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The Dark Side of Disney
THE DARK SIDE OF DISNEY reveals all of the tips, tricks, scams, and stories that THEY don’t want you to know about! Unabashedly unafraid of offending the family-oriented audiences catered to by other Disney travel guides, author Leonard Kinsey gives intrepid travelers access to the seamy, raunchy, and often hilarious underbelly of Walt Disney World.
From cautionary tales of scoring illegal tickets, to thrilling accounts of exploring off-limits areas, to chronicles of drug-induced debauchery, this completely unauthorized guidebook will change the way you think about vacationing at “The Happiest Place on Earth”.
"Pack the trunks and leave the kids at Grandma's because THE DARK SIDE is about to make your next Disney vacation the best one ever!"
-Chris Mitchell, author of CAST MEMBER CONFIDENTIAL
From cautionary tales of scoring illegal tickets, to thrilling accounts of exploring off-limits areas, to chronicles of drug-induced debauchery, this completely unauthorized guidebook will change the way you think about vacationing at “The Happiest Place on Earth”.
"Pack the trunks and leave the kids at Grandma's because THE DARK SIDE is about to make your next Disney vacation the best one ever!"
-Chris Mitchell, author of CAST MEMBER CONFIDENTIAL
171 pages, Nook
First published July 30, 2011
124 people are currently reading
763 people want to read
About the author
Leonard Kinsey
5 books30 followersLeonard Kinsey was born and raised in Clearwater, FL, and was lucky enough to visit Walt Disney World over 100 times by age 18. As an adult he still harbors an unhealthy obsession with The Mouse, has acquired a large collection of vintage EPCOT Center memorabilia, and visits WDW at least once a year, maintaining connections throughout the rest of the year with Cast Members and other Orlando-based friends and relatives.
In his spare time he has published a comic book and written and directed a feature film which received international distribution. He is also the guitarist in a rock band who appeared on a hit FOX show and released two internationally acclaimed CDs.
In his spare time he has published a comic book and written and directed a feature film which received international distribution. He is also the guitarist in a rock band who appeared on a hit FOX show and released two internationally acclaimed CDs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
April 21, 2020
Uno de los libros más estupidos que he leído. Basura pura y dura. Entré con curiosidad porque hace mucho que sé de la existencia de este libro, pero resultó ser una cosa dantesca. Este libro te da tips de cómo ratonear (no pun intended) en Disney World. No creo que sea la peor parte, ya que el viaje puede resultar costoso y ahorrar algo puede venir bien. Pero hay cosas que simplemente no funcionan, no corresponden, son ilegales y pueden hacer que te prohíban la entrada a los parques y hoteles Disney de por vida, o peor, meter en la cárcel. Hay cosas por las que no vale la pena arriesgarse. El 90% del libro tira tips de cosas bastante absurdas que suponen ser "actividades adultas para no aburrirse con la magia infantil de Disney" (a pesar de que el autor se declara fanático absoluto de Disney. Estos tips, en su gran mayoría, implican arruinar la experiencia ajena en los parques. Es exponerse por cosas tan tontas como "robar aderezos" (???), quedar volteado de tanto alcohol, cómo drogarse y en dónde para hacer que las atracciones resulten "más estimulantes" o incluso tener sexo públicamente en un parte donde la gran mayoría de los visitantes son chicos. No quiero juzgar un libro con mi moral, simplemente creo que el libro no le va a aportar nada a nadie que quiera pasarla bien en Disney, o que mínimo no tenga planes de terminar en cana por una tontería. El libro está escrito de una manera muy pobre, apestado de misoginia y sinsentido. Hasta la mitad del libro planeaba darle 2 estrellitas porque resultó gracioso en ciertos aspectos, pero otras cuestiones ya mencionadas me dieron toda la impresión de que no había nada rescatable de la lectura. Como fan de Disney, me sentí súper atraída por la consigna que planteaba el libro de presentar algunas situaciones oscuras de Disney, pero esto es cualquier cosa. Es la rebeldía de una persona de 33 años que no supo ubicarse demasiado en tiempo y espacio y tuvo la insólita oportunidad de ser publicado. Lo único que esperaba era saciar mi curiosidad, no es el único libro que leo con temática "oscura" sobre Disney, pero sí creo que es el peor que leí (y en cuanto a lecturas generales, también).
Derechito a la lista de peores lecturas del año.
Derechito a la lista de peores lecturas del año.
February 7, 2013
Easily one of the trashiest books I've ever read.
I mean, I get it's supposed tell you how to have a great time at Disney if you're an adult that likes doing illegal things.
But he writes with the prose of a hypersexed 15 year old that just learned about drugs and hasn't actually done any of them.
I finished it in one sitting, although, I'll be honest, I skipped the section about drugs in the parks because, it's not pertinent to my interests.
And realistically, I probably wouldn't ever try many of the things listed in the book...as a die-hard Disney fan, I'd rather not risk being banned from the parks.
I mean, I get it's supposed tell you how to have a great time at Disney if you're an adult that likes doing illegal things.
But he writes with the prose of a hypersexed 15 year old that just learned about drugs and hasn't actually done any of them.
I finished it in one sitting, although, I'll be honest, I skipped the section about drugs in the parks because, it's not pertinent to my interests.
And realistically, I probably wouldn't ever try many of the things listed in the book...as a die-hard Disney fan, I'd rather not risk being banned from the parks.
January 2, 2012
First, let me state unequivocally that I enjoyed reading "The Dark Side of Disney". Heck, I finished the thing in less than 24 hours.
That said, I have to dock the book a couple of points because it is advertised as something other than what it is. Then again, the book doesn't seem to be all that sure what it is in the first place.
Part one is basically a travel book, focusing on the potential pitfalls and windfalls of various offers of free tickets and/or cheap merchandise and food at Walt Disney World. This was easily the best and most informative part of the book, with many great tips for travelers to Orlando. But I wouldn't exactly call it the "dark side" of Disney; it's more the "dark side" of the community surrounding the Disney property. This section also includes many great tips on hotels and restaurants at Walt Disney World and provides some anecdotes on the cons to staying off-site in Orlando.
