The Disneyland Story

The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream

By: Sam Gennawey

Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin

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.

Lots of interesting history, big and small

The narrator’s tone wasn’t for me. It felt like homework listening to the reading. I also have this book in paperback and enjoy the amount of deep-cut history and details that make Disneyland the one of a kind place it has always been. I appreciated the moving stories and descriptions of homages to the many hands that created Disneyland that can be found throughout the park. This is one of the most comprehensive and impressive collections of stories about Disneyland and the people who are a part of it.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.