Excellent New Book/Guide for WDW

[Micca]

Bought this at Borders a few days ago. It's called Mousejunkies by Bill Burke.
The author and his crew are totally like-minded to we Dis-ers. There may not be a lot of new factual info, but it's a very enjoyable read from a group of people who are total WDW nuts. They're probably here--come collect your kudos if so.:earsboy:

[blinkangel44]

I do believe that Bill Burke IS a DIS-er! :)
This is on my list of books to buy the next time I go to Borders. People can also join the Mousejunkies group on Facebook.

[constanze]

Very cool! I'll make sure to pick one up!

[ChefBilly]

Thank you for the kind words!

:thumbsup2

Randy, Carol and Jenna - from the book - are all here as well.
Well, not here with me. Here on the boards. ;-)

[tweedlemom]

Saw the book in Barnes and Noble the other day. Looked great! Now that I know you are a fellow DIS-er, I will definitely pick it up! Can't wait!

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Count me in too. Can't wait to get a copy.

[wvdislover]

Too cool! I'll have to check it out. I do have a Barnes & Noble giftcard I need to use :rolleyes:

[ChefBilly]

Now that I know you are a fellow DIS-er, I will definitely pick it up! Can't wait!

Yup, I've been around for a loooong time. As you can see from my post count, I can be a man of few words ( :goodvibes ) but there's only one place I come for my WDW fix. :thumbsup2

[Dan Murphy]

Yup, I've been around for a loooong time. As you can see from my post count, I can be a man of few words ( :goodvibes ) but there's only one place I come for my WDW fix. :thumbsup2:wave2: Bill.

But when you speak......:thumbsup2

[Micca]

The thing I love about the book is that it follows the story of Bill going to WDW as an adult and becoming completely enamoured with the magic. It's similar to my story and I'll bet many others here would relate to it and enjoy it. We are also similarly smitten with WDW food:love:

Congrats to the the Mousejunkies on a job well done:earsboy:

[VikingInMouseEars]

The thing I love about the book is that it follows the story of Bill going to WDW as an adult and becoming completely enamoured with the magic. It's similar to my story and I'll bet many others here would relate to it and enjoy it. We are also similarly smitten with WDW food:love:

Congrats to the the Mousejunkies on a job well done:earsboy:

Yep, I totally related to this book. I went to WDW for the first time at age 43, expected to cross it off my "want to do" list and move on, well not only did I NOT cross it off I am now planning my 3rd trip in 2 years. Bill and his co-horts did a great job with this book. :wizard::worship::thumbsup2

[diz4ever]

Bill -

Love, love, love the book. :lovestruc I had preordered it on Amazon and couldn't put it down once it came. You write the way I always feel.

[MapleGirl]

Hey Bill I had 4 people email me the article in the Herald that was about your book. Sounds like a great read. I'll be picking it up. How did you go about getting it published?

[laceemouse]

I want that:yay:

[jess20k]

I am going to order mine now! I can't wait to read it!

[winterman]

I came across the book in Border's on Friday. By the third page, I was hooked and knew I had to buy it. However, I have to admit that I was too cheap to pay full price. So I returned yesterday with my 40% off coupon.

It is a great read. I'm approaching the half way point. No info that I don't already know, but fun.

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[MJMcBride]

Got it and love it.

[dr&momto2boys]

I'm in the middle of reading it right now! My DH can't put it down either! Great job, Bill!

We were just saying we wish we had friends that would just show up and surprise us at WDW!...and then I found out my sister accidentally (without knowing we were on it) booked the same Disney cruise as we did! Too bad we didn't just bump into each other on the ship! :lmao:

[Glampire31]

I am going to Barnes and Noble on Thursday and will definitely pick up a copy.... And one for my aunt too. :grouphug:

[Tinker_Belle]

I can't put it down either! It's such a fun read, even if you don't need a lot of planning information. :goodvibes

[momto2inKC]

I just reserved this at Borders, I can't wait to pick it up tomorrow :thumbsup2

[luvthemouse71]

I bought this last week! You beat me to the review...this book is great. It's very funny and has info as well. I believe the author is from Boston so it was funny to see a fellow New Englander's point of view.*Update* oops..he's from New Hampshire. Still New England though..I laughed out loud a few times while reading this..especially at the mention of Dunkin' Donuts..I live on their iced coffee in the spring and summer.

