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More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Disneyland, "Mouse Tales" author David Koenig is back with more amazing and amusing stories from the Happiest Place on Earth.Meet the horse that broke free from a streetcar and stormed Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and the Mad Hatter who panhandled for change from visitors.Learn how Disney Imagineers create the illusions of the Haunted Mansion and the Indiana Jones Adventure.Discover why Disneyland really closed the popular Skyway aerial tram, the Keel Boats, and the original Submarine Voyage.Plenty has changed over the last few years at Walt's Magic Kingdom.
237 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
6 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
David Koenig
34 books47 followersDavid Koenig is the senior editor of the 80-year-old business journal, The Merchant Magazine.
After receiving his degree in journalism from California State University, Fullerton (aka Cal State Disneyland), he began years of research for his first book, Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland (1994), which he followed with Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation & Theme Parks (1997, revised 2001) and More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland (1999) (All titles published by Bonaventure Press).
He lives in Aliso Viejo, California, with his lovely wife, Laura, their wonderful son, Zachary, and their adorable daughter, Rebecca.
After receiving his degree in journalism from California State University, Fullerton (aka Cal State Disneyland), he began years of research for his first book, Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland (1994), which he followed with Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation & Theme Parks (1997, revised 2001) and More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland (1999) (All titles published by Bonaventure Press).
He lives in Aliso Viejo, California, with his lovely wife, Laura, their wonderful son, Zachary, and their adorable daughter, Rebecca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 7, 2015
Worth reading, but NOWHERE near as good as the first. Sadly, this feels like the cutting room floor material of the first book and often reads like a limp blog from disgruntled employees with an axe to grind. There are some interesting elements, but FAR from the quality of the first book.
January 9, 2018
I loved this book! It was very entertaining, filled with lots of Disneyland behind-the-scenes stories. The chapters are divided by land, so there's a chapter on New Orleans Square and how people like to get out of their boats on Pirates of the Caribbean; how Frontierland used to have a mine train ride that became "the make out ride" as soon as the sun went down; how Adventureland seems to have the most cast members always coming up with new (illegal) ideas of how to make an extra buck; and much more. There is also a chapter about the "Disneyland Police," and other members of the company who usually get overlooked.
The stories made me laugh a lot; I don't think I've ever laughed so much reading one book. And the stories also provide interesting things to tell your friends when you yourself pay a visit to the happiest place on earth.
Near the end of the book, the tone does turn a bit serious. The focus turns to the Walt Disney Company and the cutbacks, abuses of power, layoffs, etc. that have contributed to what can be considered the downfall of Disneyland. The park is in need of help and assistance, and the last chapters of the book seem to be begging someone - anyone - to listen. What Would Walt Do? becomes a popular question. What would Walt do, indeed.
Apparently, this book is the sequel to 'Mouse Tales' by the same author, so I need to take another visit to the library to read that as well!
The stories made me laugh a lot; I don't think I've ever laughed so much reading one book. And the stories also provide interesting things to tell your friends when you yourself pay a visit to the happiest place on earth.
Near the end of the book, the tone does turn a bit serious. The focus turns to the Walt Disney Company and the cutbacks, abuses of power, layoffs, etc. that have contributed to what can be considered the downfall of Disneyland. The park is in need of help and assistance, and the last chapters of the book seem to be begging someone - anyone - to listen. What Would Walt Do? becomes a popular question. What would Walt do, indeed.
Apparently, this book is the sequel to 'Mouse Tales' by the same author, so I need to take another visit to the library to read that as well!
March 15, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I did read the first one many years ago and loved that one too. I was born in 1959 in Southern California and my parents took me to Disneyland at least twice a year. I remember all the old rides with great fondness. This book was so interesting but in some ways quite sad. The way some of the guests act is just disgusting, and the way that management acts is just as bad. I worked for my local police department and they also did a study where they brought in a company that was supposed to streamline everything, and just like at Disneyland, they screwed everything up and made it a horrid place to work. It's so sad to see someplace that I loved growing up go to the dogs, and making money the bottom line. I haven't been in years since I no longer live in the area, and after reading this book I am sure that I will never return. For the prices they charge and the fact that the lines are hours and hours long, I hope they will recover the magic, but I doubt it.
