Customer Reviews

Vinyl Leaves: Walt Disney World And America (Institutional Structures of Feeling)

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

 

 

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.

As a student of politics and media and an avid Disney fan, I was thoroughly impressed with Prof. Fjellman's ability to balance criticle analysis with a general love of Disney's products. For those of us who enjoy learning about the dangers of Disney's corporate machinery yet still love walking down Main Street, this book will not dissappoint. With an obvious passion and love for Disney, Fjellman dissects WDW operations with the language of someone who knows something is bad for him, yet doesn't seem to mind. For many of us, this sentiment is reality. Like Fjellman, many understand that Disney can be manipulative, overbearing, and self-promoting. However, people don't seem to care. It is an amazing phenomenon and Fjellman does a wonderful job explaining why it exists.

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.

This is not a tell all/behind-the-scenes gossip book. It reads like a business venture case file with some interesting bits of Disney design and innovation thrown in. The author gives equal wonderment to the imagineers' genius as to the company's business decisions.

Also, this book was the catalyst for a to take a side trip to Celebration, Florida after our last Disney vacation in Dec 2001. The book peaked our curiosity to see Walt's real/intended version for a prototype community of the future.

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.

For the reader who is interested in Disney World as a part of American culture, this book puts forth some provocative concepts. It is not necessarily easy reading, and it won't be the first place to come if the reader is looking to dish about Disney trivia. It does, however, present some challenging ideas about Disney's effect on America in as objective a manner as possible, I think. If you want to stretch your mind, read it.

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

Dr Fjellman probably spends at least 3/4 of his space describing attractions and environs at Walt Disney World, and less than 10% of his space offering any real scholarly analysis of the sociological impacts of WDW. It's hardly worth the price for the few pages of critique he offers, but if one is looking for a quasi-professorial description of WDW as it was 15 years ago - and especially of the first incarnation of EPCOT Center, this might be entertaining... or you could just read one of the early editions of "Steve Birnbaum Brings You the Best of Walt Disney World" - one of Fjellman's primary sources. Where I went to college, travel guides were hardly considered valid reference material! For a better study of Walt Disney's influence on American culture, spend your time and money on "The Magic Kingdom: Walt Disney and the American Way of Life" by Steven Watts; "Married to the Mouse" by Richard Folgesong about the relationship of Walt Disney and Company with Orlando, FL, is also an interesting read.

This book has two parts with a weak relation that binds them. The academic focus of the book is about culture, marketing and consumerism. The second part is a detailed look at WDW, particularily the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and MGM. This book is pre AK. The binder is that disney is a company, that sells a product. If you think this book is interesting keep in mind if you do not want to read purely academic lecture on commerce, that could relate to Kleenex just as well as it does Disney, you are getting twice as many pages as you desire. One note is if you do not read at a high level (well above the NY Times) the vocabulary is difficult. For the Disney material alone this is definitely a 5 star book (I especially liked the details about setting up Reedy Creek), but the references from Adam Smith and Marx among others disrupted the worth of the book, hence a three.