Short, thought-provoking, and at times vulgar, this is a takedown of late 1990s Disney. It challenges the notion that the Mouse can do no wrong. If you firmly believe that Disney is above reproach, this book isn't for you. However, if you're open to the idea that Disney is a powerful and highly profitable corporation with potentially ugly consequences for both people and the planet, then this is a good starting point.

The author's stance might surprise some. He wouldn't side with the anti-woke Floridians of today. When describing a boycott by Southern Baptists demonstrating (combating homosexuality) at that time, he states, "Given a choice between intolerant moralizers and unflinchingly ruthless profiteers, I'll have to stand with the Mouse every time." (page 13). This shows that the author has a complex view of Disney and the various forces at play. It makes us think about the different perspectives and the difficult choices we face when evaluating large corporations and their impact.

Carl Hiaasen masterfully employs wit and sarcasm to convey his perspective on how the Disney enterprise has transformed the Florida landscape.

By "landscape," he doesn't merely refer to the vast acreage of the Reedy Creek Improvement District (home to Disneyworld and Epcot Center). Instead, he vividly illustrates how the Disney corporation, under the leadership of CEO Michael Eisner, has significantly altered the culture, business, and politics of Florida.

It's no secret that the Disney Corporation is a behemoth in Florida, behaving as if it can act with impunity. Hiaasen deftly uses multiple examples from the corporation's history to highlight this. This becomes the underlying theme of the book.

While some, like Hiaasen, seem eager to criticize Disney at every opportunity, others idolize the company. I find myself somewhere in the middle. Disney has accomplished many remarkable things over the years, but it's crucial not to overlook the less savory aspects of its actions. This is truly the essence of the book.

However, the book is a relatively easy read. There is sufficient information to pique our interest, but we're left disappointed when it leaves us hanging. I appreciate the inclusion of details that we may have forgotten or that are known only to Florida residents, such as the lioness en route to the Disney park, the vultures around Discovery Island, or the addition of the Disney Store in Times Square. These engaging stories could have benefited from a bit more development to truly drive home their impact.

I award four stars for the sarcasm and humor, but deduct one star for the book's brevity, being less than 100 pages.

I truly have a deep love for Disney.

It's not just a brand or an entertainment company to me; it's a world full of magic and wonder.

The Disney books are one of the many aspects that I adore. They bring the beloved characters and stories to life in a different way.

The description of "it's a poke in the eye to the mouse" might seem a bit strange at first, but upon closer examination, it could imply a certain playfulness or perhaps a lighthearted jab at the iconic Mickey Mouse.

And saying "not too far from the mark" might suggest that there is some truth or connection in that somewhat unusual statement.

Overall, my love for Disney extends to every little detail, including the unique and sometimes quirky ways in which it is described and experienced.

Whether it's through the books, the movies, or the theme parks, Disney always manages to capture my heart and imagination.

Carl hates Disney

Carl, a native Floridian, makes it abundantly clear that he has a strong aversion to Disney and everything associated with its existence in Orlando. Having personally visited Disney parks numerous times throughout the years, I must admit that on my more recent trips, I have become somewhat jaded. However, I still find pleasure in the escape and fantasy that Disney manages to create. It's interesting to note the stark contrast between Carl's intense dislike and my own somewhat tempered enjoyment. While Carl seems to have soured completely on the Disney experience, I can still appreciate the magic and wonder that it offers, even if it's not as fresh and exciting as it once was. It makes me wonder what exactly has led to Carl's extreme stance and if there are others out there who share his view.

Disney has long been regarded as a beloved and magical brand, but there are those who view it in a different light. The author of this piece believes that Disney is, in fact, evil.

One way in which the author sees Disney as evil is through its portrayal of gender roles. Many of the classic Disney princess movies depict women as damsels in distress, waiting for a prince to come and save them. This reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and limits the potential of young girls.

Another aspect of Disney that the author finds concerning is its use of consumerism. Disney has created a vast empire of merchandise, from toys to clothing to theme park souvenirs. This constant bombardment of consumer goods can lead to a sense of materialism and a desire for more, rather than a focus on what is truly important in life.

Finally, the author believes that Disney's business practices are unethical. The company has been accused of everything from exploiting workers in its overseas factories to using its political influence to further its own interests.

