The Celebration Chronicles: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Property Value in Disney's New Town (Paperback)

This is an extremely interesting year in the life of a single, childless, downtown New Yorker learning about small town ways - at least, Disney's small town. The author deals with his subject in a very serious manner, this isn't tabloid press with a pretty cover. Ross is highly critical of Disney's motivations and the administration and development of this town. However, unlike the usual Disney bashing, the author references such specific sources that it is difficult not to believe this is an honest representation of how Mickey Mouse, turned residential developer and spin doctor, could have done a much better job.

Ross immersed himself in the community politics of Celebration and appears to have attended every community meeting held during the year he was there. He also endeared himself to a cross section of residents. The book is full of interviews with residents, the management company, and Disney execs among others. It also includes informative references to the original planning documents and pr campaign that attracted the residents. Ross certainly did extensive research for this book.

Amid engaging stories of overpriced and botched houses, a shopping district ill-suited to local needs, background on New Urbanism, and many interesting stories about why the residents moved to the planned Disney community, there are three absorbing in-depth chapters on the town's school. The most daunting part of the book is chapter 12 where Ross discusses the benefits Disney incurred through building Celebration. Apparently, by building Celebration Disney cut a juicy deal and was able to secure 20 years' worth of permits allowing it to continue its "dizzneying" sprawl and develop its existing real estate without regard to future environmental legislation - the affliction of landholders in central Florida. All roads seem to lead to the Tragic Kingdom and Disney has carte blanche to develop central Florida bypassing conventional process. If nothing else, you should read this chapter which details the corporate power of the Mouse.

In the end, it comes across throughout the book that the author seemed to have immensely enjoyed himself in the 'burbs, rubbing elbows with those seeking pixie dust and was able to uncover some truths about the making of this community.

Andrew Ross is a superb author and the book is beautifully reserched and written. You get the idea he really cares about the town and its residents, while bringing up some interesting and important comments and questions, particulalry regading the idea of planned communities and the controversial school.

It's not a casual read, but neither is it heavy, and is definitely worth it. Even if you're not a major Disney-fan, it is both entertaining and serious.