May 30, 2020
At first I noticed that this book did repeat some of the same things from the first book. But it got a lot better, and I have to say, I think I actually really preferred this one over the original Mouse Tales. The style of writing has not changed and could certainly be improved, but I much prefer the format of this one. I like how this one is organized by land and other categories. For me the first book was very convoluted and not well enough organized. So I would actually recommend reading this book first instead of the original Mouse Tales! It’s actually much more enjoyable.
September 30, 2020
Why isn’t this on Kindle yet?
Come On Man!! ;)
Come On Man!! ;)
May 24, 2014
I found part two slightly less compelling than the first Mouse Tales, but I think it may have been more of an issue of timing rather than content. Reading the two books close together is overload.
More Mouse Tales jumps ahead in time. While Mouse Tales focuses primarily on the early days of Disneyland, More Mouse Tales is a study in the contemporary workday experience at Disneyland. With more of a demand to make profit, cutbacks at every turn make the Happiest Place on Earth a little less happy.
I will never understand why upper management insists on bringing in outside "efficiency experts" to tell them how to run their businesses. The consultants only cause problems by viewing the bottom line through their own tunnel vision, and the company suffers. Disneyland is no exception. Koenig goes at length into problems that arose from mismanagement around the maintenance staff when shifts were moved around in an effort to drive workers out on their own to avoid firing them. Doing work at night in certain areas led to failures and even accidents because the people who knew their jobs were told by outsiders to do them a different way.
Koening also discusses Disneyland's own little extortion plot when they'd ask people caught shoplifting to hand over a fine to avoid arrest.
One of the more interesting sections of the book mentions that there was a time when the shops in Disneyland held very unique items, but management decided since the big sellers were T-shirts and key chains, that they'd make the same items available in every store and get rid of the more original products. This is something that I've definitely noticed over the years. There was once a time when a visit to Disneyland would result in a very special souvenir to remember the visit. The stores in New Orleans were different than the stores in Frontier Land. Now everything is junk merchandise branded with the Disneyland name. Sadly, shopping at the park is not the draw that it once was.
More Mouse Tales holds a copyright of 1999 and 2002. Koenig makes a few references to California Adventure and the initial lack of public interest in the park. I'd like to see an update or a third edition of Mouse Tales explaining how all of that was originally envisioned and then handled when attendance was so low.
All in all, an interesting book, but not very surprising when you realize that beyond the facade that Disneyland is trying to create for visitors, it is at heart a business. That realization kind of takes the shine off of the brass.
More Mouse Tales jumps ahead in time. While Mouse Tales focuses primarily on the early days of Disneyland, More Mouse Tales is a study in the contemporary workday experience at Disneyland. With more of a demand to make profit, cutbacks at every turn make the Happiest Place on Earth a little less happy.
I will never understand why upper management insists on bringing in outside "efficiency experts" to tell them how to run their businesses. The consultants only cause problems by viewing the bottom line through their own tunnel vision, and the company suffers. Disneyland is no exception. Koenig goes at length into problems that arose from mismanagement around the maintenance staff when shifts were moved around in an effort to drive workers out on their own to avoid firing them. Doing work at night in certain areas led to failures and even accidents because the people who knew their jobs were told by outsiders to do them a different way.
Koening also discusses Disneyland's own little extortion plot when they'd ask people caught shoplifting to hand over a fine to avoid arrest.
One of the more interesting sections of the book mentions that there was a time when the shops in Disneyland held very unique items, but management decided since the big sellers were T-shirts and key chains, that they'd make the same items available in every store and get rid of the more original products. This is something that I've definitely noticed over the years. There was once a time when a visit to Disneyland would result in a very special souvenir to remember the visit. The stores in New Orleans were different than the stores in Frontier Land. Now everything is junk merchandise branded with the Disneyland name. Sadly, shopping at the park is not the draw that it once was.
