Member Reviews

Very helpful for a beginner, but maybe an advanced beginner! There was lots of detail and useful advice here, but if this is your very first time looking into a Disney trip it could be a tiny bit overwhelming. Overall, so great.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Wow! This book has so much information that I will have to read it again. It's just a down and nitty gritty list of all the Hacks and how to use them. Strangely the only picture you will find is on the page for each section.
There are some great suggestions for beginners and pros alike.

It's broken up into the following sections:
1.You are going to Walt Disney World
2. Disney for less
3 Planes, Trams and Automobiles
4 Practical Matters
5. Theme Parks Like a Pro
6. Attractions to the Max
7. Home Away from Home
8. Eating around the world
9 Disney with kids
Also Maps of the parks for all of your planning needs.


Thanks to NetGalley and The Pulbisher for the ARC.

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Adams Media provided an early galley for review.

A trip to Disney can be a big undertaking, both in time and money. So, why not make the most of your vacation adventure by tapping into some tested tricks and tips?

This new edition takes into account a lot of recent changes (from the end of many iconic, beloved programs to updated attractions to price increases on everything from tickets to food and more). It will prepare the traveler for all of that. There is a lot of talk about using Genie+ and other Disney park related apps for better maximizing your experience.

The over 430 tips in this edition are broken up into nine chapters. Some will be useful for travelers with children, others can be skipped if they don't apply to your particular trip and party make-up. The maps of the parks in the back are simple but highly effective for knowing what's where and planning your attack before you walk through the gates.

As someone who has experienced the Florida parks at various stages in my life (twice as a child, twice as an adult - single and married, and then again a few times as a parent), many of these tips rang true to my own experiences. For that, I think others could glean useful information from this book.

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Great book with lots of awesome tips and hacks for a successful trip to Walt Disney World!

A few bits of feedback:
I would've appreciated some tips about hotels and their proximity, the transport options from the hotels, and the early half an hour access if staying at the Disney hotels.

There was a section for Disney with kids, but around 40% (a guesstimate) of other tips and hacks in the book all related to having kids with you anyway. As someone who doesn't have children, but still wants some tips for Disney world, a lot of these weren't actually relevant.

This is definitely more so aimed at domestic travellers - As an overseas traveller, there were many references to internal programs, apps and travel that I found irrelevant.

Overall, a very well researched book, and visitors with young kids travelling to Walt Disney World will absolutely benefit from giving this a very thorough read!

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I'm headed to Walt Disney World later this year for my first time as an adult (so my first time actually planning the trip), and this guide was chock full of useful information. Some of the tips are just general vacation tips (like how to pack your luggage) but most are beautifully specific to a DW trip. I've saved a ton of this information to use again closer to and during my trip. Sure, you could probably find all this info online, but it is all easily accessible in one spot with this book.

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This was really great for tips! I’m going for the first time in 10+ years and I’ll be using a lot of the information from this to help plan my trip.

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I am a huge fan of Disney and have been to WDW several times. Most of the tips are valid and are helpful if you have never been to WDW or haven't been there in years. I found 1 tip in the whole book that I did not know and I am excited to try out the shopping app. Every time I have been at Disney and the store I was at didn't have the item, we would run around checking out the other stores hoping to find it. I did not know that I could download the app and search that way for in-stock items. I did skip all of Chapter 9 since I do not have nor plan to go to Disneyworld with children.

There were some tips that just did not make sense, like putting your mydisney screenshot as the lock screen or putting your name and phone number as the lock screen, that seems to be a big safety issue.

Also, not once did they mention to bring a portable charger OR to use the FuelRod portable chargers. Disney has the exchange kisoks in every park, so their tip of either turning your phone on and off, putting it in airplane mode (although that is effective) or just using one person's phone at a time and keeping the rest off, and then when one dies, turn the next one on would not make the most sense.

Overall, this book has some general, good tips but if you have been to Disney a few times or watch the disney youtube vloggers, this book would not be worth your money.

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I love visiting Disney so I really enjoyed learning some hacks that I could take on my next trip to Disney.

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I thought that this book had a lot of great information for both new and returning guests to Walt Disney World. The only problem I have with books like that this is that Disney constantly changes and updates their policies and even newly published books can have misinformation. For example, this book states that you can make your table service dining reservations 180 days in advance but the dining reservations are currently only available to book 60 days in advance. Overall this book is a great resource but I would double check some of the information before traveling because things can and do change frequently at Disney,

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Walt Disney World Hacks is a must have guide for anyone planning a magical trip to the happiest place on earth. With over 350 tips and tricks, this book is packed with valuable information to help you make the most of your Disney vacation. With this updated guide, you'll be well equipped to handle the changes and updates that Walt Disney World has undergone in recent years. Whether you're a first time visitor or a seasoned pro, this book is sure to enhance your Disney experience and make your vacation truly magical.

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✨ Publication date: April 2, 2024✨

Walt Disney World Hacks, Second Edition came up as an available arc at a perfect time! With an upcoming family trip planned to Florida and Disney World I jumped at the opportunity to review in advance!

This was a great reference book with some really great tips. I loved how the author paid special attention to “newbie” hacks. I am not a newbie but can understand how overwhelming planning a special family trip can be.

There were loads of tips and tricks and easy to follow instructions on all things Disney. Whether you plan to stay on property or off, there is plenty to learn ahead of time.

