The Lost History of Walt Disney World: A Tour of the Forgotten, Little-Known, and Obscure History of the Most Magical Place on Earth

by Danielle Kelly, Ian Wilson (Other)

Think you know everything there is to know about Disney? Think again! For the true Disney fan comes this insider tour of Walt Disney World history, which highlights the best-kept secrets, hidden past, and little-known “random Disney facts” with insider knowledge from former cast member and popular Disney influencer, The Dapper Danielle.

Think you know everything there is to know about Disney? Think again! Embark on a tour of Walt Disney World’s hidden history and obscure park secrets with The Lost History of Walt Disney World.

This must-have handbook goes beyond the highlights found in your typical travel book with behind-the-scenes secrets that help you understand and appreciate Disney’s forgotten past. Filled with insider knowledge about Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and areas near the parks, you’ll

-Why there’s only half a plane on the banks of the Rivers of Adventure—and what happened to the other half
-Which classic Disney tale inspired a Fantasyland ride that was considered scarier than the Haunted Mansion—and where you can still find “recycled” props and figures from that ride today
-How Florida’s notorious sinkholes actually led to the creation of one of the most iconic features of EPCOT
-And more!

Whether you are someone planning your first Disney trip or a seasoned Disney park aficionado, there’s always more magical history to be found. Grab your Mickey ears and explore the lost attractions, surprising stories, and hidden details behind Walt Disney World’s past with The Lost History of Walt Disney World!

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, History

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a great time reading this book. My mom and I love Disney World and I had fun texting her all the fun facts I learned in hopes of another Disney trip.

There are A LOT of hidden remnants of old attractions and memories in and outside of the parks if you look closely enough. I will definitely take the time to do that on my next trip to Florida.

My favorite new tidbit that I had no idea about was “Sue” from the Field Museum being partially restored at Animal Kingdom. As an Illinoisan, I have a newfound appreciation for her now.

[Caitlin Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

First, thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

I’m one of The Dapper Danielle’s numerous social media followers, so when I saw this book was available I knew I had to request it! I really like Danielle’s way of sharing Disney stories in her social media content, and I’ve been interested in checking out her books.

This one did not disappoint — even for myself, a Disney Cast Member and avid Disney Parks fan, this book had so much to teach me, and I was excited to learn! I’ve been dropping factoids from this book on my family and friends the whole time I’ve been reading it (all while snacking on my Orange Bird popcorn, of course!).

Even for those who, like me, didn’t think they’d learn anything new from a book like this, I bet there’s something in there you didn’t know. This book should be on the TBR of all Disney Parks fans, as it’s such an interesting look of what came before the parks as we know and love them today!

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Disney girlie in me was kicking my feet the whole time! Perfect for Disneyworld fans as Kelly shares the history and ins and outs of all the Disneyworld Orlando parks. I especially loved the "find it" segments at the end of each chapter detailing where to find historical Disney magic!

[Alicia Birdie and the books · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

My Disney loving heart loves finding out all the Disney history that I can. So if you love Disney history like I do, I highly recommend picking this one up.

[Darius Ostrowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read several different histories of the Disney parks, both in Anaheim and Orlando, so I was really looking forward to reading “The Lost History of Walt Disney World: A Tour of the Forgotten, Little-Known, and Obscure History of the Most Magical Place on Earth” by Danielle Kelly. And in general, this is a fine addition to the histories and stories already out there, even though most of the information is available elsewhere, and the author provides some personal perspective and direct knowledge which is always interesting and appreciated.

The book starts out with a brief history of Walt Disney World, of the lessons Walt learned in California and how he used Florida to right some of the mistakes of Disneyland and stay closer to his vision. The biggest change was simply the amount of land he purchased, the size and scope of Disney World was to be on a scale not seen in amusement parks. Walt also hoped to move beyond theme parks and actually create a utopian society, this was one part of his vision that was never truly realized.