More Mouse Tales holds a copyright of 1999 and 2002. Koenig makes a few references to California Adventure and the initial lack of public interest in the park. I'd like to see an update or a third edition of Mouse Tales explaining how all of that was originally envisioned and then handled when attendance was so low.
All in all, an interesting book, but not very surprising when you realize that beyond the facade that Disneyland is trying to create for visitors, it is at heart a business. That realization kind of takes the shine off of the brass.
September 4, 2023
I think I found this on the used book section that a library was selling, and oh what a find! The entire book functions as a loving deconstruction of the Disney mythos, going deep behind the scenes to examine “the business of show business.” Apparently this is the sequel to the author’s first book. If these stories are the ones that didn’t make the first edition, I can only imagine how good the first book must be.
If there are any takeaways, it’s that Disneyland is as full of bureaucracy, mishaps and corporate interference as any other company. It just so happens that Walt spent a lot of time and energy making his theme park into a place where people could truly feel like they stepped into another world. To this end, he did things like building a tall wall around the entire park so that guests couldn’t see the outside and made sure everything from “cast” (employee) uniforms to trash cans matched the themes of the worlds. He also wanted authenticity in everything as much as possible, to the point of hiring actual Native Americans to crew boats that were crewed by Native Americans in his stories (though he went looking for landlocked Navajos).
Immersed in an all-encompassing illusion from the moment they pass the gates, some guests suspend their intelligence, leading to “Guestions” that are some of the most hilarious parts of the book. Others lose their minds and engage in every kind of mischief imaginable, from spitting to drinking river water to jumping out of rides and destroying everything in sight. A perhaps not unsurprising amount of misconduct centers around sex and drug use.
-Not everything at the park is interesting
-Not everything in the park works: some fail spectacularly, some revive and others fail
-Workers put up with crazy stuff and other workers, but overall they stick together
-Early sexism - working in heels
- Lots of railing about corporate efficiency and reforms
- Going corporate: Disney jail, maintenance shifts (they used to be the best and now are just the rest), cutting benefits and people the guests enjoy
- What lives up to Walt's ideals vs now everyone at the top has experience at corporate not Walt's stuff
- What used to be a good job is now just a job
- Sacrifice of the Disney brand of quality
RATING: 5 stars
Fascinating, insightful, entertaining. A fun ride throughout
If there are any takeaways, it’s that Disneyland is as full of bureaucracy, mishaps and corporate interference as any other company. It just so happens that Walt spent a lot of time and energy making his theme park into a place where people could truly feel like they stepped into another world. To this end, he did things like building a tall wall around the entire park so that guests couldn’t see the outside and made sure everything from “cast” (employee) uniforms to trash cans matched the themes of the worlds. He also wanted authenticity in everything as much as possible, to the point of hiring actual Native Americans to crew boats that were crewed by Native Americans in his stories (though he went looking for landlocked Navajos).
Immersed in an all-encompassing illusion from the moment they pass the gates, some guests suspend their intelligence, leading to “Guestions” that are some of the most hilarious parts of the book. Others lose their minds and engage in every kind of mischief imaginable, from spitting to drinking river water to jumping out of rides and destroying everything in sight. A perhaps not unsurprising amount of misconduct centers around sex and drug use.
-Not everything at the park is interesting
-Not everything in the park works: some fail spectacularly, some revive and others fail
-Workers put up with crazy stuff and other workers, but overall they stick together
-Early sexism - working in heels
- Lots of railing about corporate efficiency and reforms
- Going corporate: Disney jail, maintenance shifts (they used to be the best and now are just the rest), cutting benefits and people the guests enjoy
- What lives up to Walt's ideals vs now everyone at the top has experience at corporate not Walt's stuff
- What used to be a good job is now just a job
- Sacrifice of the Disney brand of quality
RATING: 5 stars
Fascinating, insightful, entertaining. A fun ride throughout
June 6, 2014
There is no other Theme Park on Earth that offers more fascination than Disneyland (not to mention the other Disney parks). The history, Walt's obsession with the place, the politics, the hidden Easter eggs around the park, the behind-the-scenes stories (good and bad) make the Happiest Place on Earth also one of the most interesting.
