The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World is subtitled Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. I didn’t count them, but this book certainly is packed full of information. Reading this book was like opening up a whole new world for me. Not only have I never been to any Disney park, I can’t even keep straight which one is in Florida and which is in California. I really didn’t think I had missed much, but this book makes me want to pack up the family and drive to Orlando.

This isn’t a travel guide-type book that tells when is the best time to visit each attraction or how to beat the lines. Rather, this book reveals hidden details that make the attractions seem more authentic. The author has even thrown in a bit of history here and there, not just about the property itself (although there is some of that, including a timeline/history of each park), but about the country and/or time on which each attraction is based.

This book is meant to be carried along with you at the park. However, I just can’t see that happening. Who wants to carry a paperback book all over the park? If you have kids, you’re already carrying half your house with you. Then there are the water attractions, and according to the book, there are a few places where you may get wet unexpectedly. Books don’t like water. Also, it would be too distracting to be looking in the book all the time to see what “secrets” are around you, and you’d end up missing the enjoyment of being with your family. Sort of like spending the whole day behind the lens of the camera, instead of just having fun.

I think it would be a fun read for anyone who has visited the park in the past or who plans to go, but I’d leave the book at home (or at least in the hotel room).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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I was really excited to get this as a Christmas present. I love going to Disneyland and find the behind the scenes stuff fascinating. This book was a disappointment. The writing was dry and clinical. I felt like I was reading a textbook. For the most part the "secrets" were no interesting and not really secrets. She focused a little too much on architectural details. Blech! ( )

Having read The Disneyland Story by Sam Gennawey, it was natural to follow up by reading a book about Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, this is less history and more of a guidebook listing various details and features you can find at the Disney parks in Florida. There's an expectation that the reader is carrying the book while touring Walt Disney World with lots of "look around X to find a special surprise" that doesn't help if one is reading the book at home. Nevertheless, this book is an entertaining diversion. ( )

I thought I knew most everything about Disney World. But, I found out several things I didn't know about the Magic of Disney World. It was fun to learn more and makes it even more fun to visit this location. ( )

I haven't been to Disney World since 2004 or 2005, and even then I had only gone to The Magic Kingdom, so this was all fun for me to read and remember and be nostalgic about. While I did enjoy the book, I did find some parts lacking or drawn out, but overall it was very good and brought back some good memories. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to check out some of the other parks! I would recommend this book. 3.5 out of 5 stars. ( )