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Disney's Land
Disney's Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World | Richard Snow
9 posts | 8 read | 4 to read
A propulsive history chronicling the conception and creation of Disneyland, the masterpiece California theme park, as told like never before by popular historian Richard Snow. One day in the early 1950s, Walt Disney stood looking over 240 acres of farmland in Anaheim, California, and imagined building a park where people could live among Mickey Mouse and Snow White in a world still powered by steam and fire for a day or a week or (if the visitor is slightly mad) forever. Despite his wealth and fame, exactly no one wanted Disney to build such a park. Not his brother Roy, who ran the companys finances; not the bankers; and not his wife, Lillian. Amusement parks at that time, such as Coney Island, were a generally despised business, sagging and sordid remnants of bygone days. Disney was told that he would only be heading toward financial ruin. But Walt persevered, initially financing the park against his own life insurance policy and later with sponsorship from ABC and the sale of thousands and thousands of Davy Crockett coonskin caps. Disney assembled a talented team of engineers, architects, artists, animators, landscapers, and even a retired admiral to transform his ideas into a soaring yet soothing wonderland of a park. The catch was that they had only a year and a day in which to build it. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gatesand the first day was a disaster. Disney was nearly suicidal with grief that he had failed on a grand scale. But the curious masses kept coming, and the rest is entertainment history. Eight hundred million visitors have flocked to the park since then. In Disneys Land, Richard Snow brilliantly presents the entire spectacular story, a wild ride from vision to realization, and an epic of innovation and error that reflects the uniqueness of the man determined to build the happiest place on earth with a watchmakers precision, an artists conviction, and the desperate, high-hearted recklessness of a riverboat gambler.
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Pruzy
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A great biography of a very magical place!

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sarahgreatlove
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An interesting read about the formation of Disneyland. Well written and researched but I will say it‘s very male-centric and glosses over or ignores the mistreatment of women and the misogyny that was rampant in Disney‘s early days. Highly recommend reading “The Queens of Animation” by Nathalia Holt alongside any history of Disney in order to get a balanced viewpoint. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Scochrane26
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Forgot that I hadn‘t posted about this audiobook. Downloaded it after seeing it at the bookstore & listened before my vacation. Very informative if you‘re interested in how DisneyLand was started. It was interesting to see the differences and similarities between the park of 1955 and now. There was one long chapter that basically transcribed the opening tv broadcast that I didn‘t think was necessary.

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Bethanyroe
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I‘m a Disney nerd. Though I‘ve never been to the original California theme park, I‘m a FL resident and frequent the parks here monthly. I LOVED the history of this. The narrative is a bit halting at times, but overall, a great read! #history #disneyhistory

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teainthelibrary
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A really great account of the creation of Disneyland but also it‘s influence on American culture, both home and abroad. I loved all of the little details - it gave me the same feeling I get whenever I visit Disneyland.. excitement and nostalgia all mixed into one. It did drag at parts, but mostly I found it utterly fascinating.

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teainthelibrary
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Today‘s #QuarantineRead 🦠📚

I‘ve lost all concept of time. A cup of coffee in the bath at 9:30pm.. no problem! ☕️

I‘m also on a bit of a Disneyland kick! I‘m just adoring Disney‘s Land, which dives in deep to the history of the park and all the people who made it happen. I‘m loving all of the background stories about all of the rides and attractions. It‘s so much fun! 🏰💗

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biblio_ginger
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Here is my book stack for this weekend's #24in48readathon 😁 I am so excited and ready to read as much as I can! Two of the books in my stack (the one I tagged and The Winter Witch) I've already started but I may take a break from. I tried to include women authors because it's still March, and at least one E-book so I can just grab my phone in the morning and start reading! 😎 Thank you @24in48 for having the readathon!!!!!

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CrowCAH
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#ItsASmallWorld
#DisneyWorld

Many might already be aware all the Disney Parks are closed.

Having just gone on a trip to World and having my dreams come true, my heart goes out to all those who were there or had upcoming trips that were cancelled. Hopefully, everyone‘s trip can be rescheduled without too much strain on the purse strings.

The food from the closed parks is being donated to several food-banks.

Hestapleton I love that they are donating the food! That will make such a huge difference in the community. 5y
CrowCAH @Hestapleton yes, I agree! 5y
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Kelsyereadsbooks
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 being from SoCal and a former Disneyland annual pass holder, I found this book a necessary read. However, after finishing, I‘m learning that you do not have to be from Southern California to see how much Disney has had an impact on theme parks and Americana. Fascinating read - be prepared for a lot of minutia and details. Such a good read!