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Defunctland: Guide to the Magic Kingdom
In Defunctland: Guide to the Magic Kingdom, author and creator of the Defunctland documentary series Kevin Perjurer invites readers to follow him on a guided tour of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The trip is educational, funny, exciting, and quite surprising. Readers will be left with a full knowledge of the history of the Magic Kingdom and its rides and hopefully a new outlook on the temporary nature of theme parks.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2019
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161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 13, 2023
Ahhhhhhh I just love Defunctland!!! I loved loved loved this book. I have never laughed out loud as much as I did reading it, which was nice and unexpected!! Great book for any Disney parks fan or just someone wanting an interesting read!
September 28, 2018
A must-read for all Disney and theme park fans. Filled with lots of humor and wit as well as practical tips to take you through the Magic Kingdom. I can't get enough of this book--on my second read! Highly recommend! :)
July 9, 2022
This first written spinoff of the eponymous Defunctland YouTube channel presents the same focus on change within theme parks and attractions that are no longer operational, but in the specific context of Disney World's Magic Kingdom as it exists in the present. Author Kevin Perjurer takes us systematically through the Orlando park, discussing in each section what's there now and what used to be. This approach sacrifices the depth of his web content for greater breadth, but it makes the title a good launching-off point for readers to seek out the former. If a few paragraphs about the defunct ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter pique your interest, for example, why not check out one of Kev's deep-dive videos or podcast episodes on the subject? Similarly, anyone who's already finished those won't get just a repeat here, as the framing concerns more of the current landscape instead.
I don't love how the text is presented as a tongue-in-cheek but still roughly plausible guide to visiting Walt Disney World yourself, though, because so much of the advice considered in that light is simply absurd. It's fine to organize an overview this way, but no guest should actually progress steadily through a Disney Park one themed land at a time, ignoring peak crowd sizes and queue times. This man honestly suggests Carousel of Progress -- a dated audio-animatronic show about technological advances that will never see a wait longer than ten minutes to enter -- as your second stop of the day! He also lets his personal feelings vent in a few caustic displays about attractions he hates and won't ever go on again, which I consider unnecessary and a tad obnoxious.
In the end the whole thing devolves into an extended joking suggestion that you sneak into the underground cast member 'Utilidors' and look for discarded pieces of older rides to take home with you. That part makes me feel better about some of the earlier impracticalities, and I do like the writer's eventual grudging reflections on the phenomenon of theme park evolution: that Disney as a company owes more to the 99% of visitors who don't know about / mind Mr. Toad giving way to Winnie the Pooh than to the passionate minority who do, and that an attraction disappearing doesn't erase the joy and fond memories anyone got from it while it was still around.
One ironic truth about this publication is that it has already grown outdated. In the four years since it was released in 2018, Disney has scrapped the FastPass+ reservation system for a rather different Genie+ / Individual Lighting Lane alternative, discontinued the Magical Express shuttle to and from the local airport, altered the arrangement of 'Extra Magic Hours' for resort hotel guests, and more. A new Tron-themed roller coaster is being built in Tomorrowland, and Splash Mountain will soon be replaced / rethemed into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. For readers who notice those details as they affect Perjurer's descriptions and recommendations, the book itself has become an inadvertent time capsule for the Magic Kingdom of a particular moment in history.
Nevertheless, I think this is an interesting read for anyone who appreciates theme parks or is planning to go to this one, so long as you keep in mind that its advice probably shouldn't be taken literally. I haven't liked it quite as much as the author's videos, but I've still learned a lot and would happily pick up any subsequent volumes covering Epcot or the rest.
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I don't love how the text is presented as a tongue-in-cheek but still roughly plausible guide to visiting Walt Disney World yourself, though, because so much of the advice considered in that light is simply absurd. It's fine to organize an overview this way, but no guest should actually progress steadily through a Disney Park one themed land at a time, ignoring peak crowd sizes and queue times. This man honestly suggests Carousel of Progress -- a dated audio-animatronic show about technological advances that will never see a wait longer than ten minutes to enter -- as your second stop of the day! He also lets his personal feelings vent in a few caustic displays about attractions he hates and won't ever go on again, which I consider unnecessary and a tad obnoxious.
In the end the whole thing devolves into an extended joking suggestion that you sneak into the underground cast member 'Utilidors' and look for discarded pieces of older rides to take home with you. That part makes me feel better about some of the earlier impracticalities, and I do like the writer's eventual grudging reflections on the phenomenon of theme park evolution: that Disney as a company owes more to the 99% of visitors who don't know about / mind Mr. Toad giving way to Winnie the Pooh than to the passionate minority who do, and that an attraction disappearing doesn't erase the joy and fond memories anyone got from it while it was still around.
