This overview of the Disney organization, in particular the theme parks and their significance for contemporary culture, examines issues such as: whether the parks are harbringers of postmodernism; the significance of consumption at the parks; and business considerations in the Disney organization.

Alan Bryman is Professor of Social Research, Loughborough University.

Preface Part I Disney and his Organization 1 THE LIFE OF WALT DISNEY 2 DISNEY AFTER WALT Part II The Disney Theme Parks 3 BACKGROUND TO THE DISNEY THEME PARKS 4 A FAMILY PILGRIMAGE 5 CONTROL AND PREDICTABILITY 6 BACK TO THE FUTURE: REPRESENTATIONS OF PAST AND FUTURE 7 CONSUMING THE CORPORATION 8 INTIMATING POSTMODERNITY AND THE PROBLEM OF REALITY 9 THE BUSINESS OF FANTASY