Community Reviews

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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Carl Hiaasen's "Team Rodent"展现了他自大、做作和自我美化的个性。不幸的是,我对这本书的主要理解和反应更多地集中在作者身上,而不是迪士尼公司(往往是错误的)行为上。这并不是要完全为迪士尼公司辩护,因为我承认Hiaasen提出的许多观点不应被忽视。然而,作者可能从治疗中受益更多,而不是继续出版书籍,因为他对混乱和无序有着不健康的痴迷。

我理解他的观点——他是一个土生土长的佛罗里达人,对迪士尼在他所在州的经济和身份中所占的份额感到厌倦。我遇到过很多人,一旦他们说自己来自佛罗里达,就觉得有必要说“但不在奥兰多或迪士尼附近”,因为他们厌倦了经常听到的“哇,你一定经常去迪士尼!”的说法。然而,对于Hiaasen指责迪士尼的很多事情,他没有充分认识到佛罗里达州政府允许迪士尼以这种方式运营,所以如果有人应该受到指责的话,那就是佛罗里达州……迪士尼是在其被允许的范围内运营的。

Hiaasen在《Team Rodent》中自己也没有比迪士尼更好地克制隐瞒信息。在这本自我美化、悲观的小册子的第一部分,Hiaasen试图指责迪士尼公司翻新了时代广场的百老汇剧院并开设了一家闪闪发光的商品店,尽管这些只是对已经非常著名的第42街的补充。他似乎从未提到就在几个街区之外,有一个更大的、三层高的迪士尼世界商店——有主题公园风格的角色见面会和无数的宣传噱头。然而,这在迷人的第五大道上的店面和公司活动中是很常见的。由于迪士尼公司的行为在Hiaasen的脑海中挥之不去,他无疑知道这家商店的存在,但由于迪士尼不是唯一一家在这个世界著名的购物区以这种方式展示其吉祥物的公司,所以他无法抨击迪士尼。

希望讽刺能困扰一个巨大的跨国公司,让他们看到自己行为的后果,这是一回事。然而,Hiaasen似乎在对游客的真实和假设的恐惧中找到了乐趣。在书的不同章节中,Hiaasen回忆了一只狮子从离迪士尼世界度假村不远的动物园逃脱的故事。当他讲述新闻报道和狮子可能走过的路径时,他积极地希望度假村的一名游客被一只大猫咬伤——好像他们因为是迪士尼产品的消费者而活该。此外,他还继续将整个潜在的危险归咎于迪士尼,声称如果没有迪士尼世界,就不会有丛林乐园,所以这样一个可怕事件的责任应该落在迪士尼公司身上。这简直是疯了。他还养成了将动物照顾不当的行为归咎于迪士尼公司的习惯,后来他对迪士尼购买的一只黑犀牛没有直接死于迪士尼公司的行为表示失望。迪士尼公司试图粉饰动物死亡的方式是否幽默?是的。但过错不在他们手中,这让Hiaasen很沮丧。事实上,我敢肯定,几年前,当一只鳄鱼据称在大佛罗里达度假村和水疗中心的七海泻湖中咬伤并淹死了一名儿童时,Hiaasen可能会庆祝并为迪士尼的负面公关日欢呼,而不是为一个孩子的死亡而哀悼。他可能会非常失望地得知,大多数演职人员会暗示孩子实际上是因为(醉酒的)父母疏忽而溺水身亡的。坏的公关在应该得到的时候就应该得到,但迪士尼在控制自己的公众形象方面做得很好——就像苹果、亚马逊或康卡斯特等其他主要公司一样。

