The book stores are loaded with Disneyland Guide books. Some of them are great, some just OK. But it is certainly a crowded field. I am often asked by first time Disneyland vacation planners which book they should purchase, if any. There are a few that I always recommend. Today, I’m able to add another to the sort list, Alan Joyce’s Secrets of the Mouse - An Unofficial Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Disneyland Park.
The book is divided into three sections. The first part of the book is devoted to behind the scenes information about the attractions and contains a two-page spread for each ride. The author provides a brief description of the attraction along with “Things to Look For” that point out the hidden secrets of the attraction. Additionally, each attraction spread contains a photo for visual reference and a collection of “Quick Facts” that detail some of the numerical, statistical, and miscellaneous pieces of information about the attraction.
The book isn’t intended to be read cover to cover, but any Disneyland fan would enjoy doing so. Rather, the author created the book as an informative diversion once you are already at the park. Waiting in line for the Indiana Jones ride? Open up the Secrets of the Mouse book and learn about when the attraction opened, what was there before the attraction was built, how the ride works, information about some of the special effects, as well as hidden things to look for (for example a skeleton wearing mouse ears). Line still not moving? Open to the hidden Mickey’s section and tell the kids about the Hidden Mickey’s lurking in the attraction - challenge them to spot the Mickey’s. And if you’re really looking for a good time, check out “Queue Games” section at the back of the book and play one of the extremely well written and enjoyable quests.
Secrets of the Mouse is a fun, fresh, and clever park guide. We found it to be easy to read and well organized. The author warns, “If seeing how a magic trick works spoils the fun for you, then you might want to try another guide. However, if you find yourself asking, ‘How do they do that?’ when you see an oncoming boulder in Indiana Jones or translucent ghosts in the Haunted Mansion, this guide is here to satisfy your curiosity.”
Secrets of the Mouse earns its spot on the MiceChat bookshelf. If you’d like to add it to yours as well, it is available on Amazon at this LINK.
We look forward to future updates to Secrets of the Mouse as well as new offerings from Alan Joyce in the future.
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