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The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom
Sure, it's the Happiest Place on Earth, but how much do the 45 million-plus people who visit the Disney World theme parks annually really know about it? From where to find all the hidden Mickeys to the truth behind Madame Leota's ring at the Haunted Mansion, learn all about the hidden magic that permeates these fabulous resorts in this tell-all handbook. Readers also get the insider's take Complete with secret tips from Disney's Imagineers, this book is the perfect in-park companion for Disney World fans.
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2009
887 people are currently reading
2901 people want to read
About the author
Susan Veness
28 books13 followersSusan Veness is an international travel writer, solo author of The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World (now in its third edition), Walt Disney World Hacks, and Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Trivia, plus the co-author of The Hidden Magic Planner and the Brit Guide travel book series. She was among the first visitors to Walt Disney World in 1971 and has maintained a keen interest in Orlando and the theme parks ever since. Her eye for detail led her to become a contributor to a major Disney website and discussion forum, which she then parlayed into a job with the Brit Guide travel series as principal research assistant on their Orlando title in 2001. She now contributes to a wide range of sources, from the Internet to magazines, including online content as an Orlando expert for Attraction Tickets Direct, Orlando Attractions magazine and (jointly) for BBC America online, The Telegraph online and the Mail on Sunday newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her ambition is to spend a year touring Europe and then, possibly, to get some sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
April 8, 2021
A cute and interesting walk through the details that abound throughout Disney World. It's sadly too true that we all tend to rush through theme parks without slowing down to appreciate the intricate fingerprints Imagineers worked so hard to include. To have taken part in such an incredible project is an honor in itself, but to leave your legacy in the form of small clues that someday someone writes a book about is even better.
February 27, 2019
History, fun facts, and details about Walt Disney World. There truly is a lot of hidden magic that the average visitor does not realize or appreciate. Some parts are now out of date, but still an interesting and informative read for Disney World fanatics.
June 16, 2011
If you are into Disney World, this may be a very interesting book for you. However, it's definitely for a certain type of fan. I think that someone who maybe has an annual pass and goes all of the time and already knows every minute little detail will already know some of what's in here. On the other hand, even if you go every few years and consider yourself a fan, I do think there is a lot here that will be new and interesting.
The idea behind this book is really good, but it unfortunately drags in places. It's fascinating to learn facts that you may not have realized about what is around you, such as the fountain in Epcot containing water from rivers all over the world. Unfortunately, there are a few too many sections that go on and on about items hidden in queue lines or around the parks. I don't really want to read about something I could actually see (even if a lot of people tend to miss it). I'd prefer to hear about behind the scenes information that I have no other way of knowing.
In addition, it only covers the main four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. I'm sure there's tons of hidden magic in other places, such as the resorts, water parks, and downtown Disney, but they get no mention in this book.
It's definitely an interesting read at least once, especially for Disney fans. And the time line for each park is interesting to read to learn how it has progressed through the years. But some sections are better off skipping or just glancing over.
The idea behind this book is really good, but it unfortunately drags in places. It's fascinating to learn facts that you may not have realized about what is around you, such as the fountain in Epcot containing water from rivers all over the world. Unfortunately, there are a few too many sections that go on and on about items hidden in queue lines or around the parks. I don't really want to read about something I could actually see (even if a lot of people tend to miss it). I'd prefer to hear about behind the scenes information that I have no other way of knowing.
In addition, it only covers the main four parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. I'm sure there's tons of hidden magic in other places, such as the resorts, water parks, and downtown Disney, but they get no mention in this book.
It's definitely an interesting read at least once, especially for Disney fans. And the time line for each park is interesting to read to learn how it has progressed through the years. But some sections are better off skipping or just glancing over.
April 15, 2012
The book describes itself as a guide to hidden Walt Disney World treasures, no matter if you’re just going to the parks for your first time or if you’re a well-seasoned WDW fan like me.
If you’re a first time visitor to Walt Disney World, then it’s a good guide to inform of all the extra things that Disney does to help make their parks so magical.
Unfortunately, I was more than a little disappointed by this book. Many of the hidden secrets in the book are things that you don’t really have to go out of your way to notice – nor are they meant to be secrets at all. For example, when you’re in the Upsidedown Open House scene in Journey to Imagination, the book tells you to look at the paint pots – they’re Figment Pigments. This isn’t really something that is secretive or hidden.
I also felt that the author didn’t put in much effort in researching the book, as there are a fair number of errors. The book mentions that in the Vins de France shop in the France Pavilion there is a little rat character tucked away. The book incorrectly names this character as Ratatouille. The rat is actually named Remy, from the film Ratatouille. In another section the book mentions that there is a hidden suite in Cinderella Castle that is only being used for storage. The book was published in 2009, but Disney officially announced that this space would be refurbished into an actual suite for guests in 2006. It was then offered up as a prize in the Year of a Million Dreams contest in 2007.
The book also contains a lot of the author’s own commentary, which normally would be alright, with one exception. When the author speaks about Off Kilter, a Celtic rock band inspired from Canada’s own musical traditions, she insinuates that this is a stretch on Canadian culture and that it’s not appropriate for the pavilion. As a Canadian this was a slap in the face. Celtic roots play a huge part in Canadian heritage, making up a good portion of Canadian folk music – particularly on the East coast. It’s to the point that it influences much of our popular music. The most well known of which are Spirit of the West, the Rankin Family, or Great Big Sea. And while I can’t fault the author for not being an expert in Canadian culture, I think if I were writing a book I might do a bit more research before making remarks like that.
A fair amount of the book is dedicated to the history of the parks. Had I known that, I probably would not have gotten this book.
The book might be suitable for first timers to the parks, who wouldn’t necessarily realise that if they slowed down for a few minutes and took the time to look around they would discover a whole realm of detail.
My final rating of this book is 1/5 stars, because personally I didn’t like it. But if you’re a first timer to WDW you might enjoy it.
If you’re a first time visitor to Walt Disney World, then it’s a good guide to inform of all the extra things that Disney does to help make their parks so magical.
Unfortunately, I was more than a little disappointed by this book. Many of the hidden secrets in the book are things that you don’t really have to go out of your way to notice – nor are they meant to be secrets at all. For example, when you’re in the Upsidedown Open House scene in Journey to Imagination, the book tells you to look at the paint pots – they’re Figment Pigments. This isn’t really something that is secretive or hidden.
I also felt that the author didn’t put in much effort in researching the book, as there are a fair number of errors. The book mentions that in the Vins de France shop in the France Pavilion there is a little rat character tucked away. The book incorrectly names this character as Ratatouille. The rat is actually named Remy, from the film Ratatouille. In another section the book mentions that there is a hidden suite in Cinderella Castle that is only being used for storage. The book was published in 2009, but Disney officially announced that this space would be refurbished into an actual suite for guests in 2006. It was then offered up as a prize in the Year of a Million Dreams contest in 2007.
The book also contains a lot of the author’s own commentary, which normally would be alright, with one exception. When the author speaks about Off Kilter, a Celtic rock band inspired from Canada’s own musical traditions, she insinuates that this is a stretch on Canadian culture and that it’s not appropriate for the pavilion. As a Canadian this was a slap in the face. Celtic roots play a huge part in Canadian heritage, making up a good portion of Canadian folk music – particularly on the East coast. It’s to the point that it influences much of our popular music. The most well known of which are Spirit of the West, the Rankin Family, or Great Big Sea. And while I can’t fault the author for not being an expert in Canadian culture, I think if I were writing a book I might do a bit more research before making remarks like that.
A fair amount of the book is dedicated to the history of the parks. Had I known that, I probably would not have gotten this book.
The book might be suitable for first timers to the parks, who wouldn’t necessarily realise that if they slowed down for a few minutes and took the time to look around they would discover a whole realm of detail.
My final rating of this book is 1/5 stars, because personally I didn’t like it. But if you’re a first timer to WDW you might enjoy it.
March 8, 2022
Really nerded out to this “Hidden Magic”guide. Veness highlights special WDW touches we might otherwise miss. Also listed are timelines of each park including rides/attractions that are longer present. This jogged a vivid memory of 8-year-old me riding Maelstrom, now re-themed as Frozen Ever After. And it turns out, I went to MGM Studios its inaugural year. Fun memories! A must read for those who want to drive their family bonkers.
March 23, 2023
Some of this i knew. Some i didn't. Worth reading for sure. However...someone needs to tell the author that the Chronicles of Narnia film DEFINITELY didn't win 11 Oscars haha
January 13, 2019
I consider myself a Disney expert. I may not know how to change a tire, but I can boggle you down with facts about the international theme parks.
Here's what I liked about the book:
There are some very specific areas to look for hidden magic, that even the Youtube channels don't mention! You better believe I am going to try to spot the hidden Oswald in Seven Dwarves Mine Train coaster!
On the other hand,
some of the hidden facts are either so specific (there's a LOOOOOT of little hidden gems from Imagineers that are often personal to the imagineers) or they really aren't even a piece of hidden magic at all.
Overall, the book is a fun book to flip through before your trip. I enjoyed it, and felt a little better knowing there are bigger Disney fanatics out there than me.
Here's what I liked about the book:
There are some very specific areas to look for hidden magic, that even the Youtube channels don't mention! You better believe I am going to try to spot the hidden Oswald in Seven Dwarves Mine Train coaster!
On the other hand,
some of the hidden facts are either so specific (there's a LOOOOOT of little hidden gems from Imagineers that are often personal to the imagineers) or they really aren't even a piece of hidden magic at all.
Overall, the book is a fun book to flip through before your trip. I enjoyed it, and felt a little better knowing there are bigger Disney fanatics out there than me.
August 31, 2025
As a long time disney fan, this was a great book! I liked learning all the secrets and history behind each of the parks
January 10, 2019
I was really excited to get this as a Christmas present. I love going to Disneyland and find the behind the scenes stuff fascinating. This book was a disappointment. The writing was dry and clinical. I felt like I was reading a textbook. For the most part the "secrets" were no interesting and not really secrets. She focused a little too much on architectural details. Blech!
February 5, 2023
“If you want to know this secret I won’t tell you, you can google it.” Then why the f*ck did I buy your book?
December 27, 2014
I am a sucker for any book that has the words "Disney World" in the title so when I saw this book on sale at Barnes & Noble I snatched it up.
Unfortunately, I don't know if it's just my copy or all of the Barnes & Noble version, but I was missing pages 19-50 and it was part of the Magic Kingdom section (my favorite) so it really knocked my excitement down a peg.
That aside, this book is really interesting and if I ever get to go back to Disney World I am definitely taking it with me. There was a lot of neat secrets that people of any age would enjoy. I also liked the behind the scenes tidbits the author included.
The only things I really didn't like about the book were the year by year history lessons at the end of each park's chapter and also the way the author sometimes inserted her own opinion into the secrets. But it's still a solid four star rating and it might have even been a five if there wasn't a large chunk missing.
Unfortunately, I don't know if it's just my copy or all of the Barnes & Noble version, but I was missing pages 19-50 and it was part of the Magic Kingdom section (my favorite) so it really knocked my excitement down a peg.
That aside, this book is really interesting and if I ever get to go back to Disney World I am definitely taking it with me. There was a lot of neat secrets that people of any age would enjoy. I also liked the behind the scenes tidbits the author included.
The only things I really didn't like about the book were the year by year history lessons at the end of each park's chapter and also the way the author sometimes inserted her own opinion into the secrets. But it's still a solid four star rating and it might have even been a five if there wasn't a large chunk missing.
November 17, 2017
Usually, this is the type of book I would really enjoy. Unfortunately, I was ultimately disappointed when I finally finished the book and also questioning the validity of what I had read. My first issue with the title is that I found errors, whether it be Disney-related or under the category of general knowledge. Needless to say, this colored my reading of the rest of the book as it made me skeptical of the book's accuracy. I also found parts of this book highly repetitive because some items would be mentioned at the beginning of a section and then again in the middle of the same section. Finally - and I realize this is personal preference - I found some of the word choice odd and/or repetitive, such as the author's frequent use of "tie-up."
May 20, 2016
Loved this book. Really interesting. Not so much a guide book, but one that explains lots of little secrets within the 4 main parks at Disney. Very enjoyable.
September 20, 2022
A guide to the many, many hidden secrets you can find while touring through the parks of Walt Disney World. It's so comprehensive that one worries about the experience being spoiled, but fortunately some secrets are held back for the end of the book, and some parts merely clue you where to look and don't spoil at all. The only minus to this particular edition is that it's nearly a decade out of date as of this reading, but one presumes most of the secrets are still there. The book also includes broad histories of the various parks, as well as other interesting trivia about the various sights within. (B+)
January 23, 2019
I really liked this book. It contained a lot of details about things you can look for in each of the four parks as well as specifics for each ride. My only complaint was that this edition contained a lot of information that is dated such as information about mickeys birthdayland.
April 3, 2023
This book is the perfect tool for the Disney history fanatic. It was interesting to read the history and details the imagineers took such great care in creating. Over time, the details in this book will become outdated and the imagineers continue to add to the parks, but the author makes good note of that at the beginning of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
i knew everything in this book it was not that surprising
April 15, 2024
A nice little listen that basically goes through each park/ride and talks about easter eggs mixed with a little history of each park.
April 14, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I love Walt Disney world so I picked this up in hopes to learn more about the details. I did learn more but it is super hard to visualize unless I’m there. It was also a lot of information I already knew being a huge fan of Disney. I honestly was just hoping for more from this book.
March 11, 2018
I wasn’t a big fan of the writing style and some of the secrets seemed to be just thrown together. Also she only sourced 2 books which is questionable...
July 13, 2018
Hermoso, lo que es una lastima es que muchas de las cosas de las que habla este libro ya no existan. Igual es una lectura super interesante para los fans de los parques.
Amé que al final de cada capítulo te haga un resumen de la historia del parque.
Amé que al final de cada capítulo te haga un resumen de la historia del parque.
October 30, 2018
Fun to read. Made me want to go on vacation there. Sadly, there is outdated info (obviously not the fault of the author) because theme parks have to constantly change to stay relevant and exciting.
July 2, 2017
You think you know everything about the parks after 4 visits... but trust me, you don't!
This book was published in 2006, so many of the tips and information is outdated, but of the things that are still around, this book provides some really cool insight. Can't wait to look around for the hidden gems I learned while reading during our next trip!
This book was published in 2006, so many of the tips and information is outdated, but of the things that are still around, this book provides some really cool insight. Can't wait to look around for the hidden gems I learned while reading during our next trip!
May 25, 2017
Reread : This book is my favorite book about Walt Disney World. I love to know the hidden gems and things no one take the time to look at when they go to the parks. I'll go there again in July so I wanted to refresh my mind with these facts! A great read for anyone going to Walt Disney World!
The first edition of this book was (and still is) my favourite book about Walt Disney World. The second edition is just as good. I love the little details and the secrets in Walt Disney World and this book is sharing them with us. It's a must read for anyone wanting to visit the park, disney fans and even for the know-it-all kind of person! I always want to know more about the parks and this book do just that.
La première édition était (et est toujours) mon livre préféré sur Walt Disney World. La deuxième édition est aussi bonne. J'aime les petits détails et les secrets à Walt Disney World et ce livre les partage avec nous. C'est un livre à lire absolument pour les gens qui veulent visister les parks, les fans de disney ou même pour les gens qui sont du type à tout connaître! Je veux toujours en savoir davantage sur les parks et ce livre fait exactement ça !
The first edition of this book was (and still is) my favourite book about Walt Disney World. The second edition is just as good. I love the little details and the secrets in Walt Disney World and this book is sharing them with us. It's a must read for anyone wanting to visit the park, disney fans and even for the know-it-all kind of person! I always want to know more about the parks and this book do just that.
La première édition était (et est toujours) mon livre préféré sur Walt Disney World. La deuxième édition est aussi bonne. J'aime les petits détails et les secrets à Walt Disney World et ce livre les partage avec nous. C'est un livre à lire absolument pour les gens qui veulent visister les parks, les fans de disney ou même pour les gens qui sont du type à tout connaître! Je veux toujours en savoir davantage sur les parks et ce livre fait exactement ça !
April 6, 2021
An excruciatingly dull read full of mostly uninteresting, boring, and comically pointless observations. Most of the “hidden magic” discussed in this book couldn’t be classified as hidden or magic, and if you pointed them out to your travel companion, they’d likely reply, “Who cares?” before throwing your book into the seven seas lagoon.
Some of the “magic” dutifully researched and presented in this book:
- As you reach the first bend [of Test Track] after the glowing pine trees, look to your right. You’ll see what looks like a School Crossing sign with two people crossing a road holding an artists’ palette. They are based on the profiles of two engineers who worked on the attraction.
- The sign above his desk reads, Antiks Made to Order, and it doesn’t mean “antics,” it means “antiques.”
- If you pay close attention during Stitch’s Great Escape, you’ll notice that he never actually escapes! Stitch is not an actual alien but an animatronic, so he stays in the room after you leave and will perform again for the next group of guests.
I made the last one up, but I’m guessing you had a hard time telling after how ridiculous the first two were.
Some of the “magic” dutifully researched and presented in this book:
- As you reach the first bend [of Test Track] after the glowing pine trees, look to your right. You’ll see what looks like a School Crossing sign with two people crossing a road holding an artists’ palette. They are based on the profiles of two engineers who worked on the attraction.
- The sign above his desk reads, Antiks Made to Order, and it doesn’t mean “antics,” it means “antiques.”
- If you pay close attention during Stitch’s Great Escape, you’ll notice that he never actually escapes! Stitch is not an actual alien but an animatronic, so he stays in the room after you leave and will perform again for the next group of guests.
I made the last one up, but I’m guessing you had a hard time telling after how ridiculous the first two were.
November 6, 2016
This is a book to read Before you go to Disney World (or even better, to take with you). The hidden magic in question is occasionally pedantic, and often repetitive (Disney World has reused a certain address a dozen times; for good reason, but it's still redundant), but some of the secrets mentioned in the book are fascinating and I wish I would have had this with me on my last trip. The book also does a good job of providing a timeline of events for each park's rides and parades and shows, tracking when they started and stopped. It's also already a little bit out of date, but with a resort like Disney World, that's pretty much a guarantee, and it's currently less than two years off, so almost everything mentioned here is still available.
There's also some insight and quotes from people involved with the parks both in design and day-to-day. The narrative of the book isn't particularly strong, and the section on Magic Kingdom feels a little sparse, but other than that, this is a definite recommend for devoted fans of the Disney World resort.
There's also some insight and quotes from people involved with the parks both in design and day-to-day. The narrative of the book isn't particularly strong, and the section on Magic Kingdom feels a little sparse, but other than that, this is a definite recommend for devoted fans of the Disney World resort.
December 20, 2022
I noticed several errors which weakened my trust in the material (For example, The Magic Kingdom was dedicated on Oct 25. 1971, not Oct 23, as noted in the book. That's an easy thing to check). The grand opening weekend did start on Oct 23 but nothing special happened that day. If you can't get the easy stuff right I'm not going to trust you on the harder-to-verify stuff.
Many of these "secrets" are well-known to Disney fans or obvious to those who have ever visited Walt Disney World. The author also makes several assumptions that things found in the park are tied together or have a hidden meaning when I'm not convinced that they're not just coincidental. Several of her assertions seem to be a bit of a stretch and her errors made me reluctant to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Check out any of the books by Jim Korkis for well-researched books on Disney history or "secrets". Jim does his research and is well-respected for his thoroughness and accuracy.
Many of these "secrets" are well-known to Disney fans or obvious to those who have ever visited Walt Disney World. The author also makes several assumptions that things found in the park are tied together or have a hidden meaning when I'm not convinced that they're not just coincidental. Several of her assertions seem to be a bit of a stretch and her errors made me reluctant to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Check out any of the books by Jim Korkis for well-researched books on Disney history or "secrets". Jim does his research and is well-respected for his thoroughness and accuracy.
June 8, 2010
I can't belive how much stuff I missed at Disney! I'm so excited to be going again now. I can't wait to start hunting for stuff, epeically for the Hidden Mickeys. I'm going to keep an eye out for the feral cats that are the parks rat catchers, I certainly didn't notice any of them last time I was there. Also a bit gutted about all the rides, parades and attractions that have now closed down that I'll never get to experience. Like the 'Who wants to be a millionaire-play it!' where you got the chance to win a Disney Cruise. But it was great having that extra bit of history on the parks. The great thing about this book is on most pages I was reading about a secret and thinking 'I never saw that location'. I'm going to have so much more to explore on my next vist. I might be to busy looking for secrets I'll forget all about the rides. Thank you Susan for this wonderful book :)
September 28, 2014
Love it!
I chose this rating because I am a huge disney fan. I love all the parks in the U.S.A. and this book helped with the fun of our trip. I hope more books come out that are like this. I they do I would love to be messaged about it. so if you love disney secrets then this is the book for you.
I chose this rating because I am a huge disney fan. I love all the parks in the U.S.A. and this book helped with the fun of our trip. I hope more books come out that are like this. I they do I would love to be messaged about it. so if you love disney secrets then this is the book for you.
January 9, 2017
I am not an avid fan of Walt Disney World but i am going for the 8th time with my family. My daughter gave me this book so that I could have a little more fun than just riding the rides. I loved the book and can't wait to get to the park so I can find all these hidden treasures. What a great ideafor a book! Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews