The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom Paperback – June 18, 2009

I havent finished reading this book yet, but I can Honestly say that it is a great read. Especially for anyone who admires the devotion and attention to detail that these parks have made. I've worked in the College Program for five months in 2003 at the Magic Kingdom and never knew some of the things that this book reveals. I enjoy reading about the next attraction or the next part of the park with every turn of the page. The author really inspires you to take the time to notice the little things that mean a great deal to special people that made the magic happen in these parks on your very next visit. This book shows greatly how Disney Parks stand out and are much more better themed and much more creative than all the other parks in the world that aren't associated with WDW Corporation. I know for sure that when I do return, this book will be right by my side so that I can see everything that I've never knew that was staring me right in the face. I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is a big fan of Walt Disney and his group of intelligent and imaginative Imagineers. I would hope to one day become one and live out the same dream as Mr. Disney did!

In the past year I have gone to Disney World in Florida more than 10 times! There are a lot of things I know just from being in the parks that much, but OMG I had no idea how much more there was that I haven't discovered yet! As I was reading this book I kept telling myself I have to go back NOW to find all these things!! Plus its always fun to get the back story on some of the things in the parks. I have always been in awe of the "Disney Experience" but this book allows me to delve deeper and make that experience even more rich than it ever was before. I now know who to ask about Madame Leota's wedding ring in the Magic Kingdom, where to cool off in Hollywood Studios on a hot day, why that rock formation in Animal Kingdon looks like a dragon, and why its a good idea to stand under "Spaceship Earth" when its raining in EPCOT. With all that said I'm calling my Disney Travel Hostess and setting up my next trip!!

As a long time Disney fan, I've devoted a lot of time to my Disney obsession, both on vacation and at home (so much so, that I met my wife on a Walt Disney World fan site). I've read so many Walt Disney World guide books that they all look alike to me anymore. The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World is not a Disney World guide book intended to teach you how to get around the parks and when the best time to ride Dumbo is. What this book does is point out a lot of the overlooked and hidden details about the park. Many of the details that the average guest may look right at, failing to understand what they're looking at or why it's there, and failing to appreciate the meaning of it as a result. This book points out the painstaking detail the imagineers design into the park in an attempt to maintain an authentic atmosphere, or to ensure you truly *feel* the emotions they want you to feel at that moment, thus, allowing you to truly experience the magic. This book is for those who have reached the point where they wander through the parks, no longer paying close attention to their surroundings as a result of a mistaken belief that they've seen all there is to see in the parks. It will elevate their appreciation to another level and is a must have addition to any Walt Disney World fan's bookshelf!

In preparation for my 5th trip to the Magic Kingdom I bought this book looking for "600 secrets" that I could discover within the parks. The book didn't deliver on that promise. In truth there might be 20-25 "secrets" or "items of interest" that I plan to look for during my trip. The rest of the pieces of information aren't secrets as much as interesting facts, history, and trivia. However, I didn't find myself disappointed. Perhaps it is the excitement and anticipation of the trip, but I found the book to be a fun and enjoyable read that walked you through each park with enough details to help you picture what you would be looking at. For me it was certainly worth the price I paid.So, don't buy the book for the "600 secrets." They aren't there. However, if you are a Disney World fan, do buy the book for an enjoyable, descriptive, and informative walk through a very magical place. 5 days and counting!!

My family and I are die-hard Walt Disney World fans, going as often as we can. I picked up this book for my trip scheduled for next year and I am SO GLAD I did.I've been reading it for leisure and it is just so interesting to look at all the details that went into the creation of Disney World. Even if the book is a little out-dated, it's still super-interesting to see what was.Even if all of these facts are elsewhere on the internet, I still love having it in a comprehensive guide I can carry it around and I've even highlighted a couple things I want to remind myself to check out.This was not my original intent, but I think I am going to bring it with me on my trip so my boyfriend (it's going to be his first visit!) and I can entertain ourselves by searching for subtleties while waiting in line.