Part two is a guide to debauchery at the happiest place on Earth. I realize that this section isn't really for me, since I don't do drugs (to each their own, no big deal) and if I want a drinking vacation I'll go to an island or Vegas. But it does contain some good tips on the best bars on property, as well as a couple stories of adventurous couples getting busted trying to check Disney rides off their "places to bang" lists. (Basic synopsis: Don't do it. There are literally cameras EVERYWHERE around the parks.) But again, neither of these are really a "dark side" to Disney. They are just tips for a more adult vacation. Even the section on buying/using drugs doesn't count, because Kinsey flat-out tells you that you can't buy on property and you're stupid if you try to smoke/drop/snort/etc. in the theme parks because you'll get busted.
Finally, part three is about wandering the off-limits areas of the resort. Realistically this section could have consisted of a single page of links to blogs on the Internet, because these are the stories Kinsey is sharing about exploring the long-closed Discovery Island in the dead of night or sneaking on to the also-long-closed Horizons attraction after hours. Again, not really a "dark side" of Disney.
I enjoyed "The Dark Side of Disney" a great deal just because it's different from the other Walt Disney World books on the market. But will I feel the need to read it again? Probably not. I'm clearly not the target audience, which is fine. If you think the regular Disney vacation is dull and tired, then you may want to give this one a look. Just don't share it with your kids or they'll never look at Cinderella the same way again.
That said, I have to dock the book a couple of points because it is advertised as something other than what it is. Then again, the book doesn't seem to be all that sure what it is in the first place.
Part one is basically a travel book, focusing on the potential pitfalls and windfalls of various offers of free tickets and/or cheap merchandise and food at Walt Disney World. This was easily the best and most informative part of the book, with many great tips for travelers to Orlando. But I wouldn't exactly call it the "dark side" of Disney; it's more the "dark side" of the community surrounding the Disney property. This section also includes many great tips on hotels and restaurants at Walt Disney World and provides some anecdotes on the cons to staying off-site in Orlando.
Part two is a guide to debauchery at the happiest place on Earth. I realize that this section isn't really for me, since I don't do drugs (to each their own, no big deal) and if I want a drinking vacation I'll go to an island or Vegas. But it does contain some good tips on the best bars on property, as well as a couple stories of adventurous couples getting busted trying to check Disney rides off their "places to bang" lists. (Basic synopsis: Don't do it. There are literally cameras EVERYWHERE around the parks.) But again, neither of these are really a "dark side" to Disney. They are just tips for a more adult vacation. Even the section on buying/using drugs doesn't count, because Kinsey flat-out tells you that you can't buy on property and you're stupid if you try to smoke/drop/snort/etc. in the theme parks because you'll get busted.
Finally, part three is about wandering the off-limits areas of the resort. Realistically this section could have consisted of a single page of links to blogs on the Internet, because these are the stories Kinsey is sharing about exploring the long-closed Discovery Island in the dead of night or sneaking on to the also-long-closed Horizons attraction after hours. Again, not really a "dark side" of Disney.
I enjoyed "The Dark Side of Disney" a great deal just because it's different from the other Walt Disney World books on the market. But will I feel the need to read it again? Probably not. I'm clearly not the target audience, which is fine. If you think the regular Disney vacation is dull and tired, then you may want to give this one a look. Just don't share it with your kids or they'll never look at Cinderella the same way again.
November 3, 2015
Nuh-huh, didn't like it at all!
Scams, where to have sex at Disney, what are the best and worst rides to go on while stoned... As an girl obsessed with Disney , I was expecting something totally different!
T_________________________T
Scams, where to have sex at Disney, what are the best and worst rides to go on while stoned... As an girl obsessed with Disney , I was expecting something totally different!
T_________________________T
July 22, 2016
Save this book until you're planning your next vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It has several hints, tips, and resources to make your next trip a bit more adult than Uncle Walt may have had in mind. There are websites and maps and photos to help aid you in plotting where and when to get high, get laid, and how to get away with it all.
Having said that, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more of the stories, more of the anecdotes that are sprinkled throughout the book. I wanted to read more about the people who have wandered off the carefully groomed paths to explore the utildors below and behind the scenes of the park. I wanted to hear more about people's experiences getting high on the attractions and why they chose what they did. I wanted to hear stories of people getting caught and how they got away with it. I wanted to read more about the people who came by the tips offered in the book. In short, I wanted more adventure and less guide.
Still, for anyone planning a Disney vacation, this is, if nothing else, a nice reminder that just because something is not sanctioned by the officials, doesn't mean it can't be done.
Having said that, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more of the stories, more of the anecdotes that are sprinkled throughout the book. I wanted to read more about the people who have wandered off the carefully groomed paths to explore the utildors below and behind the scenes of the park. I wanted to hear more about people's experiences getting high on the attractions and why they chose what they did. I wanted to hear stories of people getting caught and how they got away with it. I wanted to read more about the people who came by the tips offered in the book. In short, I wanted more adventure and less guide.
Still, for anyone planning a Disney vacation, this is, if nothing else, a nice reminder that just because something is not sanctioned by the officials, doesn't mean it can't be done.
Read
January 14, 2020DNF @ 55%
November 4, 2014
I'm in love with theme parks, especially Disney. And I am positively obsessed with abandoned areas, closed rides, hidden places, dark secrets. This book has pretty much none of those.
What this book has is a lot of Leonard Kinsey's sad bravado as he boasts about how to party in the park like you're a drunken frat boy. As far as all the tips in this book, I feel like they've decreased in effectiveness every day since it went into publication as there's no way this book went under Disney's radar and I'm sure measures have been taken to prevent people from stupidly following this guide. Abbie Hoffman he is not, but imagining himself as some kind of bad-ass hero, Kinsey tells you where the best places are to eat your pot brownies, get drunk at Disney, and have sex on site (The best option is a bathroom. Fantasy fulfilled?). I skimmed the book, because Kinsey is an irritating narrator who comes off as pathetic. "Nothing like doing mushrooms and getting a handjob on Space Mountain! Hurr hurr hurr!" Yeah, we're all impressed, dude. You're cool.
