5 comments about Pirates of the Caribbean.

1. I really enjoed the first chapter on how the concept translated into the final product of a ride. Amazing how these things come together. The second chapter comparing the ride throughs between the four parks I found a bit frustrating - hard to really picture it unless you're there (for me). I was more interested in the ride portion than the movie chapter myself. Worth the buy (though I bought it used).



2. I love Disney world and I love love The Pirates Of The Carribbean! Great if you like both!



3. As of November, 2006, a newer, updated version of Mr. Surrell's book is now available! Look for the version with the compass rose in the upper right corner of the cover.
   
   Cheers!
   
   Beck



4. My daughter just loves all the background information. She's very happy with it.



5. Know this first: I'm a huge fan of all things Disney, especially POTC the ride.
   
   Imagineer Surrell's book is very well-done. This is one of those (along with his earlier work on the Haunted Mansion) that I go to again and again, like watching a favorite movie or listening to a favorite album. Maybe I'll notice on the 50th reading ONE MORE DETAIL I somehow missed...
   I especially enjoyed the look at the other parks' version of the ride. Rock on, Jason!
   
   Con: Woulda liked it in HARDCOVER.
   
   Now, as with any OTHER topical subject, some of the info goes out of date the day the book is published, and will continue to "go stale". The 2nd, 3rd, and even talked-about 4th movies are, of course, not included. The much-publicized ride rehabs are not either. This is the same with Jason's earlier Disney's Haunted Mansion book (a good companion piece, by the way). That said, the HM book goes off into a hopeful description of the actually-miserable HM movie, touting it as the best thing since Bela Lugosi. This was written well in advance of the actual public release of the HM movie, I guess, so they were gambling the public would love what turned out to be a huge embarrasment. ( When I need cheering up, I sometimes imagine HM Director Minkoff at what I hope is his new day job, asking people if they want to add a cherry turnover to their order for just 50 cents more ). Okay, here's your soapbox back.
   
   They shouldn't have pushed the HM movie so hard in THAT book.
   
   Not so in THIS book: Because they "got burned" on the HM movie, there's a decidedly less-throat-cramming push for Curse of the Black Pearl, which, of course, in hindsight, they could have laid on thicker, now that the movie has generated some kind of Star-Wars-level cultural shift.
   
   Buy the book. You know you want it.
   
   I know I want more books on CLASSIC Disney attractions, and I only want 'em writ by Jason Surrell. Amen.

5 comments about Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids: A History of One of Florida's Oldest Roadside Attractions (Florida History and Culture).

1. Lu Vickers has captured the history and essence of a very special Florida attraction in this book. This book offers a glimpse into a fascinating place during a very interesting time in Florida's tourist history, where the unusual was the draw. It has obviously been written with great care and attention to detail, and is a beautiful homage to the legacy of Newt Perry's vision & creation. We are very lucky to still have this historical and unique attraction~ perhaps this book will help to further encourage locals and tourists alike to take a trip and visit this special Florida icon. Doing so will help to make the experience of watching such graceful and talented performers available for future generations.
   ~Marina~MeduSirena~



2. I grew up in a small town just a few miles from the Springs in the 40's and 50's and Weeki Wachee was our old 'swimming hole' where the men of the town would go clean out the 'grass' every summer so we could all swim and play even tho the water was ice cold and we would shiver and shake but refuse to get out and warm up. I remember a lot of the things happening that are included in the book and knew some of the 'mermaids' since I went to school with them and our P.E. teacher was also a mermaid. I spent many summers trying to learn how to eat a banana and drink a grapette under water(I never did accomplish this). This book brings back lots of memories and I think anyone who can 'remember when' would enjoy it and also anyone wanting to see a slice of 'old Florida' would also enjoy this book. I took my grandchildren back to the Springs last summer where we saw the mermaid show twice and once again swam in the icy water. They tried to be mermaids for weeks after and were enchanted with the 'mermaid' idea just as I was back in my day.



3. Book was recommended by a former Mermaid from Weeki Wachee - it's a great book, well done - wonderful pictures and history from the area.



4. I ordered this book by mistake thinking I put it on my wish list, and am sooo glad I got it!! It is a wonderful book not only about the mermaids of Weeki Wachee, but also a history of Florida and the Roadside shows. It brings one back to a simpler, more wonderful era. Very moving and nostalgic. Now I must make a trip to Weeki Wachee. Great book for mermaid lovers.



5. A highly detailed account that is part of a published series from the Florida University System. It has terrific detail and the writing style is enjoyable. Chock full of photos! Gives a perspective on the park that tells the positive and negative impacts on Florida of these attractions. I liked that it also gives a perspective on development of other water attractions in Florida and the people. I never knew that Ricou Browning, who played the underwater role in "The Creature from the Black Lagoon," had so many other accomplishments and played a large role in the Florida springs attractions. I really enjoyed this book and I believe it is a real bargain for the price. Recently, I visited the park and if you get to Florida I can recommend Weeki Wachee Springs for a great fun-filled day!

3 comments about Tropical Deco: The Architecture and Design of Old Miami Beach.

1. Open the pages of this book to feel the heat on your face and sand between your toes. You're looking at some of the most whimsical and delightful architecture in the world. Imagine approaching this country for the first time from the water and being greeted by these buildings. They are a testament to this country's creativity, humor and ability to dream into the future. And the best part is that they are so well preserved so that you can experience them in person inside and out.



