Between Books - Hidden Mickey 5 Chasing New Frontiers

When I was a kid I read a lot of fiction. In the summer I may read a fiction book a day. But college beat it out of me. I read, read, read and so much of it was history and never ever fiction. I got into the habit of reading about one fiction book a year, if that. I have gotten into reading some fiction again in the last few years, but mostly comic books. And in the case of comic books I can rush through a story in 15 minutes to an hour. So I have just not felt qualified to review much fiction. In fact I have waived off possible review opportunities solely because I did not feel prepared. Then author and publisher David W. Smith pressed the issue, he sent me a copy of Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers, and being me I could not ignore the title.

Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers by David W. Smith is a tale that encompasses the entirety of Disneyland history. In the main storyline Disneyland cast member Blaine Walters meets and falls in love with guest Missy Johansen from Switzerland. Realizing that they are likely experiencing a brief fling the two spend as much time as possible enjoying each other’s company, Disneyland and the surrounding area. As they spend time together they uncover the mystery of stolen money and a pendent owned by Walt Disney, with potential paranormal powers stolen by a former Disneyland landscaper. And if there is not enough drama in this love story, Missy is actually a rising pop star hiding her true identity from Blaine. Will Blaine and Missy find the treasure hidden within Disneyland? Will the two young adults be able to continue their relationship beyond their short week together? Well, you will get no spoilers from me!

The first impression that popped out to me was that Blaine Walters is based on Smith himself. Blaine is a teacher, skilled tennis player, a cast member who works at the Davy Crockett Explorer canoes, and busies himself with a local band. Readers of In the Shadow of the Matterhorn will notice that this profile matches Smith’s own. Additionally, some of the fictional stories found in the book, like a romantic encounter with a security guard in the Haunted Mansion, match real life experiences that Smith had. In effect, Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers is a fictional account of Smith’s life with less canoe races and more pop star. This fact helps the story to ring true, as readers of his non-fiction book understand that Smith is writing from experience making his settings real Disneyland locations and the scenes largely ones that feel real.

The question that I had asked myself was could I read Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers without reading any other book in the series. The answer is absolutely yes. These earlier books, written by a combination of Smith and Nancy Temple Rodrigue, seem to be more supernatural in nature than this volume. Additionally they do not appear to have Blaine and Missy as main characters, from my searching on Amazon. The character that seems to overlap is Mani Wolford, the Wolf, a security officer that works in both our modern day and the early years of the park. The fact that Wolf has an air of mystery around him, and a clear understanding of magical things makes we want to know more about him.

I would describe the book as a romance first, with a mystery mixed in all set around Disneyland. Romance books are not my typical fare; I tend to read history or action (comics), so it was a little outside my wheelhouse. Yet, I was still able to find entertainment in the book. Of course the hook was the Disneyland setting, and the mixing in of Disney history. But the romance in the book still came off to me as interesting. If anything, though I would not trade my romance with the Between Wife away, I found a hankering to be alone with the Between Wife in Disneyland, silly kids! The romance itself is sweet and not overly sexualized, which was a breath of fresh air.

The book itself is big, like over 500 pages long. For some reason I found my reading pace to be slower than I typically do with non-fiction books. It took me over ten days to read it, mostly on a train. But I never set it aside for other books, and was ready to pick it back up whenever the opportunity arose. I am a man in my 30s, and it kept my attention.

The tale of Blaine and Missy is a sweet romance in a setting that I love. The mystery element and the setting will attract readers that typically would not flock to a romance novel. Despite the fact I question if a first timer would not be told to order the Monte Cristo at Club 33, I will admit it does seem a little heavy for Missy’s tastes. I could easily recommend Hidden Mickey 5: Chasing New Frontiers as a vacation book for those visiting a Disney park, looking for entertainment with some light tension with hooks that could pull in a variety of readers.



Review Copy Provided by Synergy Books Publishing

Between Books - In the Shadow of the Matterhorn

Before my last vacation to the Disneyland Resort I desperately was looking for a book to help put me into the vacation mindset. I wanted a memoir. But not any memoir, I sought a Disneyland memoir. I wanted it to be by someone who had an affiliation to the park, either as a designer or a cast member. And I wanted it to be fun, perhaps in the Mouse Tales tone. I found some books that I enjoyed for that vacation, but honestly nothing that hit the nail on the head for the exact book I was looking for. I should have looked harder. Because In the Shadow of the Matterhorn: Intimate Stories about Life, Love, and Laughter at Disneyland by David W. Smith was the exact book I was looking for!

Smith spent six years as a part-time cast member. He worked a number of attractions during his tenure including The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, the Mike Fink Keel Boats, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Monorail. Smith details to his readers how he was hired on, the training he received and numerous stories of working the attractions. Smith recounts both the humorous experiences with guests, and the horrific ones. As one of a handful of Keel Boat operators he was asked to help search the Rivers of America during the June 4, 1983, Grad Night for a young man who had taken a joy ride with a Disney rubber raft. Sadly, Smith was on hand in the discovery of the body of 18 year old Philip Straughan. Along with tales of staffing attractions, Smith also provides tales of cast member life. These stories include romantic encounters and mostly harmless rebellious actions. But the highlight of these cast member tales are recounts of Smith’s years participating in the famed Disneyland cast member canoe races.

I found Smith’s reading light and easy to read. I cruised through this book and read it with only limited interruptions. To be blunt, I found no reason to end my literary Disneyland adventure in the middle of the Betweenland snows. Smith made it easy for me to join him in the park and share warmer ice free days. Additionally, he made we want to ride the canoes, a ride that I have always planned later in the day when I have found it closed. And he placed me with him on the keel boats and helped me understand this extinct attraction before my day. Smith also helped me understand why for some the Monorail may not be the attraction of choice! The only hiccup for me was referring to the Walt Disney World Resort as Disneyworld later in the book.

I found David W. Smith’s In the Shadow of the Matterhorn fun and enjoyable. Smith is a former cast member who enjoyed his days as a cast member and in his writing conveys his enthusiasm for his memories. Readers who enjoy the writings of David Koening will likely enjoy In the Shadow of the Matterhorn, which includes many of the types of stories one would find in Mouse Tales, just in this case shared by one man and typically not as risqué. I think the best compliment I can give is for a few hours, David W. Smith made me feel like I was at Disneyland and not living in the frozen tundra!


Review Copy Provided by Synergy-Books Publishing, U.S.A.