Disney Legend Charles Ridgway looks back on over forty years of working with the Mouse, from Disneyland, to Walt Disney World, to Euro-Disney and beyond. Filled with light-hearted and hilarious reminiscences of famous people and outlandish publicity stunts, this memoir will delight Disney fans young and old.
Spinning Disney's World
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| |||||||||||||||
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Author Ridgway spent four decades pushing Disney on millions of consumers worldwide, and this collection of "war stories" from the front lines of perhaps the biggest marketing success in history brims with insider info, but without once betraying the Disney name. It's to Ridgway's credit that his fondness for his subject-he writes kindly of almost everyone he met and worked with-doesn't detract from the integrity or appeal of the material. Occasionally, Ridgway's admiration for Walt Disney dips into adoration, but it's a sentiment that feels genuine-even if it is echoed throughout the company as detailed here, despite its size, its power and (largely unmentioned) accounts to the contrary. Fascinating asides delve into the personalities that fueled Disney's dream, as well as the newspeople and celebrities involved in Ridgway's PR efforts. Among numerous charmers, Ridgway's best story chronicles the intense, hilarious effort to train 50 newborn ducklings to "follow" the Donald Duck character in a 50th Birthday Parade. Other tales include the orchestration of parades and VIP galas; the impetus, construction and opening of attractions at both parks (including Ridgway's accidental early outing of the "Florida project"); and the arrival of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Entertaining throughout, Ridgway's prose is fluid and gentle, reflecting that sense of wholesome delight common to Disney creations, making this a rare behind-the-Mouse-ears exposé that's a real crowd-pleaser.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Charlie made a lot of Disney history. He recounts much of it in his book,…his words [are] well-chosen.”--Bob McLain, Disney Dispatch, May 17, 2011
“Wow does he have stories to share…I felt like I knew Walt personally and was sitting down reminiscing with Charlie.”--Jessica Clawson, Walt Writers.com, July 8, 2011
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Dan Fendel
Format:Hardcover
I met Charlie Ridgeway a few times when I was a travel writer, and he was the most genial host with genuine understanding of the writer's needs of any "press flack" I ever met. This book explains the reasons why and gives the outsider, whether a pro in PR or media or merely a fan of things Disney, a fascinating look into how and why the Mouse became what it is today. This is the kind of stuff PR people never learn, and old-time reporters are mostly not around to share anymore. Vitally important education for professionals in the media and public relations/press relations, a great read for all.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Charles Ridgway was Disney's public face to the world for almost forty years. In an easy style, he takes us through some of the behind the scenes stories and anecdotes that are of interest to Disney students.
Ridgway is a Disney fan which results in the book lacking any real meat. Gentle memoirs written in a gentle style do not make compulsive reading. The book is imbued with the Disney spirit where everyone loves everyone else and everyone lives happily ever after. Ridgway seems to have only met wonderful people who create wonderful experiences in his lifetime. Thus the book lacks OOMPH and bit.
The author though does have a nice pleasant writing style who takes us through many enjoyable anecdotes and adventures as to how he helped create noise and media excitement around a wonderful brand.
Ridgway is a Disney fan which results in the book lacking any real meat. Gentle memoirs written in a gentle style do not make compulsive reading. The book is imbued with the Disney spirit where everyone loves everyone else and everyone lives happily ever after. Ridgway seems to have only met wonderful people who create wonderful experiences in his lifetime. Thus the book lacks OOMPH and bit.
The author though does have a nice pleasant writing style who takes us through many enjoyable anecdotes and adventures as to how he helped create noise and media excitement around a wonderful brand.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
...he "made."
I was looking forward to reading this book after hearing some people talk about it, but I got about half way through it before I had to stop. I'm not sure what style he was shooting for, but there was no chronological, or logical for that matter, format to follow, which made it difficult read. It felt like a little kid story, wandering from place to place without any rhymn or reason.
Mr. Ridgeway dropped names of "friends" he made throughout the years thanks to putting on parties and special visits to WDW; I'd be his friend too if I got any of the special treatment he gave them.
This book told me nothing about WDW that I haven't already picked up from other books on the subject. Put down the kool aid and give a (small) dose of reality now and then.
I was looking forward to reading this book after hearing some people talk about it, but I got about half way through it before I had to stop. I'm not sure what style he was shooting for, but there was no chronological, or logical for that matter, format to follow, which made it difficult read. It felt like a little kid story, wandering from place to place without any rhymn or reason.
Mr. Ridgeway dropped names of "friends" he made throughout the years thanks to putting on parties and special visits to WDW; I'd be his friend too if I got any of the special treatment he gave them.
This book told me nothing about WDW that I haven't already picked up from other books on the subject. Put down the kool aid and give a (small) dose of reality now and then.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing
Spinning Disney's World is an amazing insight to the life of a press agent for Disney. Ridgway brings to life so much of the magic behind the doors at Disney and leaves you not... Read more
Published 10 months ago by DCP CP 12
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mr. Ridgeway is a Legend...I just wish his book was better
As a huge Disney fan, I try to read as much Disney historic material as I can. Consequently, I was really looking forward to reading Mr. Ridgeway's book. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Dale R. Angleberger
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spinning Disney's World
Funny and poignant memories from this Disney P.R. Legend. From his years with Walt to Michael Eisner, Charlie Ridgeway actually keeps us enthralled with his story without... Read more
Published on December 23, 2008 by WCrandall
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Living Legend
This informative book is a true treasure. Thank you Mr. Ridgway (although they misspelled your name as a Legend inductee) for sharing your take on history with those of us in the... Read more
Published on December 21, 2007 by Jamie Floer
2.0 out of 5 stars
Spinning Disney's World
As always we read just about anything from anyone who ever worked at Disney, in an effort to further our ongoing education about the theme park design process. Read more
Published on November 29, 2007 by D. Mahdik
4.0 out of 5 stars
pleased
The book is a must for Disney fans. The item was shipped in such a short time and was in my hands earlier than I expected. Read more
Published on November 6, 2007 by P. Roberts
4.0 out of 5 stars
Take the book for a spin
Has there ever been an organization that had as many books written about it as Disney? From its movies, television and Broadway shows to its fabulous theme parks, even on to its... Read more
Published on October 28, 2007 by GLENN WHELAN
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read for Disneyholics
If you've ever wanted to know some of the ins and outs, and behind the scenes info about DisneyLand and DinsneyWorld (more WDW) this is the book for you.
Published on August 8, 2007 by Mickey0216
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spinning Disney
This is one of the best books that I have read in over 5 years, if you are a fan of Walt Disney or the Disney Parks you'll greatly enjoy it. Read more
Published on August 1, 2007 by Penny J. Barwick
5.0 out of 5 stars
I loved the inside stories
I have been a Disney fan for years and years. I think that this book is interesting because it's written from the view of a true insider. Read more
Published on June 20, 2007 by Johnny G
