Trevor Hogg learns about the societal impact of Disneyland with author John Frost as his tour guide…
Known for running The Disney Blog, John Frost has recently published a collection of personal stories and essays celebrating what he believes to be the “Happiest Place on Earth.” “Since its opening in 1955, Disneyland has come to symbolize the best of Americana,” writes John Frost in the essay titled Walt Disney’s Patriotic Flair. “Through its gates you can relive the nation’s past and enjoy a glimpse at what is in store for the future.”
The compositions originally appeared in an early Internet discussion forum called USENET and then posted on a website called LaughingPlace.com. “Dispatch from Disneyland has its roots in ‘you are there’ style journalism,” explains Frost in the introduction of the publication. “I started writing short vignettes as a way to let others who loved Disneyland as much as I did, but didn’t have my good fortune of visiting the park frequently, experience a little of the magic.”
Three other sections follow the Introduction. Dispatches features stories like Esmeralda where a performer portraying the Disney character shows a great deal of kindness to a blind child and The Fireworks Spot where an elderly widower recalls meeting his wife at the park. Essays includes Walt Disney’s Patriotic Flair which provides a historical overview of the creation of Disneyland and Quotable Disney examines some famous remarks made by the animation innovator such as, “I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my imagination.” Elements of Magic which documents some facts about some of the park attractions is found in the section titled Addenda.
Dispatch from Disneyland: Stories and Essays from the Happiest Place on Earth by John Frost is an easy reading experience filled with nostalgia which commemorates the lasting influence of an American icon on the people whom he devoted his life to entertain.
Trevor Hogg is a freelance video editor and writer who currently resides in Canada.
