Product Description
From the day it opened in July 1955, in an event given live TV coverage, Disneyland has been a key symbol of contemporary American culture. It has been both celebrated and attacked as the ultimate embodiment of consumer society, a harbinger of shopping-mall culture, a symbol of American hegemony in entertainment, the epitome of fantasy, simulation, pastiche, and the blurring of distinctions between reality and mass-media imagery. Yet for all the power of Disneyland as metaphor, almost no one has discussed the making of this unique place, with its far-flung colonies in Florida, Japan, and France. Written to accompany an exhibition at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal, Designing Disney's Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance is the first book to look beyond the multiple myths of Disneyland.

Uniting a roster of authors chosen from wide-ranging disciplines, this study is the first to examine the influence of Disneyland on both our built environment and our architectural imagination. Tracing the relationship of the Disney parks to their historical forbears, it charts Disneyland's evolution from one man's personal dream to a multinational enterprise, a process in which the Disney "magic" has moved ever closer to the real world. Editor Karal Ann Marling, Professor of Art History and American Studies at the University of Minnesota, draws upon her pioneering work in the Disney archives to reconstruct and analyze the intentions and strategies behind the parks. She is joined by Marty Sklar, Vice Chairman and Principal Creative Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering, historian Neil Harris, art historian Erika Doss, geographer Yi-Fu Tuan, critic Greil Marcus, and architect Frank Gehry to provide a unique perspective on one of the great post-war American icons.
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Customer Reviews (20)

One of Disney's Best Books
If you want a great book that really gets down to the facts about how everything really happened then this is the book for you. I am a big fan of Disney and I have read many books on it however this one is by far the best because this book just doesn't skim over the top but digs into the inner workings of what makes Disney tick. I will say however the first 20 or so pages are mundane and I almost put the book down because I thought I can't take +200 pages of this super slow moving story, however I am glad I continued because after that the book really gets going and is great pleasure.

Could have been better,...
Hungry for more Disney info...I would get the other books first, although this makes for fine reading it lacks something???It also is a bit wordy and esoterical, perhaps a bit judgmental and highbrow, if your looking for detailed architecture and Disney's point of view, look elswhere, lots of critical observations, it misses by trying to do Disney one better, and you just can't do Disney better than Disney can, John Hench, and Ward Kimbal fans would be upset purchasing this book. Also reads a bit like Scrooge, but with out the change of enlightenment at the end, some people just can't be saved, leave the theme parks to those who truly appreciate the work that went into desingning them, leave these authors...to wine tastings and trying to outdoo each other...you can tell they just didn't get it...When I travel to W.E.D. properties I watch the childrens faces and adults too, that's all the proof I need to place this tome on the back of the shelf, because they just can't enjoy the simple things in life...deconstruction has its place, but overanylzing is just wrong...

Disneyland Revisited: The Reassurance of Scholarly Research
This book is a must have for enthusiasts and interested scholars. The book is filled with many pictures, illustrations and original renderings of Disneyland, and the subsequent other parks. The conceptual development of the original Disneyland is the focus of the book that admirably discusses the many details involved in the process. The amazing part for me was the scholarly research and the well written quality of the text. The subject is well examined for the volume of information it covers. It is the first book I have come across that credit's Walt Disney's innovative process of applying stage set design to 3D proportionality using an over-ridding narrative to connect it all. The scholarly research by art historians and architects for the Canadian exhibition is impressive, which is done without the control of the Disney Corporation. The scholarly nature of the book lends a new dimensionality to the understanding of Disneyland as an innovative artistic development, and a new architectural expression.
Unlike other texts I have read about Disney architecture, this one takes on the subject from the art historical perspective examining the process that creates a new architectural form. Other books seem to veer away from this in favor of the new, celebrated corporate architecture at Disney company headquarters, or on these applications at newer Disney parks. By concentrating on the original development of Disneyland as a concept of Walt Disney's, and his special team of designers, the idea is well established as creating the foundation for everything else that comes after. This difference is insightful, and makes the understanding of the original conceptual design clearer.
I highly recommend this book for the wealth of information it provides and the good read it is. Even for a seasoned Walt Disney enthusiast, like me, it provides a new awareness of the multi-dimensional qualities of the form created, and it makes a rich addition to the information previously unknown.

