Hidden Treasures of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: Histories, Mysteries & Theming

I have been fanatical about a wide variety of Walt Disney and Disney Corporation creative achievements ... but Walt Disney World Resort Hotels were previously not on my list of interests. However, I have enjoyed Jim Korkis' other books on all things Disney, so I decided to give this book a try. Amazon's "LOOK INSIDE" access gives a nice overview of the contents of the book. I did much enjoy the numerous WDW Resorts Hotels listed on pages 9 & 10, with 36 accommodations listed, grouped under DELUXE, MODERATE, VALUE, OTHER, and DVC (Disney Vacation Club). I was surprised to learn that I much enjoyed all the various info Jim Korkis shared on these resorts. The many little-known-facts were quite entertaining for me. I enjoyed the book and feel most Disney fans would enjoy the contents, especially any who have stayed in WDW Resort Hotels before. I also feel the info would help many decide which of the many Resort Hotels they would like to stay in. Very well done, Jim, VERY INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING!

If you like Walt Disney Worlds early histoey then this is a must have book to read, there are so many wonderful details about the first resorts that were built here on their Florida property, and the drama of getting them built and open in time. Reading Jims accounts of what the Contemporay Resort looked like the first years it opened took me back to my childhood and my great vacation memories.

Mr Korkis has hit another home run with this enjoyable, enlightening book. Take the time and get the stories that made the stories. I find knowing more about the history of Disneyworld makes the trip so enriching, and this book does not disappoint.

Another Jim Korkis classic!

Interesting book in that it tells you things you would have never thought of on your own!!

Love this product, have used it for 23 years.

First off let me just say, I was REALLY looking forward to this book. I consider myself a huge fan of Jim Korkis and the work he's done preserving the legends, stories, and true facts about Disney history, particularly in regards to the early days of Walt Disney World. When I learned Jim was working on a book solely devoted to the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, I was so excited! Not only have I long felt they were an oft-overlooked part of the overall Walt Disney World experience and way, way, waaaaaaaay overdue for a spotlight book all their own, but as a former Core Facilitator (Disney speak for senior teacher/senior trainer) for the "Lodging Line of Business" at Walt Disney World's Disney University, I wanted to know what I didn't know about our resorts!Well, as it turns out... not much, really. Sure, there were, of course, some things Jim discusses in the book that I honestly didn't know, but they were few and far between and mostly came down to minutiae. I don't say that in any way to be a braggart. I say it because it was disappointing that there wasn't more of what I've come to expect from a Jim Korkis project.Also, it must be said, I was stunned by what WASN'T in the book. There's a lot -- and I do mean A LOT -- of stuff left out! I was particularly disappointed in the very short shrift given to the All-Star Resorts and Pop Century Resort. That's very sad and quite odd considering that the Value Resorts are, arguably, the most themed and story-filled of all WDW resort properties! They're what I've always described as "In-Your-Face Disney" when it comes to their theming. You cannot miss them! No mention of the giant Mickey Mouse telephone. No mention of the World's Tallest Roger Rabbit. No mention of the Potato-Heads. No real discussion of what Pop Century: The Legendary Years would've been and offered. No mention of the Princess rooms at Riverside. And on and on.Lastly, because this book is largely a compilation of articles about the resorts that Jim has written over many years, I was disappointed by the large amount of now-outdated information that may throw any casual reader who goes looking for things that no longer exist. The themed vehicles in All-Star Music's Broadway and Rock 'n' Roll sections, the giant Xs and Os in All-Star Sports' Football section, the notes to "When The Saints Come Marching In" at the check-in desk at Port Orleans, and the disco lights in the 70s section of Pop Century -- just as some examples -- haven't existed in YEARS!! In fact, I stayed at Pop in 2015/20216 and worked there from 2011 till 2017 and don't remember there EVER being disco lights at Pop Century!!These types of things added up to a very disjointed and somewhat frustrating read. All of that said, I WOULD still recommend the book to both anyone interested in learning that there is MUCH more to the WDW story than just what's in the theme parks and I would consider in very nearly must-reading for any and all Cast Members working at any of WDW's resort hotels -- at least until a better one comes along -- because I know how spotty the history/heritage/traditions training for these locations can be these days and you really should know more about the story of the place you work!Grade: B-

Another fantastic book by The Great Disney Historian, Jim Korkis.Jim’s books are always so informative, historically and factually accurate, and of course, a most pleasant read!I have purchased almost all of Jim’s books in paperback, so I can add them to my treasured Disney book library.I highly recommend this book as well as all of Jim’s other titles.Thank you Jim for another great book—you are a true treasure and I hope and pray that you continue to bless us with your vast Disney knowledge for many, many years to come!Sincerely, Jack G.