Ms. Kelly then takes us through each individual park, starting with the Magic Kingdom, followed by EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. For each park we get a little of the history/backstory, a look at attractions that are no longer around, and also some concepts that were never realized. There are also “Find it!” sections, a guide to remnants/shadows of the historical attractions that can still be found in the parks. And finally there’s a section that explores Disney World beyond the parks, the hotels, shopping, and living areas that have come and gone on the extended Disney property.

Overall this is a great summary of what can be found in Orlando for the Disney enthusiast. It would have been great to have pictures of the historical attractions, but I am sure that can be found online or elsewhere. A good guide to review before one heads out to Florida.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Adams Media via NetGalley. Thank you!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost History of Walt Disney World: A Tour of the Forgotten, Little-Known, and Obscure History of the Most Magical Place on Earth by Danielle Kelly with Ian Wilson ( Sept. 2026) [reading in August]
I Love Disney Gift Book Series #4
240-page Hardcover

Genre: History, Travel

Movie Rating Equivalent: G

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎬🏨⛲️🎡🎢🦄🎊🏘

Featuring: Preface, Introduction, The Florida Project, Former Castmember & Trainer, Find It - Locations Historical Items, Imagine It - Locations of Shelved Disney Attractions & Projects, Park Maps, Stories, Index, Series Bibliography with Covers

In the beginning of The Lost History of Walt Disney World, Danielle Kelly says this story will read as if you were walking through Disney World with your own personal guide, and she was spot on.
​I was disappointed there was no Works Cited at the back of the book, but it's okay because I also did not want to annotate the title and creator of every movie, song, or screenplay mentioned in this book—though I did take note of the non-fiction book. It was very hard for me to leave original Disney songs like "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "The Best Time of Your Life," and "If You Had Wings" off my list. I'm telling you, my fingers were itching when I was reading this book, but I knew if I added those, I would have to go back and add all the others because I can't do anything half-way! So, I left them alone. If you want to know the names of the songs Disney has created over the years, the movies they reference, or the tidbits about Michael Jackson songs, you're going to have to read this book. It was very entertaining and it did feel like I was with a tour guide through the park.
​I was not a fan of the maps. They were cute and all, but they weren't realistic to the parks—more like a symbolic map. However, they did feature future projects currently under construction on the maps, so maybe that's why they chose to go with a symbolic style map instead of an actual park map. I was expecting a lot of pictures, but there were no photographs at all—only the map drawings and the illustrations around some of the text boxes.
​Other than that, it was a fantastic book. There was a discussion on Christina Aguilera's "Reflection" music video being shot in Epcot's China Pavilion—I had no idea! I assume she was in a studio. They break down exact moments of the video with timestamps so you can notice each section of the China Pavilion in Epcot. I also loved learning about projects that never saw fruition, like why there are unicorn and dragon references in Animal Kingdom.
​I enjoyed this book, and I don't usually say this about history books, but I think I could read this again. It was kind of relaxing and entertaining at the same time. I'm definitely going to check out her other books written about specific parks. I'm for sure going to start with EPCOT.

​Recommendation to others: Yes!!! This is probably the best Disney-related book I have ever read. I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of Disney World. I am not a Disney fanatic—I just enjoy vacations—and I was completely enthralled by this book.

I Love Disney Gift Book Series
1. I Love Disney's Magic Kingdom (2025) (Kelly & Wilson)
2. I Love Disneyland (2025) (Castles & Castles)
3. I Love EPCOT (2026) (Kelly & Wilson)
4. The Lost History of Walt Disney World (2026) (Kelly & Wilson)

Books and Authors Mentioned: Building Tall: My Life and the Invention of Construction Management by John L. Tishman

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a particular kind of magic in learning something new about a place you thought you already understood, and The Lost History of Walt Disney World leans into that feeling with real charm. It’s part history lesson, part treasure hunt, and part love letter to the parks — the kind of book that makes you want to wander through Main Street with fresh eyes, noticing every tucked‑away detail you used to walk past.

