Sam Gennawey Florida Speaking Tour in support of Walt and the Promise of Progress City.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar said, “[Sam has] captured much of the attitude and events of the times, and hit on much of Walt’s drive and inspiration. [His] research into materials and people who were important in one way or another is exemplary. The notes from Buzz Price, John Hench and Marvin Davis, for example… the apparent influence of Victor Gruen’s theories…a relationship that developed with James Rouse – all insightful. It is clear, well researched and useful and thoughtful to anyone studying urban planning.”

Lee Cockerell, Retired & Inspired WDW Executive said, “I thought I knew a lot about Walt Disney World and especially EPCOT until I read Walt and the Promise of Progress City. This book really details how Walt Disney thought, which I found fascinating. I will now view Walt Disney World in a whole new way.”

The World Famous Len Testa said, “Walt and the Promise of Progress City explains how the architecture and design of Disney theme parks is so successful. Far from being a lucky accident, Sam Gennawey shows that Walt’s interest in urban planning led Disney Imagineers to draw upon established architecture theory to build one of the most popular, successful urban landscapes of the 20th Century.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

One of the benefits of writing a book like Walt and the Promise of Progress City is the opportunity to speak to groups about Walt Disney and urban planning. Below are some upcoming events. Visit my Facebook (Sam Gennawey) or Twitter (@samlanddisney) pages to get updates.

May 3 @ 10:30 a.m to Noon
WINTER PARK LIBRARY
460 East New England Avenue
Winter Park FL

May 3 @ 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.pm
ORLANDO COUNTY LIBRARY
Albertson Room
101 East Central Boulevard
Orlando FL

May 5 @ 6:00 p.m.
WORLD CHAPTER DISNEYANA FAN CLUB

May 6 @ 2:00 p.m.
KEVIN YEE’S 30 X 30 CELEBRATION
Italy Pavilion at EPCOT

May 6 @ 7:00 p.m.
CONGRESS FOR THE NEW URBANISM
Was Walt Disney a New Urbanist?
With Chad Emerson Project Future

May 7 and 8 Walt Disney World
Meeting with various Cast Member teams.

May 20 @ 11:00 a.m.
WALT’S BARN
Griffith Park in Los Angeles
Home to the birthplace of Imagineering