Vinyl Leaves: Walt Disney World and America

I keep hoping that Fjellman will update his seminal book to encompass all that has happened in the last ten years; I'll be the first in line when he does. I wrote my MA thesis at NYU on Disney using Fjellman as a prime source, and have used various chapters from Fjellman's book to teach graduate classes in museum studies, design, and architecture. Students in many fields find a lot to think about, discuss, debate, and apply to their thinking.Witty, engaging, balanced, factually accurate, yet still with a point of view... a great book all around. Other reviewers who complain about the writing level, or some of the more obscure academic theorizing, are missing the point. For a truly academic piece of literature, it is written in incredibly accessible, engaging, and clear style. Highly recommended.

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.

At times, "Vinyl Leaves" can be as magical as the theme park that it seeks to decontruct. Throughout the text, Stephen Fjellman's tone shifts often from witty to sentimental to cynical--but at all times, it remains an intellectual commentary on a place many people would never even think to look at in such "mature" ways. This is a cultural, political, and economical history of Walt Disney World from the earliest plans through the publication time of this book (1992). Despite this hefty doctoral thesis subject matter, the text rarely drags and can sometimes be downright magical. Written in 1992, "Vinyl Leaves" is also a unique period piece, capturing a highly detailed snapshot of the Walt Disney World of the late 1980s/early 1990s. As frequent visitors know, WDW is ever-changing and certain ride removals or renovations can rob a die-hard Disney fan of a piece of their past. With such rides as "Horizons" which was closed in Epcot Center in the mid-1990s, Fjellman delivers a three-to-four page description of the ride, literally second-by-second, thus preserving a classic Disney attraction that will never see the light of day again. Putting aside all of his wonderful theories and commentaries, the sheer value of these deliciously vivid ride and show descriptions is worth the price alone. If you love Walt Disney World, do yourself a favor and buy this book and read every single word. It is honestly the closest book I've ever read that captures the essence of a real trip there.

Really gives you insite to the inner workings and science behind Walt Disney World. As a former Disney castmember I found it fascinating!

In detail that's thorough, but never boring, Fjellman covers every aspect of the history of WDW--from the secret purchase of the land to what goes on "underground" on the property. VINYL LEAVES is a must-have for those interested in all things Disney -- and for those who aren't interested, either.