The Dapper Danielle’s insider perspective gives the whole book a warm, conversational feel. You’re not just reading facts; you’re being guided by someone who has lived the parks from the inside out. The stories she shares — from sinkholes shaping EPCOT to recycled Fantasyland props hiding in plain sight — have that delightful “wait, really?” quality that Disney fans adore. It’s trivia, but with texture. Secrets, but with context. And always delivered with a sense of genuine affection for the place.

What I enjoyed most is how the book balances nostalgia with discovery. It doesn’t just catalogue what once existed; it explains why those forgotten corners mattered, how they shaped the parks we know today, and what still lingers if you know where to look. Whether it’s the mystery of the half‑plane on the Rivers of Adventure or the eerie history of a ride deemed scarier than the Haunted Mansion, each chapter feels like opening a door you didn’t realise was there.

It’s a wonderfully readable companion for both first‑timers and seasoned park devotees. If you’re the kind of person who loves spotting hidden details, tracing the evolution of attractions, or simply understanding the layers beneath the sparkle, this handbook is a treat. It reminds you that Disney magic isn’t just in the shows and parades — it’s in the stories tucked behind every wall, every walkway, every forgotten prop.

A charming, insightful wander through the park’s past, and a must‑read for anyone who believes there’s always more to discover behind the castle.

With thanks to Danielle Kelly, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a guidebook to Walt Disney World that covers its history--both what came before and could have been--and how to locate remnants of that history inside the Disney property.

Those who are familiar with Disney World and/or are about to visit will especially enjoy the detailed instructions on how to locate these historical easter eggs throughout the four parks and even beyond its gates. The book focuses on the various parks--Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom--one by one before ending on the area surrounding Walt Disney World, also owned by the company.

I'm not an avid follower of Danielle Kelly, nor am I a frequent Disney theme park attendee. I've only visited Disney World once, back in 2017, when a friend who was a cast member at the time used her guest pass to bring me to Epcot for the day. Really, what had compelled me to request this book from NetGalley was my attendance during the writer's panel at this year's San Diego Comic Con. I was only present during half the panel--a long line to get in and a crowded room meant I wasn't ushered inside until halfway through when a seat had opened up--but what I saw intrigued me.

I have a casual interest in the history of theme parks, but this book isn't quite intended for casual fans. While I found the facts presented in this book interesting, an avid Disney park fan, or one who's particularly excited about visiting the park and knowing all the "secrets" about its history, will likely be entranced by them. With the easy-to-follow instructions on how to locate the remnants of the past still preserved in Disney World, this book gives park visitors a way to better connect with the history of the park and reminisce about what was or could have been.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Danielle Kelly, the publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you've ever wondered why Disney parks feel so magical, this book gives you the stories behind the details. Written by a former Disney Cast Member with ten years of experience, The Lost History of Walt Disney World reads like a walking tour through the parks, uncovering hidden tributes, forgotten attractions, and fascinating pieces of Disney history.

I loved the illustrated park maps and the "Find It" sections, which point out details to look for during your next Disney trip. I bookmarked so many pages because I already know I'll be referencing them the next time I visit Walt Disney World.

As someone who once wanted to become a Disney Imagineer, I especially appreciated learning about the creativity and history behind the parks from the beginnings of "The Florida Project" to stories about attractions like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the ideas that never came to fruition. It brought back so many wonderful memories of visiting Disney with my family.

The only reason this wasn't a five-star read is that I wish there had been photographs throughout the book. The illustrations are beautiful, but archival and park photos would have elevated the experience even more.

This is a fantastic read for Disney fans, history buffs, and anyone planning a trip to the parks. It's part history book, part travel guide, and part treasure hunt and I'll definitely be buying a physical copy when it's released.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dapper Danielle’s social media content as well as WDW, so requesting this book was a no brainer! Danielle and her co-author/brother in law, Ian Wilson, have written The Lost History of Walt Disney World. The book documents previous attractions, ideas that never came to fruition, and where to find Easter eggs of those long gone experiences.

