There are many things throughout the Walt Disney World Resort that embody and celebrate the American spirit. The Fire Station on Main Street, U.S.A.; the American Adventure in Epcot; the representation of the shores of the east coast at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn—these are just a few examples. Some of these nationalistic representations are obvious, while others are more subtle and personal.
As a librarian, it would be no surprise that Kathy notices anything related to books, reading, and libraries. Although a fire station, Main Street, and a town hall may be well-established embodiments of life in America, so is the public library. Have you noticed it at Walt Disney World? In the American Adventure in Epcot, there is an acknowledgement to Andrew Carnegie. Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie donated $60 million to fund a system of 1,689 public libraries across the United States. On the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios there are two public libraries among the streetmosphere—and a book store, the Writer’s Stop, is around the corner. Bonjour! Village Gifts at the Magic Kingdom Park not only sells souvenirs. It also gives a precocious nod to Belle’s love of books in its story.
The next time you visit Walt Disney World, see if you find other representations of the American spirit. In the meantime—see you at the library!
Top, left to right: Writer’s Stop, Streets of America (both at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Middle: Plume et Palette (France at Epcot)
Bottom: Bonjour! Village Gifts (Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom)
(All photos from the authors’ personal collection.)
Looking for Magic is Kathy @ Two Roads Photo and Sean @ Shamrock Photo. Kathy is a librarian, walker of many miles, and Paper Bag Princess, who dreams of having coffee with Belle at the castle and co-administering a fantasy book discussion group. Sean is a fire fighter, pilot, and closet superhero, who would like to join the pack with Tigger to use his bouncy and fun powers to make people smile.
Kathy can be contacted at imtxag85@aol.com Sean can be contacted at spoc65@aol.com