Toward the end of the book, he mentions the trip to Discovery Island. It's an interesting story, but not when Kinsey is telling it. Instead I recommend going straight to the source- http://shaneperez.blogspot.com/2009/1...
It's my own fault for wasting my time on this book, though, as everything you need to know about it is right there on the cover- a topless girl with a bottle and a cigarette, half of her hair shaved in that "I'm a cool girl" hairstyle, tattoos in abundance as though tattoos are still shocking these days, and her short shorts nearly off, like she can't wait to give a handjob in the Magic Kingdom. It's a book by a dude who is trying way too hard to make everyone think he's so-cool-you-guys. Sad.
What this book has is a lot of Leonard Kinsey's sad bravado as he boasts about how to party in the park like you're a drunken frat boy. As far as all the tips in this book, I feel like they've decreased in effectiveness every day since it went into publication as there's no way this book went under Disney's radar and I'm sure measures have been taken to prevent people from stupidly following this guide. Abbie Hoffman he is not, but imagining himself as some kind of bad-ass hero, Kinsey tells you where the best places are to eat your pot brownies, get drunk at Disney, and have sex on site (The best option is a bathroom. Fantasy fulfilled?). I skimmed the book, because Kinsey is an irritating narrator who comes off as pathetic. "Nothing like doing mushrooms and getting a handjob on Space Mountain! Hurr hurr hurr!" Yeah, we're all impressed, dude. You're cool.
Toward the end of the book, he mentions the trip to Discovery Island. It's an interesting story, but not when Kinsey is telling it. Instead I recommend going straight to the source- http://shaneperez.blogspot.com/2009/1...
It's my own fault for wasting my time on this book, though, as everything you need to know about it is right there on the cover- a topless girl with a bottle and a cigarette, half of her hair shaved in that "I'm a cool girl" hairstyle, tattoos in abundance as though tattoos are still shocking these days, and her short shorts nearly off, like she can't wait to give a handjob in the Magic Kingdom. It's a book by a dude who is trying way too hard to make everyone think he's so-cool-you-guys. Sad.
June 21, 2014
This was such a funny, and fairly accurate, telling of the darker sides of Disney. If you are up for scamming, or doing illegal things, it's for you.
As a former annual passholder of 16+ years, former wife of a lifer cast member, a cast member myself of 2 years and having worked events in the park for 6+ years, I've done a number of the things listed in the book. Mind you, I never did anything illegal, or even drank or did drugs at all but the other stuff was fun.
Finding a lifer really isn't that hard. If you find one, you find them all, because they are usually friends having been around together for so long.
As the daughter of a "handicapped" woman (she had foot problems all her life, wore those big boots on her leg), I spent much time in a wheelchair going onto the rides that she wouldn't, while she waited elsewhere.
Free parking was a must, and I was surprised not to see the side way of getting to the Magic Kindgom, by going along the road to the campgrounds. There's a guard booth there, never manned (2000-2006 anyways, when I was going the most) plus going in the back way through the cast member entrance, just say you lived back there and were going to a hotel and they let you right on through.
Oh how I tell people NOT to stay offsite and if they do, they HAVE to be on 192 WEST of I-4. You go past I-4 to the east and "main gate" takes 30+ minutes, on a good day. Forget it, in the morning during the traffic!
Refillable mugs, definitely a good one! :)
DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING, if sex easily offends you!!
So, this book was just a blast to read and made me miss WDW even more. Having moved out of FL in 2012, it's the only thing I miss about that horrible crappy state!!
As a former annual passholder of 16+ years, former wife of a lifer cast member, a cast member myself of 2 years and having worked events in the park for 6+ years, I've done a number of the things listed in the book. Mind you, I never did anything illegal, or even drank or did drugs at all but the other stuff was fun.
Finding a lifer really isn't that hard. If you find one, you find them all, because they are usually friends having been around together for so long.
As the daughter of a "handicapped" woman (she had foot problems all her life, wore those big boots on her leg), I spent much time in a wheelchair going onto the rides that she wouldn't, while she waited elsewhere.
Free parking was a must, and I was surprised not to see the side way of getting to the Magic Kindgom, by going along the road to the campgrounds. There's a guard booth there, never manned (2000-2006 anyways, when I was going the most) plus going in the back way through the cast member entrance, just say you lived back there and were going to a hotel and they let you right on through.
Oh how I tell people NOT to stay offsite and if they do, they HAVE to be on 192 WEST of I-4. You go past I-4 to the east and "main gate" takes 30+ minutes, on a good day. Forget it, in the morning during the traffic!
Refillable mugs, definitely a good one! :)
DO NOT READ THE FOLLOWING, if sex easily offends you!!
So, this book was just a blast to read and made me miss WDW even more. Having moved out of FL in 2012, it's the only thing I miss about that horrible crappy state!!
Read
April 18, 2012I found out a lot of information on how to improve my next visit to Walt Disney World!
Here's what I can add from my experiences:
1) The best time to go is early September, when children are back in school. I was at Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and it was vacant except for some European tourists.
2) $100 cash is yours for the taking. In my naiveté, I didn’t understand that a free breakfast and a timeshare presentation meant that a woman would try to wear me down while I drank black coffee and ate a banana. I left, but not without a guilt trip and a warning that I’d have to return the money, which they have no way of reinforcing. I hustled the hustlers!
3) The most cathartic moment of my life: having a breakdown at Epcot, due to heat, overstimulation, bad food, a cold, and post-family-visit blues. I was so scared that security would drag me away for crying too hard that I started hysterically laughing! I was mellow for the rest of the day.
Here's what I can add from my experiences:
1) The best time to go is early September, when children are back in school. I was at Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and it was vacant except for some European tourists.
