JimC
DVC Co-Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2002
- Messages
- 6,266
Just finished "Married to the Mouse" by Richard E Foglesong. It is an interesting account of the development of WDW and the Orlando area. If you have an interest in urban planning -- this book is a must read. The appendices are worth it just for the timeline and list of individuals who played pivotal roles in the history of WDW and the area.
This book gives the reader an insight into the relationship historically and as it developed between the private corporation (Disney), the specially legislated public entity Reedy Creek Improvement District and the traditional governmental units and agencies in the area.
Many of the topics we discuss on the DIS are covered -- such as the mass transportation initiatives for high speed rail. But you get a different and important picture of how these events unfolded.
This book also provides a view of the Disney Corporation, mostly after Walt's death and in particular after Eisner's arrival, that is helpful in forming opinions and considering what the future may bring. It also sets out the mutual challenges Disney (and others) and the locality face. If anyone is going to invest in this area of Florida (timeshare, retirement condo, business, whatever) this is an important context to have.
I suspect many will, as I, wonder "what-if" Walt had lived even only a few more years -- how different the Florida project might have gone -- how different the public/private relationship might have gone.
Happy reading
This book gives the reader an insight into the relationship historically and as it developed between the private corporation (Disney), the specially legislated public entity Reedy Creek Improvement District and the traditional governmental units and agencies in the area.
Many of the topics we discuss on the DIS are covered -- such as the mass transportation initiatives for high speed rail. But you get a different and important picture of how these events unfolded.
This book also provides a view of the Disney Corporation, mostly after Walt's death and in particular after Eisner's arrival, that is helpful in forming opinions and considering what the future may bring. It also sets out the mutual challenges Disney (and others) and the locality face. If anyone is going to invest in this area of Florida (timeshare, retirement condo, business, whatever) this is an important context to have.
I suspect many will, as I, wonder "what-if" Walt had lived even only a few more years -- how different the Florida project might have gone -- how different the public/private relationship might have gone.
Happy reading
