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The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World If you’re a first-timer at Disney, this comprehensive guidebook by Orlando travel writer Susan Veness is a handy companion to bring along. Sprinkled throughout are some “secret” tips from Disney’s famed “imagineers,” along with basic background information about the resort’s history, plus some overlooked details about the different parks that fans will find interesting. You’ll get a better sense of how the parks were intentionally designed by some very smart and creative people to thrill visitors, and how that Disney “magic” is sparked in the minds of kids of all ages. The Complete Walt Disney World 2016: The Definitive Disney Handbook This is an even more comprehensive guidebook. With reviews of every single attraction, restaurant and hotel, more than 400 photos, and thousands of insider tips, consider this title one for the serious Disney aficionado who wants oodles of detail while visiting the parks. Disney itself has named the book an Outstanding Family Product, but this handbook has garnered good independent reviews as well. Not only that, make sure to pick up the 2016 edition, as guidebooks about Disney can quickly become outdated as attractions and eateries open, close, or are updated in some way. The Dark Side of Disney Maybe you’re looking to enjoy Disney … um … perhaps in ways not originally intended by the park’s designers. If so, “The Dark Side of Disney” by Leonard Kinsey is a fun read. Billed as a look inside “the seamy, raunchy, and often hilarious underbelly of Walt Disney World,” this is an unauthorized guidebook with tips on things like scoring illegal tickets, how to sneak into off-limits areas, and where to get drunk on Mickey — literally. (Hint: the Monorail bar crawl is explained.) And let’s say you’re interested in, perhaps, engaging in some clandestine amorous activity while at Disney. Kinsey has advice on how and where to do that, too. Definitely not a read for the kiddos. 26 | INFLUENCE SUMMER/FALL 2016 “Behind the Red Door: Unlock Your Advocacy, Influence and Success” By Karen B. Moore Before Moore, a 30-plus-year veteran of the PR biz, tells you what’s “behind the red door,” you have to know that a red door “signifies ‘welcome,’ a place where energy enters.” Then, over the course of the book, Moore explains her overarching theme: That “energy” is the action of advocacy, “an essential part of any successful communication campaign,” she writes in the introduction. In other words, show people why your side is right. Moore, CEO of Tallahassee based Moore Communications Group, runs readers through a PR-lensed view of the process. She touches on the finer points of branding, using logos and colors, and how to partner with like-minded groups to amplify your message. What could have devolved into a vanity project instead pops with helpful graphics and relatable business examples, like Starbucks. Moore also offers tips on talking to elected officials and best practices for social media. At the end, she reminds readers it’s all about results: “Have you moved the needle? Has your influence on the issue been impactful?” If not, reflect and readjust, she says. — JIM ROSICA “Second Chances: Florida Pardons, Restoration of Civil Rights, Gun Rights and More” By Reggie Garcia With voting on everybody’s minds this election season, it might be worthwhile to consider the 1.5 million people in Florida who lost that right after being convicted of a felony. And when the sentence, parole and probation are complete, Florida is one of only three states where a person remains permanently disenfranchised — unless they’re willing to go through a lengthy and complicated process to seek restoration of voting and other rights. For 20 years, attorney Reggie Garcia has been shepherding people through the process to get their civil rights restored. Realizing most people don’t have the resources to hire somebody to do the work, he’s written this easy-to-understand, do-it-yourself manual to help people navigate the process themselves. Early chapters describe the different types of clemency and how restoration of rights works — then gets into the how-tos, including a primer on performing your own background check and to-do lists every step of the way. There are also several appendices, including applicable rules, reports and a handy glossary. — ROSANNE DUNKELBERGER Deep Water Maybe you enjoy Disney but at the same time, have no illusions about its complicated presence and history in Florida. If you’re looking for something a little edgier, check out “Deep Water” by S.V. Date. In this darkly funny tale, Date, a former Florida newspaper reporter, weaves the story of theme-park king Waldo Whipple and the “ideal” designed community of Serenity, Florida. Sound familiar? When a reporter begins poking around into strange doings, he quickly learns there are some sinister goings-on behind the sunny curtain Whipple presents to the public. In fact, Ernest Warner, disillusioned reporter, and Emma Whipple, the park founder’s great-niece, know something fishy is going on at the amusement park and its attendant “resort community,” Serenity, but aren’t sure what. They just know that anyone asking questions seems to quietly disappear. This one is a great summer beach read, by the way, whether you’re heading to Disney or not. In fact, all of Date’s books are. But back to the House of Mouse. Disney Apps Let’s say you don’t want to be bothered with reading a whole book to prepare for your Disney trip. Naturally, there’s an app for that. Several, in fact. Here are a few of the best. • “My Disney Experience” is the official Disney app featuring everything from maps to wait times to menus. • “Disney Memories” is another official app letting you take those precious photos and decorate them, Disney-style. • And, my personal favorite, “Beers and Ears” lists all the beers you can find in Walt Disney World and a map leading you to each one. One final note as you study up on Disney: Remember to allow lots of extra time for transit between those various points of attraction, and just my personal tip — try to go during any week of the year that is NOT a major holiday. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Happy Disneying! PHOTOS: Courtesy their respective publishers; courtesy Moore Communications Group


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