As an annual passholder myself, I am personally obsessed for any sort of extra tidbit about the park, as are countless others. Here David Koenig offers a behind-the-scenes glance at the inner workings of the park from the viewpoint of not only the Cast Members (Disney's label for employees) but the guests as well. Here he offers first hand accounts of the creation of rides, the inner workings of the rides, why older rides were/are dismantled (to make way for newer attractions of course) not to mention the attempts by guests to circumvent security and safety protocols and the shenanigans of Cast Members.
This is "More" Mouse Tales, so now I'm looking to get my hands on the first volume because this book was so interesting to me that I can only imagine the first book has even more fascinating stories. It's an easy read (I breezed through it in a couple of hours) and extremely straightforward in its presentation of the facts. Knowing that the parent company has an army of lawyers at their disposal (remember when they sued a daycare in the Bay Area to take down Disney Icons off their wall), it's hard not to imagine Mr. Koenig going the extra mile to verify all the stories in this book. The incidents are presented with so much supporting evidence - including Cast Members on the record - never did I doubt the authenticity of anything written here.
Thoroughly enjoyable - especially if you are into Disney lore - it will make you appreciate the Theme Park and look at it in a whole new light. The book was written in 1999 and ends on a downbeat note in terms of the employment and maintenance culture at the park which I believe has improved since then.
I look forward to reading the first volume as well as Mr. Koenig's other books covering Disney Parks (he's written a volume on Disney Animation and Disney World as well).
As an annual passholder myself, I am personally obsessed for any sort of extra tidbit about the park, as are countless others. Here David Koenig offers a behind-the-scenes glance at the inner workings of the park from the viewpoint of not only the Cast Members (Disney's label for employees) but the guests as well. Here he offers first hand accounts of the creation of rides, the inner workings of the rides, why older rides were/are dismantled (to make way for newer attractions of course) not to mention the attempts by guests to circumvent security and safety protocols and the shenanigans of Cast Members.
This is "More" Mouse Tales, so now I'm looking to get my hands on the first volume because this book was so interesting to me that I can only imagine the first book has even more fascinating stories. It's an easy read (I breezed through it in a couple of hours) and extremely straightforward in its presentation of the facts. Knowing that the parent company has an army of lawyers at their disposal (remember when they sued a daycare in the Bay Area to take down Disney Icons off their wall), it's hard not to imagine Mr. Koenig going the extra mile to verify all the stories in this book. The incidents are presented with so much supporting evidence - including Cast Members on the record - never did I doubt the authenticity of anything written here.
Thoroughly enjoyable - especially if you are into Disney lore - it will make you appreciate the Theme Park and look at it in a whole new light. The book was written in 1999 and ends on a downbeat note in terms of the employment and maintenance culture at the park which I believe has improved since then.
I look forward to reading the first volume as well as Mr. Koenig's other books covering Disney Parks (he's written a volume on Disney Animation and Disney World as well).
September 23, 2012
I love anything disney world/land (all parks really) related. And am really fascinated at the behind the scenes and how the magic happens. This is a follow up to the first book and I was cautious of reading it as i had heard some negative reviews surrounding it.
I agree with them, its slightly more depressing and morbid than the first and written in a different way to the original book. The first thing it portrays a negative view working for the park, that the bosses are all about money and don't care about their staff. It even concludes that the park has lost its way, less about an affordable happy place for families, more a money grabbing enterprise.
Their was also some very grim stories in this book. Yes i don't mind reading about the injuries and even some deaths at the park, that are often hidden up. But their was no balance to this book, their was no happy stories or staff going out their way for the families.
However i still was fascinated by this book and reading a bit more about what really goes on in disney. I really enjoyed reading it. It was more written like a history, in the first book each chapter revolves around a different aspect to the park. This one was more a timeline explaining stories as they went on. A few more pictures may have helped to visualise things, especially for those who don't know some of the old rides they are talking about - its hard to know what they are trying to describe having no knowledge of the rides. It also felt a little outdated - we need a recent book about the park not one from years ago.