I appreciated the detailed explanation on how to use the mobile app and tools to your advantage and especially liked the little known short cuts and advice for specific experiences.

While not necessary to have a great trip, this book really helps highlight and navigate some amazing experiences and tips that could enhance your trip. This is a 5 star for me and I’m excited to put most of this into practice for my upcoming trip!

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #susanveness #samanthadavidfriedman #waltdisneyworldhackssecondedition

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I am planning to go to Orlando for a conference this Fall so wanted to get advice on going to Walt Disney World since it has been years since I have been there. So much has changed! This book is structured into 9 chapters and is a list of 434 "hacks." There are maps of all the Disney Parks at the end. What is particularly helpful is it covers the new Genie + and Lightning Lane concepts which can be confusing -so they helpfully explain it here. They also call out "newbie" vs. pro-tips -- also very helpful. The only thing that would have helped me better navigate this is if they structured it by overarching information and then park specific.

Thank you to Netgalley and Adams Media for an ARC and I voluntarily left this review.

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This is an excellent guidebook of tricks and hacks that everyone planning a trip to Disney World should get! I am really impressed with how comprehensive this guide is, while still being absolutely comprehensible even to people with no Disney experience! Easy to read and extremely informative!

This book is broken up into clear chapters to make it simple to find the tips you need. There are some really valuable secrets and advice that I definitely think makes this guide worth it! Disney World is absolutely a trip you need a plan for in advance if you want to have the best time possible, and that planning will become so much easier if you have this book. It even includes maps of the parks, which I always love to have in front of me when it comes to planning.

If you've never been to Disney World there are some really helpful tips that will make sure you and your family get the most out of your trip! If you go in blind, I definitely think you'll miss out on a lot. There's no reason to spend more than you have to or to skip rides because of long wait times when you could have this book of hacks to makes sure that doesn't happen. The point of a trip to Disney World is to have a magical experience. I would recommend this book just to help make sure you know everything you need to in order to get that magical experience.

But even speaking as someone who has been to Disney World a few times already, there is a lot of information that I found really useful! For one thing, there are a lot of changes in Disney World that someone who went as recently as three years ago like myself might struggle to deal with properly such as Genie+ or Lightning Lanes. So don't think just because you went before you shouldn't pick up this book. It definitely has advice you and your family can use!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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This is a great book for first timers or those who have not been to Walt Disney World in a while. There are a ton of great tips and tricks in the book but I did find some information dated, like the part about dining reservations. The book states you can make reservations 180 days out but that has changed t0 60 days.

Walt Disney World Hacks covers a lot of different topics but it doesn't feel overwhelming. The chapters are set up nicely and the information is organized. Some of the tips and tricks mentioned in this book were not in other guide books (think The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World) which is why I think this would be a great companion for those looking for more information.

Thank you Netgalley and Adams Media for this ARC.

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I’ll be going to WDW for my first time ever later this year, and I thought this book was a helpful resource. Some travel tips had never occurred to me, like rolling up clothes instead of folding them to fit more in your suitcase. I had previously purchased The Unofficial Guide to WDW, and that book is definitely more comprehensive for a Disney vacation. But these hacks are a great place to start planning your trip!

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"Walt Disney World Hacks, 2nd Edition" by Susan Veness is an indispensable guidebook that serves as the ultimate companion for any visitor looking to make the most out of their magical journey to Walt Disney World. Veness, with her deep expertise and passion for Disney, compiles an exhaustive collection of tips, tricks, and secrets that promise to enhance the experience of park-goers, whether it's their first visit or their hundredth.

Right from the start, the reader can sense Veness's profound knowledge of Walt Disney World, as she navigates through the parks with ease, offering advice that ranges from avoiding long wait times for attractions to uncovering hidden gems that even seasoned visitors may not be aware of. This edition, updated with the latest information, ensures that readers have the most current insights at their fingertips, making it an essential tool for planning their visit in today's context.

One of the standout features of this book is its organization. Veness has thoughtfully structured the content to make it easy for readers to find the information they need, whether they are looking for dining recommendations, FastPass+ tips, or advice on the best spots for parade viewing. The hacks are presented in a clear, concise manner, making the book a breeze to consult on the go.

Moreover, "Walt Disney World Hacks, 2nd Edition" goes beyond mere logistical planning, delving into strategies for making a Disney vacation more affordable, ensuring that families can enjoy the magic without breaking the bank. Veness's approach to budget-friendly travel is both realistic and innovative, offering a range of options to suit various preferences and needs.

Another commendable aspect of the book is its inclusivity. Veness has taken great care to include tips that cater to a diverse audience, including families with young children, guests with disabilities, and solo travelers. This thoughtful consideration ensures that every reader can find hacks tailored to their unique situation, making their visit as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

In addition to the practical advice, Veness infuses her writing with a palpable sense of wonder and excitement for Walt Disney World, reminding readers of the joy and enchantment that await them. Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring readers to explore the parks with fresh eyes and an open heart.

In conclusion, "Walt Disney World Hacks, 2nd Edition" by Susan Veness is a treasure trove of valuable insights that promises to elevate the Disney experience for all who venture within its pages. Whether you're a first-timer eager to make the most of your visit or a Disney aficionado looking to discover new secrets, this book is your key to unlocking a world of magic, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

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