Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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RECOMMENDED READING
The best Walt Disney World & Orlando
guidebook on the planet (yes, this one) cov-
ers almost everything most travelers need
and want to know. But there are a few areas
where I bow to the expertise of less-than-
mainstream or special-interest topics. Inter-
ests and intent vary (some may want to
discover the secret behind Disney's business
strategy, others may find the region's his-
torical timeline more to their liking, and
still others may simply want to prepare
their toddler for an upcoming trip). So here
are a few additional topics that may be
available in your local library or bookstore.
•
Florida's Ghostly Legends and
Haunted Folklore
(2005, Pineapple
Press). Move over Haunted Mansion,
this is the real deal. Strange tales of the
supernatural reveal Florida's slightly
spookier side. Ghost stories, legends,
and accounts of strange occurrences
may make you think twice about turn-
ing out the lights.
•
National Audubon Society Field
Guide to Florida
(1998, Knopf ) is a
handy back-pocket guide that delivers a
wonderful education on the state's flora
and fauna, parks and preserves, land,
weather, natural phenomena, and much
more. Plus, it's dripping with pictures
to help newcomers and natives alike tell
a yellow-bellied slider from a cooter.
•
A Photo Journey to Central Florida
(1992, AAA Publications). Though
somewhat hard to find, this topic fea-
tures some rather nice photos of the
area's architecture, historical sites, and
scenic spots, along with pictures of the
parks and attractions. It offers a brief
glimpse into Florida and its natural
beauty alongside the more commercial
aspects of Orlando.
•
Vegetarian Walt Disney World and
Greater Orlando, 2nd Edition
(2003,
Vegetarian World Guides), is the most
comprehensive and enterprising guide
around for vegetarians, vegans, or main-
stream diners looking for a break from
carnivorous menus. Susan Shumaker
and Than Saffel review 275 restaurants
and hotels, more than half of which are
on Disney soil. They also give tips
about what to eat going to and from
Orlando as well as the dos and don'ts of
ethnic dining in Central Florida. There's
also a section on kids' dining.
•
Mickey's Gourmet Cookbook
(1994,
Disney Editions) is full of some of the
most popular recipes from the House of
Mouse—a few culinary secrets that
Disney is willing to share. You can keep
your vacation going even after you get
home—provided you can cook.
• For a collection of the Mouse's most
requested recipes, try perusing the pages
of
Cooking with Mickey
(2000, Walt
Disney Company). Do note that
another way to take home some of the
flavor of WDW is to simply ask for the
recipe of a dish that you enjoyed. In
most cases, Disney will be happy to
e-mail the instructions and a list of
ingredients to you at home.
• Kids (and even adults) will enjoy
Pop-
ping Up Around Walt Disney World
(2004, Disney Editions). This colorful
and detailed pop-up book offers an
illustrative tour through the world of
Disney. It takes readers through the
parks, details some of the attractions,
and tosses in a bit of trivia, too.
•
Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field
Guide to Walt Disney World's Best
Kept Secrets
(2007, Intrepid Traveler)
is filled with trivia, and, of course, those
Hidden Mickeys—including tips on
where and how to look for them.
•
Weird Florida: Your Travel Guide to
Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept
Secrets
(2009, Sterling) is a mix of
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