What are the best books concerning the actual parks and their history? I'm looking for the kinds of books that deal with the development of the parks, ride development, operations of the parks, and maybe even a few park secrets. Any suggestions?
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Opinions on Disney parks books?
- Thread starter Halloweenman666
- Start date
CoffeeJedi
Active Member
The Jason Surrell books are fantastic. He's done The Haunted Mansion, PotC, and the mountains. Big glossy coffee-table books with loads of gorgeous color pictures.
preludevtec01
Well-Known Member
Walt Disney Imagineerin, just came out last month. It truely is wonderful and packed with great Disney Park info. Plus it is a fairly good price. Link and picture below.
http://www.buy.com/prod/walt-disney-imagineering/q/loc/106/210189232.html
(click for its Flickr page)
Also note that this book is everything from 96 to present. They have another edition that covers from Disney Land up until 96.
http://www.buy.com/prod/walt-disney-imagineering/q/loc/106/210189232.html
(click for its Flickr page)
Also note that this book is everything from 96 to present. They have another edition that covers from Disney Land up until 96.
Steve-B
Active Member
In March I ordered two books from Amazon- Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World by Chad Denver Emerson and The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness.
I glanced through "The Hidden Magic" and it seems to be similar to the Hidden Mickey book but talks about many other things. I plan to take it along on our next trip.
I thought "Project Future" was very interesting because it discussed the process involved in the land acquisition, legal maneuvering, and legislative actions that Walt (and company) engaged in to be able to build WDW.
I glanced through "The Hidden Magic" and it seems to be similar to the Hidden Mickey book but talks about many other things. I plan to take it along on our next trip.
I thought "Project Future" was very interesting because it discussed the process involved in the land acquisition, legal maneuvering, and legislative actions that Walt (and company) engaged in to be able to build WDW.
JafarMaleficent
Active Member
in that hidden magic book alot of it is obvious stuff and alot she missed. and she made up some stuff like the bride and Madame Leota being the same person. their not.
Master Gracey 5
Active Member
I picked up Jeff Kurtti's "Since the World Began" last year and enjoyed it immensely. Its a bit dated since it was put out around the 25th anniversary, but the stuff about building WDW is great. Not sure on his other stuff, but I'm sure its just as good.
DarkImage4
Member
I must recommend The Walt Disney World Trivia Book volume 1 and 2 by Lou Mongello. Great, fun reading!!!
preludevtec01
Well-Known Member
It's not that bad. However, I agree that the first is a much better read.
Horizons1
Well-Known Member
I felt that it was after such a big build-up, and high expectations that were set by the first book. The first book touched upon all the parks that existed at the time and delved into so many different categories.
I have not had much time with the second book, but upon my initial reading, the book seemed to lack most of the materials that made the first one so amazing. For instance, instead of containing concept art that has rarely, if never, been seen outside of WDI, it had concept art that could be found anywhere on a Disney fansite.
I'm going to look at the book again sometime this summer in the hope that I'm mistaken.
yankspy
Well-Known Member
I will second that. I enjoyed that book.