Great Guide to some of the Windows on Main Street, USA

Nov 6, 2010

by GEldred
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

Rating:

As you walk down Main Street in any of the Disney Parks worldwide, I am certain that your eyes travel up and are caught by the names on the windows above the shops. Each of the names on those windows is real, the businesses they represent are not, but there is some truth and/or humor to the business name. To have your name on a window is a very high honor; there are many deserving Disney cast members, but very few windows. Every visit to DisneyWorld, I find I spend more time looking at the windows than the gifts, food, and people on street level. As a gift, I was presented with Windows on Main Street: Discover the Real Stories of the Talented People Featured on the Windows of Main Street, U.S.A. by Chuck Snyder.

Chuck Snyder presents the stories of only a handful of the people featured on the windows on Main Street at both Disneyland and DisneyWorld in this 24 page book ("booklet" would be a more apt description; it's only 26 pages). Even though it is rather light, the stories presented are really good examples of the people and history behind each of the selected windows. From first hand experience, many of the stories concerning the windows are told during Disney backstage tours, which only enhances the Main Street experience. For those not willing to spend either the time or money, this book(let) is a worthy addition to your Disney collection; you discover newfound appreciation for the windows, enhancing your knowledge and enjoyment of Disneyland and DisneyWorld.

While some of the pictures of the windows are poor or too small, Windows on Main Street is still a very good reference for the selected windows. One of my favorite windows, Morgan "Bill" Evans, has the tag line "We Grow 'Em, You Show 'Em," The backstory on Bill Evans is that he was the landscaper at Walt Disney's home when Walt approached him to landscape Disneyland. After accepting that job, and doing some amazing things with the landscaping of the park, he moved to Florida to lead the landscaping of the entire Walt Disney World Resort site. One window, not pictured in the book, belongs to Ron Miller. President and CEO of Disney from 1980-1984. His window lists him as "Night Manager." A rather good joke, as he was responsible for maintaining the status quo until the right man came along.

Windows on Main Street is a great addition to any Disney fan's library or for anyone curious about some of the people's names that appear on Main Street USA. While the price of the book on Amazon is rather steep, copies can be found in the gift shops of any Disney park for $6.99.

Disclosure:
Obtained from: Gift
Payment: Free

What did you think of this review?

Helpful

Thought-Provoking

Fun to Read

Well-Organized

Post a Comment

More Windows on Main Street: Discov... reviews

review by GEldred. November 06, 2010

posted in Only WDWorld

Great Guide to some of the Windows on Main Street, USA

Comment Compliments (9)

see all Windows on Main Street: Discov... reviews (2)

About the reviewer

Gregg Eldred (GEldred)
Ranked #13

It never ceases to amaze me how many doors have opened up for me since I started reviewing the books I read. Publishers now send me free books to read and review. Authors contact me. Kind folks at Lunch … more