The book is broken down by park and finishes with other central Florida Disney locations (looking at you Pleasure Island!). I love that when they write about the four parks, they don’t bounce around. For example, in Magic Kingdom’s chapter, they take you on a journey from Main Street to Adventureland, into Frontierland, into Liberty Square, etc. It’s easy to follow along like you’re in the park with them. At the end of each “lost” segment is either a “Find It” Or “Imagine It Here” section. These sections were great! They either point you in the direction of an homage to a closed attraction or place you in the spot where an attraction would have been if it had gotten past the idea stage. Some of these fun facts are well known but most were obscure to me.

When rides and properties close, the fandom can become toxic with their disgust of losing something beloved to them, but this book really puts into perspective how WDW has always evolved and changed. Sometimes with big announcements and closing ceremonies like the last night of Pleasure Island and other times quietly without fanfare like Discovery Island.

Danielle mentions it perfectly at the end of the book that all these changes and proposed ideas that never materialized just skim the surface of WDW’s history. She could easily make this a running series. Whether you go to Disney a lot or a little, the book opens up brand new experiences for you to look for in each park.

Thank you to Adams Media for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Adams Media for this magical book!

Close your eyes and imagine you're transported to the early hours in Lake Buena Vista. You are surrounded by the feeling of magic and nostalgia that you can't find anywhere else. Open your eyes and see the rope drop as you walk into Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. If you're a die-hard Disney fan, you've likely grabbed every copy of every book, film, or podcast about Disney World. Maybe you even have friends who have worked for Disney or been friends with the characters. Likely, you'll know about the tunnels under Magic Kingdom and the secrets revealed in the Keys to the Kingdom tour. What you won't find is a more concise history of Disney World than this book.

Danielle Kelly has done her research. As someone with a lot of knowledge about Disney World, I expected this book to be just like every other one. Now, it has some of your typical hidden trivia because it was necessary to be thorough. I don't fault it for that, especially since this gives one of the most in-depth histories of Disney World that I've ever seen. It almost felt like Kelly was there since opening day. This is a book I'll read again and again as I go visit the parks. It's so well organized that you can walk into Magic Kingdom and open page one of the Magic Kingdom chapter and follow along as you wander around and see all of the history hidden in each park. I was so pleasantly surprised by this book, and I want to get this for every one of my Disney-loving friends!

[Mary Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walt Disney World has undergone so many changes since opening day in 1971, and this book takes you through each park, as well as surrounding attractions such as Disney Springs, as your guide to all of that history. Each individual park has its own dedicated chapter, filled with information about rides, attractions, and theming that may no longer be present, or may look different from how they were originally designed. Throughout each chapter, there are also sections called “Find It!” and “Imagine It.” In “Find It!” the author points out relics, symbols, and locations connected to former rides and attractions that you can still find throughout the parks today. “Imagine It” gives you the opportunity to picture the parks as Walt Disney and other Imagineers originally envisioned them, including ideas and concepts that were dreamed up but ultimately never implemented.

Walt Disney World fans, new and old, will find something to learn and enjoy in this book of lost history. Whether you are a seasoned Disney traveler or a newbie, neither group will be bored! I enjoyed reading about the ideas and attractions that I was never able to visit as well as reminiscing about those that I did visit but are no longer there. This book is full of fun information and is a very enjoyable read! I will definitely be paying more attention to the "lost history" on my next trip.

Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media/Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this ebook ARC!

[Sara Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid Disney Fan and 15-year passholder, I LOVE learning new things about the parks. There are little tidbits of history and fun facts you learn by talking to cast members and exploring the different areas both inside and outside the park. I started following TheDapperDanielle on social media because she posted a lot of Disney History and Easter Eggs that I hadn’t heard of before. When I saw she was coming out with a book on Disney History I knew I had to read it.

The book is structured around General Disney History in the beginning, the four major Walt Disney World Theme Parks in the middle—with some nods to the accompanying rides/shows/parades at Disneyland in California—and the hotels, water parks, and Disney resorts at the end. I was pleased that while I did know a good bit of the information covered in the book there was still plenty that I didn’t know. I found it rather facinating. I especially enjoyed the fact that after each section the author included instructions/directions to find the things she discussed in the parks today.

