Disney Architecture

[dcwesley]

I am traveling to Disney in a couple of weeks accompanied by my sister. As an art history major she is looking forward to exploring the architecture of the various resorts and parks. I have noticed there are a couple of books on amazon discussing Disney architecture. Can anybody recommend one of them to me.

Thanks!

Debbie

 

[ducklite]

The Architecture of Reassurance is probably the best book on this topic. I also have another book on Imagineering that touches on architecture, but has a lot of other content as well.

Did you know there are two "backstage" (although I don't think you spend much time actually bacjstage for either) tours that focus a lot on architecture? "Disney By Design" and "Hidden Treasures of the World Showcase". They are about $60 per person, I think both require park adminssion, and they are both three hour tours. I think the phone to reserve (advance reservations are a MUST!) is 407.WDW.TOUR.

Anne

 

[daannzzz]

"Building the Dream" and "The Architecture of Reassurance" are both great books though each one could have been longer in my opinion. The second book is a bit more serious and detailed about architecture in general and dry in some spots and sometimes goes into discussions that seem to be veering away from the subject but is still fascintating.

 

[Rebeltinkle]

What does "Disney by Design" focus on, where do you go, etc. Would you say it is worth it?

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by dcwesley
she is looking forward to exploring the architecture of the various resorts and parks.

Make sure to find time to visit the Casting Center (Stern), the Team Disney buildings (Isozaki) and Swan & Dolphin (Graves). Also take a look at Fire Station1 (the 'Lego' fire station) as you drive past.

Andrew

 

[dcwesley]

Thanks to everyone for your help. We are at less than a week now!!

Andrew - we are staying in the swan (largely because my sister is a big fan of Graves.) Where do we find the other buildings you mention?

 

[Synonymous]

Actually, it's "Wild by Design." It's a tour of Animal Kingdom, focusing on the design elements. You don't go backstage on this one. Can't tell you if it's worth it- I'm taking it in April. Reviews I've read have been very positive.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by dcwesley
Where do we find the other buildings you mention?

Dolphin is directly opposite you but I'm sure you knew that. (don't miss the model of the hotel in the lobby).If you exit the Swan along Epcot Resort Blv then turn left onto Buena Vista Drive towards Downtown Disney, you will pass Fire Station 1 on your left (Looks like it built with oversize red lego bricks) You can't miss it.Shortly after Typhoon Lagoon you will see Team Disney set back on the right hand side roughly opposite to Cirque. The Casting building is a little further along on the right. Team Disney & Casting Centre are the two buildings baccking on to I4.

I did the Architecture tour organised by the Disney Institute a few years back. Sadly, I think this tour is discontinued, but you might try asking. I do recall being told however, that you can visit parts of these buildings provided you go straight to reception and ask for a visitor's pass. I am sure that you could phone ahead to check. The internal courtyard/sundial at Team Disney is a must to visit.

Andrew

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by daannzzz
"Building the Dream" and "The Architecture of Reassurance" are both great books

These books are available from the bookshop at Downtown Disney Marketplace. I am not certain of the name, but it is the first shop on the right as you enter from the Marketplace bus stop. It is right along from Rainforest Cafe and opposite the Christmas Shop.

Andrew

 

[SueM in MN]

There's another book called "Walt Disney World Architecture" that I found at the same bookstore (or maybe it was at the airport). It's only 58 pages and doesn't look too impressive when you see it on the shelf. In fact, there was no price tag on it because it had just come in and we thought it was a really neat pamphlet about some architecture tour. Every page has color pictures of different buidlings/sites. You could actually use it for a self guided tour if you have a car because it has maps with locations of all the buildings that are highlighted in the book.
Don't forget to go to Celebration. They turned some of the famous architects loose there to create an unusual hospital, town hall, post office, bank, cinema and office buildings. You can find a map of Celebration in the book too.
There was also a phone number in the back of the book to call for more information about architecture: (407)824-4321. I have no idea who/what department the number is for, but it might be worth calling.

 

[DancingBear]

I visited the Architecture of Reassurance exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt museum a couple of years ago and have the book, it's pretty good. I highly recommend visiting nearby Celebration. They have a little visitor's center and you can pick up a walking tour pamphlet there. Town Hall by Philip Johnson, movie theater by Cesar Pelli, post office (my fav) by Michael Graves, town planning and some buildings (including hospital) by Robert A.M. Stern.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Originally posted by dcwesley
Where do we find the other buildings you mention?

As a follow up to my earlier answer, I have just found a copy of the WDW Transportation Guide/Map that I was when I checked in last trip.

Team Disney and Casting Center are both marked. Fire Station 1 isn't, but I think it is near to the Junction of Backstage Lane and Buena Vista Drive.

Andrew

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I found this link for you

http://www.wdwmagic.com/architecture.htm

Andrew