Rating: 
Summary: Seminal Book on Walt Disney World
Review: With this incredibly detailed analysis of Walt Disney World, Stephen Fjellman has created one of the seminal books for Disney Studies. Fjellman draws connections between Walt Disney World and the "real" world in order to try and investigate their relationship. What is often forgotten about the book is perhaps its most important quality: it is subtitled "Walt Disney World and America." This is the heart of the book. Fjellman's book is as much about America as it is about Disney. He uses Walt Disney World to ask questions, and maybe even offer some answers, about a broad range of issues in American culture: urbanism, capitalism, history, technology, communication, visual culture, and so forth. Underlying his book is the assertion that to explore Walt Disney World is to explore America. And this exploration is why the study of Disney is so essential. The book accomplishes what so many academic books fail to do--it speaks to many audiences, for many different reasons, to many different purposes. Those interested in learning just about Walt Disney World will not be disappointed, for the book is filled with details and technical information about the park. Those already familiar with the park will appreciate the contributions to their knowledge. Those not wanting to "spoil" the experience of exploring the park themselves need not fear, for the book captures a moment in the park's history and opens up (rather than answers) questions. Scholars interested in both Disney and American culture should find this book of value, both in its attention to detail and its serious consideration of Disney as a site of critical enquiry. Throughout, the strength of Fjellman's work is in his enthusiastic approach to his subject, which encourages and almost forces readers to become as invested in the subject as Fjellman himself. Although this hefty book can be a bit dense at times, particularly because it draws from theoretical perspectives and considers historical, political, and cultural influences, the book never loses its appeal--partly because it is grounded in the "Magic Kingdom." If one is going to read just one academic book about Walt Disney World, this is the one. Witty and thought-provoking, critical and inquisitive, it sets the standard for works in the field of Disney Studies.
Rating:
Summary: Seminal Book on Walt Disney World
Review: With this incredibly detailed analysis of Walt Disney World, Stephen Fjellman has created one of the seminal books for Disney Studies. Fjellman draws connections between Walt Disney World and the "real" world in order to try and investigate their relationship. What is often forgotten about the book is perhaps its most important quality: it is subtitled "Walt Disney World and America." This is the heart of the book. Fjellman's book is as much about America as it is about Disney. He uses Walt Disney World to ask questions, and maybe even offer some answers, about a broad range of issues in American culture: urbanism, capitalism, history, technology, communication, visual culture, and so forth. Underlying his book is the assertion that to explore Walt Disney World is to explore America. And this exploration is why the study of Disney is so essential. The book accomplishes what so many academic books fail to do--it speaks to many audiences, for many different reasons, to many different purposes. Those interested in learning just about Walt Disney World will not be disappointed, for the book is filled with details and technical information about the park. Those already familiar with the park will appreciate the contributions to their knowledge. Those not wanting to "spoil" the experience of exploring the park themselves need not fear, for the book captures a moment in the park's history and opens up (rather than answers) questions. Scholars interested in both Disney and American culture should find this book of value, both in its attention to detail and its serious consideration of Disney as a site of critical enquiry. Throughout, the strength of Fjellman's work is in his enthusiastic approach to his subject, which encourages and almost forces readers to become as invested in the subject as Fjellman himself. Although this hefty book can be a bit dense at times, particularly because it draws from theoretical perspectives and considers historical, political, and cultural influences, the book never loses its appeal--partly because it is grounded in the "Magic Kingdom." If one is going to read just one academic book about Walt Disney World, this is the one. Witty and thought-provoking, critical and inquisitive, it sets the standard for works in the field of Disney Studies.
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