Fabulous Book on Disney
This book is great! I also want to be a Disney Imagieer. I already designed some cool, new rides. I hope I become an Imagineer! See Ya!

Designers, Disney-fans, Architects, Dreamers...listen up!
This book is amazing. It immediately captured me. It gives valuable insight on the vison of disneys world and on how this vision becomes tangible.

Not only it talks abou the history of the themeparks but it shows the sketches, maps, plans of different parts and attractions of the disney world. An amazing resource full of phantasy and a joy to watch. The photographs and illustrations are very well chosen and it is a plasure to flip through this pages every once in a while. A very inspiring book, showing that often it is enough to dream it and then it becomes reality.The most peculiar shapes and interior spaces are built to be reality.

I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
America's cities are being rapidly transformed by a sinister and homogenous design. A new Kind of urbanism--manipulative, dispersed, and hostile to traditional public space--is emerging both at the heart and at the edge of town in megamalls, corporate enclaves, gentrified zones, and psuedo-historic marketplaces.If anything can be described as a paradigm for these places, it's the theme park, an apparently benign environment in which all is structured to achieve maximum control and in which the idea of authentic interaction among citizens has been thoroughly purged. In this bold collection, eight of our leading urbanists and architectural critics explore the emblematic sites of this new cityscape--from Silicon Valley to Epcot Center, South Street Seaport to downtown Los Angeles--and reveal their disturbing implications for American public life.
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Customer Reviews (2)

The Critics' Contempt for Simulated Spaces
This is a very thoughtful and provocative collection of eight essays on various simulated spaces which have infiltrated the American landscape. The book's overall thesis is that public space and "authentic" urban life increasingly has been replaced by simulations of urban life, usually as spaces of commodification (e.g. malls, gentrified districts, theme parks). In this process of replacing public space, aspects of American public life--open space for assembly, the interaction of different people, concern for communities--also get erased. While simulated spaces may seem to improve public space and public life, they do so at a cost, one that the critics seem to suggest is the loss of real public space and perhaps even of democracy.

The purpose of this book is not only to describe these spaces, but to oppose them. Each of the authors point to the negative effects of simulated space. In many cases, the essays' implications jump right out of the page and into your neighborhood. Margaret Crawford's essay on the Edmonton shopping mall could be applied to any mall in Anytown, USA. Neil Smith's essay on gentrification points out the high price that comes with "revitalization"; one is reminded of many similiar projects outside his NYC example: Philadelphia, Detroit, Seattle,and so forth. Edward Soja and Trevor Boddy both contribute well-written essays which demonstrate growing chasm between the "haves" and the "have-nots." With these essays, extended and local comparisons with dying urban areas and suburbia, sprawl, gated communities, and so forth are appropriate. Michael Sorkin's own essay on Disneyland turns a well-wrought phrase, and gives the Disney Studies scholar much to think about. (NOTE: Those interested in Disney should read this article if nothing else in the collection, although many of the essays are applicable to the study of Disney.) Of the essays, it is perhaps the one least obviously applicable to "real" life. But then again, Sorkin notes the distance between the simulated environment of the theme park and the reality of the city is decreasing.

Of course, the scholars' analyses are dark and even depressing. And more than once, the authors manage to sound like angry young critics filled with more agenda than action. More than once, extended discussion of the issues raised in the essays would have helped--although many of these authors do have full-length treatments elsewhere--or perhaps alternative perspectives which would have varied the collection's tone and helped sustain readers' interest. And like any collection some of the essays are stronger than others. Overall, though, the collection makes a reader stop and think. Many readers will end up carefully reconsidering 1) the state of American life and its public space and 2) one's participation in these developments. Variations deserves recognition for addressing these issues.