2. This book has been around for 20+ years and is mostly photographs taken in late 1970's and early 1980's. Much has changed in the ensuing 25 years. Many of the buildings have since been repainted, as in the Carlyle featured on the cover. Some, as with the graceful St Moritz, have been restored (today it looks much different, and better, then in this book's photograph). Best of all this book documents some things that are no longer there as in the wonderful photos of the Tiffany murals, the old Cinema Theatre interior. and the demolished Sands Hotel.
   
   The book is broken up into chapters based on architectural details (Facades, Doorways, Materials, etc). The text is well written and gives one a good grounding in the Miami Beach Deco architectural style. Best of all it is filled with wonderful photographs. A great historical record of a time when the Art Deco District had just been formed.



3. I found this book years ago at the Delray Beach library. It had been checked out so many times that it was in pretty ragtag shape. I decided to order my own copy just so I could gaze at deco whenever I wanted to. This book is a fantastic primer for anyone interested in Miami. Read this book and then take it with you on the Miami art deco tour; you will be that much more prepared to appreciate the tour and prepared to ask questions to your knowledgeable tour guide.

1 comments about Florida For Dummies (Dummies Travel).

1. This isn't a bad book on Florida travel, unless you want information on the Panhandle; Panama City Beach to Pensacola and surrounding areas. This part of the state isn't even mentioned.

1 comments about Florida's Miracle Strip: From Redneck Riviera to Emerald Coast.

1. This was a fun read, especially for those who were children when the touristy gimmicks of the Gulf coast were in their prime. I loved the pictures and the background info on my favorite attractions.

No comments about Zagat 2008 Miami Beach Restaurants (Zagat Miami Beach Restaurants).

2 comments about Florida Spring Training, 3rd Edition: Your Guide to Touring the Grapefruit League (Florida Spring Training: Your Guide to Touring the Grapefruit League).

1. I am a Florida resident, who absolutely loves spring training. Every spring I load up the car on the weekends and heads all over the state to different parks. I have recently gotten into the autograph act, so now when I go to the games I am seeking autographs as well. The book is very informative and from what I can tell quite accurate in its description of the parks, food, and autograph opportunities. If you are thinking of heading to spring training for the 1st, 2nd or even if you are a seasoned spring training vet, this book is definitely worth the price. It even includes some sample week long itineraries.



2. I gave this book to my boyfriend for Christmas. He is a 50-year-old baseball fanatic, and he loves the book. When you give a gift you hope it will make the recipient happy. This book did that with flying colors. He is the expert on the subject and I trust his response.

2 comments about Stolen Water: Saving the Everglades from Its Friends, Foes, and Florida.

1. Hodding Carter loves the Everglades and Stolen Water: Saving the Everglades from Its Friends, Foes, and Florida reflects this affection as much as it reflects arguments on both sides covering the management and utilization of the wilderness. From restoration plans for the Everglades to author Carter's own quest through the region to consider both its history and future, Stolen Water provides some hard-hitting facts about the real friends and foes of the area.



2. When the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan went into effect during the Clinton administration, Florida's great grassy wilderness garnered a host of national attention -- and has since become a breeding ground for environmental dispute. What does it take to "save" a forest? How can it be preserved?
   
   Enter W. Hodding Carter. For an Outside magazine feature he's agreed to paddle the ninety-nine-mile waterway in Everglades National Park to examine the landscape from all angles -- physical, political, cultural, and very personal -- and get to the rock-bottom heart of the story. Stolen Water is the outgrowth of Carter's journey.
   
   Through investigative research, eyewitness accounts, and interviews with key players in the conservation controversy, Carter offers a rare portrait of a national treasure. Utterly important, and at times downright hilarious, Stolen Water is a classic American adventure tale, and an environmental parable for our time.
   
   The author's newest book is:
   Off the Deep End

2 comments about Glass Bottom Boats & Mermaid Tails: Florida's Tourist Springs.

1. This book documents the primary tourist attractions in Florida before Disney -- central and north Florida's incredible spring systems, and the roadside attractions and tourist parks that sprang up to capitalize on their beauty.
   
   For those of you who remember coming down to Florida before the highways all led to Orlando, you will be thoroughly entranced by the trivia, the photos, the postcards, the brochures, and other memorabilia lovingly catalogued by Mr. Hollis. Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs, Weeki Wachi, and all the other associated tourist spots are recalled and discussed, with copious and often-hilarious photos and other promotional material. Also discussed are related wild-west attractions, roadside motels, inns and other odd-ball curios that arose to meet the burgeoning Florida tourist market.
   
   For me this book was a treasure. Anyone who has visited Weeki Watchee and swam in its beautiful crystal-clear springs, or took a ride on the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs, will want this book. Buy it before it goes away.



2. Beautiful account of the natural wonders of Florida and early tourism. As a native Floridian, I remember fondly as a child going to see the mermaids and being totally amazed. Too bad I75 and Disney spoiled the true treasures of Florida.

2 comments about Walt Disney World & Orlando For Dummies 2007 (Walt Disney World and Orlando for Dummies).

1. WE HAVE GONE TO DISNEY WORLD EVERY YEAR SINCE 2003 AND FIND PURCHASING BOOKS ABOUT 6 -9 MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME IS BOTH FUN AND INFORMATIVE.
   THIS BOOK HAS LOTS OF TIPS AND IS A REALLY GOOD SOURCE FOR ANY NEWBEE GOING TO DISNEY



2. Great book. Easy to read and follow and extremely helpful. My 7 year old daughter and 11 year old son were able to digest this and help me create a plan for our vacation.