It’s fair to say that you could decorate an entire library with books about Disney World. From elegant Disney coffee table books to memoirs, character tributes and Disney World books to help you plan a trip to Florida; You better get comfortable because you have a lot to read!
the best books about disney world
disney may tell a story like no other, but the story of walt disney world also happens to be a beautiful chronicle in its own right. There are some absolutely beautiful books that tell the story of Disney thus far, celebrate some of your favorite characters, pay tribute to Disney’s imaginers, and provide a guide to take with you for your big journey. We’ve put together the ultimate list of the loveliest (and gift-worthy) Disney books, along with some lesser-known personal favorites and our pick of the absolute best guides to the world of Disney to help you out. . plan your own magical vacation.
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If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World, we’ve got a wide range of helpful posts on how to get the best deals, where to start planning a trip to Disney, and top tips on everything from car rentals to churros. Start here, with our best Disney trip planner or our sample two-week Orlando itinerary (posts open in a new page).
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our 16 favorite disney world books
1. disney parks poster art
if you’re like me and can’t help but swoon over the beautiful billboards from across the decades, and you love disney, this disney world book features a curated collection of disney attraction billboards, starting with the first one shown . in 1956. This colorful book contains concept art and posters from Disney Parks around the world, including Tokyo, Paris, and the United States, and is a fascinating look at the evolution of Disney poster graphic design.
disney parks sign, £33.99
2. the disney map book: a guide to the magical worlds of disney and pixar
If you have a Walt Disney World vacation planned, don’t be mistaken in thinking that this book contains maps of all six Disney theme parks in Florida! In fact, this handsome collector’s coffee table book is a collection of beautifully illustrated maps of the worlds of classic Disney movies. Discover the dangers of the Pride Lands, dive under the sea with Ariel, try to understand Wonderland with Alice, fly to Neverland with Peter, and ride the East Australian Current with Marlin and Dory. a clever idea and makes a unique disney gift for a movie lover.
the disney map book: a guide to the magical worlds of disney and pixar, £14.99
3. orlando british guide 2020
for anyone who went to walt disney world florida in the 90s or 2000s, before the age of the internet (and helpful travel blogs like this one!), this book was the bible of going to orlando! Imagine my joy when I met the writers, Susan and Simon Veness, and they agreed to contribute to my Orlando Expert Tips post?
susan and simon, (simon is british and susan is american) have written all 25 editions of the british guide to orlando and have the absolute know-how when it comes to all things central florida. If you know someone with a trip planned or are old school like me and love a good guide to read on the plane, this is the book for you. especially if you’re British!
orlando british guide 2020, £11.99
4. the hidden mickeys of walt disney world
True Disney fans know that there are “Hidden Mickeys” all over Walt Disney World Resort, and if you’ve never heard of the Hidden Mickeys before, you definitely need one of these fun books about Disney World! In simple terms, Hidden Mickeys are small (and sometimes large) cheeky Mickey ears hidden in plain sight throughout the parks. You can see the motif etched into wooden beams, into concrete, carved into trees, and in the form of decorative elements (such as three circular plaques placed together to represent the three circles of Mickey’s head in the haunted mansion).
This is a fun game to keep everyone entertained as you travel through the parks and queue for rides. Also, create a little competition to play during your vacation. This book helps you on a treasure hunt throughout the resort – you’ll be guided to each hidden mickey, first with a general clue (if you’re up for a challenge) and then with a very specific clue if you really can’t find it!
the hidden mickeys of walt disney world, £10
5. Walt Disney World Tips: 350+ Park Secrets to Make the Most of Your Walt Disney World Vacation
this excellent book about disney world was also written by susan veness (of brit guide to orlando) and presents a wealth of knowledge about disney theme parks and some smart tips for beating the crowds, riding the most popular and how to plan your days in the parks.
