Disneyland Then, Now, and Forever

by Tim O'Day, Bruce Gordon (Designer)

Then, Now, and Forever is an unbelievable visual celebration of one of the greatest entertainment achievements of the twentieth century. Rewind your Mickey Mouse watch back to the 1950s and travel with us through the decades as the wondrous story of Disneyland unfolds via fascinating, behind-the-pixie dust stories and incredible imagery. Like a visit to the park itself, it's a trip you'll never forget, ensuring that the spirit of Disneyland will remain--then, now, and forever. Filled with color photos of how the park looked at its opening and through the changes of the years up to the present day in 2005.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Reference

Hardcover

First published April 2, 2005

Reviews

[Christy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visual history of Disneyland that definitely will entertain any Disney fan. From the historic beginning to the current (at the time of publication) revitalization of the park, this book shares insider information about the lands and attractions. The fun facts and beautiful images of Disneyland of yesteryear and Disneyland of the early 2000s are sure to please. While I didn't necessarily learn anything new - since I am definitely a Disneyfanatic - I still enjoyed reading about the park. Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland had so many changes. The pictures of some of those original rides are all that's left after they were replaced with newer ideas. I bought this book around the 50th anniversary of the park and I'm so glad I did. It's a great little history book for all Disney fans.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

You literally can't go wrong with Disney history.

[Noahb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book if you want to learn about Disneyland history.It tells you about the rides history.It also tells you about Walt Disney.This is a great book about Disneyland.

[Alex Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was created to help celebrate the 50th birthday of Disneyland in 2005 and it chooses to focus largely on the impressive and unique history the park has had over that time. Some of the highlights include the various special events and celebrations that have occurred over the years, including having Winnie the Pooh run for President in the 1970s. Usually there are just a few paragraphs to cover any particular topic, however, there is just enough writing to get a nice feel for an attraction or a character experience from another era.

This book is beautiful with its greatest strength being the great collection of pictures of Disneyland over its first 50 years. This includes some great aerial shots of the orchards that would become Disneyland before construction had even begun in 1954. Other interesting photos include side by side comparisons of lands and attractions from the early days to a more contemporary setting. This is especially great when comparing the outside facades of original attractions like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride or Peter Pan's Flight where major changes have occurred. The evolution of the park can best be told through pictures and that is where this book is at its strongest.

if you love Disneyland and want to enjoy its amazing history through fantastic pictures and interesting anecdotes then this book is for you. It is one to be added to any Disney fans collection.

[Katy Pugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could say that this was the book that spurred my absolute love (and career interest) for Disney History. This is the book that made me want to become an Archivist at the Walt Disney Studios. This is the book that made me my family's personal Disneyland Tour Guide.

This book changed my life.

This book covers everything: the extensive history of Disneyland, from its conception to its most recent (at the time) 2007 opening of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. This book tells you what is in Disneyland now: for example, Splash Mountain in Critter Country, and then it tells you what was there before Critter Country and Splash Mountain: Bear Country. What was there before Bear Country? Read the book to find out.

This book is so extensive, yet it's easy to read. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get a deeper knowledge of Disneyland's history.

[Louis Prosperi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing look at the first fifty years at Disneyland!

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the park and enjoyed it. Excellent pictures reflecting the development of the park and appropriate text. This is not a comprehensive book by any means and is overpriced, but what do you expect at a theme park. A good memento for those who remember the park as it evolved through the years. There is a little bit about Disney's California Adventure, but the book is really about change and DCA is too young to have much of that yet, The 2008 edition includes the addition of characters from the movies to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Finding Nemo version of the submarine ride. There are a number of what was there before.. sections that help you to visualize where rides that are no longer there used to be. I found it to be a nice visual supplement to Chris Stodder's excellent "The Disneyland Encyclopedia".

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this book. I was working at the resort during the 50th anniversary, and this was one of the few things I wanted to take away. It's a playful look back at the past 50 years - the places the park has been, what it had evolved into, and what it is now. The pictures will definitely stir some memories, regardless of your last visit.

[Billy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful words and pictures about a truly beautiful place. I loved the sections on "what was there before...". Great historical perspective as well. Fans of Disneyland will love to reminisce as they read. Erica and I did!

[Grace Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Disneyland. I'm not into the movies, the characters, or the merchandise. But I really love the theme park. I know, it is so weird. Anyway, I liked this book for the peeks into Disneyland history, which I love.

[Cassie Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must for Disney fans. My book cover is differant, but same author and title. Mine has great colored pictures and lots of history of how Disneyland came about.

[Erin Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big Disneyland fan. So this was fascinating. Loved the old pictures.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good picture book, wish it were bigger maybe but a good addition to my research.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

2005 edition for 50th Ann. Celebration, purple and gold cover. ISBN 0786854464. Same ISBN updated 2008 edition with info and pics on Pirates and Finding Nemo Sub Voyage.

[Kristi Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book to read about Disneyland. Loved the pictures and the history. Bought this when we were there for the 50 year celebration and just re-read it.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about the history of Disneyland to get me excited about my upcoming trip!