An eclectic sampling of behind-the-scenes stories in the development of Disney feature films offers a fascinating look into the magic-making process. I truly appreciated all the anecdotes and careful observations presented. There are tales of conflicts between animators, interesting theme park tie-ins, and the connections to the original stories. Each chapter focuses on a single Disney feature film, starting with the original story on which the film was based. It was quite a revelation to learn, through reading this book, just how many of Disney's films were retellings of others' works, and the lengths to which Disney had to go to purchase the rights. The book does an excellent job of tracing these retellings back to their roots and then meticulously describing where, how, and why Disney storytellers had to make changes to fit the screen and target audience. However, the book also has its drawbacks. It can be a bit rambling at times and contains many inane facts. Reading it for long stretches can be a challenge, as some parts of the story are described in excruciatingly irrelevant detail. The summaries of movies and books are both too quick and too specific, making it difficult to keep track of all the names and characters. Overall, the book is a good source of research and background information. My advice would be to skim the films that interest you the most and skip the rest. Otherwise, you might get bogged down in the details and quickly lose sight of why you're reading in the first place.

Meh, it was ok.

This simple expression seems to convey a sense of mediocrity or mild acceptance. It might suggest that whatever is being described didn't really stand out or make a strong impression.

Perhaps it was an experience that was neither particularly good nor bad, just sort of there. It could be a movie that had its moments but wasn't overly exciting, a meal that was edible but not memorable, or a task that was completed without much fanfare.

When we say "meh, it was ok," we're not exactly raving about something, but we're also not completely dismissing it. It's a bit of a middle-ground response, indicating that there was nothing remarkable enough to either praise or criticize.

Overall, "meh, it was ok" is a fairly common and somewhat unenthusiastic way to describe something that didn't really leave a lasting impact.

This one is really fun.

Its chapters are actually the actual movies that the Disney company has produced.

It not only explains the inspiration behind the animated film but also outlines the changes that the Disney company made to the original stories.

Additionally, it explains some deleted scenes or the animators' Easter eggs, such as when people are drawn in or little pieces are thrown in by the animators.

It is an easy read, and I often find myself checking it out whenever I put an old Disney cartoon in the DVD player.

It truly changes your perspective on some of these classic Disney movies.

It provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for the creative process that goes into making these beloved animated films.

Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or just someone who enjoys a good story, this is definitely a book worth checking out.

This is an extremely wonderful book.

It contains a vast amount of interesting information regarding numerous Disney's animated pictures.

The author has done an excellent job in writing this book, presenting the details in a captivating and engaging manner.

Moreover, the research that has gone into it is highly commendable.

One can truly immerse oneself in the magical world of Disney's animated pictures through the pages of this book.

It offers a unique perspective and insights into the making and evolution of these beloved animated masterpieces.

Whether you are a die-hard Disney fan or simply interested in the art of animation, this book is definitely a must-read.

It is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the enchanting world of Disney's animated pictures.

The book is a truly nice and quick read.

It delves deep into the history of Disney's major movies, exploring not only the films' origins but also their hidden features, bloopers, and the theme park attractions that were spun off from the films.

It offers a comprehensive and fascinating look at the world of Disney, making it a quality book for any Disney fan.

Whether you're a die-hard Disney enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a good story, this book has something for everyone.

It's a great addition to any Disney collection and a must-read for those who want to learn more about the magic and history of Disney movies.

This book is a comprehensive history of the Disney animated features.

Each chapter delves deeply into a specific feature, meticulously examining both the original source material and Disney's unique take on the story.

Subsequently, it carefully analyzes the success or failure of the feature, as well as whether the animation has become a part of a Disney park attraction.

I found it truly fascinating to uncover the backstory of these beloved features.

The detailed exploration provides valuable insights into the creative process and the impact of each film.

For Disney fans, this book is an absolute must-read.

It offers a wealth of information and a deeper appreciation for the magic and artistry of Disney's animated classics.

Whether you're a casual admirer or a die-hard Disney enthusiast, this book will surely enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the Disney animated features.

So, if you're looking for a captivating and informative read about the world of Disney animation, look no further than this book.

It's a treasure trove of knowledge that will transport you into the enchanting world of Disney.

Highly recommended!

Disney is a magical world that holds a special place in the hearts of many. It is truly a wonderland filled with enchanting characters, thrilling rides, and captivating stories.

For Disney lovers, visiting a Disney park is like stepping into a dream come true. The moment you enter, you are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that have become synonymous with Disney.

The colorful parades, the spectacular fireworks shows, and the immersive attractions all combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a child or an adult, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Disney also offers a wide range of merchandise and souvenirs, allowing you to take a piece of the magic home with you. From plush toys to clothing, there are countless items to choose from.

In conclusion, Disney is a place that brings joy and happiness to people of all ages. It is a world where dreams can come true and memories are made that will last a lifetime. So, if you're a Disney lover, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic for yourself.

This book contains some truly fascinating aspects.

For instance, it delves into what the original stories were like prior to being "Disneyfied". It was quite captivating to discover the details of the original Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.

I took great pleasure in reading about the history and the making of several of my favorite Disney movies.