I agree with them, its slightly more depressing and morbid than the first and written in a different way to the original book. The first thing it portrays a negative view working for the park, that the bosses are all about money and don't care about their staff. It even concludes that the park has lost its way, less about an affordable happy place for families, more a money grabbing enterprise.
Their was also some very grim stories in this book. Yes i don't mind reading about the injuries and even some deaths at the park, that are often hidden up. But their was no balance to this book, their was no happy stories or staff going out their way for the families.
However i still was fascinated by this book and reading a bit more about what really goes on in disney. I really enjoyed reading it. It was more written like a history, in the first book each chapter revolves around a different aspect to the park. This one was more a timeline explaining stories as they went on. A few more pictures may have helped to visualise things, especially for those who don't know some of the old rides they are talking about - its hard to know what they are trying to describe having no knowledge of the rides. It also felt a little outdated - we need a recent book about the park not one from years ago.
July 30, 2012
Just as good as the first Mouse Tales! It's been over ten years since this book was written and although I've never been to Disneyland, I've visted Disney World 3 times (in 51 days it will be 4 times!) in the last 5 years and I think the standards they have are fantasic. And after watching all the videos on youtube for the opening of Disneylands new Cars Land, I think as a guest I would find it hard to fault. However I can't get behind the scenes (well my sister worked at the world for a summer so I know a bit) like this book does. It sounds as if Disney are doing the same thing the company I work for are doing, lowing standards for profit. Even in the game 'Theme Park' they give you hints on how to cheat the guests so this must be a normal thing in the theme park businesse. Anything to do with Disney interests me and this book is no exception. I love the character stories the best. That must be the worst job, they have my every sympathy. I can't wait to get my hands on 'Mouse Under Glass'. I think thats the only Koenig book I've got left to read. Recommened for Disney fans or people who work in the service Industry - who would have so been there!
February 13, 2013
This one is very much not a guidebook to Disney. Instead, it focuses on inside looks and stories from the employees. It starts out fairly light-hearted, but it ends up with a diatribe about the then-current (circa 2001) management of Disneyland, including suggestions for improvements. The stories are interesting, though a few just sort of peter out instead of actually concluding, and the overall impression left is not one of fondness for Disney administration. I'm thinking there has been a significant change since 2001, but that may be because I was only a one-time visitor.
Some of the facts are novel, and some of the stories are funny, and a few are just sad and depressing. I didn't realize how much Disneyland has changed since its opening, so that was a nice feature. It's a good inside look behind the magic, but that isn't necessarily something everyone wants to see.
Some of the facts are novel, and some of the stories are funny, and a few are just sad and depressing. I didn't realize how much Disneyland has changed since its opening, so that was a nice feature. It's a good inside look behind the magic, but that isn't necessarily something everyone wants to see.
August 3, 2010
I probably wouldn't have read this after Mouse Tales if not for two things: 1) I'd checked them both out at the same time, so it was just sitting there on my shelf, and 2) The first book was pretty outdated. This one was written (I believe) 10 years after the first, so I was hoping for some more up-to-date stories. There were those, but in general, I don't think the subject matter warranted another book. More of the same, mostly: "This one cast member said this happened one time..." so probably more lore than truth to them, but still amusing.
July 15, 2012
More stories and insider information about Disneyland park. I enjoyed it just as much as the first. It's still pretty hilarious. This time however there's more of a focus on the business side of things and employee dynamics. There's a big chunk just on the political mind games played by the Jungle Cruise Cast Members. It's also kinda sad that Disneyland eventually turned profits into their priority. I can attest to that it isn't what it used to be, yet I still consider it to be the "happiest place on earth." Those chapters weren't as entertaining to read as the personal stories, but still very interesting. I wish a 3rd Mouse Tales book would be written, so it could include California Adventure park. The first two books are already outdated, written in 1994 and 2002.
