Mousejunkies!: Tips, Tales, and Tricks for a Disney World Fix: All You Need to Know for a Perfect Vacation

by Bill Burke

Far more than one obsessed travel writer’s take on Walt Disney World, Mousejunkies! is a collection of amusing travelogues and savvy insider’s tips gleaned from a group of seemingly rational adults who find themselves inexplicably drawn to the Magic Kingdom. It covers all the essential topics — when to go, where to say, what to do, and where to eat — as well as experiences not found in other guides. Readers learn how to indulge in an all-day beer and football orgy at the resort, how to extract the family from Fantasmic with sanity intact, where to catch a mid-afternoon catnap, and how a Disney cruise can go very, very wrong. Packed with useful information, from touring plans to restroom reviews, these funny, affectionate personal accounts paint a vivid portrait of a creatively engineered world where unexpected surprises create lasting memories.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would NOT recommend this for someone visiting WDW the first time (I think The Unofficial Guide is the best, but Frommers and that lot would also be better than Mousejunkies). For the more rabid Disney fan, there isn't anything new or original here (and there are a few inaccuracies about pretty basic stuff, although I only remember my surprise at an obvious Disney fan getting it so wrong, not what he got wrong). Burke is an 'on-site all the way' kinda fan, who once went to WDW in the winter without packing any pants, and who hates Figment because "he peed in my Dole Whip."

He also offers various "Awesome/Stupid Disney Ideas" (none of which are awesome), tips he calls "The Straight Dope" (a few of which are wrong), and lots of quotes from his friends on things that interest him, and tons of stories on the uglier side of enjoying WDW, most of them the result of over-indulging in food or drink or someone pushing themselves too hard when the sensible thing to do would be to call it a day. Which last is a terrifically accurate picture of the WDW experience that probably should get more attention in the more standard tourist books (one reason why The Unofficial Guide is the best -- their horror tales are shorter than Burkes, cover a wider range, and are buried in good advice about how to survive a WDW vacation with sanity -- and relationships -- intact).

Pretty much everything useful here is available elsewhere, better organized. If you really like the idea of hanging out with a group of rabid Disney fans, Burke's book has some appeal, but OTOH it's much the same as the busier threads on the Dis boards "Trip Reports" sub-forum, where not only can you interact with the group, but there are way better pictures.

All in all, a book to get from the library or just let alone.

EDIT: Josh Humphrey's site is the most up-to-date overall, although navigating it can be a chore. His book (with Dave Shute) is also supposed to be good, although I haven't personally read it, but I highly recommend his "cheat sheets" at EasyWDW, which are color-coded maps with touring plans and average waits: https://www.easywdw.com/easy/cheat-sh...

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book filled with anecdotes about Disney World. However, I kind of felt like the book couldn't decide what to be - fun Disney World stories or guidebook.

As a guidebook, I wouldn't reccommend it. All suggestions are based on just one or two personal opinions - the top Disney World Guide Book is still The Unofficial Guide to Walt Dsiney World. Plus, you can get plenty of personal opinions online. I suggest allears.net for the most useful.

As a book of fun stories, I would have liked more fun. The stories that were there were enjoyable and I think there should have been more.

However, if you are a Mousejunkie, I think you'll still find it fun to compare your thoughts and ideas and stories with the author's.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seemed to be going through an identity crisis. It seems to want to be a travel guide, but mostly it just seemed liked the author wanted to tell his favorite stories from his vacations to Walt Disney World. If you've never been to Disney World before, don't pick up this book. If you're looking for some amusing stories than this is just the thing.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was nothing wrong with it, but it felt a lot like a commercial for the DVC.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would consider this a supplemental read in addition to the official or unofficial (Sehlinger/Testa) guidebook. It is out of date in some pretty important areas of current WDW trip planning. Additionally, it is not what I would call comprehensive - it is mostly sheer opinion on the part of a handful of Disneyphiles - so things the authors aren't into tend to get skipped over entirely. Like memoirs of cast members, it's maybe best read as something to build anticipation for your upcoming park trip.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a travel book, more stories of what and why people love Disney World. Funny and witty stories of what to do or not do when travelling to the land of the mouse.
This was published before the internet and blogs were so widespread, so now it's easy to get tips online. But if you love Disney this is a good book to have in your library to read when you're not in Orlando. A nice way to tide you over till you're on your next trip.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It is so much fun to read! I also really like the size of the book, it's handy and easy to carry around. The book has lots of personal experiences from the mousejunkies which are mostly very funny!
If you are looking for a book that tells you the general information to plan your trip to Disney World I suggest buying the Unofficial Guide to Disney World but if you would like your daily Disney "fix" to bridge the time to your next Disney World trip, buy this!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whipped through this little book before a quick (first time!) trip to DisneyWorld. The author had some amusing anecdotes but a great deal of the info is incomplete and/or dated. I think the title is pretty mis-leading because it certainly wasn't "All" I needed to know. It left me with quite a few questions. Cute read but woefully incomplete.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, informative, funny look at WDW. Very enjoyable! It was a fun read and now I can’t wait to hit the parks!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I now feel ready to start the madness. Too bad the trip is not until December!

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

You've seen them all—Birnbaum's Guide to WDW, WDW with Kids, without kids, the unofficial guide, etc. They all have good information and delivered usually in a matter-of-fact manner depending on whether they're really super-pro Disney or people-go-there-so-we-have-to-write-this Disney. Out of the mediocrity climbs Mousejunkies.

I'm a certified Disneyholic (or mousejunkie). I hesitated to read another travelogue about stuff I already knew. But the author and I are friends on Facebook, so I felt his book deserved a shot. Mousejunkies have been to WDW untold times, have had wide and varied experiences, and share a love for all things to do with the Mouse. In this book, Bill shares his knowledge gathered over many trips, as well as that from a cadre of other Mousejunkie friends and contributors. From the best food to the best spot to watch Illuminations to the best bathrooms to the golf courses, spas, Disney's attention to detail, and so much more, this book talks about it all. A good effort was made to put everything in categories. But sometimes things just don't categorize easily. For example, in Mousejunkies Procreate (the section mostly dealing with kids) is where two of our not-to-miss attractions (even sans kids) are talked about: Muppets 4–D and Turtle Talk with Crush (Crush's interaction with the youngsters is a hoot!). This book also reveals that it is possible to teach old Mousejunkies new tricks, so do be sure to read it to the end. One thing, however, is perfectly clear: there is something for everyone at WDW whether you're a kid, an adult, or an adult who wants to indulge the kid screaming to get out.

For me, it was a pleasure to read info from people who feel like I do. There is something about just being there that speaks to me. Mousejunkies can't necessarily define it, they just know how it feels.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for anyone visiting Disney World for the first time and wants to know how all the tricks to a fabulous vacation, to the visitor who's been there and done that, and wants to know what else to do and see in the world. Written by self-professed "Mousejunkie" (someone that needs to get their Disney fix every so often), this gives you tips tricks and advise that you wouldn't otherwise think of.

Just a side note: if you believe that you are a "mousejunkie" then you really need to join D23. It's like a fan club for Disney. You get a magazine (Disney twenty-three), plus pins and other little gifties, and can go to all the events listed on the website (www.d23.disney.go.com).

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read. It's not so much tips and tricks as a general overview of one style of attending DisneyWorld, seen through the eyes of people who can afford to go multiple times a year. I don't often get envious of other people's lives, but the thought of being able to afford a time-share at Disney does make me jealous, since this is preparatory reading for a trip that's still 2+ years away. The book is definitely aimed at adults who like to indulge, especially in food. There was a fair bit of useful information, and a fair bit that doesn't really apply, coupled with some amusing and some off-putting anecdotes. I definitely learned about Disney World from the book, so it did serve its purpose, although not necessarily in the way I expected it to.

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate books that give me an expert's perspective of Disney World, given that my husband and I LOVE DW and are taking our own kids there for the first time next month. But I didn't really find this book to be very helpful or well-written. There were some tips throughout, but they didn't seem all that useful. To me, it just came off as a handful of Disney-obsessed adults who like to vacation there multiple times a year and why THEY love it. The books and tips seemed very aimed at adults -- not much advice for people with kids. The writing itself didn't seem to flow well either. I think I took away a few good tips from the book, but not as many as I had hoped.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little torn about this book. While it does provide some good tips for Disney first-timers.. but this really isn't a guide to Disney. This is a book that will mostly be enjoyed by further Mousejunkies that miss being at Disney. The author, Bill Burke, talks about some of his Disney experiences with a little big of useful info thrown in.. though, most Mousejunkies reading this book probably have already figured out the tips involved.

And that was one thing that bothered me - the tips. Some were actually useful tips, but mostly it was just trivia. I love Disney trivia, for sure. But please label it as trivia, and not a tip.

[Debbie Wakefield · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you sift through the author's personal opinions, there are some really interesting fun facts about Disney. Like, I learned there are 325 animals in the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom and it took artists 18 months to make. Look for the "Mousejunkie U" or "The Straight Dope" icons to read fun facts. I was hoping this would be more of a behind-the-scenes, advanced, fans-only type of book but I found it to be too personal and too opinionated. The authors would have long sections about their own experiences or memories (which is fine) that I skimmed over (because I'm sorry to say that I don't know or care about them.)

[MissM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one to review. On one hand, the author has a great sense of humor and for anyone who's already a fan of the 'World, they will relate to the tales within.

On the other hand, however, it's not actually terribly helpful as a guide for a newbie. There's a lot of little errors and it's light on actual information. The author doesn't even address all the resorts for example, even excluding one of the most popular, Wilderness Lodge completely! It's really unacceptable.

So the book is entertaining but not terribly useful.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

good one--one of the more interesting Disney guide books. I recently went there, then when we got back my mom started reading it because she just got it from being on hold. So I picked it up too. It talks a little too much for me about food and wine but that is the author's passion. Though I do love to eat! Also the hotel part was good; however, it didn't cover every single resort--just most of them. Otherwise, great so far. Not done yet.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, this book wasn't organized effectively. There were plenty of rambling testimonials of how fantastic Disney World is, but I found it taxing to pick out the nuggets of actual helpful information in all the chatter. And while I want to take my family to the happiest place on earth at least once in our lifetime, I have a hard time understanding the people who take multiple trips there each and every year.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

We are headed to Disney in January and if I hadn't read a few books on the topic already, I would have been completely lost and overwhelmed with the details presented in this book. Although the details were plentiful and well, detailed... It was a little much for us being first timers to WDW. Don't get me wrong, this book had its high and hilarious points and I did get a few little tidbits that I hope to use on vacation but more than anything, it was just a fun and quick read.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is entitled "Mousejunkies" and promises in its subtitle to provide tricks and tips to get your Disney World fix.

Now I've never been to Disney World, in fact I got this book to help plan my trip. I learned nothing from this book that I hadn't already learned from Disney commercials and perusing a couple of blogs.

This book should be entitled stuff about Disney World for those who live in total isolation.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a quick and funny read. Some good tips are offered in the book. One of my favortie parts of the book is stories of people misbehaving at Walt Disney WOrld! Boy, oh boy do some people shock the heck out of me! I am glad to find out that I am not alone in my love of Disney! I now have a name - Mousejunkie!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was entertaining. Sacrastic witt illuminate some of the facade.. some of these folks are true die-hards and mystify me. We're going (first time for me in 25 years) kids' first trip, and I'm intrigued by the Disney sub-culture.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a biography of a group of self-professed Mousejunkies (fans of Walt Disney World), it's a very enjoyable book. However, if you're looking for a guidebook, this simply has some helpful tips but pales in comparison to Passporter or the Unofficial Guide.

[Carolyn B]

Really looking foward to reading this. From what I can tell from the reviews, it's half novel, and half guidebook.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly hillarious. It's good to read a book written by adults who are experienced Disney goers. The "best restrooms" were especially helpful.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting enough to hold my attention and I learned a few good tips.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this one for Christmas! I did not learn anything new from this one, but it was still fun to read of other Mouse-obsessed travellers.

[Chiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an okay read nothing really new but it was humorous in spots.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent guide to Walt Disney World. Good, not great.