Disney-themed Key Chains

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Gaylin

Another useful souvenir from Disney is a key chain fob. I now have more of them than I have keys to put on them!

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The whole collection
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 Chinese symbol, double happiness
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 Is it any wonder this is my everyday key chain?
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Two-sided Mickey
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This next key chain only has one key on it, it is too heavy to carry around all the time. It was a present from a friend and I love how the detail is on the front and the back.
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And Tigger too!
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This Tigger key chain was in use until recently. I just sold my car and this was the fob and ring that had my car keys on it.
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Cay Chain
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A friend of mine has taken his family on two Disney cruises in the last 18 months, on his last trip he brought me back this wee present.
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Hidden Mickeys
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And last but not least, my weekend key chain, colourful and slightly sparkly (just like me!)
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Director Mickey Mouse Vinylmation

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

My wife got me this Director Mickey Mouse Vinylmation as a gift. Here he is visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios Walt Disney World with us.
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From the information I’ve seen, he was available at a special event for Disney employees only, Cast Members of the Burbank Studio Store on the lot.
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I can’t find any information as to how many were produced.
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“Mickey” is printed on his megaphone.
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“Director” printed on his painted on chair.
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By Disney Artist Jim Valeri. Studio Store is printed on the bottom.
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I’m ready for my close up M.M.!
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Vintage Disney Pinocchio and Bambi Story Books

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

These 2 books from the early 1940’s belonged to my Father-in-Law, Dan.

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Pinocchio.
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Given as a gift to Dan from his mother in 1944.
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Copyright 1939, 1940 by Walt Disney Productions, Hollywood, California.
D.C. Heath and Company, Boston.
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Nice spot illustrations are throughout the book.
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A very well loved book, several pages are loose.
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Walt Disney Story  Books.
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Bambi was given as a gift to Dan from his Grandmother in 1945.
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Copyright 1944 by Walt Disney Productions.
D.C. Heath and Company, Boston.
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These wonderful books were passed on to my wife, and then her younger sister. He recently re-discovered them, and has passed them on to me.
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Vintage Disney Postcards with Written Messages

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Dis-LEE
Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio
 
I picked these postcards up at the flea market a few weeks ago. They all feature Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World.
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We’ll start with this fun one, with Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto in front of Cinderella Castle.

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Holly was at Walt Disney World during Christmastime, 1979, and sent a postcard to her class. She was really rubbing it in when she tells them it’s Monday, and she is at Disney World while the rest of her schoolmates are apparently in school! Classic.
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Next up we, we have the Chief Firemouse, which, I believe, is also from 1979.
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This person is writing Carol to tell her she is spending time with cousins, and that it’s hot, but I can’t make out what month it is.
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The next card was never sent, and I’m not sure of the date.
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“Strike Up the Band”
“Drum Major Mickey Mouse leads the Walt Disney World Band down Main Street U.S.A. in one of the musical group’s daily performances.”
This leads one to believe that, at least at one point during the day, you’ll see Mickey Mouse leading the band. I am not sure if this ever happened, but I’d like to see it.
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And finally, we have Mickey’s Collection, which is apparently pictures a collection of older cards, including the one above.
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It’s January 1991, and Aunt Freda is writing her family about her 2 week vacation. It’s January and it’s cold at Epcot Center, but at least she’s having a good time.
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We’ll be returning to Disney World in January, and whether it’s cold or not, I’m sure we’ll have a good time.
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Mickey Mouse Watches and Pocket Watch

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributer: Gaylin 
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Since I like my souvenirs to be mostly practical or usable, having Mickey Mouse watches seems like a great idea.
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I have a few of them, but only keep a battery in one of them at a time. When the battery runs down, I pick a different watch and get a battery put in it and repeat about once a year or so.
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The first one I got was on a quiet afternoon when we had gone over to Fort Wilderness for a bit of a break in the action. A lovely afternoon spent wandering around and of course, going in the shop. I pick this watch because I loved how big it is (it is a man’s watch) and because it has all twelve numbers and it easy to read. Since it was my first watch, I wore it for a number of years before getting another one. The watch face is 1 3/4 inches across, very big on my skinny wrist but very easy for me and everyone else to see!

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Next up is a pocket watch. This was ordered for me from the Disney Store online as a present and is just over 2 inches across and very heavy. I don’t use it very often because of the weight and needing two hands to hold it and open it to tell the time.
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This next watch was a add-on purchase at the store in the Contemporary Hotel. With a $40 or more purchase, the watch was $10. I thought it would be nice to have a Mickey watch specifically for Christmas so I got it.
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This next watch I bought at the jewelry store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood Studios. I admit I used this one exclusively for a couple of years because it was so comfortable. The little button on the top right is where you press to make the face light up at night!

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I recently received this watch as a gift. I have no idea where it came from or what it cost (most Disney watches are in the $25-$45 range, except the pocket watch, I know it was more). It was passed along to my sister to give to me. While there was no packaging, it had never been worn and the battery was dead. After replacing the battery I was pleased that it works just fine. The face of it glows in the dark but I had no idea how to take a photo of that! You can just barely see that one side of the band has Mickey Mouse pressed into the leather and the other side has a tiny Mickey pressed into it.

