I am someone who is surprised, and a tad disappointed, that an art historian, with a promising future and an obvious interest in reenactments of the past, would be so quick to label Disneyland "evil."
Disneyland was not created by soulless corporate drones, but by talented artists and craftsmen. Remember, this was the FIRST themed park, and as such was an incredibly risky venture for all involved. Had it failed, the Walt Disney Company would have gone under.
Disneyland is not just a collection of "rides", it is a living embodiment of Walt Disney's life. Main Street USA is an idealized recreation of his childhood hometown of Marcelline, Missouri. Adventureland and Frontierland represent his interests in the past and the exotic world around us. Tomorrowland symbolizes his hopes for the future, and Fantasyland stands as his tribute to those who never forgot the childhood dreams that propelled them into adulthood.
Disneyland stands as a true work of modern art. The details that enhance its every nook and cranny are numerous. Many go all but unnoticed to the casual observer. This attention to detail can also be seen in Disney's Florida parks, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Sea is, in fact, the Ne Plus Ultra of the Disney experience, and it is well worth the expense to visit it. On the other hand, Disney's California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland were produced during the later years of Michael Eisner's tenure as Disney CEO. They were produced "on the cheap" and it shows. Thankfully, Disney is now working to correct these flaws with a massive influx of cash, new attractions, and a return to its legendary focus on theming.
What brings people back to the Disney parks again and again, isn't the attractions, but rather the opportunity to immerse one's self in a unique tapestry of creative design. The Disney parks assail your senses with an almost overpowering delight. One can not help but quicken one's pace as you rush from land to land, ever anxious to see what new delight lurks around every corner. When you leave, an almost palpable state of sadness overcomes you, as you know that, after a day of euphoric highs, you will now have to venture forth into the "real" world. Your only consolation is the thought that you will return again, to be charmed anew.
For more information on Disney, I heartily recommend the following books:
"The Art and Flair of Mary Blair" by John Canemaker-A wonderful look at the life of work of the influential imagineer.
"The Art of Disneyland" by Jeff Kurti-A beautiful coffee table book of concept art
"Disneyland: The Nickel Tour" by Bruce Gordon and David Mumford-The definitive look at the history of the park. Expensive, but well worth it.
"Mouse Tales", "More Mouse Tales", "Mouse Under Glass", and "Realityland" all by David Koenig. These books offer a behind the scenes look at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Animation.
"Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" by Neal Gabler. The definitive biography of the man himself.
"Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas. The first biography of Walt. Still a compelling read.
"Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston-The seminal work on animation by two of Walt's legendary "Nine Old Men." Again, very pricey but worth it.
"Disney's Art of Animation" by Bob Thomas. This is available in two versions-"From Mickey Mouse To Beauty and the Beast", and "From Mickey Mouse to Hercules". The former is the better buy, simply because "Beauty and the Beast" is the FAR superior film.
"Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters" by John Grant. It sounds like a children's book, but this is a thoroughly engaging look at Disney's exhaustive history in animation.
Additionally the "Walt Disney Treasures" DVD line is a wonderful collection of rare Disney shorts, and television programs. There are four volumes of Mickey's shorts, one for Pluto, one for Goofy, and three (and counting) for Donald. "Disneyland, USA", and "Disneyland: Secrets, Stories, and Magic" are also two excellent volumes found in this series. Each volume has a limited run, and can command high prices on the secondary market, but are well worth it.
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Disneyland was not created by soulless corporate drones, but by talented artists and craftsmen. Remember, this was the FIRST themed park, and as such was an incredibly risky venture for all involved. Had it failed, the Walt Disney Company would have gone under.
Disneyland is not just a collection of "rides", it is a living embodiment of Walt Disney's life. Main Street USA is an idealized recreation of his childhood hometown of Marcelline, Missouri. Adventureland and Frontierland represent his interests in the past and the exotic world around us. Tomorrowland symbolizes his hopes for the future, and Fantasyland stands as his tribute to those who never forgot the childhood dreams that propelled them into adulthood.
Disneyland stands as a true work of modern art. The details that enhance its every nook and cranny are numerous. Many go all but unnoticed to the casual observer. This attention to detail can also be seen in Disney's Florida parks, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland. Tokyo Disney Sea is, in fact, the Ne Plus Ultra of the Disney experience, and it is well worth the expense to visit it. On the other hand, Disney's California Adventure and Hong Kong Disneyland were produced during the later years of Michael Eisner's tenure as Disney CEO. They were produced "on the cheap" and it shows. Thankfully, Disney is now working to correct these flaws with a massive influx of cash, new attractions, and a return to its legendary focus on theming.
What brings people back to the Disney parks again and again, isn't the attractions, but rather the opportunity to immerse one's self in a unique tapestry of creative design. The Disney parks assail your senses with an almost overpowering delight. One can not help but quicken one's pace as you rush from land to land, ever anxious to see what new delight lurks around every corner. When you leave, an almost palpable state of sadness overcomes you, as you know that, after a day of euphoric highs, you will now have to venture forth into the "real" world. Your only consolation is the thought that you will return again, to be charmed anew.
For more information on Disney, I heartily recommend the following books:
"The Art and Flair of Mary Blair" by John Canemaker-A wonderful look at the life of work of the influential imagineer.
"The Art of Disneyland" by Jeff Kurti-A beautiful coffee table book of concept art
"Disneyland: The Nickel Tour" by Bruce Gordon and David Mumford-The definitive look at the history of the park. Expensive, but well worth it.
"Mouse Tales", "More Mouse Tales", "Mouse Under Glass", and "Realityland" all by David Koenig. These books offer a behind the scenes look at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Animation.
"Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination" by Neal Gabler. The definitive biography of the man himself.
"Walt Disney: An American Original" by Bob Thomas. The first biography of Walt. Still a compelling read.
"Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston-The seminal work on animation by two of Walt's legendary "Nine Old Men." Again, very pricey but worth it.
"Disney's Art of Animation" by Bob Thomas. This is available in two versions-"From Mickey Mouse To Beauty and the Beast", and "From Mickey Mouse to Hercules". The former is the better buy, simply because "Beauty and the Beast" is the FAR superior film.
"Encyclopedia of Walt Disney's Animated Characters" by John Grant. It sounds like a children's book, but this is a thoroughly engaging look at Disney's exhaustive history in animation.
Additionally the "Walt Disney Treasures" DVD line is a wonderful collection of rare Disney shorts, and television programs. There are four volumes of Mickey's shorts, one for Pluto, one for Goofy, and three (and counting) for Donald. "Disneyland, USA", and "Disneyland: Secrets, Stories, and Magic" are also two excellent volumes found in this series. Each volume has a limited run, and can command high prices on the secondary market, but are well worth it.