This is such an interesting and fun read for any Disney fan. It gave me a great sense of nostalgia for the rides and shows and parades I remembered experiencing as a kid while also giving me insight into things I hadn’t even thought about (or known about) beforw. A must read for those who call themselves Disney Adults!

[Isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(I am very thankful to have been able to receive an early arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

This book is for a very specific kind of person. I don’t think this book will be for every Disney fan out there. If learning little facts about the different parks is your thing, this book might be for you.

It is very informative, and I feel like you really need to know that going into it. The writing style is nice, but it mentions a lot of years and names you might not know (I didn’t.), but that didn’t bother me too much. The facts were (mostly) fun and I don’t think there were any that I already knew. (which kind of surprised me honestly)

I do wish there were some pictures or other visual things like sketches, in the book to really show what certain things used to look like. It wasn’t necessary for everything, but some facts could have used a little more visual help to really show what it used to look like before.

Overall I think it was a really fun book. I went through it a lot faster then I thought I would, with it being so informative, so that is also good. If you are someone who likes to learn facts about what was and what could have been in and around the Walt Disney world parks you might enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun tour of Walt Disney World attractions that are no more.

This was an enjoyable read and especially poignant if you have a long history of WDW visits and have some nostalgia for or curiosity about bygone park features and rides, as well as some general history of the property.

The best bits of this relate to rides that have been replaced or altered beyond recognition from the original, and what traces (if any) are left. The parks (Magic Kingdom in particular) are sort of a palimpsest, and it’s neat to learn where bits of attraction history have survived.

As a big fan of the old Mr Toad’s Wild Ride and Tom Sawyer Island (RIP), I was especially interested in those sections.

If there’s a flaw in this book it’s how it handles the non-park aspects of this. I could have used way more on the hotels instead of a whole section devoted to on-property golf courses. We get sadly little on Pleasure Island locales as well, which made me sad.

But in all it’s a good read, for both Disney newbies looking to learn the history, and especially for those who have been WDW enthusiasts for decades.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Bright Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Lost History of Walt Disney World by Danielle Kelly with Ian Wilson

Danielle Kelly, otherwise known as The Dapper Danielle, grew up near Walt Disney World (WDW) and found she had a true interest in all the details that are put together to make every aspect of the resort magical. She went on to become a cast member, and later a cast member trainer and facilitator, and has brought her extensive knowledge of Disney to the world through podcasts as well as two other books about Disney.

Here in these pages she shares some of the history and constant reinvention of the parks and outlying areas from its start as "the Florida project" through the WDW we enjoy today.

If you are a true lover of everything Walt Disney World, then you will just eat this tasty book right up. I could not put it down.

Thank you Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#arc #netgalley #AdamsMedia
#Brightbookreviews
#Goodreads #simonandschuster
#facebook
#Instagram

[Terri Wangard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first visited Disney World before it officially opened in 1971 and returned several times, but not since 2010. I visited Epcot only once, and never visited Disney-MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I skimmed over those sections in the book. The Magic Kingdom is my interest.

Constant in the Magic Kingdom means that many favorite attractions were changed, moved, or demolished. For me, that was the case with If You Had Wings. The ride was sponsored by Eastern Airlines, which had to withdrew its sponsorship in 1987. Canceled sponsorships led to a lot of demises.

A lot of space is devoted to Find It, tidbits left over from vanished attractions. Unless you’re heading to Disney World, that holds little interest.

If there is one constant in the story of Walt Disney World, it’s change. Old attractions that no longer resonate with an audience must make way for the future. Walt Disney himself cautioned against becoming too attached to the past. “Never get bored or cynical,” he said. “Yesterday is a thing of the past.”

[Jennifer Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Lost History of Walt Disney World, Danielle Kelly (or thedapperdanielle as many may know her), and Ian Wilson offer readers obscure and little known history of the beloved theme park through stories, trivia, facts, and ways for readers to experience the history for themselves when they’re in the parks.

