Universal Versus Disney

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Universal VS. Disney

Universal Versus Disney by Sam Gennawey

Universal Versus Disney

Universal Versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks’ Greatest Rivalry is the latest addition to The Unofficial Guide Series.

Written by Sam Gennawey, one of the most prolific historian of Walt Disney Company and theme parks currently writing, the Universal versus Disney book explains how Universal has finally gained the momentum to mount a serious challenge to the Walt Disney Company. In Universal versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Park’s Greatest Rivalry, Disney historian Sam Gennaway tells all about the processes, personalities, and politics that made Universal Parks a serious contender.

Universal Studios never really wanted to get into the theme park business. They wanted to be the anti-Disney. But when forced to do so they did it in a big way. How did this happen? Who made it happen? What does this mean to the theme park industry? In his newest work to investigate the histories of America’s favorite theme parks, Sam Gennawey has thoroughly researched how Universal Studios shook up the multi-billion dollar theme park industry, one so long dominated by Walt Disney and his legacy.

About the author of Universal versus Disney:

Sam Gennawey is the author of the newly released history of Walt Disney’s first ever destination attraction, The Disneyland Story. Gennaway is also the author of Walt and the Promise of Progress City, a contributor to Planning Los Angeles and other books, and a columnist for the popular MiceChat website.

His unique point of view built on his passion for history, his professional training as an urban planner, and his obsession with theme parks has brought speaking invitations from Walt Disney Imagineering, the Walt Disney Family Museum, Disney Creative, the American Planning Association, the California Preservation Foundation, the California League of Cities, and many Disneyana clubs, libraries, and podcasts. He is a senior associate at the planning firm of Katherine Padilla and Associates, and he lives in Pasadena, CA.

Universal Versus Disney: The Unofficial Guide to American Theme Parks’ Greatest Rivalry
$18.95—Paperback—ISBN # 978-1-62809-014-7—November 2014

Here is a half hour excerpt for you to enjoy!

6 Comments

  1. K Bacon November 12, 2014Reply

    Planning our first Universal trip; this looks like a promising resource with our WDW background/experiences.

    • Liliane November 12, 2014Reply

      While it is not a planning guide it sure will tell you the story and get you excited about your upcoming visit.

  2. Lou Prosperi November 12, 2014Reply

    Looking forward to adding this to my Disney library (along side Sam’s other books).

    Favorite attraction at Universal Studios Orlando: Spiderman
    Favorite attraction at Walt Disney World: Expedition Everest

    Thanks!

    Lou Prosperi

    • Liliane November 12, 2014Reply

      I am delighted to read that you have a collection of Sam’s books. I love Spiderman too but must admit that I am a big Harry Potter fan when it comes to Universal. As for WDW I love the Kali River Rapids. Still trying out several plastic creations to get through them without getting soaked!

  3. Gavin November 23, 2014Reply

    My favorite attraction at Disneyland is Indiana Jones because of the incredible sense of place the attraction creates.

    • Liliane December 2, 2014Reply

      It is indeed a great ride. I love the ride better than the Indiana Jones show at Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

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