Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus opens with a stay-at-home wife and mother, Eleanor D’Isigny (pronounced the same as Disney), receiving a phone call about her son joining a baseball team. Readers also meet Andy, her son, and Val, her husband, a former minor league ballplayer and Army MP (military police), as they try to build a steady life in rural North Carolina. Home life begins to feel strained after Val loses his security guard job due to a misunderstanding, and money is tight. While his dad is feeling pressured, Andy’s world revolves around Little League and his experiences on the field. As Val searches for work and wrestles with the idea of reenlisting, Eleanor looks for creative ways to honor a promised birthday trip to Walt Disney World without breaking the bank. Will Val have to reenlist, and will Andy finally be able to visit the 'happiest place on Earth'?

When I saw the title, I was intrigued. The Other Disney by Bernard Leo Remakus turned out to be a quietly compelling short story. I appreciated the snippets about the other Disney family and found them to be a fun addition. The writing is straightforward and warm, with dialogue that sounds natural. The scenes are easy to visualize and unfold at an easy, steady pace. This read is also relatable, especially since the parents are determined to keep their promises to their son, even when money becomes tight. Andy’s “bestest” optimism added charm and brought a smile to my face. Fans of heartfelt, family-centered fiction, baseball stories, and uplifting underdog tales will likely enjoy this quick read.