One ironic truth about this publication is that it has already grown outdated. In the four years since it was released in 2018, Disney has scrapped the FastPass+ reservation system for a rather different Genie+ / Individual Lighting Lane alternative, discontinued the Magical Express shuttle to and from the local airport, altered the arrangement of 'Extra Magic Hours' for resort hotel guests, and more. A new Tron-themed roller coaster is being built in Tomorrowland, and Splash Mountain will soon be replaced / rethemed into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. For readers who notice those details as they affect Perjurer's descriptions and recommendations, the book itself has become an inadvertent time capsule for the Magic Kingdom of a particular moment in history.
Nevertheless, I think this is an interesting read for anyone who appreciates theme parks or is planning to go to this one, so long as you keep in mind that its advice probably shouldn't be taken literally. I haven't liked it quite as much as the author's videos, but I've still learned a lot and would happily pick up any subsequent volumes covering Epcot or the rest.
Like this review?
--Throw me a quick one-time donation here!
https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--Subscribe here to support my writing and weigh in on what I read next!
https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
--Follow along on Goodreads here!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
--Or click here to browse through all my previous reviews!
https://lesserjoke.home.blog
November 26, 2018
Things I don't usually do:
-read print books
-buy hardcovers
-buy anything from a YouTube channel creator
I broke all my rules here, and I'm glad I did. The Defunctland video series is always amazing, and this is a solid companion. There's no earthshaking revelations, but it's a fun and lighthearted overview of some Disney history. With a surprisingly deep, and very weird, ending.
-read print books
-buy hardcovers
-buy anything from a YouTube channel creator
I broke all my rules here, and I'm glad I did. The Defunctland video series is always amazing, and this is a solid companion. There's no earthshaking revelations, but it's a fun and lighthearted overview of some Disney history. With a surprisingly deep, and very weird, ending.
January 19, 2019
First off I love the YouTube series, hence why I bought the book. I also consider myself a bit of a Disney nerd and I even learned a few facts from this book. It starts out as a guide to the Magic Kingdom but turns into a little more than your average visit. There are parts of this book where I was laughing out loud. I would highly recommend if you are a fan of Disney, history, and humor. If I had to give a critique it would be that there is some variance in illustrations, some seem more detailed than others and one illustration seemed a bit out of place but these factors are very minimal. I hope there's an audiobook because this would be fun to listen to on a car ride on the way to Disney.
November 27, 2018
I love Defunctland on YouTube and the book version did not disappoint. Terribly funny and full of great information. I want an encyclopedia sized volume of the same stuff.
December 18, 2018
I was a backer for this project and I have to say I'm not disappointed at all by the result. This book is a perfect complement to the Defunctland videos on YouTube, it has the same spirit, focuses on the same kind of content, but in a different way, which only a book can allow.
The book is designed as a (sort of?) guide through the Magic Kingdom, with some references to other WDW parks. Still, it stands on the humor and personality that characterizes Kevin and the way in which he virtually guides you through the park is not devoid of a good amount of laughs and also a lot of content on defunct attractions, dates and events that were crucial to the park.
It's divided into sections for the lands and has illustrations, as well as additions, games and a grand finale I'm not going to spoil.
When it comes to content, the book has a different kind of approach than the videos. While the videos focus on one attraction or event at a time, with less focuses but more description of its elements, the book has more elements with less in-depth analysis. I find that this works very well for a book that comes from a YoutTube channel, because it allows both things to exist without cancelling each other out: the videos provide more in-depth information of the specific things while the book puts them all in context and organizes them in a sort of dual map of the park, of what is there now and what was there before.
I have the epub version, I had a few pagination errors and something funky with some illustrations but I can't tell if it was the file or me and my e-reader. In any case, I wish the epub had included links to the videos of those attractions or subjects Defunctland has covered (like Disney's America, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter and so on), but I understand that this would imply updates that, having the book sold independently, can't be provided. Still, it works really well all together and invites you to go back to those videos and re-watch them.
All in all, this is a one-of-a-kind Disney book that I would highly recommend to those who are fans of the channel. As a guide to go actively use for a visit to the Magic Kingdom, I'd say it's...unique. For those who already have a lot of Disney lore on them, I think it's still a nice addition to any Disney-themed book collection, I promise you haven't seen something quite like it, but I recommend checking out the channel before, to see how much you like Kevin as a guide.
As for me, I'm really happy with the book and had tons of fun reading it.
The book is designed as a (sort of?) guide through the Magic Kingdom, with some references to other WDW parks. Still, it stands on the humor and personality that characterizes Kevin and the way in which he virtually guides you through the park is not devoid of a good amount of laughs and also a lot of content on defunct attractions, dates and events that were crucial to the park.
It's divided into sections for the lands and has illustrations, as well as additions, games and a grand finale I'm not going to spoil.
When it comes to content, the book has a different kind of approach than the videos. While the videos focus on one attraction or event at a time, with less focuses but more description of its elements, the book has more elements with less in-depth analysis. I find that this works very well for a book that comes from a YoutTube channel, because it allows both things to exist without cancelling each other out: the videos provide more in-depth information of the specific things while the book puts them all in context and organizes them in a sort of dual map of the park, of what is there now and what was there before.
I have the epub version, I had a few pagination errors and something funky with some illustrations but I can't tell if it was the file or me and my e-reader. In any case, I wish the epub had included links to the videos of those attractions or subjects Defunctland has covered (like Disney's America, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter and so on), but I understand that this would imply updates that, having the book sold independently, can't be provided. Still, it works really well all together and invites you to go back to those videos and re-watch them.
All in all, this is a one-of-a-kind Disney book that I would highly recommend to those who are fans of the channel. As a guide to go actively use for a visit to the Magic Kingdom, I'd say it's...unique. For those who already have a lot of Disney lore on them, I think it's still a nice addition to any Disney-themed book collection, I promise you haven't seen something quite like it, but I recommend checking out the channel before, to see how much you like Kevin as a guide.
As for me, I'm really happy with the book and had tons of fun reading it.
June 5, 2019
"Dole Whip sucks."
What the fuck did you just fucking say about DOLE WHIP, you little bitch? I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Navy Seals, and I’ve been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Quaeda, and I have over 300 confirmed kills. I am trained in gorilla warfare and I’m the top sniper in the entire US armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words. You think you can get away with saying that shit to me over the Internet? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of spies across the USA and your IP is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You’re fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that’s just with my bare hands. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the United States Marine Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little “clever” comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn’t, you didn’t, and now you’re paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. You’re fucking dead, kiddo.
What the fuck did you just fucking say about DOLE WHIP, you little bitch? I’ll have you know I graduated top of my class in the Navy Seals, and I’ve been involved in numerous secret raids on Al-Quaeda, and I have over 300 confirmed kills. I am trained in gorilla warfare and I’m the top sniper in the entire US armed forces. You are nothing to me but just another target. I will wipe you the fuck out with precision the likes of which has never been seen before on this Earth, mark my fucking words. You think you can get away with saying that shit to me over the Internet? Think again, fucker. As we speak I am contacting my secret network of spies across the USA and your IP is being traced right now so you better prepare for the storm, maggot. The storm that wipes out the pathetic little thing you call your life. You’re fucking dead, kid. I can be anywhere, anytime, and I can kill you in over seven hundred ways, and that’s just with my bare hands. Not only am I extensively trained in unarmed combat, but I have access to the entire arsenal of the United States Marine Corps and I will use it to its full extent to wipe your miserable ass off the face of the continent, you little shit. If only you could have known what unholy retribution your little “clever” comment was about to bring down upon you, maybe you would have held your fucking tongue. But you couldn’t, you didn’t, and now you’re paying the price, you goddamn idiot. I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. You’re fucking dead, kiddo.
May 11, 2019
Honestly, it's kind of a hit-and-miss mixture for me with this book. I kind of expected more hints and tips that actually would be much more useful in Disney World and its Magic Kingdom. Instead I got a lot of berating of favorite rides (cons), along with tips of when they came out and were revamped (pros). It makes me think he's trying to disenchant people, versus enchant them to come to Disney. Seriously, dissing the Dole Whip?! That treat is a 50/50 for anyone. He's probably going for more of that dark humor, but a lot of it didn't hit the comedic mark. Personal opinion, it sounds like a cynical dad was being dragged along on a trip with the family, and isn't getting to go where he wants to go. Sounds like he would rather be lounging at the Skipper Canteen. Though I do agree that they really do have to retouch on the Hall of Presidents, there's some serious need there. I actually feel kind of shitty reading this book, because I kind of wanted it to build my expectations for when I go, along with knowledgeable facts. It's like an orange rum slush at the Harambe Market that was made a little too strong for me.
September 16, 2019
I absolutely love the Defunctland YouTube channel and so does my boyfriend. Naturally, I had to pick up Kevin Perjurer’s book for my boyfriend’s birthday, and then I had to steal it so I could read it myself. The Defunctland Guide to the Magic Kingdom was a great, quick, funny read and even as a Disney Parks superfan, I learned some new things. Some of the humor bits were taken too over the top for my taste (the last section is what I’m thinking of here) but overall I really enjoyed this book. I’d recommend it to Disney Parks superfans and to fans of the Defunctland YouTube channel!