Very comprehensive
This book enlists many different authors, who all have an amazing point of view on the built environment. From gated communities to Disneyland, every chapter expresses concerns of fast-changing developed environments. Ourcities are quickly becoming cold, enclosed enclaves.This book helped merealize how our society has snubbed the utilizaton of public space. This isdefinitely a book for every person interested in city planning, urbanstudies,or sociology. Whether a student or leisure reader, this book willopen your minds to what is really taking place in our cities, suburbs,resorts, and recreational facilities. Any place in which society is forcedto interact with one another is referred to in "Variations on a ThemePark". Read it. It will open your mind! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Where is my book?
This book has never arrived after ordering it 7 weeks ago. The estimated delivery date was 6-20. Five weeks later and it still has not arrived.

How to Design and Build a Theme Park!
For Animal Kingdom fans, there isn't a lot of published information that focuses on the theme park. Malmberg's book is a rare gem for several reasons: it is an in-depth look at the creation of the park; a thorough look at the team, the political process and environmental issues; and most importantly, it is one of the few resources that looks at the step-by-step development of a Disney theme park--how it grew from a small team led by Joe Rohde to a cast of thousands.

This book reflects the Animal Kingdom in so many ways. The park was shepherded by Imagineer Joe Rohde, who had the vision and the desire to keep the project moving forward. Ms. Malmberg was able to collect the stories of the Imagineers, follow their progress and take us behind the scenes of the park. She interviewed key people that were there from the beginning: Joe Rohde, Rick Barongi and Zofia Kostyrko. You get the feeling that you were there, day-by-day, watching as they create the park.

You learn, early on, that the Imagineers knew they needed one thing to make the park a success; their rallying cry was Proximity Equals Excitement! During one budget and planning meeting, the Imagineers, unbeknown even to Marty Sklar, brought in a 400 pound female Bengal tiger that walked around the conference room while Rohde spoke. The executives got the point and let the group move forward (p. 25). They were able to try and develop new means of getting the guests closer to the animals--safely, of course.

You get a detailed look at how the art (re: buildings, details, interiors, roofs, painting) was constructed using as many local and foreign talents as available. Sculptors, thatchers and artisans were brought in from all over the world. Malmberg spends a lot of time looking at the backstage care and living areas. Since Disney was creating a park that would, inevitably, be compared to zoos, there is a focus on how Disney treats the animals. The first two animals to arrive, the giraffes Miles and Zari, were greeted with tears and cheers. Malmberg goes into great detail explaining how the animals were procured, transported and acclimated to the park.

The book is filled with photos, artwork, and concept drawings. One of the final sections looks at the next few years of the Animal Kingdom. Asia is the next land planned with the river ride and the Maharajah Jungle Trek opening first. The possibility of a new hotel called the Animal Kingdom Lodge, with savanna views, is even mentioned! The very last section is a listing of all the Imagineers that worked on the Animal Kingdom. Eight pages of names.

The park has come a long way in 10 years.

Bottom Line: This is a one-of-a-kind resource for Disney fans. There is not another work that takes such a detailed look at the making of the Animal Kingdom or a Disney theme park. There is a lot of discussion about conservation and animal care--this is not a negative, but the whole work is a balanced look at the creation of the park. There are chapters dedicated to the creation of the attractions and lands, but equal attention is paid to the zoological needs of the park. There is a lot less of the geeky stuff and more a look at the animals and their care. Ms. Malmberg is able to capture the passion of those involved and it translates very well to the written word. You will enjoy this work for the vast detail dedicated to the creation of a Disney theme park.

Verifying the magic - I was there.
This is a wonderful look behind the scenes at a truly magical park.I had the priviledge of working for Walt Disney Imagineering from 1996 through 2000.My main assignment was supporting the engineers' computers during the construction of Animal Kingdom.As I recall Melody was all over the place and now I know why.She has done a spectacular job of documenting how the park was put together.From the drawings and sketches to the actual construction photos, this book gives names to the many talents that were brought together to create this masterpiece.

