The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

As soon as I heard the title, The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and American Kingdom, I knew I would love the book written by Susan Veness and I was not disappointed.

The book is broken up into four sections which focus on the separate parks in Walt Disney World. Within each section, it is broken into smaller sections within the park. Rather than tips for a good trip, the book focuses on small, unknown facts and hidden sights that guests may never have noticed. As I read through the book, I learned things I had never noticed before during my 10 + trips to Walt Disney World in Florida.

This book was interesting to me, since I have enjoyed trips to Disney World in the past. Some of the things I found most interesting were that the water in the Lagoon at Epcot is made of water from other countries and the fact that buildings were all made to be under 200 feet high so no beacons would be required for planes. I think this book would make a great gift for a first-time visitor to Disney World or someone who doesn’t think they will enjoy their trip because they have “seen it all before.” I know I really enjoyed reading it, and I will be looking at Walt Disney World more closely the next time I visit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Unsinkable

I remember hearing of Abby Sunderland, a 16 year-old who was attempting to become the youngest individual to sail a solo trip around the world in 2010, as I am sure did many individuals who watched the news during that time. At the time of hearing about her solo-trip and her boat being de-masted in the Indian Ocean, I, like many others, looked at this as a media stunt orchestrated by her father as a way for their family to gain notoriety. I think the book changed my mind a little on the matter, but, as other reviewers have stated, I don't know if her family allowing her to make this trip at such a young age was the wisest thing to do.

The book was an extremely easy read, and I enjoyed the overall theme of perseverance in the book. I think it will show younger people that hard work is still rewarding, and it will give them motivation to go after their dreams and pursue their goals in life. Also, it gives young people a real role model to look up to...someone who is famous for more than just being famous.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through the BookSneeze review bloggers program for the purpose of completing this review. BookSneeze does not require positive reviews; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.