Walt Disney World: Little-Known Facts about Well-Known Places

Little-Known Facts About Well-Known Places

by Laurie Flannery

Walt Disney World employs more than 62,000 people, including at least 58,000 cast members. That’s more than twice the number of employees at the Pentagon (23,000), one of the world’s largest office complexes. WDW is, in fact, the largest single-site employer in the United States.
Disney’s effort to be “green” includes the production of more than 30 tons of fruit and vegetables per year, which are grown at the Land pavilion at Epcot.
Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the only AAA five-diamond restaurant in Central Florida and has been recognized with an Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator as well.
Approximately 1,100 audio-animatronic figures inhabit the Magic Kingdom alone, and about 2,000 populate the four theme parks in total.
Typhoon Lagoon’s Crush n’ Gusher is the only water roller coaster in North America that has three unique and separate rides you can experience from one tower.
The animals in Animal Kingdom’s Africa are “tucked in” every night in Disney’s Night Houses, each specifically designed by experts to suit the species it hosts.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, American History, Trivia

200 pages, Hardcover

First published August 25, 2011

Reviews

[Theresa F. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written by a different author than the volume in this series written about Disneyland, and it shows. The writing seems to have less of that snappy quality that David Hoffman's contributions to the Little-Known Facts series do. As a result, I was somewhat disappointed overall.
Did I like it? It was ok.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
Would I recommend it? Not sure.

[Ryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, interesting facts about Walt Disney World, though a little dated (when this was published Barack Obama was still president, and the author kept mentioning Magic Kingdom’s upcoming renovations which were to be completed in 2013). I think this book would be especially enjoyed by a Disney Park enthusiast, as well as someone who will be visiting in the near future.

Though, on the other hand, if you are a park enthusiast, you probably already know many of the facts listed, and even if you aren’t, then you’ve probably read them in a listicle or heard it on a special.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of interesting trivia and facts makes me want to get in the car and go to Walt Disney World now! I loved the history behind the creation of Walt Disney World and the unique little facts that helps to prove even more that its a magical place for the young and young-at-heart! Great read for anyone who loves Disney and/or is a trivia history fan.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This Disney book covers some facts that most people would not have guessed, most of them are number related. The book is pretty old, and the information is dated; it has information on Splash Mountain along with several other closed rides, but it's a good little flip.

[Jeremy Heckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting facts I knew, some I didn't, some I questioned (or outright objected to). It's also an interesting sort of slice of history since it's over a decade old at this point but was "current" at the time of publishing.

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although dated, lots of good information about hidden secrets and gems - and I’ve visited the parks since they opened. I’ve been reading a little bit before each visit since July. My next visit is next week. I’ll keep this book in the car, and look at it before each visit.

[Annburnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about trivia facts of Walt Disney World. Also a very easy read.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

i mean i guess i did learn something, but this book was nothing to write home about

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this before going to Disney for a full week with park hopper passes for the first time ever, and it made the trip so much more fun! It tells you about tons of little secrets hidden throughout the parks, and my mom and I had a blast finding them all. Highly recommend if you're planning a trip, or just for Disney fans in general.

[Carrie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy read. As a former cast member there wasn't much I didn't already know, but there were a few new facts that were interesting to me. I read a previous review on here that said it was heavily focused on Animal Kingdom. They were right, which was extremely annoying as it is my least favorite park. Also, I know many more facts about the Magic Kingdom, Main Street USA in fact (my former home), that are much more interesting.

[Jessica Buike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this fun little book for a travel client of mine, and couldn't help but read it before giving it away! This has a lot of great tips and facts about Disney that is perfect for the new visitor, and even the seasoned pro. It's small enough to be packed into luggage and taken along with you on a trip to Disney, and could help fill your time while waiting in line for one of the more popular rides. :)

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't like this book as well as the Disneyland edition, it still had some pretty fun and amazing trivia for Disney nuts like me. It seemed to focus a lot on the Animal Kingdom park and I found myself wanting to hear more about the other parks. But, like the Disneyland edition, it made me want to go back for another visit.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun little book! I loved learning about the background and interesting things about Walt Disney World. It would have been great if I had found it before I visited the parks. I would have kept an eye out for a lot of the things mentioned (I may have even carried it with me through all the parks).

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, fun and interesting read. For a Disney fan, it was exciting to read and takes you deeper into the magic of Disney. It did focus quite a bit on Animal Kingdom but it was still interesting. Great read just before a Walt Disney World visit.
I loved the cover, and the layout of the pages. Only thing I would add is some more pictures. Maybe some Disney quotes, just to give it a nice feel.

[Wisty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, yes. I didn't think it was possible, but I love Disney World even more now. Thank you, bargain bin at Barnes and Noble- you've come through for me yet again.
The attention to detail and the thought that Walt Disney and all co. put into this world is incredible. Now I need to go back and look for all of these hidden clues I've read about!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book with lots of facts. Would have given it five stars except a couple facts were repeated and I would have liked it better with photographs to go along with some of the descriptions. Definitely a must read for any hardcore Disney fan.

[Lady Lioness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this as a bargain book from Barnes and Noble. It was worth the price as there were things in here that even I didn't know, but it may not have anything new for the diehard Disney fan. For the interested, there are 190 'little known facts' in this book.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The price was great at Barnes & Noble, so I couldn't pass it up. I found some of the facts to be interesting! I did find that some of the facts were repetitive about certain subjects, so I wish it was more diversified but overall it was cool for Disney fanatics!

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The facts are mainly centered arond Disney's Animal Kingdom and offer few facts that someone who is well-read in Disney lore would find new and/or fascinating.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book about Walt Disney World Facts...pretty neat if you are obsessed with Disney World...like me!

[Dannielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of intresting Facts. Makes me want to got back to Disney World just to check some of them out.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, quick little read detailing some awesome, lesser-known things about Walt Disney World. Picked it up in anticipation of an upcoming trip, learned a lot.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me how much I love this place and that five years is too long to be away from it. Going for my birthday next year.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

As promised, a collection of uncommon facts about the Magic Kingdom.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good fact book! I really enjoyed it, even though I already knew a lot of it. Really great for in the car, especially if you were on your way to see the mouse.

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was good for what it is. Many of the facts were things I already knew. Others were number heavy and things I will never remember. It did make me want to go back and visit again.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever book. Lots of trivia type info about WDW. Enjoyed it

[Jianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I knew quite a few of the facts, I also learned a lot. A simple, fun read!

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone going to Disney World. Also it is good for people who like obscure trivia.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Nothing earth-shattering. Most Disney-philes (is that a word?) will know most of what is on here already.