Stories from a Theme Park Insider

by Robert Niles

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Nook

First published July 12, 2011

Reviews

[Robert Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, I wrote it. :^) I'd like to thank everyone who has read the book, and encourage you to visit ThemeParkInsider.com for more stories and tips about Disney World and other fun theme parks around the world. There's more to come... our first guidebook will be out early next year. Keep reading!

[Jordan Wharmsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories From a Theme Park Insider is a refreshing, short non-fiction insight into the behind-the-scenes action at Central Florida's famous attraction scene.
Filled with anecdotes from the author, fellow Cast Members and visitors alike, the book is a great pick-me-up for those interested in the workings of The Mouse and others.
For those of a sensitive nature, 'Insider' does relish a few spoilers, dulling the pixie dust shine; but still makes entertaining, witty, insightful easy reading.

The book fell short of the fifth star as it is annoyingly short, when other similar books in this niche market pack more punch for their dollar, although for $3, one is reluctant to complain.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of very good/cute stories from someone that has actually worked in the parks. A lot of behind the scenes things that I had never thought of before - such as a the stroller police, or how cast members deal with upset children. The author seemed to really love working at Disney, and it was great to read the stories of cast members that go the extra mile to make each guests vacation the best ever. I love this sort of thing.

Putting this book on my wish-list, because this is one of those things I would totally re-read over and over again.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Disney reference books. One of my traditions is to save a book I purchase for an actual Disney World trip. This gets me excited about the trip and also gives me something fun to read on the plane. This book was a major disappointment. First off, it is VERY short. It took me less than hour to finish it. Secondly, the stories were neither memorable nor interesting. I finished this and left it at the airport for someone else to enjoy.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intresting and amusing stories from a former cast member. This ebook is a quick read sure to give a few giggles and is nice in being a memoir not trying to blow the lid off the Disney machine or present stories of young people behaving poorly.

[Dave B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy and fun read. The book is a composition of short stories from a cast members perspective. Since I had received the ebook as a gift, I was especially unaware at how short of a book it was. It is appropriately priced, so the length of the book is not an issue.

[Winnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book for the Kindle. It was $2.99, and I found the insider aspect interesting. I really enjoyed this book, the stories held my interest and were very entertaining. My only regret is that it wasn't longer.

[Blarneygod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining and fast read. It is a compilation of short stories of the writer's experiences working for Disney World. In several of the stories, not much happened, but all were told in a way that made them interesting. This is a very short book.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read, interesting and positive look at what it's like to work as a cast member at Disney World. Anecdotal stories.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the Disney Parks you will LOVE this book. I found myself laughing out loud!!!

[Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you spend much time in theme parks, you will enjoy this book. The job isn't all fun and games. It's a fun read though.

[Chris Sherwood]

A quick, pleasant read.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I lap up anecdotes from the Disney parks. If there was a sequel to this one I would have purchased it long ago.

[Nicole Girolomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read for anyone who likes Disney and wants to learn a little about what happens behind the scenes.

[Zuzana K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well written but too mellow. Not much of "insider" info.

[FlibBityFLooB · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. As a former Floridian, I felt a need to read this book during breaks at work over the last few days. Short, but it held my interest.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of these stories are interesting, but most of them are mundane.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you frequent the Disney Parks, you'll enjoy this book. I know we'll going back this coming year so I am brushing up on my fun facts.

[Natalie Niles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful blend of quirky, lighthearted, humorous and heartwarming. It is sure to put a smile on your face and give you some good laughs.

[Frederico José · Rating 2 out of 5]

Livro com algumas histórias de um ex-funcionário do Magic Kingdom. Histórias fracas e previsíveis. Nenhum fato realmente interessante.

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had me laughing out loud! But if you don't want a peek behind the magic, don't pick this up. It will pop your Disney bubble!

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is basically a collection of vignettes and stories from a single individual's time at Disney World, although it is peppered with related stories that also came through the Theme Park Insider web site. What I found surprisingly attractive in this is the humanity - instead of stories making fun of all the idiotic things you know guests do, it focuses a lot more on lighter-hearted things, like rescuing a stranded child from Tom Sawyer's Island, or being driven nuts by the smell of wonderful food while working for hours. I have to single out the section "What time is the 3:00 Parade" especially for its unexpected but very intelligent approach to why it addresses the question. There's some helpful advice for everyone included here: "There are no stupid questions, not when you take the time to discover what the guest really wants to know." There is one somewhat mean-spirited section (How to have a horrible theme park vacation), but even that makes a lot of practical points. Overall, this is a quick read that isn't intent on turning over the stones and finding the underbelly of Disney World, but instead sharing fun and funny experiences that people who really care for the parks felt compelled to offer. It was an enjoyable read; much better than I was expecting.

[Minutepapillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ce livre contient quelques anecdotes racontées par un cast member de Disneyland en Floride. L'auteur y travailla plusieurs saisons avant de devenir journaliste puis d'être aux commandes d'un site du même nom que le livre qui partage tuyaux et anecdotes sur les parcs d'attractions. Le livre a la particularité de mêler le récit de l'auteur à divers témoignages recueillis sur son site.
Curieuse des rouages de la machine Disney façon parc d'attraction, j'ai trouvé ce livre divertissant et informatif, même si ma curiosité reste piquée.

[Brian Drumbore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, though short

This is a fun collection of stories and printed blog posts relating to the author's years working at Walt Disney World. If you're after a literary look or in-depth analysis of the park, this isn't for you. If you want a collection of short stories and anecdotes about the authors time at Disney, it's a fun read. A few grammatical errors and missing or wrong words detract from the experience slightly, but not so much as to make it up enjoyable.

[kristi barlette · Rating 3 out of 5]

book needs an editor

As a working journalist (and former editor) the number of errors in this book were distracting. I understand errors, but how does this author — a journalist — not have an editor?

The book, overall, was fine. It focused heavily on Tom Sawyer since the author spent the majority of his time working that attraction.

I would’ve liked to learn more about other cast members. The book was heavily ‘me-focused.’

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice collection of stories about life as an employee at Walt Disney World. If you enjoy theme parks and want a glimpse of life from the other side, this is a good, quick, and frequently laugh-out-loud-funny book.

[Mireille Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first electronic book, weee! I really enjoyed it, I love Disney World stories. It felt a bit short, but maybe I just read it too fast! I'll certainly check out the website now.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but entertaining and well written book on the first and sometimes second hand experiences of the author while working at the Magic Kingsom. A great read during your trip to WDW.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome view of the Magic Kingdom from the point of view of the Cast Member.

[Caitlin Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was, quite easily, my favorite Disney insider book I've read. Filled with funny stories about being a CM, this book cemented in my mind that I want to work at WDW soon. :)