around the corner and there was a castmember waving us towards
    him....he was holding a boat for us. They were running the attraction at 
    night and many people weren't aware of this because you couldn't see
    the line......there was NO LINE. 
    
    Mike

    
    
    Funny you should mention the wait times.  This past summer, my family
    and I went on the Jungle Cruise.  We had just entered the line and a
    Disney person gave us a ticket with the current time on it.  He asked
    us to give it to the person that helps you on the boat.  I asked what
    this was all about and he indicated that they were in the process of
    updating the waiting time sign and this was a way for them to know the
    REAL wait time.  He said that they do it frequently to keep the times
    accurate.
    
    Paul 

I ran across a mention of a Book on Disney that's clearly NOT for Kids:

"Mouse Tales - A behind the Ears Look at Disneyland"
Written By David Koenig
Published 1994 by Bonaventure Press
ISBN 0-9640605-5-8

It has a lot of stories about the deaths that have ocurred as well as
about adults getting "frisky."

If anyone has it/gets it, please post a review.

Bill A.

Florida's Disney Worls: Promises and Problems
Leonard E. Zehnder
(C) 1975
Library of Congress Cat.Card # 75-39934
pub: The Peninsular Publishing Company, Tallahassee, Florida


This is mostly a cronicle of events as seen through
newspaper articles - pretty interesting.  It covers the period of
land purchases (lots of speculation as to who the purchaser might
be) through the first 2-3 years after the opening & the effects
it had on the Orlando area.

Inside The Mouse: Work and Play at Disney World
by: The Project On Disney
(C) 1995
ISBN 0-8223-1607-2   
ISBN 0-8223-1624-2 (pbk.)
Pub: Duke University Press

excerpt from the back cover (any typos are mine):


This entertaining and playful book views Disney World as much more than
the site of an ideal family vacation. Blending personal meditations,
inverviews, photographs, and cultural analysis, Inside the Mouse looks at
Disney World's architecture and design, its consumer practices, and its
use of Disney characters and themes. This book takes the reader on an
alternative ride through "the happiest place on earth" while asking "What
makes this forty-three-square-mile theme part the quintessential
embodiment of American leisure?"

Turning away from the programmed entertainment that Disney presents, the
authors take a peek behind the scenes of everyday experience at Disney
World. In their consideration of the park as both private corporate
enterprise and public urban evnironment, the authors focus on questions
concerning the production and consumption of leisure. Featuring over
fifty photographs and interviews with workers that strip "cast members"
of their cartoon constumes, this captivating work illustrates the
high-pressure dynamics of the typical family vacation as well as a  tour
of Disney Workd that looks beyond the controlled facade of themed
attractions.

...

    "Inside the Magic Kingdom" by Tom Connellan
    Price: $19.95
    
    I don't know the Publisher or the ISBN number. the book is relatively
    new. It discusses the Disnet culture and management style.
    
    Mike