对于Hiaasen自己来说,很明显他认为自己处于某种道德高地,好像他是唯一一个看穿迪士尼方式的人。如前所述,他对血腥、性和犯罪有着不健康的痴迷,而且出于某种原因,他没有意识到其他人并不喜欢他喜欢的东西。我敢打赌他最喜欢的电影是《教父》。对于一本很可能面向游客或普通公众的书,他不遗余力地表示他多么不喜欢靠近人群,感谢迪士尼建造了一个假的基韦斯特度假村,这样他自己的家就有更少的游客——这意味着他积极地希望自己后院的经济停滞不前。书的封面用大字印着他的名字,好像读者会仅仅因为他的名字就被吸引到这本书上,而标题却用小字呈现,这表明这本书更多地是关于他自己,而不是他声称要写的主题。在书的封底,他说他的“梦想是永远被禁止进入迪士尼世界”,这本身就引起了读者对他在这个话题上会如何表现的注意……孩子气。更不用说他认为自己反复称迪士尼公司和公共关系以及这本书的名字“Team Rodent”是多么聪明,好像没有更糟糕或更聪明的称呼了。事实上,这本书更多地是关于他自己的利益,而不是迪士尼公司的利益。如果他能增加一些关于迪士尼试图审查阿纳海姆市并在原始迪士尼乐园周围建立自己的泡沫的方式的章节,他本会有很好的素材,但相反,他只关注影响他在佛罗里达的个人生活的事情,而不是最能告知读者的事情。有趣的是,他从未提到奥兰多环球影城度假村,它和迪士尼在奥兰多的同一条高速公路上,也犯有许多同样的罪行。也许是因为他更喜欢环球影城所庆祝的知识产权,而不是迪士尼的?我们可能永远不会知道,但环球影城的电影在主题上历来更黑暗,这是他所痴迷的,所以这是一个值得提出的问题。

当然,我是一个超级迪士尼粉丝,在阅读这本书时已经有点偏见了,但显然作者的偏见也不小。他和我在生活中有很多不同的观点。他写的书有《Skinny Dip》《Sick Puppy》《Naked Came The Manatee》《Strip Tease》《Skin Tight》和《Assume The Worst: The Graduation Speech You'll Never Hear》等标题;而我喜欢制作经常与迪士尼相关的TikTok视频。Carl Hiaasen毫无歉意地悲观,而且总体上没有资格试图诋毁这么多人从中找到乐趣的东西。我确实想知道是什么给Hiaasen的生活带来了乐趣……他当然喜欢在20世纪80年代中期带他的孩子去迪士尼世界,所以也许他和他在《Team Rodent》中试图贬低的那些可怜的不幸的人一样,在同样的方式中找到了乐趣。

July 15,2025
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Gosh, this book is really old. The fact that Disney and Orlando change so rapidly makes the age of the book seem even more prominent.


Although I don't dispute a great deal of what this book is stating, it does seem a bit absurd to criticize a company for operating in the most lucrative manner. After all, in the business world, profitability is often a key goal.


I can fathom why the author holds the views they do regarding Disney, considering they reside in Florida. Disney has, to a large extent, dominated the state. It has become such a significant presence that it impacts various aspects of life there.


However, I have a deep love for Disney, and I firmly believe that the Disney brand will never be overcome. Its charm, innovation, and ability to create magical experiences for people of all ages are simply unrivaled.

July 15,2025
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First, this is an extremely concise book. It holds great significance. However, it is not investigative journalism.

It serves as a summary of what life was like in South Florida before, during, and after Disney acquired land there. It also details how the tactics employed by Disney have made people feel. Moreover, it is written in a highly entertaining style. If you are a fan of Hiaasen's other works, you will recognize the same style here.

He raises numerous concerning points. Although he admits that he enjoys being at DisneyWorld, not everything is bad! But I believe his main contention - that Disney makes the fake experience more desirable than a real one because real experiences might involve something, anything, even slightly unpredictable or negative - is 100% accurate not only at Disney but increasingly in many other places such as cruises, Vegas, and planned communities. In many respects, this is a very similar message to Rick Steves' "Travel as a Political Act."

Obviously, this book is somewhat dated, but the issues he discusses have become even more relevant. Does he provide footnotes for every story and reference countless facts? No. Could someone create a book that does so and would be a better indictment of Disney? Of course. But he conveys these messages in a lighthearted, easy-to-read, and enjoyable manner.

Also, for me personally, the frequent references to the Insane Clown Posse were truly remarkable.
July 15,2025
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Before you shell out $9 for this book, it's essential to be aware that it contains less than 100 pages. In fact, it's more of a critical essay than a traditional book.

