Power and Paradise in Walt Disney's World

by Cher Krause Knight

In this fascinating analysis, Cher Krause Knight peels back the actual and contextual layers of Walt Disney's inspiration and vision for Disney World in central Florida, exploring the reasons why the resort has emerged as such a prominent sociocultural force. Knight investigates every detail, from the scale and design of the buildings to the sidewalk infrastructure to which items could and could not be sold in the shops, discussing how each was carefully configured to shape the experience of every visitor. Expertly weaving themes of pilgrimage, paradise, fantasy, and urbanism, she delves into the unexpected nuances and contradictions of this elaborately conceived playland of the imagination.

Genres: Architecture

246 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kj]

Disney scholarship can often swing frustratingly far either into cynical bashing or unreflective swooning. Cher Krause Knight's immensely informative text benefits from and synthesizes the wealth of contemporary Disney scholarship, advancing the conversation further with a sense of self-aware questioning as well as a generous stance towards individuals' capacity to be conscious consumers and participants in immerseive themed environments, not solely force-fed sheep. Knight's truly page-turning study of Disney World as both a generator and reflector of cultural forms and ideas, covers everything you want to know about Walt Disney's futurism, the perils of utopian thought & design, enchantment vs escapsim, myths and modes of American identiy, and pretty much anything you've ever raised a questioning eyebrow about in response to the House of Mouse. As Knight identifies in her introduction, the interdisciplinary inquiry of "Power and Paradise" provides entry points from "American and cultural studies; sociology; visual, material, and popular culture; urban planning and environmental design; cultural anthropology; critical studies; and theology." The journey is an unquestionably compelling and illuminating trip through the complex ways that Disney World expresses and continues to shape the American imagination in an ever more globalized world.

[Dana]

This is a heavy book. It took me waaayyy too long to read (though partially that was due to library availabilities). It was great, if occasionally a bit repetitive. At some points, it felt like we were going around the same point three different ways, but overall it was great. The comparisons were thorough and interesting. The footnotes are honestly worth their own read, they were funny and nice to read after the dense information in the actual chapters. I know I keep talking about it like the writing was really dry, IT WASN'T, it was just an almost overwhelming amount of information.

Overall, this is a really good book for anyone looking to learn more about the Disney brand, and parks, in an analytical way. Not so much if you're looking for some light reading. As a theme parks and attractions student, I found it very valuable.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro]

Behind Disneyland

This is a deep study about Disneyland, how it built through historical view, psychological view, managing city, and many other aspects. Its quite neutral in its view.