I was a fan and follower of Danielle’s on social media for awhile as well as a huge fan of all things Disney so I was very excited to read this book and I was definitely not disappointed. I enjoyed getting to know the lore behind and trivia about one of my favorite places. Each story was fascinating and fun to read and I learned so much that I didn’t know before. And with the “Find it!” sections that follow some of the stories, I now have things to look for next time that I visit Walt Disney World. I can already see myself bugging my family with my newfound knowledge now.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Disney and Disney history.

I received an ARC of this book for review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost History of Walt Disney World by Danielle Kelly was such a fun read for a Disney fan! I’ve only been to Walt Disney World once, for a week, but I’ve been to Disneyland dozens of times and absolutely love reading anything and everything Disney.

I learned so much from this book about attractions, rides, and little pieces of Walt Disney World history that I had never heard before. It made me want to book another trip immediately just so I can wander around the parks looking for some of the remaining relics and hidden reminders of what used to be there!

I also loved the format. Each piece of “lost history” is broken into its own section, so it’s really easy to pick up, read a few entries, and come back to later. You definitely don’t have to read it straight through.

Such a fun, nostalgic, fascinating book, and a perfect read for anyone who loves Disney history and all the little details that make the parks so special!

Thank you to Adams Media and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions stated are based solely on my realding experience.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historic tour of Walt Disney World highlights the resort’s past, best kept secrets, and insider information. Broken down by park, alongside general history at the beginning and hotels and more at the end, this guide explores the hidden history of the most magical place on Earth!

I have always enjoyed Walt Disney World travel books with fun facts and secrets about the resort, so I was excited to read this latest guide! In terms of the content of the book, there were some things I knew, some things I’d forgotten (and was happy to refresh my memory on!), and some things I’d never heard before, so it was the perfect blend of history and secrets. I really liked the “Find It!” notes with directions where to find certain things in the parks, and thought that was such a fun concept! Overall, this is an outstanding choice for any Disney fan!

Thank you to Adams Media and NetGalley for my gifted e-ARC!

[Danielle Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and nostalgic read! The Lost History of Walt Disney World is perfect for any Disney fan that enjoys learning more about the parks.

The book is incredibly interesting, and very informative about the transitions and changes Disney World has undergone over the years. Prepare for a mix of emotions -- I found myself feeling sad for the attractions I never got to experience, disappointed to learn that attractions I previously enjoyed were no longer active, and bummed for the ideas that never came to fruition. But I also felt joy and awe as I learned about all of the creativity and innovation that Disney leaders and imagineers came up with to enhance the Disney experience.

I worked at Disney World back in 2011 as part of the Disney College Program, and each time I read a book about Disney, I regret that I didnt appreciate and soak up the experience like I should have. Its truly remarkable how the Walt Disney legacy has evolved and persevered through the decades.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a niche book, aimed at people who love Walt Disney World and want to further explore that love with a close examination of the resort’s history, cool facts about it today, and feel like a know-it-all when they visit; I happen to fit into all three categories so this book was perfect for me!

As an AP and self-proclaimed Disney Adult, I thought I knew everything about Disney World, but I learned so much from this book! It was so fun to read through and picture the things it mentioned. I said, “Whoa!” so many times. I feel like such an insider now, I’m really going to be “that gu” and point things out next time we head over 😂

Everyone can learn something new from this book, there’s so much detail and depth, I was blown away. It was organized well and I’ll be referring back to it often!

Thank you so much to the author for writing such a wonderful book!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a neat book about Disney World. As a Disney World lover, I've watched all the old Imagineer shows, the Walt shows and all the behind the scenes for WDW. This book did offer some bits of tidbits here and there that weren't covered in the shows. It is broken down by each parks in Florida, and trivia for each of them.

Be that as it may, while there are maps of each of the parks, would've appreciate more illustrations or photos to go along with the information. It felt like it's information after information. Seems like it's being presented with facts with you imagining the places. So unless you're familiar, or a fanatic, it takes some imagination. Not that I didn't learn anything, but alot of them were covered in Disney produced shows too. So it's a good supplement.