I must confess that I didn't read this book from cover to cover as the older Disney movies didn't hold much interest for me.

However, I would highly recommend this to individuals who have a penchant for learning trivia and fun facts. It makes for a great read if you are a die-hard Disney fan.

David Koenig is indeed a remarkable author and an authority on Disney, whose work provides valuable insights and entertainment.

Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on the world of Disney and is well worth exploring for those with an interest in the subject matter.

The book in question is not nearly as good as the two previous ones he has penned about Disneyland.

It is not a book that I would recommend, unless, of course, you happen to be a die-hard Disney fan.

The plot holes and bloopers within the book may seem somewhat cool at first glance, but upon further consideration, they are not sufficient to make the entire reading experience worthwhile.

One would expect a certain level of quality and coherence in a book, especially one related to a beloved theme park like Disneyland. However, this particular offering falls short in many aspects.

The story may have some interesting elements, but the overall execution leaves much to be desired.

Perhaps for the most dedicated Disney enthusiasts, there might be some value in reading this book, but for the average reader, it is likely to be a disappointment.

In conclusion, while the idea of a book about Disneyland is appealing, this particular title fails to deliver on its promise.

Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation & Theme Parks by David Koenig is a captivating book that delves deep into the secrets of Disney productions and animations. It commences with an introduction to Disney's "secret recipe" for success, which is the mindset of constantly striving to improve upon previous ideas. The book is then divided into sections, each dedicated to a particular aspect such as the original tale, how it was "Disneyfied", plot holes, bloopers, strange reactions, and its potential inspiration for a theme park attraction.

David Koenig, who holds a degree in Journalism from California State University of Fullerton, has written several books on Disney. His first book, Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland, was followed by Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Animation & Theme Parks and More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek to Backstage at Disneyland. Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Animation & Theme Parks chronicles the many productions that have catapulted Disney to fame. It reveals that their path to success is simpler than one might think and provides additional facts for each film that have become part of Disney's fictional lore.

The book is written from a first-person point of view, offering both opinions and facts to the reader. This perspective provides personal insights and assures the readers that the author's opinions are supported by the facts he has uncovered. The tone of the book is informational, as it details the original tales and how the Disney writers modified them to convey a moral message. For instance, Koenig states, "What makes for great storytelling is both a great story and great telling" (17). His writing style aims to inform the reader about Disney's animation and movie secrets and their journey to success. The author uses symbols from the Disney era and explains them, often sharing facts that are not commonly known.

The author's purpose in writing this book was to offer readers an understanding of why Disney alone achieved success in the realm of animation. He explores how their "secret formula" compelled the writers to constantly seek the best in an idea, even if it was already considered excellent. In other words, they were always striving to impress Walt Disney. Additionally, he reveals some secrets that one might encounter at a theme park, such as "the icons on the large power coil in front of the Magic Kingdom’s Alien Encounter" (188). The book is organized with an introduction to the overall Disney recipe, followed by sections dedicated to each movie.

This book is distinct from regular nonfiction books and can be classified as a "reader beware". It is not a traditional story but rather provides a background on what the author refers to as the Disney recipe and then delves into various tales. Each tale offers information on the original, the Disney version, and additional details that the reader may not be familiar with. This book is not suitable for readers who prefer a linear story but rather those who wish to gain more specific information about multiple stories.

The content I read was very spotty.

The title was also misleading because there was almost no mention of the Orlando park.

Recently, I came across a "Vanity Fair" article that focused on the female colorists who were involved in working on the animation cels.

I have to say that I think I would have derived more enjoyment from reading a book dedicated to that topic rather than this particular piece.

It seems that the author could have delved deeper into the subject matter and provided more comprehensive information.

Perhaps a more detailed exploration of the work of the female colorists and their contributions to the animation industry would have made for a more engaging and informative read.

As it stands, this article left me feeling somewhat disappointed and longing for more in-depth coverage.

I hope that in the future, authors will take more care to ensure that their titles accurately reflect the content and that they provide a more thorough and satisfying exploration of their chosen topics.

This book has truly uncovered all the meticulously guarded secrets that Disney has maintained for achieving success in animation and amusement park attractions. As a self-proclaimed Disney fan, I have never delved this deeply into the behind-the-scenes details of how the "classics" were crafted and what Disney could have been like. The politics within the company astonished me. On the outside, they take great care in presenting themselves as "the happiest company on earth," but beneath the surface, they are frantically attempting to conceal their own personal villains.

What I appreciate the most about this book is the simplicity of Disney's winning formula. Post-Walt animators believed that the formula was to wonder "What would Walt say?" when in reality, the key lies in asking "Is this the absolute best idea?" and listening to what the audience desires. This clarifies for me why the animated features from 1968 to 1984 were, for the most part, like stale bread compared to the past and future Disney offerings.

I also was unaware of the significant number of animators, directors, producers, and others who left Disney to establish or join other companies. Big names such as DreamWorks, Fox, and Warner Bros. enticed away some or, in the worst cases, most of the Disney staff.

It is indeed true that one discovers something new about Disney every day, whether it is good or bad.