"REALITYLAND" was a great read!!!!

Brownieboy69 · Gate Agent Joined: Jul 06, 2006 Posts: 860

Just finished this book last night. What a read!! I found this book informative and entertaining. A great read for the WDW fan. Highly recommended. A descriptive book about the "TRUE" beginning of WDW from acqusition of secret properties and deals to management changes and attraction ideas, to budget cost overruns to turmoil in the parks. Great book. I looked forward everynight to curling up with it for 30-45 minutes before I turned in each night. Highly recommended.

eatmon74 · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

I am about half way done or so and I am enjoying it also. Has anyone else read this yet? I
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Jason

onecutemoose · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:48 pm Post subject:

I've never heard it. I don't read a lot of expose books.

Is this one more historical?

: )

eatmon74 · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

Well it tries to be Historical. I know that some would disagree with David Koenig's take on some facts. I do not think he is trying to expose the Disney company, but rather trying to tell the "true" story the best he can. I have talked to David, the author and he seems to be a real nice guy and he is a self proclaimed Disney nut like the rest of us. It is a very interesting book and would recomend his "Mouse Tales" and "More Mouse Tales" books also. They are about Disneyland and "Realityland" is about WDW.
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Jason

onecutemoose · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:00 pm Post subject:

oh...I'm familiar with the author...a bit leery of his accuracy, but it might be fun.

The last Disneyland book I picked up was the hidden mickey's one...and I was sorely disappointed with it.

Perhaps...if I can find a used copy i'll pick it up. I rarely buy new books.

: )

eatmon74 · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

I picked up two them on Amazon used.
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Jason

onecutemoose · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:32 pm Post subject:

daguru · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:07 am Post subject:

I thought the book was a great read also, just finished it last week. Does give a little more depth and insight to a lot of the "stories" everyone has heard about WDW. I did learn a few new things, soon to show up in a Trivia Chat in the future!

There were a few spots in the book where I think his objectivity might have taken a hit and his opinions were express. But, it's his book and you can no expect some personal opinion to eek in. Especially when your opinions might be along the same lines Wink

All in all a really good read and pretty entertaining.... Can't wait to discuss this further during a Media Chat with everyone!
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Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!

RavenStGermaine · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:21 am Post subject:

My husband bought the book for me for Christmas and I really enjoyed it. I started reading it with a little trepidation - I was also worried it would be an expose. But it was really fascinating, and makes you appreciate the planning and logistics involved in such a huge project. I spent half the book going, "How did they ever get that place built?!"

WDWFan · Pilot Joined: Mar 01, 2006 Posts: 10863

I thought it was a decent read.
A lot of it dealt with how EPCOT never developed as Walt intended, and there was little on MGM and AK or DTD, but it was enjoyable none the less.

A lot of the early stories seem to simply highlight the changes in operational philosophy during the the Eisner era.

Brownieboy69 · Gate Agent Joined: Jul 06, 2006 Posts: 860

I also enjoyed the trials and tribulations of having to recruit and when certain sources had dried up where they changed directions. The MONEY being spent back then was incredible...... All the stories during construction, different management philosophies and personality conflicts.

A highly recommended read, I did not consider this an expose such as other books like "A Mouse betrayed". That was all slime and dirt on Disney . This was a more How it came to be and who got it there and how much it cost kinda thing.

AMAZON IS LOADED with used copies.

I just got "Spinning Disney's world" by Charlie Ridgeway and am looking forward to nightly meanderings from that book.