Lost In Books

Amongst some of the fantastic souvenirs I was lucky enough to get from my recent Royal Visit to Disneyland Paris, I bought the following two purchases:


The book on the left is the Official 'Souvenir' of Disneyland Paris, taking you through the various attractions and lands of both parks. As you can see it still has the old 'Disneyland Resort Paris' in the heading, so maybe it will be worth something in the future!

The other book, on the right, is one that I have been dying to get for as long as I have known about it! I was unfortunate not to get it earlier, as the exchange rate meant that I just couldn't afford to have it sent to me (as, let me tell you, it is a VERY heavy book!). George, from Imaginerding but over at the fantastic 2719 Hyperion, has a beautiful review (along with some pictures) of 'From Sketch to Reality', which I urge you to check out.

As far as I am aware, there are not many English versions of the book left. I was prepared to buy the French version if I found it at the Resort, but was lucky to find and English one. The Disney Gods were smiling down on me that day! The authors of the book, Alain Littaye and Didier Ghez can be found at Disney and More and The Disney History blogs, respectively. They both run fantastically informative sites - which makes my eagerness to read this book all the greater! Although I don't want to take it out the wrapping just yet...

There will not be any posts over the next few days, as I am actually celebrating my Royal Birthday! I am resting up, experiencing the company of friends and family, before coming back next week, refreshed and ready for a summer of Disney blogging. I hope you're ready - because I certainly am!

What's DF'82 Reading?

I don't give, or plan on giving, any book reviews - I am no Imaginerding! - but I thought I would share with you some of the recent Disney related books I have, or have been reading. There have been some fantastic books released recently - and there's even more I would like. But here's some I have, or would recommend.

Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World
I got this book a few months ago, but didn't have the chance to get into it. So, I took it into work with me (yes, even in these trying times Royalty have to work!) and finished it as soon as I started it. It's a fabulous book, and even more interesting for me as an ex-cast member! But for any fans of Walt Disney World, and want to know more information, this book is definitely a must read.
Disneyland Resort Paris - AA Essential Guides
I am lucky enough to be going to Disneyland Resort Paris next month and bought this book to help me prepare. There aren't very many Paris-based books, and this is the 2009 edition, so it's the most up-to-date book I could get!
The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland
As part of my aim to get the Coast-to-Coast medal by participating on different half-marathons on either American coast, I will be visiting Disneyland in September. So I thought I would get a book that will help me appreciate it even more! This book will be fantastic, as I love all the other Field Guide titles. I cannot wait for Disney's Hollywood Studios Field Guide to come out, especially after listening to Lou's WDW Radio Show Podcast this week.

The Haunted Mansion: From The Magic Kingdom to the Movies
This has been on my 'Wish List' forever, but I noticed Amazon had stopped selling it here in the UK. So I rushed to the marketplace and managed to grab a copy. The only reason I had put off buying it for so long was because I wasn't as impressed with the film as I thought I would have been. But after this book, I think I will give the film another try!
Disney On Broadway
Lovely Disney Dave gave me this book recently, and it looks like it will be a really interesting read. I love Disney Musicals - and I cannot wait to get the Little Mermaid on Broadway book - so this one will no doubt really interest me.
The Alchemy of Animation
I have had this book since it was out, but haven't had a chance to sit down and read it. I cannot wait to, though, because the book looks truly beautiful (and I have heard so many good things about it).

A Happy Wee Princess!

Today I received a very special delivery in my Royal Mailbox - the following book:

Okay, so most people would be like: "So? It's an old Berlitz travel guide! Why are you excited about that?" Why? Why?! Well, it's a pocket guide...for EuroDisney! Yes, not Disneyland Paris, not Parc Disneyland and the Studios - but for EuroDisney Resort! As you may, or may not, know, there are very little books out there for Disneyland Paris - apart from travel guides (and even then there aren't that many!). And I've been looking for as many books to do with the 'old' Disneyland Paris - but there aren't even many of those...

So I managed to get this old tour book for EuroDisney from Amazon.co.uk (pretty cheap too!) and I'm happy to have something, depicting the 'old' Disneyland Paris. Here's a couple of images from the book:

Now, if I can just get one of my Royal Servants to read the book to me...

Book Recommendation

I have just finished reading "Spinning Disney's World" by Charles Ridgway, a former Press Agent for Disney and Disney Legend. And what can I say? It was an amazing book and a thoroughly enjoyable read. I actually never wanted it to end!

The book spans Ridgway's career, from just before he joined Disney until he retired from the company in the late 90's. I don't want to tell you everything that happened in the book - you'll just to have to read it yourself! - but there were many funny and interesting anecdotes. The man has had a fascinating life, and it was brilliant to read the people he has met and the places he has been, all while working for the Walt Disney Company. A few of the stories even brought a tear to my eye...

Charles Ridgway, additionally, was part of the marketing team for the opening of EuroDisney (Disneyland Paris). He describes his experience of opening the park and his experiences of dealing with the French workers and culture.

Of course, with my recent posts relating to Main Street USA windows, I can't not mention Ridgway's very own window! As you may, or may not, know I don't live anywhere near Walt Disney World, so I don't have an image of the window. But, as Ridgway describes:

"Not only was there a new window but a mini-parade accompanied the unveiling. ... In gold letters the sign reads:

Ridgway Public Relations
Charles Ridgway Press Agent
No Event Too Small" (Ridgway, p226)

You can see the window here (thanks to Mouseplanet!). I also like the mantra "Nobody does it like Disney", which Ridgway uses throughout his book. It's something that I've said throughout my life, starting off on the holidays to WDW I went with my parents. It's so true - and it's something that Ridgway truly believes, making the book all the more magical. If you're a Disney-book-geek, like me, you have to get this book!

On a personal level, apologies if the posts become a little bit erratic - I've got some health problems (nothing serious!) but it means that sometimes I don't have the energy to sit at the computer after work...but I'll try my best to keep this going every day!

Let's Start At the Very Beginning...

Look what arrived on my doorstep this morning...

I'm so excited! I bought this book on Amazon Marketplace 2 days ago, thanks to a great recommendation on the WDW Radio Show Podcast. I have been looking forward to reading it ever since I heard the discussion on the show. One of my favourite past-times is reading, and - of course - Disney. So putting the two together is one of the best things in the world!

Anyway, a review will follow once I read it - but I thought I would share just some of the amazing pages I get to experience very soon...

Additionally, if you like reading and Disney you should check out the Imaginerding blog - the guys over there have helped widen my knowledge of what Disney books are out there. And have probably helped me spend most of my wages too... But I wouldn't have it any other way!