Customer Reviews

Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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 corporate strategies; there are enough books to garner its own section of most bookstores. But still, most fans will scour the pages of any new tome in hopes of uncovering a small gem or two of knowledge. When a new book comes along that is penned by a true Disney legend, it is sure to be a treat.

Charlie Ridgeway began his Disney career as a press agent in 1955. He has attended openings of all the theme parks from the original Disneyland to the most recent park in Hong Kong. His fifty year association with Disney has resulted in a vast offering of experiences, and each one evolves into a story or two. So, it's easy to pick up Charlie's new book "Spinning Disney's World", and find yourself taken in.

Charlie devotes his time to stories focused on situations and stories directly related to his duties as press agent; whether it be guiding ducks down Main Street USA or posing Walt behind the wheel of a fire truck. So many of Charlie's "Adventures" are as globe-trotting as a James Bond novel but he remains as humble and accessible as possible. The book is a must for anyone interested in a career in public relations, especially when penned by the man who pretty much created Disney public relations from scratch. But more than likely, it is going to be read be fans (and detractors) of Disney.

At its heart, the book is a reminiscent journey through fifty years of a man s career - a career that he loved. At times, his memory hops around a bit, so the book can meander. But if you're willing to go along with Charlie, you're sure to have a good time.

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.

...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.

If you are a fan of the Disney theme parks, then grab this book!

As a producer of an NBC News hour-long documentary on Walt Disney (and a life-long fan of the Disney theme parks), I thought I had heard all of the best stories regarding Disneyland.

Not true.

Ridgway is a talented writer that creates wonderful word-pictures and spins a ton of great behind-the-scenes yarns of life while running magic kingdoms and places that claim to be the happiest on the Earth. You'll laugh out loud at many of the stories... be surprised at the honesty of Ridgway's tales... and will find yourself chewing through the pages (this is a FAST read).

This is a MUST addition to your Disney library.

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. Even a janitor might provide insight as to the almost mystical inner workings of the Disney corporation. However, Mr. Ridgway never really grabbed us. His writing style is pleasantly folksy, like hearing a story from a good neighbor... but he really never reveals anything of consequence that you cannot find out in any of the multitude of other books on The Disney Brothers, or their company. We suspect that if he really wanted too, he could reveal much more than he is willing to tell. Understandable, as he paints himself as a devoted employee. Personally I would like to spend a day with Mr. Ridgway, just picking his brain... but his book isn't really going to "let you in on anything". We hope he has some success because he is a likable fellow, but if you're really after information that you cannot get from other Disney "Tell all" books... you will not discover much in Mr. Ridgway's book. The title attracted us with promises, which never seemed to materialize.

Charles Ridgway is a 'Disney Legend' acknowledged by the Disney Company for his four decades of service to Disney, so SPINNING DISNEY'S WORLD: MEMORIES OF A MAGIC KINGDOM PRESS AGENT is a key to understanding the Disney structure. Ridgway's ingenuity in publicizing and creating the Disney magic is revealed in chapters that cite Disney history and his major contributions. Readers need not be Disney fans to appreciate this survey: any business collection, especially those featuring public relations titles, will find SPINNING DISNEY'S WORLD holds plenty of marketing insights key to understanding Disney's attractions and public relations at its best.

This is a truly fascinating read. There are only a handful of people in the world who were there from the start of the Disney Dynasty. Even fewer who knew Walt and Roy Disney on a personal basis. Publicist Charles Ridgway is one of them. This behind the scenes look at how it all began, the personalities involved, and how it really worked is a priceless treasure.

As a national publicist myself, I found the publicity tactics and strategies used by Disney particularly interesting. From staging live events, to small publicity stunts -- it was an amazing time. I would highly recommend this book to both Disney fans and public relations professionals alike.

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. Unfortunately, half-way through the book I just wanted it to be over.

For one thing, most of the really interesting stories have been told before, so there were no real surprises. For instance most people know about the issues with the opening day of Disneyland. Many of the other stories were just not interesting.

What we treated to was an inventory of the all the celebrities (and non-celebrities) that made their way through the park. Several times throughout the book the same information was presented. I actually thought the book might have been more enjoyable had it been 30% shorter.

Most disappointing was the length at which the Disney corporation "wined and dined" sponsors, politicians, the media, and entertainers. One wonders if Disney World would be more affordable to the average American if the company would spend less of its resources entertaining "special" guests. I always felt "special" while at Walt Disney World. It appears that some are more "special" than others.

People who are really into Disneyland will enjoy the history and the behind the scenes stories in this book.