A brilliant insider's view
This is the first book that takes a look at *how* Disney designs and builds its theme parks. This information was once only available to those who work for Walt Disney Imagineering and others in the Walt DisneyCompany. Now, we all get to go behind the scenes to learn how it'sdone--from the experts themselves. This book is a must-have for any fans ofWalt Disney Imagineering ... Read more

Product Description
Amusement parks have been a staple of California recreation for over a century. Discover how these magical places came to be; learn little-known secrets of 20 parks and what makes them memorable. 301color photos provide a unique glimpse into an industry that forever changed family entertainment. ... Read more

Product Description
Fifty years ago, Walt Disney utterly transformed the concept of outdoor entertainment venues from tawdry carnivals and seedy amusement piers called "amusement parks," to an entirely new destination that would come into common vernacular as the "theme park."

Although Disneyland was the inspiration of one man, Walt did not achieve this history-altering concept on his own. Using his innate talent for combining disparate skills and personalities, he assembled a creative team that blended imagination with engineering. Walt called this group his "Imagineers."

Walt Disney's Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park introduces a core group of the originators of Disneyland and the other Disney parks. It explores their individual relationships with Walt and each other, their creative breakthroughs and failures, and their rivalries and professional politics. This candid narrative of their lives and contributions to a very special form of entertainment illustrates why, half a century later, their work continues to be vital and important to millions of people every day, and all over the world.

Lavishly illustrated throughout with rare and never-before-seen artwork and photographs, Walt Disney's Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park will further enrich the reader's appreciation of the exceptional talent behind Disneyland's creation and ongoing evolution. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Must have!
I collect Disney theme park books and this is a must have for anyone else with such a collection.It's a referrence book also for [...], with Disneyland historical facts.

A MUST HAVE FOR DISNEY FANS
Jeff Kurtti has once again created an amazing Walt Disney Imagineering book!! I got this book as a gift along with Designing Disney by John Hench (also AMAZING!!) and couldn't put it down! Highly recommended!!!!!!

Interesting and Informative
This book details of the lives and contributions of the key Imagineers in the Disney Empire.
What I liked :
Trivia and information on the creation of the theme parks and the contributions of the imagineers.
The reflections and perceptions on Walt Disney himself, through the eyes of the the imagineers.
The various photographs in the book ( many I have not seen before).

What I didnt like:
I wasnt particularly interested on the early lives of the imagineers (bios that included things like birthplaces, family etc)preferred when the information focused more on the contributions and role within the company.

Msny of the Imagineers have since died, which was a little sad, but all in all this is an excellent addition to any disney collectors library!

For those who love Disney!
If you love Disney and are interested in the history of Imagineering this is the book for you.Lots of great pictures and information from those who built the magic.

A Great Look at Disney's Imagineers
This has been an eagerly anticipated book in the Disney community. Since their inception with the creation of Disneyland, the Imagineers have always been the architects and dreamers of Walt's visions. Many of the names that you read about in the book will be familiar to Disney enthusiasts; as the name of the book implies, these are the legends of Disney Imagineering.

Jeff Kurtti is a well-known and much-admired name in the Disney community. He has written many seminal works on the history of the theme parks, animated films, characters and theater. Since The World Began is one of his more treasured books. Jeff is also known for his work on several award-winning documentaries and as a consultant for film and theater. Currently, he is working with the Walt Disney Family Museum. The late Bruce Gordon served as editor on the project and his talents are seen throughout the book through the layout and design. Bruce was the author of The Nickel Tour, Walt's Time and The Art of Disneyland (with Jeff).

In an interview with Didier Ghez, Jeff talks about the motivation behind the book:

The inspiration for Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends was John Canemaker's Walt Disney's Nine Old Men. I say inspiration, since my book comes nowhere near the depth and erudition of John's great work, but the inspiration was to create a work that would familiarize people with the core team of creative people within the initial development of Disneyland.