2) $100 cash is yours for the taking. In my naiveté, I didn’t understand that a free breakfast and a timeshare presentation meant that a woman would try to wear me down while I drank black coffee and ate a banana. I left, but not without a guilt trip and a warning that I’d have to return the money, which they have no way of reinforcing. I hustled the hustlers!
3) The most cathartic moment of my life: having a breakdown at Epcot, due to heat, overstimulation, bad food, a cold, and post-family-visit blues. I was so scared that security would drag me away for crying too hard that I started hysterically laughing! I was mellow for the rest of the day.
October 26, 2022
Although I have not verified this, I’ll bet that since this came out ten years ago, most of the deal sites mentioned within no longer exist or operate on different models as I know that WDW has changed much of its ticketing system.
And I hate this cover. It’s awful and does the book no favors as it really doesn’t indicate the info inside or even its tone.
That said, there was a smattering of horrortaining stories and stuff you might like to know before heading back to Orlando. And the last chapter, randomly, featured an entertaining throwback memory of the author as he and his townie-teenaged Orlando friends all accidentally on purpose explore the underground “utilidoors” at WDW, creating an underground tunnel adventure that read like a Stephen king novella.
Weird book-there has to be better Disney guides out there.
And I hate this cover. It’s awful and does the book no favors as it really doesn’t indicate the info inside or even its tone.
That said, there was a smattering of horrortaining stories and stuff you might like to know before heading back to Orlando. And the last chapter, randomly, featured an entertaining throwback memory of the author as he and his townie-teenaged Orlando friends all accidentally on purpose explore the underground “utilidoors” at WDW, creating an underground tunnel adventure that read like a Stephen king novella.
Weird book-there has to be better Disney guides out there.
March 19, 2012
This E-book was not as good as i hoped it would be. Following my love of disney and the inside scoop I expected this to have some useful tricks of the park. However it was irrelevant unless you lived in America and could visit the parks often. He uncovered some other ways to save money and to almost con the system.
However from the cover and the blurb i was hoping for some more juice, and some inside gossip on the parks. Adventures he had and some of the 'darker' side to this disney park. When he did mention these aspects (briefly) they were really interesting, but the rest felt highly irrelevant.
A bit of a disappointing read, and not worth it unless you were American and could visit the parks frequently. However some of the blatant breaking of rules i would not recommend. Also you could not imagine getting away with some of it now days - i.e. breaking into the Cast members rooms. You would think anyone with common sense would see this is happening and put a stop to it.
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March 9, 2020
An interesting listen on my way down to Disney.
February 6, 2018
I am not a rule breaker. And I love Disney, wouldn't want to do anything that would get me banned from Disney, which is why I will be avoiding the advice in this book, well maybe apart from renting DVC points (totally looked that up immediately).
But I still really liked this. Leonard is a Disney fan, although he's a naughty one! He gives you tips and tricks in this book for how to get yourself into backstage areas, get in the park for free and even find some secluded spots for sex in the parks. I find this one a bit disturbing considering the amount of children around. Stick to the hotels people! No one wants to see that shit!
But everything is told in a humorous way, along with funny stories about things going wrong. I always like to know more about the cast members and the secret backstage stuff and would love to get down in the Utilidors, but as I said above, not a rule breaker. I'd pay for the tour!
I also really enjoyed the interviews at the back. I find Discovery Island fascinating and love hearing more about it.
Great book for fans and as it's written by a fan, there is no hate for Disney here like you would expect in a book like this. Which is awesome as find that a massive turn off when books about Disney are written by haters.
But I still really liked this. Leonard is a Disney fan, although he's a naughty one! He gives you tips and tricks in this book for how to get yourself into backstage areas, get in the park for free and even find some secluded spots for sex in the parks. I find this one a bit disturbing considering the amount of children around. Stick to the hotels people! No one wants to see that shit!
But everything is told in a humorous way, along with funny stories about things going wrong. I always like to know more about the cast members and the secret backstage stuff and would love to get down in the Utilidors, but as I said above, not a rule breaker. I'd pay for the tour!
I also really enjoyed the interviews at the back. I find Discovery Island fascinating and love hearing more about it.
Great book for fans and as it's written by a fan, there is no hate for Disney here like you would expect in a book like this. Which is awesome as find that a massive turn off when books about Disney are written by haters.
April 7, 2012
After finishing The Dark Side of Disney, I must admit that I was a little disappointed. I bought the book on Amazon because I am one of those people that have been to Disney World a million times (my wife and i even got married there). I hoped that with the inflammatory tone uncharacteristic of WDW guide books that I would find some information that I didn't already know. While the interviews at the end of the book were interesting, the guide portion of the book was filled with info that most "Disnerds" already have and references to the Disboards, probably the most well-known WDW fan site. I know this sounds like I am too critical, but even according to the author in the first few pages, he wrote this book for obsessive WDW fans like myself. I would recommend reading it if you can get it as an e-book download, but save your money if you plan on paying cover price and just do what he tells you on every other page and go to disboards.com instead.
October 18, 2013
Another review stated that this book reads like a 15-year-old bragging about sex that he's never had. Yeah, that's about right. It's basically a collection of ramblings from a message board and that's not an exaggeration, it really seems to be. Even the more informational content reads like it came from a stickied FAQ thread on a forum.
The listing dips between kind of neat to pretty dopey. More straight forward accounts of dodging security and the inner workings of the more of off-limit areas would have been more interesting. Listing areas where you could totally have sex but probably not actually but sounding really excited about it regardless is pretty worthless. Other things like freaking out about walking into a staff area and watching workers actually walk around is useless.
The book is really pretty tame, all in all. Not really worth it.
The listing dips between kind of neat to pretty dopey. More straight forward accounts of dodging security and the inner workings of the more of off-limit areas would have been more interesting. Listing areas where you could totally have sex but probably not actually but sounding really excited about it regardless is pretty worthless. Other things like freaking out about walking into a staff area and watching workers actually walk around is useless.
The book is really pretty tame, all in all. Not really worth it.