Many Disney enthusiasts have clearly read and reviewed this work, penning scathing critiques. You'll notice that most of these reviewers reside far from the Disney juggernaut. I, on the other hand, grew up in Florida and lived in Orlando for 4 years, a mere 20 minutes from Disney. Many of my friends were employed there, and we interacted with the Disney machine on a daily basis.

This essay might seem like a malicious attack on the seemingly wholesome goodness that is Disney. And many who spend their hard-earned money on their annual pilgrimage to "mouse land" will be incensed and outraged by Hiaasen's audacity in pointing out that Disney is not the loving embrace of your parents. Instead, it's a mega-conglomerate that excels at manipulating perception and, above all, worships the almighty dollar. If you live there, you're all too familiar with the sickening scale on which you're forced to exist. You can't truly despise Disney because it directly or indirectly employs just about everyone you know. But if you live there, you know the appalling truth about what they stand for.

Alongside the thousands upon thousands of tourists who flock there every year under the delusion that they can behave however they please both on and off Disney property because "they're spending their hard-earned money here." They litter our beaches, wreck their cars on our roads while reading maps or yelling at their children, and they act rudely while expecting to be waited on hand and foot. They fill their cars with trinkets from roadside stands, harass our wildlife, and then sue when they get bitten. Yes, for better or worse, Disney has transformed Florida into what it is today. We Floridians accept that, but it's also refreshing to have individuals like Hiaasen who point out that the wide-eyed tourists need to wake up and realize that this is a company out to make money.

Enough of that. Hiaasen does an excellent job of using typical Florida cynicism to expose what most people in Florida already know: Disney wants your money and is willing to brainwash your children to obtain it. Your money will inevitably end up in their hands. He brings to light the creepy business tactics, the cult-like behavior, and the third Reich mentality that those of us who have been close enough to smell the beast are aware of. Did you know that the Tower of Terror collapsed and killed a number of people in the late 90s? No? I only know because I knew people who worked there at the time... and it never even made the papers. Did you know that until recently, no one died on Disney property? You could be in 7 different pieces, but you wouldn't be pronounced dead until you were off their property.

Returning to the book, it's extremely well-written, highly cynical, and definitely not worth $10. Get it from the library or a used bookstore, mainly due to its brevity. However, it's a great read, and I highly recommend it.
July 15,2025
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I discovered this book while perusing the published works of Hiassen after having read Hoot. It seemed rather interesting. I have been to Disney World numerous times, and I was intrigued to read his perspective.

I gleaned several things I was previously unaware of regarding Disney from this book. It is skillfully written and engaging. It also uncovers some of the darker aspects of Disney. However, I believe he misses the mark. I fail to comprehend why Disney's attempt to oust porn shops from Times Square is considered bad. I don't think he grasps the fact that many of us are aware that Disney is artificial and staged. When Walt was envisioning his theme parks, amusement parks were not the pleasant and safe havens they are today. Have you ever encountered a carnie? I worked at a fairground during the summer and met two groups of them. My boss prohibited girls from working at the fair after dark because he and the sheriff had had to rescue women from the carnies on previous occasions. As a parent, I would much rather have a less authentic but safe place for my kids to go on vacation. Don't misunderstand me. I don't concur with everything Disney does either.

July 15,2025
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Hiaasen takes a very sharp and critical look at how the so-called "happiest place on earth" has had a negative impact on his beloved Florida. The changes that have occurred are truly for the worse. It's quite astonishing to see how this once-idyllic place has been affected. You might find yourself having second thoughts about visiting the world's most renowned theme park after you finish reading this relatively slim volume. However, despite its size, it is compulsively readable. It draws you in and makes you think deeply about the consequences of such a large and influential establishment. You'll be left pondering the implications and perhaps even reevaluating your own perception of this famous destination.

July 15,2025
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In 2024, the political drama between DeSantis and Disney continues to unfold.

Ron DeSantis, the governor known for his assertive stance, has been engaged in a highly publicized battle with the entertainment giant.

The issues at stake range from tax policies to social and cultural matters.

Disney, on the other hand, with its vast influence and global reach, is not one to back down easily.