The animation group, as a rule, is more familiar to people, and the Imagineering group is less well-known, the history of how they came together is much less documented. It's very important for new generations of fans to get a proper introduction to this information, it's important for the Company to preserve a record that illuminates and contextualizes key periods of its history.
--http://disneybooks.blogspot.com/2008/07/next-month-will-see-release-of-jeff.html

I am not sure I could have said it better myself. In looking at a group as large and nebulous as the Imagineers, it is obvious that any work on them could not be inclusive. Many people have iterated their complaints about the lack of certain key members, but that is to be expected. Jeff has already stated that he hopes to create a second volume.

Imagineering Legends is able to meld several key ideas into one book: an introduction to 30 of the most famous and key Imagineers; an insightful look into the creation of the theme parks; and a journey through a history of Imagineering. There has not been another work published on this scale or within the same pages. Each of the Imagineers chronicled is presented within their holistic context. The classifications are well-reflected and well-thought. Jeff bestows the following categories: the Prototype Imagineers; the Place Makers; the Story Department; the Model Shop; the Machine Shop; the Music Makers and the Unofficial Imagineers. Special places are reserved for Walt Disney and John Hench.

Most of this information can be found in other sources, such as The E-Ticket, Walt Disney Imagineering, The Art of Disneyland, Disneyland: The First Quarter Century, The Nickel Tour and Disneyland: Inside Story. But Imagineering Legends is the only place you will find all of this information. That is the true brilliance of the book. Jeff presents a seamless and well-organized view into the Imagineers and the creation of Disney theme parks.

Bruce Gordon did an amazing job with the layout of Imagineering Legends. There are new photographs and concept art throughout the book. The layout is very contemporary and very appealing; you never feel lost in columns of text (although, Jeff is a great writer). My only issue with the layout is that some of the artwork and photographs are spread across two pages. Sometimes, it is difficult to get a good view of the artwork.

Bottom Line: This work is for everyone. Jeff has created a book that lays a solid foundation of knowledge for Disney enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are new to the Imagineers or a seasoned researcher, this compilation solidly portrays Imagineering and their importance within the Disney Company. This book will be within constant reach on my bookshelf for many years. It will also be an essential addition to every enthusiast's library. Future Disney researchers will be thanking Jeff for years to come. You need to own this book. ... Read more

Product Description
As retirement years, leisure time, money available for leisure, and desire for therapeutic or healthy activities all increase, the need to provide an extensive range of leisure facilities becomes a matter of concern for both the private and public sectors. The chapters that follow are concerned with exploring the context in which leisure plays a constructive part in modern day life. Reference is made to a range of leisure projects including theme parks, visitor attractions leisure centres, zoos, marine animal parks and aquaria. A final section is concerned with the project development and some of the equipment and techniques involved. ... Read more

Product Description
Increasingly, many of the public spaces we experience as models of democracy have been brought about as a result of totalizing and non-democratic policies aimed at disciplining and controlling the social body and maintaining order. This book argues that an in-depth investigation into the production of privately-owned, public-access spaces is seriously needed in order to understand how public space and the associated public policy can be designed not to protect basic civil rights and to take into account the essential interest to the private owners of these spaces. Taking the theme park as a type of privately-owned, public-access space where such conditions are brought to the extreme, this book uses the theme park as a 'laboratory environment' to identify, dissect and describe the properties of new, hybrid forms of public spaces emerging in urban environments worldwide. "The Total Landscape" places theme parks from the United States, Europe and Asia in a comparative multidisciplinary framework, and employs Huis Ten Bosch (HTB), the Japanese theme-park-town as the main case study.HTB is an environment modeled upon Holland that was designed for 30,000 inhabitants and 5 million visitors a year. Thus HTB allows for an examination of the 'theme park' as a totalizing landscape, while at the same time expanding the argument out of the boundaries of the fantastic and into functioning 'real' towns. By illuminating the relationship between theme parks and public space, the book offers a unique insight into the ethos, criteria for design and expectations of the public space in the twenty-first century. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Great information!
This is a great book for someone who wants a good overview of Amusement and Theme parks starting with the Mauch Chunk railroad and early Coney Island amusements to todays Disneyland and Islands of adventure.
There are many photos, but I wish more of them were in color.