Thank you NetGalley & Adams Media for the ARC.

[Mrs. G · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love Disney and Disney Parks, this read is for you. It highlights multiple historical parts of each Florida Park, even touching on some upcoming changes that are going into effect this year.

I really enjoyed reading about some places to look for hidden history in the parks. I did know most of the history highlighted in this book from other books, park visits, and podcasts that I listen to. But the stories I didn't know were fun additions to look out for in my future visits to Disney Parks. The downsides, there were a few places I felt were repetitive and unfortunately, with the most recent announcement at D23, some parts are already outdated.

Check out this fun Disney read! I am going to check out the author's podcast as a result of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Adams Media for an ARC for my personal review.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am pleasantly surprised by this book! I’ve read several Disney history books, and this is the first one I’ve come across that includes specific places you can actually visit in the real world to experience the things being discussed.

I also really enjoyed how concise and easy to read this book was. So many history books feel like they have to list every single little detail, but this one does a great job of giving you an easy-to-digest version of the history without feeling like you’re missing out. I was even surprised to learn several facts that I hadn’t come across before!

Overall, this was a really fun and accessible way to learn more Disney history, especially if you enjoy being able to connect what you’re reading to places you can actually visit.

Pros: Easy to read information and real world application
Cons: It is a history book which can be dull for some

[Kristen Bolding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about the lost history of the 4 parks and resorts in Walt Disney world resorts!

It was so fun to learn things about the attractions from when the park first opened and how they have grown and changed over the years!

I have followed the Dapper Danielle for several years now! She has a great knowledge of the parks and in this book she makes it seem like a friend having a conversation with you. I really enjoyed the way she mentioned where to find the things in her books in the parks!

I’m looking forward to Checking out some the things mentioned in the book in my trip next month to the parks!

Thank you to NetGalley, Danielle Kelly, Ian Wilson, and the publisher for the ARC!

[Meghan Alderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC of the Lost History of Walt Disney World. This was a fun and easy book to read that is a good resource to learn more about the history of Disney, particularly related to Disney World. While I'm not as familiar with Disney Word, it was still an enjoyable read. There are many items in the book that sparked childhood memories that had slipped my mind, so it was a nice journey back in time. I didn't realize quite how often Disney makes changes to their parks. It's really fun to think about these little secrets that can be found around the park as a link to the past. I think this is a worthwhile book if you enjoy Disney., and it would have been nice to have pictures to reference, but it's not necessary.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always pick up these books hoping I will have an AHA moment and will learn something completely new and exciting about Disneyland/World/Walt himself. Unfortunately, this didn't do that for me. A lot of what is in here has been reported by other authors, including Disney Archivists and one whole section I just watched on Behind the Attraction from Disney itself. Also, anyone who would assume that Disney lovers are not familiar with Ub Iwerks and his contributions to the Disney company as this author does, should really rethink who their audience is.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Emma's Rambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very much a 'Disney adult' and have been to Disney World multiple times since 1997.  I also follow Dapper Danielle on TikTok so really wanted to read this book. 
It was exactly what I wanted! Disney history and WDW Easter Eggs. I've read quite a few books about Disney (the man and the place) so I knew bits of it but there were lots of things that I didn't know which I loved. 

This book definitely has it's niche - I would say that you would get more out of it if you've been to the parks but is also interesting if you're headed to the parks or just like Disney/theme parks

Thank you NetGalley for my arc, I'm happy to share my honest review.

[Crystal Palmisano-Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid Walt Disney World fan I've participated in several behind the scene tours on site, watched tons of videos about the parks and resorts, and read plenty about the history. With that in mind it's rare for me to not know most of the history included in books like this, but this one was fabulous! While there were a few stories or historic pieces I was familiar with, at least 70% of this book was new or more detailed information for me.

IMO, this is a must read for any Walt Disney World fan.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!