Hey!  Did you know that there was even more to Walt Disney World resort than you could have ever imagined?  Well, you'd be surprised.  Yes, even you would be surprised, you who go to the four theme parks several times a year.  Author Susan Veness points out to us in over 600 ways why we miss all of these fun little revelations that are hidden all over the four theme parks. 

This book couldn't have come at a better time.  I was just about through with running for miles around the theme parks at Walt Disney World, and content to see everything else this expansive property has to offer.  But now after finishing this book, I can't wait to experience these unexplored little gems in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. 

Mrs. Veness reveals some really cool Hidden Mickey's, (these are the three circles ºOº that look like Mickey's head) strategically placed around the parks, there are alternate versions of attractions that we could experience, also there are many audio surprises hidden all over the place, and insider Disney Imagineering style signatures and humorous visually veiled items.

I guess I should give you some examples of what I mean here, but I don't wish to give away the best tidbits she included.  Well, did you know that there are two (slightly) different versions of The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios?  This ride is filled with those awesome audio-animatronics, which act out some of the best scenes to our favorite movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood.  This aspect of course could not be changed, but there is also a live action storyline with some Disney cast members, and according to the author, there are two versions to this part of the attraction. 

Also, within many of the water drinking fountains lies a different audio surprise if you take the time to listen.  Also revealed are the secret meanings behind the second floor writing on the windows of the Main Street storefronts in the Magic Kingdom.  And speaking of Main Street, there's even a story behind the smell of those home-baked cookies that wafer toward you and follows you for just about the length of Main Street.  If you're like me, you understand that most of the buildings we see on Main Street are only facades, but I still wish I could explore what's inside those windows.  Stand around a couple of these windows and listen and you'll probably hear the things going on inside these buildings. Facades? Maybe you'll be rethinking that now.

Unfortunately for us, this book has no pictures that illustrate what she is revealing in her descriptions.  At the beginning of each of the four sections of the book is a crude map illustration for each theme park.  Yet even these are void of simple drawings of any Disney-esque icons like Cinderella's Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Earful Tower or The Tree of Life.  And although it would have been wonderful to have a picture or two highlighting various secrets, if this kept the price of the book down then it's not that bad of a trade.  This 242-page paperback is priced at only $12.95 on the back cover, and could be purchased for significantly less.

Susan Veness, who lives in Orlando, claims that these secrets could be obtained by not rushing through the parks, and just enjoy the time spent in each park at a very leisurely pace.  While this could be true for some of the secrets here, it's impossible for most of them.  For instance, while riding in Spaceship Earth, there is a scene with a telegraph and an audible noise that is Morse Code.  She tells you that the Morse Code message is not gibberish, but actually the 1869 announcement that the golden spike linking the transcontinental railway at Promontory Peak has just been driven in.  Information like this can only be obtained via a purchased Disney tour headed by one of the more knowledgeable cast members.  It's not that I don't appreciate these inclusions, but it seems slightly disingenuous. 

Well, it's obvious that the best-hidden treasures are found in the Magic Kingdom. The rich history behind the park is present both overtly and in the secret crevasses hidden within.  There are even a couple of small adventures for the kids found on Tom Sawyer's Island, and in a specific store in Fantasyland.  EPCOT also had some exciting aspects that I can't wait to discover and experience myself.  But the quailty seems to dwindle as you head to Disney Hollywood Studios and finally to Animal Kingdom. 

I couldn't help but wonder if there are more hidden secrets and meanings within the resort hotels, Downtown Disney and/or the Disney Cruise.  Maybe Susan Veness is working on these sequels right now.  I could only hope. 

This book is, finally, a companion worthy to schlep all the way to Disney World on your next vacation or visit, and most should enjoy it and get much use from it whether you're new to these theme parks or you believe that you're one of the pros. 

Recommended: Yes