The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Trivia is a tour of the four parks of the Walt Disney World Resort. But along with a tour, it is a game. For each attraction there are two trivia questions. One question is multiple choice. The second is an open ended question. The answers for both questions are found in the back of the book. Along with the trivia questions, Veness provides a scavenger hunt for each park. And as bonuses a kids and a die-hard scavenger hunt is provided towards the end of the book. And since this is a hidden history book, Veness provides a fascinating fact and something to look for each attraction along with the questions.
As a game, the book is lightweight and could fit in most backpacks. The book would probably experience some wear in a pack, but should not add much weight to carry around the park. The questions could easily help fill time in lines within the parks. I have not even considered the eBook version of the book, which would not take up any weight since many guests would have a phone with a book app. I just wonder how quickly one can jump from question to answer. If anyone reads the book on a eReader, I would love the answer to that question. And for added usability, the scavenger hunts can be cut out to go into a pocket our pouch.
Most of all I was worried that they would be too easy. They are not, there are plenty of questions that I did not know the answers for. During the week I read this book I kept it on my desk at work. I told everyone who needed something that they needed to start with a question that I could answer, to put me in a good mood. Not everyone started on a good footing! So the questions are definitely challenging and not the same reused facts that we typically find in a Between Book.
There is also plenty of new facts that I at least have not run across. For example I did not know the secret of the floating bubbles at Voyage of the Little Mermaid. The quality of facts is beyond what one can generally think to Google. And as someone who has read many books with fun facts, I was satisfied that many of the facts were fresh to me.
The book is updated and in fact looks into the future. For example, Veness discusses the very recent addition of mermaids to Pirates of the Caribbean. And of course, the recent Fantasyland additions are all mentioned. But she also has facts for an attraction that is not open with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The only announced addition she does not provide content for is Avatarland, but who can blame her!
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World Trivia is a great extension of the Hidden Magic series. It provides Hidden Magic in a new format, with the trivia providing a twist. The book is interactive by providing a game that the whole family (or office) can play. And the book does not just restate facts that can be found elsewhere (unlike many books I have been reading lately). Fans of Veness' prior works will be pleased and families looking to add bonus fun to their trips should consider this book as a fun option.
Review Copy Provided by Author
