“Disney at Dawn” continues the adventures of the Kingdom Keepers

Jim Hill

16 years ago

When we left Finn, Willa, Philby, Charlene and Terry at the end of “The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark” (Disney Editions, September 2005), these five plucky teenagers had just defeated the Overtakers — that mysterious group of characters led by Maleficent herself who were out to destroy WDW’s Magic Kingdom.

But as “Kingdom Keepers II: Disney Before Dawn” gets underway … Well, you just can’t keep a super powerful Disney villain like Maleficent down for long. This evil fairy busts out of her magical holding cell (Which — this time around — is located in the highest tower of Cinderella Castle) and immediately begins scheming as to how she can bring about Disney World‘s downfall.

Of course, as soon as the Kingdom Keepers learn that Maleficent is once again on the loose, they’re determined to do what they can to recapture from “Sleeping Beauty” ‘s villainess. But this situation suddenly gets complicated when Finn & his friends discovered that their pal, Jezebel, has disappeared while visiting the Magic Kingdom.

The evidence all seems to point to Jezebel being snatched by Maleficent and her cronies. With this pretty teenager then being hidden away somewhere in the 500 acre parcel that makes up Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

So once again, it’s up to the Kingdom Keepers to try & solve this case. As they split up and search for clues out on the savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris, along the twisty trails of the Maharajah Jungle Trek, even behind-the-scenes at Conservation Station‘s veterinary center.

Okay, I know. “Kingdom Keepers II: Disney Before Dawn” ain’t exactly great literature. And Disney history sticklers are sure to get ticked off with some of the stuff that author Ridley Pearson plays fast-and-loose with (i.e. Walt had a set of rooms that he used inside of Cinderella Castle? Really? ).

But let’s remember that this is an adventure book for young adults, folks. So you kind of have to grade on a curve here. Recall what it was like to not be so jaded & judgmental when it came to the stuff that you read.

And when you embrace that kind of mindset, “Kingdom Keepers II: Disney Before Dawn” can be a lot of fun. I mean, who among us hasn’t wondered what it might be like to slide down the zipline that Tinker Bell uses every night when she flies over the Hub at the end of “Wishes” ? Or wanted to wander around inside of “Expedition Everest” to get a closer look at that Yeti. Who — according to Mr. Pearson — may be a lot more than he appears to be.

The story ends happily … sort of. With one friend rescued while another get spirited away by the evil fairy and her minions. And as “Kingdom Keepers II” draws to a close, it’s clear that Ridley intends on extending this series. With the next set of adventures most likely taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

So if you’re looking for a breezy read for the 11-to-14 year-old Disney theme park fan in your family (You know the one that I’m talking about. That guy or girl who has wondered aloud what it might be like to be trapped inside of “Dinosaur” when all of those prehistoric animatronics suddenly came to life and started attacking your Time Rover), then you should definitely get them a copy of this 377 page hardcover.

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