May 20, 2017
David Koenig returns with this second volume of "Mouse Tales". "More Mouse Tales" once again takes us to Walt Disney's original Disneyland and gives us more stories behind the pixiedust of one of the world's most popular tourist attractions. In this volume you'll find the stories behind the real reasons that the classic Skyway and original Submarine Voyage were removed, as well as the recent expansion, making the original Disneyland into the Disneyland Resort with the addition of Disney's California Adventure and a west-coast version of Downtown Disney. Once again Koenig talked with dozens of current and former cast members to learn all the secrets of Walt Disney's original "Happiest Place on Earth".
April 3, 2013
While I'm not a Disney fanatic, I really love Disneyland (really, really love) and I love learning what it's like behind the scenes. I'd especially love to read another more recent version, especially one that covers Disney California Adventure and the politics surrounding it. I'd also love to read more about the full history of Disneyland and the changes over the years and and and...oh why aren't there more books about Disneyland?!?
Also, I'd love to read the first book but alas, my library only has the second.
Also, I'd love to read the first book but alas, my library only has the second.
January 6, 2009
For quite a while it killed my affectionate feelings for visiting the park, but now that it's been 6 months or so since I read the book I want to go back. Of course I realized before I read this book that the employees are all human and human things happen. The pranks and sophomoric jokes employees pulled were entertaining, but hearing about the jealousies and politics was what turned me off.
Want to read
July 21, 2012Really enjoyed it. Of course I like to learn about backstage things at Disney. Understand cutbacks with the Disney company since I was affected recently by those cutbacks but amazing to learn how those cutbacks affect the business and the guest experience. Sad really but I guess it's all part of the profit plan. I enjoyed the book anyway.
January 15, 2016
Really a 3.5 star rating. As a huge Disneyland fan I really enjoyed hearing stories about the park and getting a peak at backstage operations, but a lot of the information was also depressing and took a bit of shine off the park. I was left wondering if conditions have improved in the 14 years since the book was published.
November 1, 2012
I read this again as we are preparing for a trip to Disneyland/California Adventure in December... and once again I enjoyed the book.
It's a darker sibling to Koenig's original book - particularly as he delves into the Pressler years in the last quarter of the book and how things went awry.
It's a darker sibling to Koenig's original book - particularly as he delves into the Pressler years in the last quarter of the book and how things went awry.
March 31, 2008
This one was better put together because Koeing broke the chapters into "lands" where he told stories about the rides and the staff. I loved the story about the guy who threw up in his costume and vomit came spewing out of the headpiece! Ah, Disneyland.........
January 2, 2011
As i recall having been a few months since I reread it, this one has some repetitive parts but still a fun read about the backstage machinations of the happiest place on earth. I'll probably reread it this summer in preparation for yet another trip there.
February 1, 2011
I didn't enjoy this sequel anywhere near as much as I did the first book. That one I found fascinating, this one I found disturbing. And given that it was published over 10 years ago, I wonder how much as changed since this was written. I really hope that management has changed considerably.
April 18, 2012
Koenig is once again very informative, although slightly redundant in this addition. While the information on the lands is interesting, the characters section is a almost completely the same as the first book, and the "show" information is fairly similar as well. Solid 3.25 stars.
September 9, 2014
I enjoyed learning about Disneyland. It's interesting learning about the old rides and the reasons for why they are no longer at the park. It be interesting to read about the 2000-2014.years Seems like things have change quite a bit, now Disneyland is worried about over crowding.
February 21, 2008
A loose history of attractions and areas of the park - mostly composed of anecdotes & cast member stories. Good stuff if you're a Disney fan, but perhaps a bit nitpicky/obsessive otherwise.
January 26, 2009
I enjoyed this second book of Mouse Tales, but not nearly as much as the first one.
July 1, 2008
Yet another fun book about what goes on behind the scenes at Disneyland. Lots of cool things that I never knew about Disney.
January 10, 2009
Not as good as the original Mouse Tales, but still an interesting read, espacially with the additional Disney World info.
June 15, 2009
What's better than one book about the scandals behind Disneyland's gates...book 2!
June 29, 2010
i am beginning to think that my disneyland cast members aren't as devoted to Walt Disney Magic as I would like...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews