The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom » (Original)

Susan Veness (Orlando, FL) is a travel writer, researcher and itinerary planner specializing in Florida, Disney, and the theme parks. A former online travel agent, she became principal research assistant for the UK's bestselling Brit's Guide travel series in 2002. She also writes for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and other media. She has been visiting Walt Disney World since it opened in 1971 and, with a home just minutes from The Mouse, she continues to tour the parks on a regular basis.

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, readers learn all about the hidden magic that permeates these fabulous resorts in this tell-all handbook. Readers also get the insider's take on:

• The smell of home-baked cookies on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom
  
• The Fountain of World Friendship in Epcot that contains water from rivers and oceans around the globe
  
• Walt Disney's opening day speech tapped out in Morse Code in Frontierland
  
• The eco-friendly benches (recycled milk jugs) in the Animal Kingdom
  
• Two versions of The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios
  

Complete with secret tips from Disney's Imagineers, this book is the perfect in-park companion for Disney World fans.

Foreword vii

Introduction xi

Chapter 1 The Magic Kingdom 2

Main Street U.S.A. 3

Fantasyland 10

Liberty Square 20

Frontierland 31

Adventureland 38

Tomorrowland 43

Mickey's Toontown Fair 46

Magic Kingdom Timeline 50

Chapter 2 Epcot 66

Future World 68

World Showcase 84

Epcot Timeline 118

Chapter 3 Disney's Hollywood Studios 126

Hollywood Boulevard 127

Sunset Boulevard 129

Courtyard 138

Animation Courtyard 145

Pixar Studios 146

Streets of America 152

Commissary Lane 163

Echo Lake 163

Hollywood Hills Amphitheater 166

Disney's Hollywood Studios Timeline 167

Chapter 4 Disney's Animal Kingdom 178

Entrance 180

The Oasis 181

Discovery Island 183

DinoLand U.S.A 190

Asia 201

Africa 216

Camp Minnie-Mickey 224

Disney's Animal Kingdom Timeline 225

Appendix A References 231

Appendix B Solutions to Hints 233

Index 237