April 3, 2012
I know I have a dark sense of humor, but so far this book has had me cracking up. Only about half way through... I think this book (so far) is really funny if you are an adult fan of Disney, like to travel there without the kids, and have been a large number of times...
So now that I have finished this book, I still stand by my original review. I was fascinated by the people who snuck into the tunnels, the closed attractions... I wish I had the guts to do that. Fun quick read for an adult Disney fan. Be prepared for adult language and situations but I think you can tell what you are getting by looking at the cover alone.
So now that I have finished this book, I still stand by my original review. I was fascinated by the people who snuck into the tunnels, the closed attractions... I wish I had the guts to do that. Fun quick read for an adult Disney fan. Be prepared for adult language and situations but I think you can tell what you are getting by looking at the cover alone.
July 1, 2015
I thought this was going to be more of a cast member perspective of things that happen behind the scenes. Essentially, it is a book telling you what illegal (in most cases) things you can try to get away with as a guest. While I would love to sneak into the Utilidors and scout around, if every guest did that, I think there would it would get a little crazy. I would much rather pay for the tour down the line than risk getting banned forever and not enjoying Disney with my son and future grandchildren. I can guarantee there will be things I never look at the same again, like the Contemporary balconies.
December 7, 2014
More of a how-to guide and travel tips than the gossipy stories I was expecting. It was still interesting though. I'd love to explore Discovery Island!
Read
June 24, 2025The Dark Side of Disney
I can easily see what attracted me to read this book, but instead of being called “The Dark Side of Disney” it should have been called “The Shady Tactics of a Disney Fan”.
What I was expecting was… Many years ago, my best friend introduced me to a channel on You Tube called “CreepyPasta”. Creepypasta is a collection of horror stories. If you search creepypasta Disney, you’ll get quite a few of these dark stories (and these really are DARK stories). The one I remember most vividly is “Abandoned by Disney”. This is a really good example of how I thought this book would be. It’s a good example of how this book *should* have been. It’s worth given a listen to. Any of these are.
There were a couple of things I thought that could be useful. “Undercover Tourist” for one. I haven’t been to Disney in many years but I’ve heard about how expensive the tickets can be from family who go quite frequently with their kids. I’d also consider having a delivery from GIORDANOS PIZZA. But past that the rest of it…
Some of it had to do with getting luxuary resorting from renting or buying points from owners. I really don’t know if I would trust this method. As it’s dealing with people over the internet. It just screams WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! TURN BACK! DO NOT PROCEED! He makes the people seem reputable on these boards, but it would be just my luck the first time I tried this to immediately get scammed.
It wasn’t useful to know where to get drugs or the best attractions to do them on. I’ve never tried drugs in my life. Just never appealed to me. I’ve had some medications that were WAY to strong and if that’s what it’s like to be high. You can keep that feeling!
It wasn’t useful to me AT ALL to know the best sex places. The “dead spot” could care less about that OR finding a Disney employee or a foreign Disney cast member to hook up with for one night. If I were looking for that, I certainly wouldn’t be looking for a one-night stand and with someone who truthfully you don’t know what the hell they have or who they’ve been with just so you can get some hours of pleasure for ONE NIGHT! NO THANK YOU!
And then Rock and Roll. I didn’t even know who these artist were. And btw author Billy Ocean and Kool and the Gang are NOT considered rock and roll. They’d be in the classic soul category. I really don’t even know why someone would try these things and risk getting banned for life. Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Rating: It had 2 good suggestions so I’ll rate it a 2 for those.
I can easily see what attracted me to read this book, but instead of being called “The Dark Side of Disney” it should have been called “The Shady Tactics of a Disney Fan”.
What I was expecting was… Many years ago, my best friend introduced me to a channel on You Tube called “CreepyPasta”. Creepypasta is a collection of horror stories. If you search creepypasta Disney, you’ll get quite a few of these dark stories (and these really are DARK stories). The one I remember most vividly is “Abandoned by Disney”. This is a really good example of how I thought this book would be. It’s a good example of how this book *should* have been. It’s worth given a listen to. Any of these are.
There were a couple of things I thought that could be useful. “Undercover Tourist” for one. I haven’t been to Disney in many years but I’ve heard about how expensive the tickets can be from family who go quite frequently with their kids. I’d also consider having a delivery from GIORDANOS PIZZA. But past that the rest of it…
Some of it had to do with getting luxuary resorting from renting or buying points from owners. I really don’t know if I would trust this method. As it’s dealing with people over the internet. It just screams WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! TURN BACK! DO NOT PROCEED! He makes the people seem reputable on these boards, but it would be just my luck the first time I tried this to immediately get scammed.
It wasn’t useful to know where to get drugs or the best attractions to do them on. I’ve never tried drugs in my life. Just never appealed to me. I’ve had some medications that were WAY to strong and if that’s what it’s like to be high. You can keep that feeling!
It wasn’t useful to me AT ALL to know the best sex places. The “dead spot” could care less about that OR finding a Disney employee or a foreign Disney cast member to hook up with for one night. If I were looking for that, I certainly wouldn’t be looking for a one-night stand and with someone who truthfully you don’t know what the hell they have or who they’ve been with just so you can get some hours of pleasure for ONE NIGHT! NO THANK YOU!
And then Rock and Roll. I didn’t even know who these artist were. And btw author Billy Ocean and Kool and the Gang are NOT considered rock and roll. They’d be in the classic soul category. I really don’t even know why someone would try these things and risk getting banned for life. Just doesn’t seem worth it to me.
Rating: It had 2 good suggestions so I’ll rate it a 2 for those.
July 17, 2018
Quite a funny book if you want to be naughty at DisneyWorld. Personally, I would never risk being banned from the park but it was still fun to read other people’s exploits. Unfortunately, books on Disney get outdated really quickly because it changes all the time so already some of the information in this book is no longer relevant.
August 7, 2013
This is an awesome book. I have no actual interest in drinking or getting high at Disney World, but there is so much more to this book than that sort of information. It is actually really handy for anyone going to Disney.
Things I liked:
1. Personal anecdotes and interviews. The author and his friends have explored every part of Disney and it's pretty fascinating, even if you have no intention of following in their footsteps.
2. Lots of tips and tricks, for both the honest and the dishonest. Seriously, there's something for every level of morality here, but more than enough straight up tips to make it worth the price of the book right there. There's information here that you won't find in any of the many, many websites, though there are some things I already knew about, like DCV point rentals.
3. Very well written. I'm fascinated by all things Disney anyway, but this is an entertaining read even if you never go to Disney World.
Honestly, there's no good reason not to buy this book, unless you're offended by drugs and alcohol (and a few mentions of sex). Those bits are easy to skip over though, since the most usable information is in the first half of the book.
Definitely the best Disney book I've read so far!
Things I liked:
1. Personal anecdotes and interviews. The author and his friends have explored every part of Disney and it's pretty fascinating, even if you have no intention of following in their footsteps.
2. Lots of tips and tricks, for both the honest and the dishonest. Seriously, there's something for every level of morality here, but more than enough straight up tips to make it worth the price of the book right there. There's information here that you won't find in any of the many, many websites, though there are some things I already knew about, like DCV point rentals.
3. Very well written. I'm fascinated by all things Disney anyway, but this is an entertaining read even if you never go to Disney World.
Honestly, there's no good reason not to buy this book, unless you're offended by drugs and alcohol (and a few mentions of sex). Those bits are easy to skip over though, since the most usable information is in the first half of the book.
Definitely the best Disney book I've read so far!
December 20, 2011
It takes a certain kind of reader to appreciate a book like this. First, you have to love Walt Disney World. Second, you can't be the kind of WDW fan that gets offended by stuff like reusing last year's refillable mug in a Disney hotel food court. (You can get kicked of many a Disney Internet forum for even daring to suggest such behavior.) And maybe third, you have to be at least mildly tired of reading the same old tour books, with the same old Brady Bunch-esque stories year-after-year. ("I lost my hair scrunchie on Space Mountain")
The Dark Side of Disney is not your typical look at vacationing at Walt Disney World. It is different if not refreshing -- term used very loosely. I'm hoping it was written in a tongue-in-cheek manner when it comes to certain adult activities in the parks and not as a how-to guide for ruining a family vacation.
The best part of the book was the section on urban exploration around closed attractions, forgotten islands, and going behind the show curtain. Not something I would ever attempt, but it was fun to read about others' adventures through the looking glass.
The Dark Side of Disney is not your typical look at vacationing at Walt Disney World. It is different if not refreshing -- term used very loosely. I'm hoping it was written in a tongue-in-cheek manner when it comes to certain adult activities in the parks and not as a how-to guide for ruining a family vacation.
The best part of the book was the section on urban exploration around closed attractions, forgotten islands, and going behind the show curtain. Not something I would ever attempt, but it was fun to read about others' adventures through the looking glass.
February 7, 2017
Are you a bitter, angry person? Do you enjoy the idea of scamming people out of their money, and working hard to knock the joy and excitement and magic out of their eyes? Then man, is this the book for you!
You should definitely buy this book, because bitter angry scammers should absolutely support each other.
Disney, the most magical place on earth? Pfft, who needs it? Doesn't the idea of meeting some of your favorite Disney characters and princesses sound so completely lame? Wouldn't you rather get wasted, and then go ride some rides? Hell, yeah! This book is TOTES for you!
Already figured out the exact scam you'll need to get into the park for free, but now you're worried that your beer money has to go for stupid stuff like food and souvenirs for your children? No worries! This book will give you exact blow-by-blow details on how to scam stupid tourists who actually go to the park for the joy and magic (losers) out of their hard earned money! Fuck their kids, daddy needs a beer.
Yeah.
You should definitely buy this book, because bitter angry scammers should absolutely support each other.
Disney, the most magical place on earth? Pfft, who needs it? Doesn't the idea of meeting some of your favorite Disney characters and princesses sound so completely lame? Wouldn't you rather get wasted, and then go ride some rides? Hell, yeah! This book is TOTES for you!
Already figured out the exact scam you'll need to get into the park for free, but now you're worried that your beer money has to go for stupid stuff like food and souvenirs for your children? No worries! This book will give you exact blow-by-blow details on how to scam stupid tourists who actually go to the park for the joy and magic (losers) out of their hard earned money! Fuck their kids, daddy needs a beer.
Yeah.
January 15, 2012
Not really a guide book but more of one Florida resident who's been there so much he has to find inventive ways to entertain himself and the tips/tricks/illegal/immoral activities he's learned along the way.
You need a sense of humor for the book and the info presented is definitely a big off kilter from the normal tips you'd read. For the most part, they're not the kind of thing you're going to want to do yourself either. But, the first section does have some helpful information for those who aren't as familiar with the park ins-and-outs. (Being a fellow Florida resident with hundreds of visits, I can definitely say that the valid tips/info he gives are true and accurate. The illegal/immoral ones typically are too but I don't condone them.)
Still, it was interesting to read something WDW-based that was more honest than many other glossy presentations.
You need a sense of humor for the book and the info presented is definitely a big off kilter from the normal tips you'd read. For the most part, they're not the kind of thing you're going to want to do yourself either. But, the first section does have some helpful information for those who aren't as familiar with the park ins-and-outs. (Being a fellow Florida resident with hundreds of visits, I can definitely say that the valid tips/info he gives are true and accurate. The illegal/immoral ones typically are too but I don't condone them.)
Still, it was interesting to read something WDW-based that was more honest than many other glossy presentations.
March 18, 2013
I found this book to be interesting, and funny, but I completely did not like the middle chapter on places to have sex in the parks. Really? Are people THAT desperate? And drugs? Come on! I liked Kinsey's approach on things, and at a few points, I laughed out loud. If all three sections had been created equal, this book could have easily gotten 5 stars. All in all though, the edgy Disney fan would definitely enjoy this.
