Book Review: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World : Kathika Travel Website

By Amanda Kendle on August 18th, 2009

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Susan Veness, author of The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, has something in common with the author of another recent review, Mousejunkies. She also first visited Walt Disney World as a child, and also wasn’t properly captured by the magic until she returned as an adult.

Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness

Nowadays Veness is firmly hooked and this combined guide book and history of the four theme parks – The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – is actually the kind of book you could read for entertainment, not just information. Veness has obviously spent plenty of time exploring these parks (apparently she lives just down the road, which certainly makes it easier) and doesn’t stop at basic hints or tips for visitors. There are interesting snippets of history, “fascinating fact” boxes and maps with useful visiting tips.

An unknown fact that caught my eye, for example, was the fact that the plans for the Japanese pavilion at Epcot originally included a Mount Fuji roller coaster. However, the idea was scrapped, and one of the reasons for this was that the major sponsor, Kodak, didn’t want visitors being reminded of their competitor, Fuji Film! These kinds of tidbits are littered throughout Hidden Magic and make it a more than worthwhile read.