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If you look closely you can see the reflection of my hands holding the camera in the shiny ears!!! Ta ta for now (or TTFN in Tigger-speak!)

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BOOK REVIEW: Disney Edition Disneyland Releases

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Dis-LEE
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Author: Jeff Kurtti
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Binding: Hard Cover (w/jacket)
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Pages:160
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Publisher: Disney Editions
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ISBN: 978-1-4231-2905-9
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Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.5 x 1 inches
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Price: $24.95 US
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Synopsis: A coffee-table book of evocative photography that gives a nice overview of the history of Disneyland. Disney Editions approached Jeff Kurtti about putting together a new hardcover that could be used to commemorate the Park’s 55th anniversary and that would be a book for the next generation of Disneyland fan.
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 Circa 1957
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 Before and after
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Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is what it portends to be: an editorial and pictorial summary of Disneyland park from the beginning to the present. And by the present I mean just before the opening of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. We only get concept artwork for that attraction, which isn’t a bad thing!
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The book is divided into 7 main sections covering from 1952 to the present, with each section covering about a decade.
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We are treated to images of old rides, concept art, construction photos, and parades and events of past and present. A nice all round look into the history of The Happiest Place on Earth.
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Conclusion: I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5 and note that this would be the ultimate keepsake for anyone who is visiting Disneyland for the first time, like my wife and I were just this past January. But even old time Guests will get a nostalgic kick out this book.
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The only downside I could mention is that the writing gets a bit formulaic at times and comes off as a bit of an advertisement from the Disney corporation. But that’s probably just a bit jaded coming from someone who has read an incredible number of these types of publications.
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And speaking of negativity, on to our next review:
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Author: Chuck Snyder
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Binding: Soft Cover
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Pages:26
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Publisher: Disney Editions
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ISBN:978-142310671-5
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Price: $6.95 US
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Review: This caught my eye immediately and I bought it without even opening it. That was a mistake. Definitely a good idea for a book, but very poorly executed!
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Each of the windows featured in the book has a brief blurb about the recipient and an accompanying photograph. Unfortunately, the text is basic (which in fairness, that’s all such a small book has room for) and the photography is beyond amateurish. I’m sorry, but there’s no other way to say it.
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Conclusion: I’d give this book 2 out of 5 stars because it only whets the appetite and leaves you feeling cheated. This is a case where ‘go big or go home’ applies.
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One last review to end this post on a more positive note:
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Author: Jeff Kurtti
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Binding: Soft Cover
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Pages:64
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Publisher: Disney Editions
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ISBN: 978-142312906-6
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Price: $7.95 US
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Review: This is a much better effort. It closely resembles the souvenir guides that have been a staple at Disney theme parks since the beginning. It’s primarily a pictorial effort which is fine by me! I would also say that it would be a good second choice if the same author’s book Disneyland Through the Decades (reviewed above) is too big or expensive for you. There is some duplication of images between the two books.

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Conclusion: I would give this a 5 out of 5 simply because it does exactly what it is supposed to do. It gives a nice overview of Disneyland, in pictures, that a Guest can take home to remember the highlights of his visit.
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1968 Disneyland Pictorial Souvenir and Guide

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

This came in a surprise package from my Aunt Sandy. From 1968, “Walt Disney’s Disneyland: A pictorial souvenir and guide”

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The inside front cover folds out, and on the this fold out and the 1st page we get a short history of the creation of Walt Disney’s “new concept in family entertainment”.
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We then look at each of the lands, starting with Main Street, U.S.A.
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Adventureland
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New Orleans Square opened on July 24th, 1966, and Pirates of the Caribbean opened March 18th, 1967
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Frontierland
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Fantasyland, the happiest land of all.
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Tomorrowland
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Great shot of  the Monorail. I can’t tell if this is the Mark II or Mark III, as the Mark III arrived in 1968
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More Monorail, this time in front of the Disneyland Hotel, a sight you won’t see today, as it no longer makes a stop there.
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A vibrant back cover.
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A great look back at my favorite Disney park!
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1970 Disneyland Vacationland Book and Guides

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Dis-LEE

Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio

Aunt Sandy comes through once again, finding me some more of her great Disney ephemera from her past vacations.
This is a Disneyland Vacationland booklet from Summer of 1970. This magazine was “published three times yearly by Walt Disney Productions, Disneyland Division”.

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Our inside cover, interestingly, opens with a Dolly Madison ad, featuring the Peanuts Gang.

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This is Volume 14, No. 2 of this publication.
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Next is a look at Tom Sawyer Island, told from the perspective of an adventure seeking, and very imaginative young man.
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“Disney on Parade” was an arena show that toured the United States and Canada from 1969 to 1973.
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A too short look at one of my favorite attractions, The Haunted Mansion, and a United Airlines ad.
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A nice montage of Disneyland photos for the center-spread.
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A look at the clock on the facade of It’s a Small World, with a cute, if not very well illustrated, look at time through, er, time.
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Fun events coming to Disneyland for it’s 15th Anniversary, including “Show Me America”, a 45 minute musical tour of the United States that appeared on the Tomorrowland Stage.
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A few pages of ads.
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A page showcases other attractions in the Orange County area.

