Walt Disney and the Quest for Community

Author: Steve Mannheim
List Price: $49.95
Our Price: Click to see the latest and low price
ISBN: 0754619745
Publisher: Ashgate Publishing Company (January, 2003)
Sales Rank: 224,570
Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5

Customer Reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5
Researching the Story of Walt Disney's Final Dream
It is clear that it will be the responsibility of historians to accurately reflect the influence that Walt Disney had upon the development of cultural and social structures; beginning during the twentieth century and continuing into a new millennium. Though Walt Disney reflected the social values of his contemporaries in the United States, he also tapped into the essential curiosity that drives all human beings toward exploration and discovery. It is that final phase of Walt Disney's bold and creative exploration that provides the backdrop for this important study.

In "Walt Disney and the Quest for Community", author Steve Mannheim brings Walt's original idea for EPCOT (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) back to the table after almost four decades of neglect. While the creation of Epcot Center at Walt Disney World provides for an interesting day of amusement, the origins of EPCOT (the community) had far greater implications. Those living and working at the EPCOT of Walt Disney's mind would participate in an innovative commercial, social, and political experiment that would be unprecedented in human history. Regrettably, the genius of Walt Disney was revealed to be finite with his passing in December 1966. With Disney's death, the dream of EPCOT as originally conceived was shelved as being unattainable without the necessary provision of Walt Disney's personal authority and command.

Mannheim's text explores the historical context and influences upon Walt's research and imagination, along with many first hand interviews and accounts from those who worked closely with Disney during this exploratory period in the mid 1960's. The text is expertly researched and provides the most thorough account to date of the vision behind Walt Disney's final dream: E.P.C.O.T.

Rating: 5 out of 5
The Evolution of Walt's EPCOT Concept
This is a great read about Walt Disney's EPCOT concept. It draws upon original interviews, research in archives, Disney company building experience, and history to tell a fascinating story of Walt's original ideas and how they evolved into later projects like Epcot and Celebration. Most important, it is clear that the author has a solid understanding of Walt Disney the man and uses it to put EPCOT into context. In addition, the author provides many references with which I was unfamiliar. Finally, the book is organized in such a way as to make it very accessible. I think that this book will be an important resource for both scholars and Disney fans in the future.

Rating: 5 out of 5
The Story Behind Walt's EPCOT
This well organized, well researched book provides great insight to the original dreams and plans Walt Disney had for the prototype community of tomorrow - the EPCOT that never was built.

A great read for any EPCOT fan, Walt Disney fan or those interested in city plannning.

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