Sam Gennawey’s new book: The Disneyland Story

I apologize that I have not posted much lately. Part of the problem is that my real job of helping companies become as customer-savvy as Disney and other great organizations has kept me extremely busy. But the other reason is that every time I have a spare minute, I’ve been reading Sam Gennawey’s newest work–The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney’s Dream.

Don’t let the title “unofficial” deter you in the least. This work exceeds anything Disney has ever formally put out. For that matter, in its total form it may exceed everything Disney has put out. There’s just so much. It isn’t as rich in graphics and photos like Bruce Gordon and David Mumford’s Disneyland: The Nickel Tour. But then again, you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to get a used version on e-Bay. Moreover, you have a document that takes you to the present–few books get you beyond the mid-nineties.

That’s not to say the book doesn’t have its imperfections. It goes on and on for pages describing the Indiana Jones Adventure ride itself, but makes no passing reference to America on Parade, State Fair, or many other entertainment offerings. In discussing the surrounding neighborhood, it keeps coming back to topics like the defunct Melodyland, but no mention is made of Stovall’s Space Age Motel or Inn of Tomorrow. Yet that is minor detail to what is already so comprehensive. Could this book really be any longer? There is simply so much!

As an author, the only suggestion I would have made is that it should have been a two or three volume set. That means for you as the reader, you’re getting a great deal getting this for one price. I got more out of it than reading Lindquist, Crump, and Sklar’s books combined. It’s that good.

I know I should be plugging my book–and I will when my new edition of The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney comes out next week–but until then, grab a copy of this really terrific work. You will truly enjoy it!