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And more ads.

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The last page is an ad for Disneyland. Wait, what, it’s for Knott’s Berry Farm and Ghost Town?!
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I also received some other great stuff, such as this brochure for “Show Me America”, and other fun Summer activities throughout Disneyland.
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Finally, we have another Disney Guide and ticket book.
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So how many of these things do you have in your collection?

Posted in Books, Disneyland, Ephemera | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Walt Disney World Pop-Up Book

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Dis-LEE
Guest Contributor: Nick Maglio
A Fun Filled Visit to Walt Disney World with Mickey Mouse: A Hallmark Pop-Up Book.
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Like much of my collection, I cannot recall when and where I got this book. It’s copyright is 1972.
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It isn’t in the best condition, with stains and tape marks, but the pop-ups all work pretty well.
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Our first pop-up is the Ferry Boat to the Magic Kingdom. But that isn’t how we are getting to the park.
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We’re taking the Monorail with Mickey. Lift the door tab, and Mickey gets on board.
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Interestingly, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea has been reduced to just “Submarine Voyage” here. There is a rotating wheel that rotates and shows wreckage, treasure and sea life.
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Next, the Country Bear Jamboree pop-up.

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It’s a Small World. Pull the tab on the right, and the drummer drums while the camel nods in unison.
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The Mad Tea Party. pull the tab to see Mickey “Spin”. On one side he’s smiling, on the other, he looks as if he may be ill, which is the same reaction I have as this ride goes on.
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A Jungle Cruise pop-up.
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The Mickey Mouse Revue, which was housed in the space that is now home to Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Pull the tabs and the whole gang rocks out while Mickey orchestrates.
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The Swiss Family Tree House. Lift the flap and see the Jungle Cruise Ruins in the distance.
Not very exciting.
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Maybe the creator of this book was lulling you into a false sense of security, and then, wham!
Pull the tab on the Haunted Mansion page, and a ghost pops up! Thrilling.
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And to cap off a fun filled day at the park with Mickey, fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.
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I hope you enjoyed your time with Mickey Mouse, and the Disney Nouns Pop-up Blog!
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Posted in Attractions, Books, Walt Disney World | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Design – Just for Fun

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Dis-LEE
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Author: Bob Gurr
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Binding: Hard Cover
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Pages: 218
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ISBN: 9780615553740
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Publisher: APP-GurrDesign Publishing
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Price: $58.95 US
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Collector’s Edition: 0574 of 1000, signed
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Synopsis:
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The most thorough behind the scenes stories ever told about Themed Entertainment design at America’s favorite destination resorts – Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Tour, Spectacular Las Vegas and more.
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Legendary Imagineer Bob Gurr, as Principal Designer for hundreds of Themed Entertainment projects, takes the reader behind the scenes:
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• Learn how Disneyland developed the first Monorail in America.
• See how Universal Studios Tour Animated King Kong came to be.
• A Pirate Battle Show and Sinking Ship in Las Vegas – how did they do it.
• Get the story of the animated Abraham Lincoln at the NY World’s Fair.
• Meet the team behind the Los Angeles Olympics Flying Saucer.
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And so much more… with a foreword by Marty Sklar.
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Review:
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I have to start off by saying that this book is for hardcore Disney fans ONLY! So if you’re a completest, and by that I mean someone who just has to know everything about everything, than this book is for you. Gurr holds nothing back in this tell-all book. And by that I mean he tells us about every bolt he used to create most of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions.
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I admit I was geeking out when I started to read this book, but then I just got bogged down by the sheer detail that Gurr shares. It makes this a very hard read. To be honest, I read at least five other Disney-related books while reading this one, because I just had to take a break!
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That being said, Gurr’s down to earth style of writing makes the book easier to get through. It’s just Bob talking with Bob’s personality clearly showing through. And that’s not a bad thing! Of course, if you’re a literary critic, than the grammar, spelling, and unnecessary repetition might drive you to distraction. But if you’re able to lighten up and just read along for the ride, it’s an entertaining enough book.
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The real beauty of this book is in the pictures. These provide exclusive glimpses into the world of early Disneyland design, as well as into many post-Disney projects that Gurr was involved in. Such as King Kong at Universal Studios. Yes, he did once work for the enemy.
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Conclusion:
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With heartfelt apologies to Bob Gurr, I have to give this book 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the read overall, but as I say, it’s not a book for everyone, and not an easy read. It’s unlikely to appeal to non-Disney people, and so I can’t rate it higher. But of course, as I said earlier, Disney completists will love it and rate it much higher!
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I will say that the last section Adventures of Bob’s World was a great and fun way to end the book, and I found myself smiling and laughing as I read these parting shots.
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I was fine with the fact that I had to buy this book from APP-GurrDesign to review it
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