Wonderful read; insightful commentary
One of the best theme park books I've read.The first several chapters are the setup for the connections to come later.As I was reading I thought I might jump ahead a bit and skip some of the early history, but I'm glad I didn't.The payoff for knowing the beginnings of the theme park make the current state of the theme park all the richer. ... Read more

Product Description
"Thrill rides are becoming kill rides."From design flaws to cover-ups when deadly accidents occur, the squeaky-clean image of theme parks is plagued with circumstances park officials and ride manufacturers prefer the general public not be informed of. Theme Park Safety Failure$ sheds a glaring beacon of light on issues and incidents that riders and attendees should be made fully aware of--that their lives are at an even greater risk than ever before.Since theme parks are constantly competing against one another with higher, bigger, and faster installations, safety issues are being totally disregarded with virtually no time for error. The operating staff members are in most cases minors, while some facilities often utilize volunteers of non-profit organizations to man the ride platforms. This is the ride that will make you pray. Step right up! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

For All Roller Coaster Fans
Fascinating read.I have felt unsafe on some rides in various parks across the country, but thought that I was just over-reacting.Now my feelings of fear are validated by Mr. Stoneking's book.I now think twice before spending big bucks to go on these dangerous rides.

What a Great read
Mr Stoneking has written a great book about a subject most us don't think about. When you visit a theme park you take for granted it will be safe and that your life is not in danger.His writing opens up your eyes to what is happening in the world of make believe and the realization that the rides are just machines.Going to a theme park shouldn't make you think about the safety, but Mr Stoneking makes you think about this controversial subject. This is his second book and look forward to his next book.He is an author who opens your eyes and make you think.

The Truth Is Out!
Some theme parks are much more than smiling children, cotton candy, and joyful cheers! Mr. Stoneking gives detailed behind-the-scene descriptions of what really goes on in America's amusement parks and reveals their darkest secrets. A must read before taking those you love to the place you used to love!

A Must Read
This is a Summer must read.It's the time of year where people are planning fabulous vacations and are ready to spend some quality time with their children.Theme Parks are a perfect way to spend that time, right?But beware!Danger clearly lurks at every corner and we as consumers are unaware.Mr. Stoneking has proven with his written word that we must look at our surroundings and be smart consumers.

Setting the record straight
First Superman, now Batman.This book will encourage all of us to take a closer look at this industry and ensure that quality, not quantity rises to the forefront of our priorities. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This is a journey through the architecture a nd design of over fifteen theme and amusement parks around t he world. Among the featured parks are an aquatic centre in Sydney, a Biblical zoo in Jerusalem, and a virtual park in S an Diego. ' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Gorgeous photos, but not enough text
This is a high-quality book with gorgeous photos ... but not much else.The chosen parks are obscure (the only mention of Disney is Walt Disney World's Dixie Landings Resort) with very little text.It could've greatlybenefited from some background information, design philosophy, even exactlocations. This book would be a great addition to a coffee table, butthe serious theme-park enthusiast will probably be disappointed.

Details demonstrate planning involved in theme parks
This book, with its site layouts of international theme parks and color photographs of various details of each park, is a visual treat.Accompanying the pictures is text that outlines the premise behind thedesign, and provides a very brief piece on the designer(s).

I most likedthe international focus. Several of the theme parks were new to me, inparticular the artificial Ski Dome in Japan, and the Port Aventura inSpain, which addresses multinational themes on a smaller scale than Disney.

In addition to the traditional theme/amusement park, museums,waterparks, and game preserves (Ibaraki Park, Myombe Reserve) are alsofeatured.This expands the definition of "amusement" to includenatural resources and athletic facilities as a source of pleasure andrelaxation.

I would have preferred more text to accompany the photographsand scale drawings, elevations and site plans, if only to provide a deeperappreciation of the planning process that goes into this type of project. However, the information is beautifully presented, and this bookdemonstrates a good range of projects within its specialized subjectmatter. I would consider this an excellent reference for the designlibrary, and for anyone who has enjoyed the uniqueness of theme parks andwants to understand more fully their designs. ... Read more