[.uk] More Mouse Tales: A Closer Peek Backstage at Disneyland (ISBN 0964060582)

MAPS! I GOT MAPS!!!:
David Koenig's books on Disneyland are a delight for us Disneyland fans. "More Mouse Tales" gave me something I've been longing for--maps of the popular Disney rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, the Jungle Cruise, and the Indiana Jones Adventure. I used the maps once when someone dropped a purse in the Indiana Jones Adventure--I was able to tell a cast member that the lost purse was in the skull room on that ride. Otherwise, I would have had to shout a long-winded description--the ride is NOISY! Many people will like reading about Disneyland's goofs and glitches. For me, finding out about these problems made me appreciate how special that place is--that Disneyland manages to function at all is a miracle. Disneyland manages to operate more smoothly than other theme parks and amusement parks. Here is the human face of Disneyland. Disney magic is created by people: we humans have our vices. These people are quite capable of creating imperfect magic--that includes cast members, the crew behind the scenes, management, Disney executives, the Anaheim Police Department, other government officials, and don't forget over twelve million guests annually! It's a wonder that the place hasn't fallen off the end of the world! Like any place else, Disneyland has its share of problems. Personnel policies disliked at Disneyland are industry standard. Walt Disney didn't want to develop just another dirty amusement park or travelling carnival--and the key to avoiding the "carny" atmosphere was to hire quality people and treat them well. Treat your work force like trash and they'll act like trash. Word will get around and your company soon will have to hire trash because nobody else will work for you. Disneyland hasn't gotten that bad--not by a long shot--but this summer they're having problems in their food service department. These stories are referenced at the end of the book. Since much of Koenig's information is from the open press, it is easy to verify. I like having an index. I used the information in Koenig's books to maximize my fun at Disneyland. Knowing what to watch out for helps reduce the misery of long lines and other minor problems. So, when's David Koenig comming out with his fourth book?

Oh My! Mickey Mouse did what?:
David Koenig brings you his second book of naughty things that have happened inside Disneyland. After the success of his first book, "Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look At Disneyland", published in 1994, the attendance of Disneyland considerably wentway up. People wanted to see for themselves what David Koenig had revealed in his book about Disneyland. More than 400 past and present cast members were interviewed for more secrets for this second book. The book will reveal just how they hire people and where they may work at according to how attractive they are to how tall, short, big shoulders or skinny they are. (This reviewer will add, they they higher anyone that doesn't go against policy, but you do have to have the right look to be Cinderella or a Tom Sawyer-type. There are many jobs "Backstage" as well. I would probably look good for the Haunted Mansion or as the Dwarf, "Sneezy") Many pranks have been made on the Jungle Cruise by employees at the risk of being fired. Some operators even change the script to add a joke of their own. Find out what changes Disneyland have made to the Jungle Cruise. What on Earth are people doing in the Tiki Room? Yes! Jose is still there. Indiana Jones Adventure Ride is still the most dangerous ride for guests. many people have been injured on this ride. Koenig will tell you how. One lady claims she had suffered a brain hemorrhage. In recent years, Roger rabbit's Car Toon Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have become dangerous. Other things to read: The woman who took her clothes off and jumped in the river from the canoe ride. People burned from firework ashes coming down. When they do operate the Columbia Ship. They have an entire show on board as it sails. Splash Mountain has had women bare her breasts for the final drop. one woman was found dead in her seat after the ride. One man lost his finger. They did find his finger and the ring too. The time when the Blue Bayou Restaurant was flooded. Where at Disneyland can you find "fireflies" flying around and glowing? Problems with guests on Pirates of the Caribbean Ride and also cockroaches. But employees have also made love inside the attraction behind the fortress. Women had complaints in 1996, when a man had grabbed their breasts. Others have felt someone tapping them on the shoulders and no one is there. Are there real ghosts inside the Haunted Mansion? One female employee would not wear underwear in her costume and she had crabs. Many people have tried to sneak through into Disneyland by climbing the fence, but on the other side was the security breakroom. OOPS! Police cars are inside Disneyland, but they hide "backstage". While Disenyland is still the safest and happiest place on earth, the employees and security work hard to make it a nice day for everyone. Davis Koenig has worked hard to give you another entertaining and funny book of Mouse Tales. Third book: "Mouse Under Glass: Secrets of Disney Animation and Theme Parks" (1997) %oth Anniversary Book: "Mouse Tales: A Behind-The-Ears Look At Diseyland: Golden Anniversary Edition" with Audio CD. (Hardcover, 1994/2005).

Good for Adults - Careful with Children:
This book had some very interesting stories. My 9 year old and I are doing some research on Disneyland prior to a trip and she loved these stories of how the rides work and what a cast member's job is. The book does a great job of describing the backstage life at Disney. My daughter begs for me to read from this as our bedtime reading every night. However, some of stories are racy and very inappropriate for the younger set. Definitely a "read together" and edit it as you go.

More fascinating stories:
I enjoyed this second book almost as much as the first one! After having a Disneyland Pass for one year, it was interesting to read about what goes on behind the scenes. I must admit it was also a little scary to read about the injuries, and sad to read about the issues between staff and management. This is definitely a book more appropriate for adults.

More Mouse Tales--Not as Good as the Prequel:
Although I enjoyed this book, the facts and revelations were not quite as mind-boggling as Mouse Tales. It was an interesting read full of fun facts and inrteresing information. If you have any interest in the drama surrounding the Disney Corporation, this is a must-read.