Joined together in an "economic development marriage," Walt Disney World and Orlando, Florida, have become the world's most popular tourist destination. This intriguing book traces the evolution of the relationship between the Disney Co. and the surrounding community since it began in the 1960s. Like most close relationships, the Disney-Orlando union has involved conflict and compromise. Richard Foglesong shows that this evolving relationship validates the adage: whom you marry affects what you may become.

Foglesong explains how Orlando leaders seduced the Disney Co. with big road projects, how the Disney Co. shielded its property from government regulation, and how the company has used the governmental powers it acquired. In short, Disney World has become a "Vatican with Mouse ears," the author declares.

In a balanced and thorough analysis of the Disney-Orlando story, Foglesong offers a critical account of how Disney has used - and also abused - its governmental immunities from the beginning of Disney World to the present under chairman Michael Eisner. Orlando's experience with its biggest local employer raises broad questions about urban development policy. Can local leaders resist the demands of global corporations? Do privatization and deregulation offer a viable strategy for economic development? And is it possible to escape the weight of previous economic development decisions that seem to lock in, for example, more tourism and low wages, while locking out other opportunities?

About the Author

Richard E. Foglesong is professor of politics at Rollins College.

Reviews
"One of the book's greatest strengths is its rich detail about how a notoriously secretive company goes to great lengths to preserve its image as the home of the Magic Kingdom." Alecia Swasy, New York Times "Here is a book that will change the way that you look at the Mouse. Not only does ol' Mickey have fuzzy ears and a cute, squeaky voice, but sharp teeth and claws too." Catherine Collins, co-author of Celebration, U.S.A.: Living in Disney's Brave New World "The most readable book on a planning topic since Joel Garreau's Edge City... a richly textured narrative." Planning Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9780300098280
Author Richard E. Foglesong
Format Paperback
Page Count 274
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 476g