In conclusion, while Disney may seem like a harmless and fun brand on the surface, the author believes that there are many reasons to view it as evil. From its portrayal of gender roles to its use of consumerism and unethical business practices, Disney may not be the magical place that it appears to be.

I was truly hoping to encounter a well-thought-out and critical review of the Disney Corp. However, to my great disappointment, this piece is simply filled with cheap shots.

While I can somewhat understand where Hiaasen is coming from in his animosity towards tourists, it's not really Disney's fault. Tourists exhibit such behavior all over the globe.

Furthermore, he cites several events without providing much in the way of background. Mostly, it's just his own interpretation of events. For example, on page 76 regarding the dead rhino, he says, "Upon learning how the rhinoceros had died, I assumed the worst." And he's all too happy to suggest, without any proof, that some employee might have killed the rhino. Another one-sided account is the vulture debacle. Yes, that situation went wrong, but he fails to mention all the efforts that the personnel made before they ultimately killed those vultures. I could continue to list such examples, but basically, this seems to be just one man's rant against a mega-corporation.

And that might have been understandable. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the Disney Corp myself. They have grown so large that it's rather intimidating.

What really made me extremely angry, though, was what I read on page 64: his attack on foreign journalists.

He goes out of his way to describe how he insisted on paying full price for his hotel room (even though it was on his employer's dime, so in my opinion, this doesn't really count). Then he continues to write, "The rules [for journalists] are different overseas -- in many places, no stigma whatsoever is attached to media junkets. The only limit to what gifts a reporter may accept is the capacity of his or her luggage."

Really?!! I'm absolutely outraged by this statement. Questioning the integrity of other press members is one thing, but assuming they are corrupt simply because they don't share the writer's hatred is quite another. And once again, it's presented in his typical generalizing, undetailed, and unsubstantiated manner.

An interesting perspective is offered on the inner workings of Disney. It delves into how Disney is highly skilled at concealing any "negative" incidents that occur within their properties. The book covers a wide range of aspects, yet it is somewhat outdated. Since it was written during Michael Eisner's tenure as CEO, a great deal has been added to the company.

Carl Hiaasen, having lived in Florida his whole life, witnessed firsthand the impact Disney had on the state. One could even say Disney "took over" the state to some extent. Although they didn't literally take over Florida, Disney's presence brought about significant changes, which Hiaasen examines in his book. He also explores how Disney has influenced the culture of the entire country to a certain degree. It is a revealing book that, even if you don't agree with every point, should be compulsory reading for any student of American culture. There is no doubt that the company has had an effect on our country, just like the fast food industry and technology have.

However, it can become a bit tiresome at times, which is why I gave it a rating of 3 instead of 4. Nevertheless, it is still worthwhile reading.

I probably shouldn't critique this book solely based on the fact that it's old. However, it would truly be fascinating to read an updated version.

Disney's omnipresence has clearly only increased since 1998. I'm certain that the corporate secrecy and underhanded tactics have grown along with it.

I have older children, and we have never taken them to Disney. This is because we don't have any wealthy relatives to foot the bill, and when we compare the cost to what we could do with that money elsewhere, we simply can't justify it.

This book was a good and quick read. I only wish I could access more of Hiassen's thoughts on Disney. It would be interesting to see how his perspective has evolved over the years, given the changes that have occurred within the Disney empire.

Perhaps an updated version of this book would shed light on the new challenges and controversies that Disney has faced in the 21st century. It could also explore the impact of Disney's continued expansion on popular culture and society as a whole.

In conclusion, while the original book provided valuable insights, an updated version would be a welcome addition to the literature on Disney.

This work is less of a traditional book and more like a critical essay, clocking in at just under one hundred pages.

I am a big fan of Hiaasen, and I wholeheartedly agree with his critiques of Disney's greed and its overly sanitized experiences. His concerns about the detrimental impact on the environment in general, and specifically on the state of Florida, are also valid.

However, in this particular piece, I felt that something was lacking. I missed the sharp and biting humor that he usually employs to great effect. Additionally, the character development, which is often a strong point in his works, seemed to be somewhat lacking.

Overall, while I appreciate Hiaasen's message and his efforts to raise awareness about important issues, this work didn't quite hit the mark for me. Give me Skink anytime, with his larger-than-life personality and wild adventures.

