When I read most essays analyzing Disney, I am tempted to think the authors grew up as prototypes of Rowling's Crabbe and Goyle. The essayists point out with glee how "false" Disney theme parks are when compared to reality. And they hope their academic betters (their Malfoys) nod their heads in approval, and approve with a diry smirk the fact that one of their cronies shoved the class weakling down the stairs. Obviously, theme parks mirror reality poorly. Just like The Ice Man Cometh portrays bar patrons that none of us could ever imagine meeting - the essence of certain realities are distilled at the parks to create environments that are pleasing and enjoyable to the consumer. The collector of these essays understands that - and presents both the mocking essays, and their rebuttals. But it is clear that, overall, he understands that the parks are designed to serve a simple purpose: make us happy during our vacations.

And if it takes a few hundred pages to do that, it is only because so many stupid things have been written that miss this point.

Highly recommended for the serious student of Disney or Amusement Parks.