February 6, 2024
"The Dark Side of Disney" is a guidebook that takes a markedly different approach to exploring the world-renowned Disney theme parks. Unlike traditional travel guides that highlight the magic and wonder of Disney experiences, Kinsey's book delves into the lesser-known, unofficial, and at times, underground aspects of visiting the parks.
At its core, "The Dark Side of Disney" is intended for an adult audience and offers insights into how to navigate the Disney parks in unconventional ways. Kinsey shares tips and tricks for everything from saving money and avoiding long lines to uncovering secret spots within the parks and even engaging in activities that Disney certainly does not officially condone. The book is written with a humorous tone, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice, making it an entertaining read for those curious about the parks' hidden facets.
One of the strengths of Kinsey's work is its originality. It fills a niche by addressing aspects of the Disney experience that are rarely covered in official publications or mainstream travel guides. For Disney enthusiasts looking for a different perspective or seeking to discover all possible angles of the park, "The Dark Side of Disney" offers a treasure trove of information that is both intriguing and enlightening.
However, the book's content is not without its controversies. Some readers and Disney purists may find the exploration of rule-bending activities and secrets in poor taste, arguing that it detracts from the wholesome image and family-friendly atmosphere that Disney strives to maintain. The book's approach can be seen as subversive, potentially encouraging behavior that goes against park policies and the intended Disney experience.
Furthermore, while "The Dark Side of Disney" is praised for its humor and candidness, its appeal may be limited to a specific audience. Those seeking a traditional guidebook that focuses on the parks' attractions, dining, and entertainment offerings without veering into the unconventional may not find this book suitable. It's also worth noting that some of the tips and tricks mentioned may be outdated or no longer applicable due to changes in park policies and operations.
In conclusion, "The Dark Side of Disney" by Leonard Kinsey occupies a unique space in the realm of Disney-related literature. It offers an alternative look at the Disney parks that some may find refreshing and entertaining, while others might view it as controversial or inappropriate. This book is likely to be appreciated by those with a keen interest in exploring every aspect of Disney, including the unconventional and the underground, but it's essential to approach its content with an understanding of its intended audience and the nature of its exploration.
At its core, "The Dark Side of Disney" is intended for an adult audience and offers insights into how to navigate the Disney parks in unconventional ways. Kinsey shares tips and tricks for everything from saving money and avoiding long lines to uncovering secret spots within the parks and even engaging in activities that Disney certainly does not officially condone. The book is written with a humorous tone, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice, making it an entertaining read for those curious about the parks' hidden facets.
One of the strengths of Kinsey's work is its originality. It fills a niche by addressing aspects of the Disney experience that are rarely covered in official publications or mainstream travel guides. For Disney enthusiasts looking for a different perspective or seeking to discover all possible angles of the park, "The Dark Side of Disney" offers a treasure trove of information that is both intriguing and enlightening.
However, the book's content is not without its controversies. Some readers and Disney purists may find the exploration of rule-bending activities and secrets in poor taste, arguing that it detracts from the wholesome image and family-friendly atmosphere that Disney strives to maintain. The book's approach can be seen as subversive, potentially encouraging behavior that goes against park policies and the intended Disney experience.
Furthermore, while "The Dark Side of Disney" is praised for its humor and candidness, its appeal may be limited to a specific audience. Those seeking a traditional guidebook that focuses on the parks' attractions, dining, and entertainment offerings without veering into the unconventional may not find this book suitable. It's also worth noting that some of the tips and tricks mentioned may be outdated or no longer applicable due to changes in park policies and operations.
In conclusion, "The Dark Side of Disney" by Leonard Kinsey occupies a unique space in the realm of Disney-related literature. It offers an alternative look at the Disney parks that some may find refreshing and entertaining, while others might view it as controversial or inappropriate. This book is likely to be appreciated by those with a keen interest in exploring every aspect of Disney, including the unconventional and the underground, but it's essential to approach its content with an understanding of its intended audience and the nature of its exploration.
May 5, 2018
Was expecting something more along the lines of Cast Member Confidential. Sadly, it was not.
Pretty much a low-grade travel guide to Disney with tips/tricks that make little to no sense. Started out nice with some sentimental stuff, but it bounced between seriousness and satire. Pick one, sir. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
For example, you can’t admit that faking a handicap to get a wheelchair so you can get front of the line access is sleazy and immoral, and then in the next paragraph lists the best rides to do this nonsense on!
Do you think people who are permanently or temporary confine to a wheelchair are bursting with pride that they get to skip the lines at Disney? I don’t think so. When I last went, I say a young lady with a full leg cast who outwardly looked so sad that she had to go through the hassle of maneuvering her chair through the rides and lines. Much better advice is out there on how to use the fast pass system to your advantage with better results than faking an injury/disability to save some time.
Lots of things are outdated and obsolete in this book as the park’s policies and technologies have progressed. (Closed rides, electronic fast passes) The author promises to update his website with new info but the site shows no updates since 2015. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Some advice would end up costing you money. You don’t need to bid on AAA Diamond Pass on eBay to get better parking at the parks. You could just….I don’t know get up early! I never took a tram on my vacation and parked within walking distance to the gate. Which would work if you are a tourist like me and not the author who spends his vacation wasted every evening on Bud Light. If you are trying to game the system by sneaking in food or stealing food from Disney restaurants only to spend it on booze and pot, are you really saving money? Or just spend it on something else.
Also, anyone who is looking to score weed, probably not going to think, “I’m going to buy a bookabout this to help me with this!”
Don’t waste your time. Plenty of blogs and books out there to help you plan the Disney vacation of your dreams, whether you prefer doing all the rides or trying to find the best places to relax and drink. Bonus: Some of them are run by men who don’t talk like a condescending frat boy. IMAGINE THAT!
Pretty much a low-grade travel guide to Disney with tips/tricks that make little to no sense. Started out nice with some sentimental stuff, but it bounced between seriousness and satire. Pick one, sir. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
For example, you can’t admit that faking a handicap to get a wheelchair so you can get front of the line access is sleazy and immoral, and then in the next paragraph lists the best rides to do this nonsense on!
Do you think people who are permanently or temporary confine to a wheelchair are bursting with pride that they get to skip the lines at Disney? I don’t think so. When I last went, I say a young lady with a full leg cast who outwardly looked so sad that she had to go through the hassle of maneuvering her chair through the rides and lines. Much better advice is out there on how to use the fast pass system to your advantage with better results than faking an injury/disability to save some time.
Lots of things are outdated and obsolete in this book as the park’s policies and technologies have progressed. (Closed rides, electronic fast passes) The author promises to update his website with new info but the site shows no updates since 2015. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Some advice would end up costing you money. You don’t need to bid on AAA Diamond Pass on eBay to get better parking at the parks. You could just….I don’t know get up early! I never took a tram on my vacation and parked within walking distance to the gate. Which would work if you are a tourist like me and not the author who spends his vacation wasted every evening on Bud Light. If you are trying to game the system by sneaking in food or stealing food from Disney restaurants only to spend it on booze and pot, are you really saving money? Or just spend it on something else.
Also, anyone who is looking to score weed, probably not going to think, “I’m going to buy a bookabout this to help me with this!”
Don’t waste your time. Plenty of blogs and books out there to help you plan the Disney vacation of your dreams, whether you prefer doing all the rides or trying to find the best places to relax and drink. Bonus: Some of them are run by men who don’t talk like a condescending frat boy. IMAGINE THAT!
October 25, 2020
I really liked this book! My husband is an obsessed Disney World fan, so that's pretty much the only place we vacation (we bought an RV almost solely for use at Disney's Fort Wilderness to eliminate the hassle and cost of dealing with hotels...he's committed). We usually go a couple of times a year, depending on where the military has us stationed at the time. If we're within 12 hours of driving (I don't fly...sorry Leonard), then according to him, we're close enough!
Having been to the parks so often, I thought I knew it all and was pretty smug about my Disney expertise...turns out, I didn't know jack. I loved the stories of he and his friends roaming the parks, going down to the Utilidors (something I MUST do now...thanks), and all the tips and tricks he's come up with through the years. While many are not tips and tricks I would personally use (what with them being illegal and all), they were still fun to read about. Being military, we get obscene ticket discounts through ITT on base, so that whole section wasn't quite interesting. However, his advice on where and when to drink (the monorail bar crawl? Genius!), scams to watch out for, and suggestions of things to try or to look out for were a lot of fun (loved the FastPass tips).
Overall, if you're a Disney fan and not a total prude (yes, there's swear words in this book...get over it), this is definitely a fun read. Mr. Kinsey has YEARS of experience exploring these parks, and he really knows what he's talking about. We just got back from a 2-week vacation at Disney, and I'm kind of bummed I didn't find this book a bit sooner. No worries, though, hubby has us going BACK down there in December, so I'm absolutely gonna be on the look-out for those Utilidors! Don't think I'll be able to talk the husband into exploring them, but you never know! Fun book...now I need to check out the blog!
Having been to the parks so often, I thought I knew it all and was pretty smug about my Disney expertise...turns out, I didn't know jack. I loved the stories of he and his friends roaming the parks, going down to the Utilidors (something I MUST do now...thanks), and all the tips and tricks he's come up with through the years. While many are not tips and tricks I would personally use (what with them being illegal and all), they were still fun to read about. Being military, we get obscene ticket discounts through ITT on base, so that whole section wasn't quite interesting. However, his advice on where and when to drink (the monorail bar crawl? Genius!), scams to watch out for, and suggestions of things to try or to look out for were a lot of fun (loved the FastPass tips).
Overall, if you're a Disney fan and not a total prude (yes, there's swear words in this book...get over it), this is definitely a fun read. Mr. Kinsey has YEARS of experience exploring these parks, and he really knows what he's talking about. We just got back from a 2-week vacation at Disney, and I'm kind of bummed I didn't find this book a bit sooner. No worries, though, hubby has us going BACK down there in December, so I'm absolutely gonna be on the look-out for those Utilidors! Don't think I'll be able to talk the husband into exploring them, but you never know! Fun book...now I need to check out the blog!
September 25, 2025
Confession time. This book was from a friend who’d heard me talking about a different book on the dark side of Disney and gave this to me as a present. I tend to read books that friends give to me, and I was a little curious about this one. Having said that, it really didn’t appeal to me. Leonard Kinsey is a hardcore fan of Disney. This book is his guide to how to get away with things Disney doesn’t promote at its Florida theme parks.
I imagine the punchy style and “bad-assed” approach to things appeals to certain kinds of readers. I’m afraid, though, that it encourages bad behavior. I used to read Weird NJ when I lived in New Jersey. What became clear from numerous pieces from the editors encouraging obedience of trespassing laws and such is that when a certain type of person reads such things they can’t help but try them, often causing damage as they do so.
The book describes how to sneak into Disney without paying, how to beat some of the high costs if you do get in legitimately, but also how to have or find sex there, do drugs there, and how to access areas only open to staff. My interest in the darkness of Disney is more intellectual. This book has some interesting parts, but then again, it wasn’t written for people like me. I said a bit more on my blog post (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World). It just wasn't the book for me.
I imagine the punchy style and “bad-assed” approach to things appeals to certain kinds of readers. I’m afraid, though, that it encourages bad behavior. I used to read Weird NJ when I lived in New Jersey. What became clear from numerous pieces from the editors encouraging obedience of trespassing laws and such is that when a certain type of person reads such things they can’t help but try them, often causing damage as they do so.
The book describes how to sneak into Disney without paying, how to beat some of the high costs if you do get in legitimately, but also how to have or find sex there, do drugs there, and how to access areas only open to staff. My interest in the darkness of Disney is more intellectual. This book has some interesting parts, but then again, it wasn’t written for people like me. I said a bit more on my blog post (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World). It just wasn't the book for me.
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