I have delved into at least one other book and numerous articles regarding the manner in which Disney attains its desires and conducts its business. I firmly believe that it is of great significance for us to know as much as possible (provided we are interested, of course). This particular book, however, turned out to be shorter and less detailed than my expectations. I had already come across some of the details elsewhere, presented in a more balanced fashion.

I am not a die-hard Disney fan, nor do I have an all-encompassing passion for everything Disney. I can't even assert that I love (or loathe) Walt Disney World. Instead, I am intrigued by it, especially the behind-the-scenes tours and information. My running joke is that it would be an excellent place to explore if there were fewer children present. Although, more often than not, it is the grown-up children who irk me there. I didn't visit Disney World until I was past 40, sent by my employer as a reward on a training vacation (yet another source of profit for Disney). I have probably spent approximately 12 days there in total, about three days at each park, and I must admit that it is wearing me down more and more. During my last few visits, I have noticed the following: on two occasions, cast members were complaining about their jobs; on one occasion, a cast member got snippy at how slowly I was settling into a ride (it was a wet ride, so I wanted to ensure my bag was in the waterproof pocket); and in other ways, it feels like the place is slipping. But perhaps it is because I am more comfortable there and notice such things.

Anyway, this book seems to lack substantial new material to support the diatribe of hate, and I can't say I am fond of its tone. I had anticipated more humor. I mean, some reviews claim it is hysterical, but I simply didn't perceive it that way. I write books with humor, so I like to think I would recognize it when I see it. Then again, there are a plethora of insults in the descriptions, so perhaps it is intended to be of the Don Rickles type of humor. The section where he went as a journalist and attempted not to pay for anything could have been humorous if more care had been taken in describing the details, but it is glossed over in a rapid narration and was thus merely an exercise in insulting journalists who accepted free items. I don't think he is being harsh on them because they accepted free stuff but rather because they didn't share his aversion to all things Disney. They were attempting to enjoy themselves rather than striving to be the one reporter who breaks the story that brings down Disney.

I did get a kick out of when he revealed that he dutifully took his kids to Disney World when they were small, although I guess his message is that when the rest of us have children of our own, we should resist the temptation and not take them there.

So, certain parts of the book were interesting, containing details I had not previously encountered. One thing that occurred to me as I read it, which I had never thought of before, is that the things Disney has done to have its own way, such as operating Disney World without interference, and so on, are the same kind of crap that all corporations do and get away with for the same political and financial reasons. But Disney isn't skimping on quality in its products, putting lives at risk through negligence, giving its employees Black Lung (as far as I know), or allowing other life-threatening or socially irresponsible and dangerous activities in the name of profit. Are they? If so, it isn't reported here. Yes, we need to be aware of the ways in which Disney gets what it wants to further its profit, but let's keep it in perspective, shall we?

I have a great desire to witness an updated edition of this book.

Much of what Hiaasen writes remains valid, and particularly in recent years, there has been even more to document.

I am eager to listen to his perspectives on Disney's role in the 'don't say gay' bill in Florida and the continuous battle between DeSantis and Disney's private lawmaking district.

It would be fascinating to gain his insights into how these events have unfolded and their potential implications.

Perhaps he could offer a unique and incisive analysis, given his talent for uncovering the absurdities and injustices in society.

An updated version of the book could provide a timely and relevant exploration of these issues, shedding light on the complex and often controversial relationship between corporations, politics, and social change.

I look forward to seeing what Hiaasen might have to say in an updated work.

Carl Hiaasen has a rather complex stance towards Disney's impact on Florida. On one hand, he doesn't like what he perceives as the negative influence Disney has had on the state.

However, he also acknowledges the undeniable fact that Walt Disney World is a highly reliable vacation destination.

The book "Team Rodent" was written in 1998 and is of a length that is too long to be considered a typical editorial yet too short to be classified as a full-fledged book. It can be read in just a few hours.

Since 1998, a great deal has changed. In my blog Touristburbia, which can be found on my website oldmanknowsstuff.net, I am striving to offer more balanced observations about living in close proximity to WDW.

I aim to present a comprehensive view that takes into account both the positive and negative aspects, rather than simply taking a one-sided stance like Carl Hiaasen does in some of his writings.

This way, readers can get a more accurate understanding of what it's really like to live in an area that is so closely associated with one of the world's most famous tourist attractions.