I think it's more suited to those who have been to WDW and who are addicted but it's an awesome book.

[mickeyholic]

I can tell that I am going to have to pickup a copy next time I am in Barnes and Noble.

[ChefBilly]

I bought this last week! You beat me to the review...this book is great. It's very funny and has info as well. I believe the author is from Boston so it was funny to see a fellow New Englander's point of view.*Update* oops..he's from New Hampshire. Still New England though..I laughed out loud a few times while reading this..especially at the mention of Dunkin' Donuts..I live on their iced coffee in the spring and summer.

I think it's more suited to those who have been to WDW and who are addicted but it's an awesome book.

Thank you for the very, very kind words. :thumbsup2
(I was born in Boston. Lived in Mass. for 34 years or so, worked at the Herald for 12 years. No matter how hard I try, I can't shake my Mass. roots. :goodvibes )

[MsDisney23]

:goodvibesGood to see ya Bill Looking forward to reading your book! :thumbsup2

[jenelope]

My name is Jenna, and I am a Mousejunkie!

I'm so happy that DISers are enjoying Bill's book! I know I was thrilled when he asked me to contribute and have been anxious to see how people reacted. I first found the DIS back in February of 1999, when I was planning my first trip as an adult. I had to re-register at some point, so my date's a little more recent than my involvement. Unlike the other Mousejunkies in the book, I've actually known the DIS boards longer than I've known Bill!

Thank you so much for buying/reading Mousejunkies! And thank you, Bill, for inviting me along!

[Poodie]

I read it from cover to cover in one day, while my kids were in the pool! It's a GREAT read, and funny as all get out! I ready MANY parts of it outloud to my family.....

I loved it and highly recommend it!

[ChefBilly]

Hey Bill I had 4 people email me the article in the Herald that was about your book. Sounds like a great read. I'll be picking it up. How did you go about getting it published?

Hi MapleGirl.
Well, here's my story...

I worked in the newspaper business for about 18 years. During that time I became addicted to Walt Disney World (something that is well chronicled in chapter 1 of the book. It's a bit of a story.)

Anyway...
I loved to write. I did it every day at work, so when I combined it with my love of WDW, I was in heaven. Like a lot of other people I would write trip reports. I wrote the first one as a way to deal with Disney-withdrawal. My wife said, "Hey, this is really funny... You should write a book."

I told her "You're my wife. You have to say nice things to me."

Another time I was on a press trip at WDW, when the PR person assigned to me said, "I see what you're sending back to the paper. It's really funny. You should write a book."

I told her: "You're my PR contact - you have to say nice things to me."

Fast forward a few years... I knew I wanted to write a book, but I had no focus or angle. Just about 80k words in the form of trip reports - not very useful.
In January of 2007 I found myself laid off and fighting off bronchitis. Which meant I was tied to my computer with nothing to do but wish I was at WDW.

I was thinking very hard about writing the book, but still lacked an outline. I had the title, but very little else. One morning I woke up to the clock radio, and the DJ was ranting about blogs. He said, "No one wants to know when I went to sleep, when I woke up, what I ate..."
Suddenly, it clicked: Mousejunkies Sleep. Mousejunkies Eat. Mousejunkies Travel...
Just like that my outline appeared in front of me. I ran downstairs and started typing as fast as I could. Before my wife had even come downstairs to get ready for work, it was done. And it changed very little from then until today.

Once that was done, all I had to do was fill in the blanks. Every day I'd drop my daughter off at kindergarten, come home, make coffee, sit down in front of the PC, find a live365 station playing Walt Disney World music, put my hands on the keys, and... everything around me would disappear. I'd be standing in the middle of Epcot, or the Magic Kingdom, and I'd just be writing what was going on in front of me.
Then I'd bug my friends. The Mousejunkies. I'd IM them, email them and call them. They were my panel of experts.

Once I got about 75 percent of it done, I put together a book proposal. It's a big packet with sample chapters, a letter... All kinds of information. Then I started looking for publishers that would be a good fit. I was looking for publishers who put out humorous books or publishers who put out travel books. Next thing I know I was looking at a Palo Alto, Calif., publisher who put out humorous travel books.

I emailed the proposal and before too long I heard back. They wanted to see more. Again... Long story short... One day I got a call from the acquisitions editor, and my dream came true. It sounds a little more simple than it actually was, but in a nutshell, that was it.

I got that call about an hour before I was heading out to my friend's bachelor party last July. We were meeting up to jump in a limo and go out to dinner and then see the band Rush. (I love Rush.)

That was probably one of the top three nights of my life. :goodvibes

Then came the editing process, which was still fun. Then more editing - still fun. Then the final edits - exciting. The editors were gracious, reasonable and great to work with. (Coming from a newspaper background, I don't mind being edited, spindled and mutilated. Not that they did those things, but it's just a normal part of the day for me.)

Then about a month ago two boxes showed up on my front porch.
Then I got to see my six-year-old sitting on the couch with her nose buried in the book - completely wrapped up in her dad's stories.
Then people who share my obsession started saying really, really nice things about the book.
It's been an awesome ride.

[2xcited2sleep]

Hi MapleGirl.
Well, here's my story...

I worked in the newspaper business for about 18 years. During that time I became addicted to Walt Disney World (something that is well chronicled in chapter 1 of the book. It's a bit of a story.)

Anyway...
I loved to write. I did it every day at work, so when I combined it with my love of WDW, I was in heaven. Like a lot of other people I would write trip reports. I wrote the first one as a way to deal with Disney-withdrawal. My wife said, "Hey, this is really funny... You should write a book."

I told her "You're my wife. You have to say nice things to me."

Another time I was on a press trip at WDW, when the PR person assigned to me said, "I see what you're sending back to the paper. It's really funny. You should write a book."

I told her: "You're my PR contact - you have to say nice things to me."

Fast forward a few years... I knew I wanted to write a book, but I had no focus or angle. Just about 80k words in the form of trip reports - not very useful.
In January of 2007 I found myself laid off and fighting off bronchitis. Which meant I was tied to my computer with nothing to do but wish I was at WDW.

I was thinking very hard about writing the book, but still lacked an outline. I had the title, but very little else. One morning I woke up to the clock radio, and the DJ was ranting about blogs. He said, "No one wants to know when I went to sleep, when I woke up, what I ate..."
Suddenly, it clicked: Mousejunkies Sleep. Mousejunkies Eat. Mousejunkies Travel...
Just like that my outline appeared in front of me. I ran downstairs and started typing as fast as I could. Before my wife had even come downstairs to get ready for work, it was done. And it changed very little from then until today.

Once that was done, all I had to do was fill in the blanks. Every day I'd drop my daughter off at kindergarten, come home, make coffee, sit down in front of the PC, find a live365 station playing Walt Disney World music, put my hands on the keys, and... everything around me would disappear. I'd be standing in the middle of Epcot, or the Magic Kingdom, and I'd just be writing what was going on in front of me.
Then I'd bug my friends. The Mousejunkies. I'd IM them, email them and call them. They were my panel of experts.

Once I got about 75 percent of it done, I put together a book proposal. It's a big packet with sample chapters, a letter... All kinds of information. Then I started looking for publishers that would be a good fit. I was looking for publishers who put out humorous books or publishers who put out travel books. Next thing I know I was looking at a Palo Alto, Calif., publisher who put out humorous travel books.

I emailed the proposal and before too long I heard back. They wanted to see more. Again... Long story short... One day I got a call from the acquisitions editor, and my dream came true. It sounds a little more simple than it actually was, but in a nutshell, that was it.

I got that call about an hour before I was heading out to my friend's bachelor party last July. We were meeting up to jump in a limo and go out to dinner and then see the band Rush. (I love Rush.)

That was probably one of the top three nights of my life. :goodvibes

Then came the editing process, which was still fun. Then more editing - still fun. Then the final edits - exciting. The editors were gracious, reasonable and great to work with. (Coming from a newspaper background, I don't mind being edited, spindled and mutilated. Not that they did those things, but it's just a normal part of the day for me.)

Then about a month ago two boxes showed up on my front porch.
Then I got to see my six-year-old sitting on the couch with her nose buried in the book - completely wrapped up in her dad's stories.
Then people who share my obsession started saying really, really nice things about the book.
It's been an awesome ride.

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I just ordered the book on amazon and can't wait to read it.

You are living my dream. I would love to write a WDW book. :upsidedow

[Hallowishes]

sounds really awesome! im going to try to find it tomorrow aT borders popcorn::

[mouseman68]

The book has been great fun for this Mousejunkie.

Mousejunkie Randy.

[justcantwait]

Kudos, thanks and congrats to all the Mousejunkies on here! I've been reading the book at work, laughing out loud. My coworkers know that I'm a Disney freak, they don't quite get it most times, but as I read them passages, they're laughing along with me! Great book, lots of info, really fun to read. I highly recommend it everyone on here.

Kathy

[LUVMICKEY]

I just have to have this book. I'm ordering mine now.

[spatulaqueen27]

Ordered my copy yesterday from Chapters.ca. Should get it tomorrow or the next day!

[SimonV]

This is a story Susan and I can really relate to, and it's great to hear. I have been in the travel-writing business for almost 20 years now purely as a result of a vacation to Disneyland back in 1987 and then WDW a few years later. It definitely gets under your skin and, for anyone who works with words, it becomes almost a compulsion, an obsession. It takes over your life and ends up doing strange things to you (like giving up a job for a top London newspaper and moving to the US!). But it is a great obsession to have and it is immensely rewarding; it takes you on a roller-coaster ride that you have no idea where its heading, and it assumes a life of its own that largely dictates what you do and when you do it!

I have to confess I have yet to read Mousejunkies (it is in my Inbox along with piles of correspondence and tax forms which I'm supposed to have done already this month, but other deadlines dictate that I haven't :scared1: ) but I like everything I've heard about it, especially the personal stories and insights, which are absolutely priceless to all Disney-goers, I believe.

Big :thumbsup2 to you, Bill, and here's to Mousejunkies 2 (you know you've got to do it, right?!).

[spatulaqueen27]

Got my copy 2 days ago and finished it yesterday.

Awesome book! All I can think of is 2 words. Socky McCodpiece......I just about spit out my drink.

Thanks for a wonderful read, and it sucks that your Cruise didn't work out.

[mbcary]

I am going to go to Barnes & Noble today and get me a copy! Is it in the travel section?

[Disneyaunt4]

Couldn't help myself just ordered it :thumbsup2

[Britgirlus]

I had my hands on a copy of Mousejunkies last week in Barnes and Noble - but put it down, as I had put it on my birthday list. I had BETTER find it in my pile of gifts on Tuesday, or I'll be really sad !!! :)

[ChefBilly]

it sucks that your Cruise didn't work out.

I think of it this way: I got a chapter out of it! :lmao:

Did you happen to see the video I put on Youtube from it? It doesn't really capture the worst of the weather, but you get a little taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Amg9obsVtc

And I'm so glad you got a laugh out of the book.

[SunnieRN]

Can't wait to get to the bookstore and pick this up. I'm already having visions of a u-tube of you all saying "Hello, my name is ____________ and I'm a Mousejunkie". LOL I would have to say I was one also! Your chronicle interview was great!

[princessfionasmom]

I had no plans on going out tomorrow but now I'll be heading to Borders to get myself a copy. Can't wait to read it! I didn't go to Disney until I was almost 29 and fell in love with immediately. Unfortunately I didn't discover disboards until a few years later but so glad I did!

[SimonV]

I had to put some of my work aside to get started on this - and I'm glad I did :thumbsup2 It's a bit like reading a trip report by Steve Martin or Jerry Seinfeld, incredibly well observed and very funny and entertaining, along with a lot of useful info for first timer or repeat visitor alike. But it's something we can all relate to, if we've ever stayed at a Disney resort, tried to work out the best/cheapest/least crowded/most enjoyable time to go, had a frustrating experience, had a 'Wow!' moment, enjoyed Disney dining, etc, etc! Just a thoroughly good read.

Is it in the travel section?

