Vault of Walt, Volume 2: MORE Unofficial, Unauthorized, Uncensored Disney Stories Never Told

The Vault of Walt #2

by Jim Korkis, Bob McLain (Editor), Lou Mongello (Foreword)

Disney History at Its BestNo one knows Disney history, or tells it better, than Jim Korkis, and he’s back with a new set of 28 stories from his Vault of Walt. Whether it’s Disney films, Disney theme parks, or Walt himself, Jim’s stories will charm and delight Disney fans of all ages.

The best-selling Vault of Walt series has brought serious, but fun, Disney history to tens of thousands of readers. Now in its second volume, the series features former Disney cast member and master storyteller Jim Korkis’ home-spun, entertaining tales, from the early years of Walt Disney to the present.

Step inside the vault with Jim to hear



A ride through Epcot's Spaceship Earth for a closer look at graffiti, bare breasts, and evil twins

The bare-knuckles battle between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers over Mary Poppins

The real story of the Jungle Cruise, why Walt's plan for live animals was shot down, and how Walt once got cheated by an impatient skipper

The life-long hatred between Walt and Bugs Bunny creator Friz Freleng caused by a boil on Freleng's butt

How Roy O. Disney took over a demoralized company after his brother's death and built a fantasyland from swampland

Discover these and many other new tales of Disney history, as only Jim Korkis can tell them, in The Vault of Volume 2.

Then be sure to check ALL the volumes in The Vault of Walt!

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Film, Pop Culture

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2013

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, the 5 star rating applies to the Disney Fiction Fan - if you aren't a fan, the book will be mildly interesting, but probably not a page turner. I, personally, enjoy the memories and snips of tales that aren't frequently told - with my favorite story toward the end, of Walt's brother Roy, his affection for Walt and his drive to build Walt Disney World - if nothing else, the book gets 5 stars for that alone. The stories can get dull, but others are fantastic and if you like Disney it is worth picking up the book and giving it a read. I will continue my quest for all that is Disney and read the next one - above all else, the author seems to have a genuine interest in preserving the memory of Walt and Disneyland's history and is dedicated to an accurate and thorough retelling.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great short stories about Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company. If you enjoyed volume 1 then you will love this one. Jim Korkis writes in such a natural and welcoming way it make reading his works both a joy and easy to read.

[Heather Lavigne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first volume of these stories better than this one. My favorite story was actually the last one about Roy.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a little more than the first one. Probably because I was more interested in the rides and movies he talked about in this book.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Disney in any capacity, this book is a great read. The stories are short and manageable to read!

[Kimberly Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. Always good history by Jim Korkis. Nothing over the top new in this read and some chapters fell flat to me but history is history and love learning all I can about Walt.

[kylajaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly much more enjoyable than the first. My only real complaints deal with a few things that were repetitive. There was a quote from Walt in the first book that showed up again here, and the "Disneylandia" chapter was essentially the Walt's love of miniatures chapter that opened the first book (of the Revised edition) all over again. Honestly, I could care less about Walt's obsession with tiny things. However, I felt that the essence and spirit of Walt was much more prevalent in this book than the first one. Ironically, it could be because the presence of Diane Disney Miller was greatly reduced here. But as I read this I did not feel like anyone was trying to purposely play up the best parts of Walt or shove a sugar-coated version of him down my throat (as I felt in The Revised Vault of Walt). And in Volume 2 the stories are much more charming. I'm not going to lie, I almost got teary-eyed at the Partners statue chapter. When I first visited Walt Disney World that statue meant a lot to me. I love Walt and Mickey together, and I guess it gets me to think of how far they both came from humble beginnings. The closing chapter on Roy O. Disney was very sweet and probably my favorite. I love a good partnership (John and Paul!), and nothing makes me happier than hearing all of the ways that Roy and Walt complemented one another. I found the chapter on P.L. Travers vs. Disney to be superfluous since this book was released right before Saving Mr. Banks came out. It shares a few details that perhaps couldn't have been gleaned from the movie, but overall it's nothing we don't already know. One chapter goes inside Sleeping Beauty Castle and details the walkthrough exhibit that is there (I wouldn't know since I've never been to Disneyland). The previous book detailed the many women who brought Tinker Bell to life; this one details seven Snow Whites that created magic. Overall the stories were charming, sweet, and a bit magical, just like a really good Disney movie.

[Patrick Birmingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sequel to the original Vault of Walt, I think it holds up as a wonderful book. Much like the first one, there has been a coverage of interesting portions of the book that I considered to be my favorites such as the secrets of Epcot's Spaceship Earth and that conflict between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers while they were making Mary Poppins, and what else can I say about the other insider stories that haven't been said? I went through them and they inspired me so much with knowledge and appreciation that makes me a Disney fan. I would say that this is a must-read for Disney fans to discover and to enjoy.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Jim Korkis comes through with stories that delight and tell us more about the wonderful world that is Disney. I can never get tired of finding out something new and exciting about Disney and Korkis delivers time and time again. Another great book for those of us on the hunt for more fun and interesting Disney tidbits.

[Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corks shows his archival research chops again in the sequel to the original Vault of Walt. Disney fans will find an eclectic coverage of historical accounts and interviews covering a sample of Disney properties and assets, from Walt Disney World to the legacy of actresses playing Snow White. This is a must read for Disney nerds who like their research more academic than speculative.

[Kiki Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Jim Korkis and all his stories. None of the chapters are too long and they all can be read independently of the others. A fun book to read on the beach, on a Disney cruise and or just when you need a little pixie dust in your life.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my third Jim book. I have figured out that I enjoy the "park" stories the most. Unfortunately there was not a lot of park stories in this book.

[Renuka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun read for Disney fans. It gives behind the scene things that had to do with the movies, his life, the theme park, etc.

[Amanda Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one from Jim - I actually found this one better than The Book of Mouse. Some great stories in here, as usual.

[Niniane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky stories about Disney. I liked reading about the Mary Poppins battle with PJ Travers, and also the pandemonium of opening Disneyland.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Korkis tells some interesting stories about Walt Disney and his various projects... the chapters are more like magazine articles, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

[Peter Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very much enjoying Jim Korkis' books about Disney. While there is sometimes repetition (even from one paragraph to the next) there is also a fascinating treasure trove of interesting stories about Walt, hos movies, and his attractions, and they make reading these books so much fun!