New WDW Books

[tjkraz]

For those of you who share my enjoyment of reading material dedicated to the Disney theme parks, here are some newer items worth considering:

101 Things You Never Knew About Walt Disney World (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0977375803/sr=8-1/qid=1141964895/ref=sr_1_1/104-3765863-4574326?%5Fencoding=UTF8)- This book has been out for a couple of months now. It's written by Kevin Yee who has several other Disney-related books to his name and is a frequent website contributor. The book features a noticable lack of frills in its presentation (no photos, no Disney artwork), but for about $10 on Amazon, it's an enjoyable read. Even hard-cord WDW fanatics will learn a few new things reading it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic to the Movies (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786856300/qid=1141965226/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-3765863-4574326?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)- a follow-up to Jason Surrell's similar publication on the Haunted Mansion rides and film (also recommended--the book, not the film). Here you'll get oodles of background on the creation of the attraction, a walk through of ALL of the different variants (WDW fans really want to know what's so great about the DL version--look here) and some info on the films. Surrell is an Imagineer and the book is published by Disney. You'll find a LOT of great behind-the-scenes artwork and anecdotes.

Now for the "coming soon" stuff. I don't know any more about these books than what Amazon has listed, but they all look promising.

Walt Disney's Legends of Imagineering and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786855592/qid=1141965481/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-3765863-4574326?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)by Jeff Kurtti (that's a mouthful) Kurtti wrote the souvenir book for WDW's 25th anniversary, which I really enjoy. Can't wait to see this one.

The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786848863/ref=pd_sim_b_5/104-3765863-4574326?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155)- follow-up to the Magic Kingdom pocket guide that was published last year. This Epcot guide is scheduled for release in June, but the MK guide experienced about 6 months worth of delays. This may make a better Christmas gift suggestion than summer reading list fodder.

Secrets of Disney's Glorious Gardens (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786855525/qid=1141965711/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-3765863-4574326?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)- probably a bit out of my wheelhouse, but I thought I'd share it as well. Amazon doesn't list any details, but it is slated for publication later this month. The subtitle appears to read "Practical tips and inspiration (?) for giving your yard the Disney touch." Sounds like a good companion for the Flower & Garden Festival.

[Gaston]

The gardening book sounds right up my alley. I did the tour, and bought the video.
I just wish Disney actually sold more gardening items through the catalogue or online.

[PoohsPal]

I just ordered teh Legends of Imagineering one for my dh yesterday. He won't get it 'til Easter, but I'll let you know what he things. Or, I may skim it first and let you know. ;)

[ghost1000]

If you're interested, Tell No Tales (http://www.tellnotales.com/) did an interview with Jason Surrell. You can access it from the home page or go directly to the interview (http://www.tellnotales.com/insiders.htm).

[tjkraz]

Thanks for the link to the interview, Rita. It answered one of my own questions--what is his next project. I read another interview with Jason a few months back and back then he said that he wasn't prepared to disclose the next project. I was secretly fearful that it might be a "Small World" book.

(If they ever did such a book, they absolutely need to include one of those musical greeting card devices that would play the song whenever the book is open. That's the ONLY way to do IASW any justice. ;) )

Glad to see Jason picked a much more...appealing topic for the next book.