Sam Gennawey

Sam Gennawey

       Sam Gennawey is the author of The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream and Walt and the Promise of Progress City, as well as contributor to Planning Los Angeles and other books as well as a columnist for the popular MiceChat website.

       His unique point of view built on his passion for history, his professional training as an urban planner, and his obsession with theme parks has brought speaking invitations from Walt Disney Imagineering, the Walt Disney Family Museum, Disney Creative, the American Planning Association, the California Preservation Foundation, the California League of Cities, and many Disneyana clubs, libraries and podcasts.

       He is currently a Senior Associate at the planning firm of Katherine Padilla and Associates.

References


The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream
[Unofficial Guides] (2013) by Sam Gennawey - In 2013, Walt Disney said, “Disneyland is the star. Everything else is in the supporting role.” Disneyland: The Evolution of a Dream is the story of how Walt Disney’s greatest creation was conceived and nurtured, and how it grew into a source of joy and inspiration for generations of visitors. The story of Disneyland has been told many times in the last half century, but for the first time this book gives the full picture of how Walt's desire to serve the public continued for decades after his death. Despite his successors battles with the whims of history and their own doubts and egos, Walt’s vision maintained momentum, thrived, and taught future generations how to do it Walt Disney's way — a clear mission that insures Disneyland remains the “crown jewel” of an industry it established. How did this happen? Why did it happen? This book tells that story like it's never been told before.