The company has been vocal in its opposition to some of DeSantis' policies, which it believes could have a negative impact on its business and the values it represents.

This ongoing conflict has captured the attention of the nation and has become a focal point in the political landscape.

Love Carl's wit and use of English, as he often provides incisive commentary and analysis on this and other political issues.

His unique perspective and ability to convey complex ideas in an engaging manner make his work a must-read for those interested in staying informed about the latest political developments.

As the situation between DeSantis and Disney evolves, it remains to be seen how it will ultimately be resolved and what implications it will have for both parties and the wider public.

July 15,2025
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My first trip to WDW took place a mere 16 months after it initially opened, and ever since then, I have been visiting regularly.

It is truly fascinating to read this piece 18 years after it was penned. This was written during the Eisner years, which, in my opinion, were the rather lackluster or "dark" years of the company. Even the most die-hard Disney fan has to admit that this is an honest assessment of the parks during that particular period.

I can't help but wonder if the author now wishes he had omitted the part about sneaking in and depositing gators in Bay Lake. It seems like a rather bold and perhaps somewhat irresponsible act that might have had unforeseen consequences. Nevertheless, it adds an element of intrigue and mischief to the story.

Overall, this account provides a unique perspective on the early days of WDW and the challenges and changes that the company went through during the Eisner era.
July 15,2025
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This was a short but very entertaining essay on Disney, the Corporation.

It was not a critique of the parks or movies. Instead, it focused on the company as a whole.

I found it very informative as it provided insights into the various aspects of Disney's business operations.

The essay likely explored topics such as Disney's history, its expansion into different media and entertainment sectors, and its marketing strategies.

It might have also discussed the company's impact on popular culture and its ability to create and maintain a strong brand.

Overall, this short essay offered a fascinating look at Disney, the Corporation, and left me with a greater understanding and appreciation of its significance in the world of entertainment.

July 15,2025
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Do NOT read this if you're planning an exotic week in Orlando or on one of Disney's cruise lines.

Orlando is a magical destination known for its world-famous theme parks, especially those of Disney. It offers a plethora of attractions and experiences that can make your week truly unforgettable.

On Disney's cruise lines, you can embark on a luxurious journey filled with entertainment, fine dining, and beautiful destinations. The ships are like floating resorts, providing everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

However, if you're looking for something different, something more exotic, then this article may not be for you. Maybe you prefer to explore far-off lands, experience unique cultures, or engage in thrilling adventures.

In that case, you might want to consider other destinations and activities that offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience. There are countless options out there for those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones and seek something truly extraordinary.

So, if you're set on having an exotic week in Orlando or on a Disney cruise, then go ahead and enjoy every moment. But if you're open to other possibilities, keep exploring and discover the world's hidden gems.

July 15,2025
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A short book - - truly makes you ponder what else Disney might be concealing......

I had never considered the "other side" of Disney before. Hiaasen indeed has some excellent stories within this book - ones that can cause your mind to run wild with various other possible events that could have taken place.

It is definitely eye-opening!

This short book serves as a catalyst for our imagination, making us question the seemingly perfect world that Disney portrays.

Hiaasen's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, drawing the reader in and making them eager to explore the hidden depths of Disney's secrets.

By presenting these alternative perspectives, the book challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to look beyond the surface.

It makes us realize that there may be more to Disney than meets the eye, and that there could be a whole other side to the story that we have never considered.

In conclusion, this short book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Disney or who enjoys a good mystery.

It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of imagination and the importance of looking beyond the obvious.
July 15,2025
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One writer's/Floridian's account offers an interesting perspective on what Disney has done to Florida and the mindset of Americans.

It presents a somewhat funny take and includes several engaging discussions about the downside of Disney.

However, it is important to note that this piece lacks hard data regarding the effects of the company.

Primarily, it seems to be an angry opinion piece, which may limit its objectivity.

While it may raise valid points and spark conversations, a more comprehensive analysis would benefit from incorporating factual evidence.

Nevertheless, it does provide an interesting look into the thoughts and feelings of some individuals towards Disney's influence in Florida.

Perhaps future discussions on this topic can build upon this account and include a more balanced examination of the company's impact.
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