Review: It's A Small World After All ... So Why Not Write for It?
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 2, 2011
It's been said many times that "children are our future," and Planet Explorers has latched onto a truly novel concept: why not create a series of ebooks designed specifically to meet the needs of these future world explorers?  After all, kids these days are increasingly Matrix-literate.  Because this budding generation is going to be far more computer-friendly than the ones who came before (insert my name here), why not sprinkle these ebooks with hyperlinks selected to cleverly enhance the presentation?Planet Explorers has launched a line of travel ebooks specifically prepared for children aged 8-12, and I found their Walt Disney World volume to be a pleasant surprise.  Sure, it provides a comprehensive rundown to each of the magic kingdoms, but did you know it also highlights which attractions also merit one of those `fastpass' thingees?  Time is our most perishable resource, so why not suggest which rides and shows may require a bit more attention than others when maximizing the vacation experience?  Planet Explorers does this for you, and it's all provided in an extremely user-friendly electronic format.  In the mood for a burger in-between light speed water splashes?  Planet Explorers can point you in the right direction.  Want to know where you run the best odds of rubbing elbows with Buzz Lightyear?  Planet Explorers can give you the inside information.  Not only is all that information useful, but their guide to Walt Disney World is even healthily supplemented with information about the park's various peak moments in history, some snippets on its technology, and even some interesting side stories on the architecture's inspirations!  Who knows?  Young readers might well be influenced to want to further explore their home planet by wanting to know more about this thing called the Eiffel Tower after reading this ebook!  Everything a young reader could possibly need to know about preparing for his next sojourn to the Magic Kingdom is in here, and I'll bet there's even plenty of tips, tricks, and trivia to keep him searching for more.And, for the record, this old dog tried to learn a new trick by reading the ebook on a tablet.  You've heard about these things the kids want these days?  They're flat computers, basically.  Ipads and such?  Yeah, one of those them there things.  I wanted to see just how well the guide interfaced with all of those hyperlinks.  I'm pleased to say that it performed wonderfully.  And what a surprise the links were!  Cynical I may be, I had expected some re-directs for further advertising information that was essentially more graphics of the "happiest place on Earth," but I was surprised to see so many of them were actually informative, much in the same way Walt Disney's Epcot educates as much as it entertains on so many attractions.  Dare I say ... tomorrow's explorers might actually "learn a thing or two" whilst planning their next crusade?Planet Explorers Walt Disney World guide is a great book for young and old alike.  You shouldn't think twice about recommending this to your young'un to use for planning his participation in the next family vacation.  If these kids truly are the future, then let them plan the agenda.  Let them prioritize our various destinations.  Let them plot out our each and every step.  And you know what?  You may end up thanking yourself that you did.In the interests of fairness, Planet Explorers provided me with an electronic copy in order for me to complete this review.