January 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this satirical "guide" to Disney World. I laughed out loud many, many times. Perjurer has a great dry and irreverent sense of humor that I knew I liked from his Defunctland videos and it is on full display here. Like the videos the book is highly critical of Disney for all the right reasons while still being a love letter in its own way. You can tell he is basically pushing the envelope just as far as he can with the jokes without getting taken to task by Disney's legal team. A physical copy of the book isn't cheap but I was happy to financially support a creator I had been enjoying by for free on YouTube for years. I enjoyed learning the things that I didn't already know but I also just enjoyed going along with the adventure of it all when it becomes more than just a guide. I thought I just wanted history but the ending, when the whole thing went off the rails, ended up being my favorite part.
February 19, 2019
This book is so much fun, especially for huge Disney/theme park fans like myself. Kevin's narration is hilarious--I laughed out loud countless times while reading. Also, the turn the book takes toward the end is unexpected and amazing.
The only reason I'm not giving this book five stars is because I feel like it should have been longer! There are several rides/attractions that are sort of skipped over in the narration, and I feel there was potential for jokes or explaining the history of those areas.
I hope Kevin decides to write more Disney park guides! If you are a fan of Disney, and especially if you are a fan of the Defunctland YouTube channel, this is a must-read.
The only reason I'm not giving this book five stars is because I feel like it should have been longer! There are several rides/attractions that are sort of skipped over in the narration, and I feel there was potential for jokes or explaining the history of those areas.
I hope Kevin decides to write more Disney park guides! If you are a fan of Disney, and especially if you are a fan of the Defunctland YouTube channel, this is a must-read.
November 20, 2018
This book was absolutely amazing. I'm a huge Disney fan as far as history goes, so this is right up my alley. Also, Kevin has done a lot of research and it shows. Finally, this book is surprisingly funny. Not like the Defunctland videos are super bland, but it was nice to see so much humor. Overall, an amazing read. P.S. For background/contextualization, visit defunctland.com or watch something from the Defunctland YouTube channel. Do it. You won't be disappointed.
January 31, 2019
This light-hearted, nostalgic book documents the attractions at the Magic Kingdom in DisneyWorld, Florida, including those currently operating and those that have been decommissioned. Framed as a day at the park with the author as your guide, the narrow scope of the book results in a brief read, with a bizarre final chapter intended to provide some insight as to why change is necessary. Though entertaining and informative, I would only recommend this to hard-core Disneyphiles.
May 8, 2019
Very disappointed in this book. I love the history of the Disney theme parks and enjoy the Defunctland YouTube videos, but the author seemed to spend more time in the book trying to be clever and funny than delving deeper into Magic Kingdom attraction history. And he was often so snarky and critical of things that I wondered at times if he even liked the Magic Kingdom.
November 11, 2018
Hilarious, well researched and equally well written. A must read for any fan of Defunctland and highly recommended for any Disney Parks fan. Next time I go to Disney I might have to do as Kevin requests and get a picture of myself and the book with Pluto (such a good boy).
December 16, 2018
A recommendation of a full day at Magic Kingdom complete with what rides and attractions to see and what to skip, but also a history book, but also a humor book, but also a pretty surprising tale about the need for change but also the need to remember the past.
February 3, 2023
Kevin Perjurer is one of the most creative people I’ve been lucky enough to support through Patreon. His wit, his knowledge of the parks and his genuine passion shines in this book.
After reading this, go and watch his YouTube videos. You will not be disappointed!
After reading this, go and watch his YouTube videos. You will not be disappointed!
November 9, 2018
Hilarious, informative, and well-written, this is a fabulous read for fans of Disney parks. Looking forward to visiting more parks with Kevin Perjurer!
December 7, 2018
Its really good its like his YT videos but in book form! I read it a few too many times...
December 26, 2018
READ THIS BOOK
April 8, 2019
So good! Thoroughly nostalgic and entertaining!!! ♥️
July 8, 2019
Really enjoyed the deeper looks into some aspects of WDW, but there was a little too much "humor" that didn't translate as well into print as it comes across in videos.
August 28, 2019
Essentially like reading an abbreviated Defunctland YouTube episode just about Magic Kingdom—so, fun and funny and interesting but not as much of a deep dive as I’m used to from him.
August 12, 2020
A lot of personality, information & fun. Will go above & beyond your expectations. Also, holds up well with time!
February 13, 2022
Obsessed!
I always loved Defunct land but this is truly amazing!!
The fact is this just is such a good book!
I always loved Defunct land but this is truly amazing!!
The fact is this just is such a good book!
December 23, 2022
YouTube banter doesn’t translate to print all that well. Extra star for the interesting facts included.
February 22, 2024
more books should end with elaborate fanfictions centered around former Disney CEO Michael Eisner.
December 27, 2024
the humor in this book will keep you giggling. perfect kindle read for a disneyland day
January 3, 2025
A fun read that dives into the history of the Magic Kingdom in a funny and irreverent way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews