Since the World Began: Walt Disney World: The First 25 Years (A Disney Parks Souvenir Book) Paperback – October 1, 1996

This book is exactly what I was looking for. It has some great historical photos, but it doesn't go overboard with them and there is plenty of informative text. This text is rich with the history and realization of Walt Disney World (from the purchasing of the land, to lessons learned from Disneyland), to include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios (now called Hollywood studios). It also covers a bit of Typhoon Lagoon, some preliminary work on Animal Kingdom (concept art and construction), and up to what is now Downtown Disney.Really, it's a great read for a fan of Disney or vast amusement parks/resorts.

This is actually the second time I've bought this book, because - since we're at Disney World right now - I wanted it for reference. (I'd accidentally left my other copy in storage in Maine.)It's a fascinating read, nicely researched, and filled with great trivia for Disney enthusiasts. Highly recommended if you want to know what Disney World began, and its early history.

Okay, when I say small book, I mean small by the number of pages. The rest of the size is what makes it a coffee table type book. I made this purchase as a gift, but own a copy of it myself.This book covers the planning, land purchasing, building and future plans for Walt Disney World in Central Florida. You learn how Walt learned his lesson in California and bought up thousands of acres so his newer park wouldn't be surrounded by a city. It is a city unto itself.If you or someone you know has always wanted to know the background of WDW and how it all came into being and what might be planned for its future, this is the book for you. I bought it for a huge Walt fan and he devoured every word inside, learning a lot of new things I had assumed he already knew.

This year, Walt Disney World turns forty. It's a shame that this, the most recent, most thorough official history of the Vacation Kingdom, is itself fifteen years old. Jeff Kurtti has said in interviews that Disney has no plans to commission an updated edition of this book (though he would be interested in doing one), which is unfortunate as Since the World Began is one of the essential volumes for the Disney historian, professional or amateur.Despite the fact that it is an official, authorized production, Since the World Began only occasionally bears the hallmark santized, sterilized quality that often marks such works. Instead, what one finds within the pages of the book are genuine insights into the history, design, and philosophy of Walt Disney World and how these mesh with the larger concerns of the Walt Disney Company. Kurtti's observations on this latter question are among the book's most interesting features.Since the World Began is illustrated throughout with beautiful color photographs and concept artworks. Full-page sidebars cover the water parks, the resorts, and specific themes in Disney World history, including the parks' environmental commitments (the reading here is surprisingly undated for a fifteen-year-old study).Kurtti doesn't provide much insight into the individual players in the creation of WDW; his Imagineering Legends is a better source if one's interests are in the personalities and gifts of individual imagineers. This is, nonetheless, an essential overview of the early history of the world's most popular tourist destination.

Since the World Began is a well-written, colorful book illustrating the history of Walt Disney World (WDW). Disney fans will find much to love here.I was interested in stories of how WDW was dreamed up and built, and this book does not disappoint. Folks who visited WDW in the 80's and 90's will find a lot of nostalgic items.It's also interesting to look what has changed at WDW since 1996, when this book was published. Don't use this book for current vacation planning! Animal Kingdom was a 'future project' but it's fascinating to look at the conceptual drawings of what was planned. Pleasure Island was still around back then, along with River Country. Hollywood Studios was called 'Disney-MGM Studios.' Toy Story had just been released, so there's no mention or pics of anything from Pixar.The book is an excellent trip down memory lane, and I recommend it.

This book was very thorough, providing background information, photos, and interesting facts. Definitely recommend to all Disney fans.

My husband and I are fans of Walt Disney and recognize him as a visionary. This book just reenforces that. It is very interesting and we like knowing about how Walt Disney World was built and how it is continually added to and changed which is one of the things we like about visiting it. It is such a happy place and draws people from around the world. We never fail to meet people that add to the experience.

When I was in grammar school, I used to check Since the World Began out every Library Day at school. After months and months of only my name on the book card, the librarian said I couldn't check it out anymore. Since then I have been searching and trying to find this book again.Finally I found and purchased it, from page one it's like being hit with a wave of nostalgia. This book is a great read with a ton of wonderful old pictures in it! For any Disney fan that misses that special feeling you used to get from Disney World or for any Disney fan at all...this is one to add to the collection.

What an amazing read. Loads of information with some real great details that would have taken ages to find out about.

Hypérion (réputé pour ses livres de qualité) notre offre ici un très beau livre dont les fans des divers parcs Disney ne feront qu'une bouchée. La mise en page a un peu vieillie depuis sa publication, mais la mine d'information qu'elle contient vous raviera. Vous y trouverez également de superbes photos. Pour un prix abordable comparé à certains autres livres du même sujet, je le recommande !

Amazing. A must for every Disney Park fan!

Fabulous quality and a bargain price.this book will be treasured!

Very good