The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

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 show more 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. show less

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.

Have mixed feelings about this book. I love Disney trivia, especially about Disney World. This had a number of new things in it that I had not seen before which was certainly enjoyably and the author does have great knowledge. One thing I felt was missing however is pictures would have been great! It's broken down into the 4 parks and has much detailed information about each. But as a previous reviewer notes it does seem to drag in spots.

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.

If you are into Disney World, this may be a very interesting book for you. However, it's definitely for a certain type of fan. I think that someone who maybe has an annual pass and goes all of the time and already knows every minute little detail will already know some of what's in here. On the other hand, even if you go every few years and consider yourself a fan, I do think there is a lot here that will be new and interesting.

The idea behind this book is really good, but it unfortunately drags in places. It's fascinating to learn facts that you may not have realized about what is around you, such as the fountain in Epcot containing water from rivers all over the world. Unfortunately, there are a few too many sections that go on and on show more about items hidden in queue lines or around the parks. I don't really want to read about something I could actually see (even if a lot of people tend to miss it). I'd prefer to hear about behind the scenes information that I have no other way of knowing.

In addition, it only covers the main four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. I'm sure there's tons of hidden magic in other places, such as the resorts, water parks, and downtown Disney, but they get no mention in this book.

It's definitely an interesting read at least once, especially for Disney fans. And the time line for each park is interesting to read to learn how it has progressed through the years. But some sections are better off skipping or just glancing over. show less

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!

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.