• The Disneyland Story

  • The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream
  • By: Sam Gennawey
  • Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
  • Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (457 ratings)

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The Disneyland Story  By  cover art

The Disneyland Story

By: Sam Gennawey
Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
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Publisher's summary

The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream is the story of how Walt Disney's greatest creation was conceived, nurtured, and how it grew into a source of joy and inspiration for generations of visitors. Despite his successors' battles with the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt's vision maintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it Walt Disney's way.

©2014 Sam Gennawey (P)2014 Audible Inc.

What listeners say about The Disneyland Story

Average customer ratings
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great listen!

I was pleased at the details and how the author made sure to link different events and explain things without being boring. the narration was excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great listen if you're a Disney nerd... I am

i have listened to this multiple times. its become one of those that i plug in at bedtime and can listen to the detail,picking up missed tidbits. Well worth it if you're a Disney fan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nicely paced

What did you love best about The Disneyland Story?

The book moves quickly. I was afraid it would spend hours upon hours describing early development. But it seemed in no time the park was being built.

What did you like best about this story?

It's like the biography of Disneyland. It breaks into two sections: The Walt Years and the after years.

What about James Patrick Cronin’s performance did you like?

A lot of people have said his performance is dry. I would disagree. He precise. I suggest speeding up the player to 1.25, as he does read slowly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book

First of all the content is thorough. If you love Disney it's a great dive into the history of Walt's "third child" from conception to the modern day. Lots of anecdotes and details. It kept me listening the whole way through.

I almost didn't choose this book because of the reviews here about the performance and technical issues. I found the narrator did well. Yes, there are some places I wish the production staff had left more space between sections. I don't fault the reader for that, and it's not that difficult to follow. A few hours with some editing software would clean up the problem.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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So much detail in so little time

This book made a long trip back home enjoying. There are so many details that I will have to take notes for the upcoming trip to Disneyland to see the details, the flag pole being the first. Great Audio book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Aural Picture of the History of Disneyland

Detailed data of the formation of Disneyland as well as the history of each attraction as well as the landscaping and environment. Thought it's sort of a list, it's engaging and entertaining. It includes details that are not found in any other Disneyland history. The narration of this edition is excellent. It's as if the author himself is reading it. If you are a Disneyland person who loves pouring over images and videos of the park throughout its history, this is an aural version of that experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting but the narration is terrible

He speaks clearly but kind of monotonous and the transition to the next section is not always clear, but nevertheless this is very interesting for me as a Disney lover. I know a lot of the history but there are definitely a lot of stories I had never heard before! But please - shouldnt he know how to pronounce the names in the book properly? I cringe everytime he says Marty Skyler instead of Marty Sklar

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing details in the history of Disneyland

I am so glad I listened to this book. It was Amazing!!! Yes, the reader jumps from chapter to chapter quickly but you can get used to it. If you love Disney and it’s history you must listen to this book. I loved hearing about the background of each attraction. I’m certain I’ll go back to it again and again!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you want a complete History of Disneyland....

Disney fans should listen to this book because it gives a complete history of how the park was founded, built, maintained, and expanded.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Disneyland at its best

I read the previous reviews and I still read the book
I think that you need to be a Disney Geek to listen to and appreciate this book.
I am of an age that I grew up watching the classic Disney movies in the theater.
I loved this book. I did.
It was like going back to my childhood.
The narrator was a smidgen flat.
You can't please everyone.

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