Protecting the Dream-The Other Side of the Berm-Stories from Eighteen Years in Disneyland Security 1970-1978 1996-2006

For eighteen years, James R. Petersen worked on the other side of Disneyland's berm-not as a visitor, but as a member of Disneyland Security.Protecting the Dream: The Other Side of the Berm is a firsthand account of Disneyland during two very different eras: 1970-1978 and 1996-2006. Petersen takes readers behind the scenes of the Park, sharing the everyday work, unusual incidents, major events, and remarkable people encountered during nearly two decades in Security.His story begins when Disneyland was still relatively young and many of Walt Disney's original traditions remained part of daily Park life. It continues through a later period of enormous change, including the development of Disney California Adventure, the expansion of the resort, and a changing approach to security.Along the way are memories of Grad Nites, backstage operations, special events, emergencies, major attractions, and incidents that became part of Disneyland history. Petersen also recounts his perspective on serious events, including the 1974 America Sings accident, the 1998 Columbia accident, the 2000 Roger Rabbit accident, the 2003 Big Thunder Mountain accident, and the extraordinary security environment following September 11, 2001.This is not an official Disney history. It is the personal story of one Security officer who spent eighteen years helping protect the people, the property, and the carefully created experience guests knew simply as Disneyland.For readers interested in Disneyland history, behind-the-scenes stories, and the people whose work helped keep the Park operating day after day, Protecting the Dream offers a view from the other side of the berm.