It SHOULD be but we had to hunt around our local Borders for it. It was supposed to be in the Orlando/WDW section but we eventually found it in the non-specific Travel Writing section, so keep your eyes peeled!

[CanadianPaco]

My copy arrived today! OMG - it's us! It's me! I know we are all Dis-ers here but now my obsession has a name! I am a MOUSEJUNKIE!:wizard:

[demeritts1229]

Bought this at Borders a few days ago. It's called Mousejunkies by Bill Burke.
The author and his crew are totally like-minded to we Dis-ers. There may not be a lot of new factual info, but it's a very enjoyable read from a group of people who are total WDW nuts. They're probably here--come collect your kudos if so.:earsboy:

I totally agree with OP...this book is too AWESOME!! DH and I are almost done reading it and can not stop laughing at some of Bill's stories.:rotfl2::lmao::rotfl: Anyone with a Disney obsession will totally relate to his stories!! (rootbeer diapers is my favorite!!)

On top of it all, Bill is the nicest guy...got to meet him and Mousejunkie Randy at a book night and they are "TOO COOL".:thumbsup2:cool1:

We're hoping and waiting for Mousejunkies 2!!

[Cibahwewah]

My husband found a book on Amazon that he thought I'd like. "Mousejunkies" by Bill Burke. Has anyone here read it? I have read Unofficial Guide cover to cover 2-3 times, and keep up with the happenings here, at allears.net, and at touringplans.com. Do you think I'd learn anything new to "feed the addiction"?

[ChefBilly]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2209000&highlight=mousejunkies

:thumbsup2

[theostwalts]

Picked the book up last week and it is great. If you love Disney, you will love the book. I have laughed out loud several times while reading it....:thumbsup2

[theostwalts]

I think of it this way: I got a chapter out of it! :lmao:

Did you happen to see the video I put on Youtube from it? It doesn't really capture the worst of the weather, but you get a little taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Amg9obsVtc

And I'm so glad you got a laugh out of the book.

I read that chapter last night. I'm telling you, you just don't know what a week on the Magic and some time in St. Marteen and St. Thomas will do for you!!!!

I say try it again!!!!:thumbsup2

:rotfl:

[BelleBway]

Picked it up the other week- very enjoyable read.

[Cibahwewah]

Why thanks Bill! So, what's your impression of your book? Hee hee, just kidding. I'm a mousejunkie too, so I guess I'll enjoy your book. All the reviews on Amazon are positive. Amazon.com actually suggested it as "a book you might like." I suppose that confirms my mousejunkie status.
It's a small world. I got a Thank You response from Len Testa once when I mentioned in a blog post that I'd read Unofficial Guide.

[LiteninPrincessa42]

I just bought Mousejunkies tonight and have just started reading it! I'm loving it so far! I know the author is a "Diser', So, Kudo's to you Bill!

[ChefBilly]

I just bought Mousejunkies tonight and have just started reading it! I'm loving it so far! I know the author is a "Diser', So, Kudo's to you Bill!

:banana:

[mkkm7451]

I also bought it a few days ago. I love it, too!
I also buy the "Unofficial Guide" each year and read it cover to cover.

[BeccaBellePA]

Loooove this book! I had to stop and read sections aloud, and would just sit and laugh and say "me too!" I highly recommend it!

[cinderella73]

I picked it up the other day . I read it front to back the same day. Funny book. The writing style is very entertaining and completly different.

[mollygirl13]

I'm going to purchase this book tonight!!!!!!!! EDIT: Just bought it on Amazon!!
I can't wait to read it.

As someone else posted-
Now I know my obsession has a name: MOUSEJUNKIE!!! :banana:

[tksbaskets]

Thank you for the kind words!

:thumbsup2

Randy, Carol and Jenna - from the book - are all here as well.
Well, not here with me. Here on the boards. ;-)

I pre-ordered my copy from Amazon and it's sitting right here. Really slick and I can't wait to read it on our camping vacation in a couple of weeks!

[Glampire31]

I am going to try and get it this weekend.... the store I went to last weekend sold out of it... :cheer2:

[DoOverDreams]

I can't wait to read this! Just ordered it from Amazon and it will be here Friday. I don't think I'll be disappointed. What little I've seen looks fantastic!

