Windows On Main Street USA

Have you ever wondered about the names and advertisements that appear on the windows above Main Street? Have you ever wondered if they were/are real people, and if so, what did they do to have their names immortalized? If yes, then a new booklet entitled “Windows on Main Street“ might be of interest to you. This paperback answers those questions and sheds some light on a few Disney legends. The Introduction, by author Chuck Snyder, explains the significance and honor of being selected and the Foreword, by Marty Sklar, examines the criteria required to be chosen.

Window on Main Street Cover

The main body of the book discusses the “cream of the crop” – the big names at Disney who helped create the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. A short bio of these is presented along with a picture of their window. Next to each name is a notation as to which park(s) their window can be found.

Windows on Main Street Sample Page

At the end of the book are two maps of Main Street, one of Disneyland and one of the Magic Kingdom. Also listed are ALL the names that grace these windows with numbers corresponding to the maps for easy reference.

Windows on Main Street Maps

This book is not intended to be a detailed reference guide. It’s meant to offer high level biographies for some of the Disney greats. Far more in-depth information can be found with a simple search of the internet. But most of us aren’t going to do that. And if you have a particular name in mind, the maps in this book make locating that person and easy task. If you want information about someone not highlighted in the book, just stop by City Hall and ask. In most cases, they can look up the person and give you some background.

Should you buy this book? Maybe. If you’re a regular reader of my column and like Disney history, then I think you’ll find this book of interest. But if you’re a hardcore Disney fan and want extensive information, then you’re going to be disappointed. I would describe this booklet as a very nice and informative “fluff” piece. This paperback book is reasonably priced at $6.95. I purchased mine on Main Street, but I have seen it at other locations around property.

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11 Replies to “Windows On Main Street USA”

  1. Great Blog.
    Checked this out on Amazon UK – £41.85 (approx $65)! – How they justify that, I don’t know 🙁 .

    Looking forward to buying this on my next visit in November.

  2. Might be worth it just to have the little map so people can hunt them down and get a closer look! It’s pretty fun finding windows you’ve never noticed before. My fav is the one w/ the cat 🙂

  3. Excellent blog as always! Jack, is this book only available on site or can it be purchased at regular book stores?

    Thanks!
    Michelle

    Jack’s Answer:

    I found it on Amazon for $25 — which is ridiculous. You can always call WDW Mail Order and order a copy. I don’t have the number on hand, but if you call 407-824-4321 (General Information), they can provide it.

  4. Hi Jack,
    Bought this book about three months ago. Not as large as I expected but fairly informative. I knew about quite a few of the windows but also found a lot of information that I didn’t know about. Would recommend this book because the price is reasonable while giving some interesting info. Always enjoy your blogs–keep up the great work.
    Vern

  5. This book looks interesting, although it I’m a little bit disappointed that it doesn’t feature Main Street USA from Disneyland Paris. since I’m from Europe I’m more interested in “our” park.

    The best would have been if it would have covered all four Main Streets and World Bazaar.

  6. Cool. I saw this book the last time I was at the World and wondered whether it was worth the money. I guess it’s smaller than I thought! Sounds like it might be worth a look and consideration. Thanks!

  7. Hi Jack,

    Love your column as always. This particular column prompts me to suggest to you an idea for another subject for a column or two — reviews of Disney trivia and/or history books, especially those focussed on the theme parks. You are so knowledgeable that I believe many of us would value your opinion.

    Thanks, Wendy

  8. We took the Keys to the Kingdom tour in WDW a few years ago and got alot of the window info there. Very interesting stuff.

  9. hey jack
    thanks for the great blog on the windows of main street book. it looks like an interesting book that i might look into. can’t wait for your next blog and as always, keep up the great work

  10. Very interesting! Do the “shopowners” at Hollywood Studios have similar stories?

    Jack’s Answer:

    There are some names on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, but they’re not real people like at the Magic Kingdom. For example, Eddie Valiant from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” can be seen on one window.