The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness

Sure, it's the Happiest Place on Earth, but how much do the 45 million-plus people who visit the Disney World theme parks annually really know about it? From where to find all the hidden Mickeys to the truth behind Madame Leota's ring at the Haunted Mansion, readers learn all about the hidden magic that permeates these fabulous resorts in this tell-all handbook.

Readers also get the insider's take on:

• The smell of home-baked cookies on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom

• The Fountain of World Friendship in Epcot that contains water from rivers and oceans around the globe

• Walt Disney's opening day speech tapped out in Morse Code in Frontierland

• The eco-friendly benches (recycled milk jugs) in the Animal Kingdom

• Two versions of The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Complete with secret tips from Disney's Imagineers, this book is the perfect in-park.

Susan Veness is a travel writer, researcher and itinerary planner specializing in Florida, Disney, and the theme parks. A former online travel agent, she became principal research assistant for the UK’s bestselling Brit’s Guide travel series in 2002. She also writes for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and other media. She has been visiting Walt Disney World since it opened in 1971 and, with a home just minutes from The Mouse, she continues to tour the parks on a regular basis.

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I have only read through about a third of this book so far but wanted to share my review of it BEFORE our trip to Walt Disney World in a few weeks. 

I started reading this book on my own, but the information contained within its pages is so interesting that I felt the need to start reading it aloud to my family.  So, it’s become our in-the-car entertainment (on trips when I’m NOT driving, obviously).  So, with that being said, we’re saving the rest of it to read on the way to WDW later in May.

As we’re reading the  book, we’re all saying things like “I didn’t know that” and “we’ll have to remember to watch for and/or take a picture of that.”

The book is separated into sections – one for each park at Walt Disney World.  Each section starts out with a park map and quick overview of fun things to watch for.   Then the chapters themselves are divided up by sections (of the parks).  Each one is very detailed and has important words in bold print, so it’s easy to go back and find what you’re looking for.

I also appreciate the “extras” sections.  Imagine That! contains neat tidbits of information directly from WDW Imagineers – what was their motivation behind doing certain things the way they did, etc.  And Fascinating Fact! sections are just neat little “asides” that really are fascinating!

I’m a huge Disney fan and a huge researcher, so I really appreciate the people who go to such great lengths to find out all these hidden details and facts.  I’m in awe!  If you’re a Disney lover too, I’d recommend adding this book to your collection.