[chrisw127]

I bought it last week and really enjoyed it. How could you not love a book that actually devotes several pages to the best and worst bathrooms at WDW?

[luvthemouse71]

I got some very strange looks at work when I was reading this book on my supper break. I laughed out loud several times..this book is a must read for the Disney obsessed.:thumbsup2

[annamonte]

I wonder if it is available on Kindle?!?!? I think I am getting one for my birthday and would love to start loading it up with Disney stuff too!!

[aviva5675]

I dont think it is because when I bought it on Amazon they had the 'tell the publisher you want to read this on Kindle' thing- which means its not on Kindle..

I bought the regular one tho and enjoyed it. I dont think I learned too much new, if at all, but it was a fun read, that's for sure.

[Disneyaunt4]

Picked the book up last week and it is great. If you love Disney, you will love the book. I have laughed out loud several times while reading it....:thumbsup2

I just got it yesterday and was reading it during the Red Sox game last night,had to say I was sorry to DH a couple of times because I was laughing out loud. So far I give it :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[BYC]

I will definitely be looking for this book. By the way, ChefBill, I see you live in southern NH. My brother and his family live in Rye.

[CanadianPaco]

I just finished reading it last night! What a pleasure!!! I feel I have a place amongst MOUSEJUNKIES:lovestruc

[winterman]

Do you think I'd learn anything new to "feed the addiction"?

I didn't learn anything new but I loved the book. There were several places where I broke out laughing.

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

[lanasboys]

Found this at Barnes & Noble last week. I always make a beeline for the travel section to check for new Mouse reading material when I go in. LOVE this book. Very informative and funny. Love the way the authors give so much info from such a personal, down-to-earth perspective. This will be a great addition to the collection for Disney addicts:goodvibes.

[m2j]

Think I'll be taking a trip to Border's within the next few days. I'm always looking for something to read that is Disney-related!!!

[Brian_WDW74]

I've merged two similar threads together and moved it to the Theme Parks Community board. :)

[rolltidepixie]

Loved the book! Laugh out loud funny. Read it cover to cover in one day. My DH had to ask a few times what was so funny. He's not the Disney fan I am. Good work!

[Dan Murphy]

Just ordered mine, Bill, looking forward to it. :thumbsup2

[LiteninPrincessa42]

I finished MOUSEJUNKIES this afternoon. I didn't want it to end. I had so much fun visualizing as I read. Makes me more anxious to get to Disney in September! It's so exciting that the author and the other Mousejunkies are right here on Disboards. Being from New England is an extra added bonus! Thanks again for a very fun read!

[Leota]

I just ordered my copy. It looks fabulous. I can't wait to read it.

[Hersheybar417]

We love, love, love this book. My DH and I went on a business trip last week, we had a three hour drive in a large, noisy work van. He wanted me to read the book to him as he drove. I had to almost shout and my throat got sore, but it was worth it. We laughed a lot and would often say "oh my gosh, that's so true"! Thanks Bill, for such a great book. You really can put into words how we feel about Disney.

Linda

[Buckalew11]

Wow! This was a long thread! Not sure how I missed it!

Thanks for the link, Dan Murphy.

And to ChefBilly and all the mousejunkies, thank you again for writing this book. It truly is my favorite WDW book (that's because y'all have Disneyitis too so I feel less strange and in good company!)

[ChefBilly]

Wow! This was a long thread! Not sure how I missed it!

Thanks for the link, Dan Murphy.

And to ChefBilly and all the mousejunkies, thank you again for writing this book. It truly is my favorite WDW book (that's because y'all have Disneyitis too so I feel less strange and in good company!)

Thank YOU!
:thumbsup2

[mollygirl13]

Hi Bill-
Got my copy in the mail yesterday :banana::banana::banana:

I'm so happy to have found this book. Great read!! :thumbsup2

[MaryAnnDVC]

UPS just delivered my copy. :yay: I read the forward...it's US!

"Luckily", I have a miserable cold, so lounging on the couch with a good book works so well for today. :thumbsup2 And with a Disney trip in the works too...heaven. :)

[Dan Murphy]

.....And with a Disney trip in the works too......Priceless!!