walt disney world hacks: 350+ park secrets to get the most out of your walt disney world, £6.99
6. Magical Half Century: Stories Celebrating Walt Disney World’s First 50 Years
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This is a new book (late 2020) and I love the retro cover! It is one of the best Disney World books published in celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Happy Birthday Disney! The hilarious scribe reviews the park’s origins, cultural connections, and history behind Disney’s most secretive group: the Society of Explorers and Adventurers…
Magical Half-Century: Stories Celebrating the First 50 Years of Walt Disney World, £15
7. a day at disney: meet the people creating magic around the world (disney editions deluxe)
of all the books about disney world, this one is different. See what it’s like to work as a cast member for The Walt Disney Company. Go behind the scenes to immerse yourself in an “ordinary” day at Disney. All the photos in the book were taken on the same day, starting early in Tokyo and following the sun around the world through Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Madrid, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and dozens of places in the United States. More than 40 hours after it began, the day ended with the sun setting at the Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
80 cast members opened their workshops, dressing rooms, kitchens, cubicles, television studios, laboratories, locomotive engines and some even more amazing and diverse workspaces. they also share their personal stories and childhood dreams. A unique idea, brilliantly executed, and a fantastic throwback to a Walt Disney World book to celebrate half a century of Disney.
a day at disney: meet the people creating magic around the world (deluxe disney editions), £38.75
8. walt disney studios: much to remember (disney editions deluxe)
This collectible hardcover book about Disney movies and their history would make a wonderful gift for any Disney fan. Packed with illustrated drawings, behind-the-scenes photography, and artwork from the studio’s over ninety years of production, it’s a great keepsake and one you’ll immerse yourself in again and again. Ah, the good old days!
walt disney studios: much to remember (disney deluxe editions), £46.50
9. yesterday’s tomorrow: disney’s magical mid-century
For anyone excited about Epcot’s big update in 2022 to celebrate 40 years of Walt Disney World’s second park, this brilliant book on mid-century Disney designs should hit the spot. Taking a fresher, more industrial look at the Disney brand, we love this coffee table book that showcases rarely seen art and photography from the mid-20th century, reflecting the unique style that Walt Disney and its artists brought to this extraordinary era.
yesterday morning: disney’s magical mid-century, £25
10. dream guide: an unofficial guide to walt disney world – 50th anniversary edition
This author is a British YouTuber and former Disney employee who is popular with the Gen Z crowd. Packed with strong language, humor, and modern references, this is one of the easiest books to read about Disney World, perfect for teens. As a former Disney worker and Orlando resident, Adam packs in lots of great tips and cute must-see places for his family vacation at Walt Disney World.
Guide to Dreams: An Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World – 50th Anniversary Edition, £10.99
11.the wonders of walt disney world
This is one of my favorite guides to the world of Disney and a must for first time visitors and fans of Super Disney. In addition to a guide to Walt Disney World, this book also gives you insight into the behind-the-scenes stories of each attraction, truly bringing them to life. Even a well-traveled Disney guest would devour it, and the book makes a fantastic gift, especially for someone who has a magical journey ahead. Did you know that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge features a hidden Millennium Falcon? you will after this…
the wonders of walt disney world, £10.25
12. The Art of Disney Dressing Up: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces in-Between
disney, but make it fashionable! Oh, this is an absolutely delightful book and a great coffee table book for anyone who loves Disney movies and the amazing costumes that appear in them. This enchanting of Disney books covers the fascinating and beautiful variety of costumes designed for the Disney classics. delves into the craftsmanship, imagination, passion and attention to detail of some of the greatest couturiers of all time.
the art of disney costumes: heroes, villains and spaces in between, £27
13. the art and style of mary blair: an appreciation
this is an old, but good. A beautifully simple collectible book that focuses on classic designer Mary Blair, a quiet force behind the lush color palette that imprinted the look of many classic Disney animated films, including Cinderella and Peterpan. I became obsessed with the artist after she was featured in the Disney+ Imagineers documentary, particularly since she was responsible for the 200 costumes seen in the It’s a Small World attraction. the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for fashion and one of the most beloved books about the world of disney.
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the art and style of mary blair: an appraisal, £32.99
14. I am Walt Disney
Awww, this super cute children’s book features the main man: Walt Disney! This is a perfect gift to take on the plane for kids heading to Walt Disney World for the first time. Of all the Disney books for children, this cute story (from a series about people who changed the world). Walt is certainly someone who made dreams come true for himself and countless children around the world. our hero!
I’m walt disney, £10
15. ink and paint: women of walt disney animation
Mulan, Merida, Belle, Queen Elsa… the list goes on, but our favorite Girl Power Disney characters were following in the feminine footsteps of some amazing women behind the scenes. Never-before-seen photographs, artwork and detailed accounts, the process, techniques and contributions of the women who defined the legendary Ink & paint department over the years. expensive but amazing. I’m going to treat myself!
ink and paint: women of walt disney animation, £49.99
16. walt disney mickey mouse: the definitive story
The last book on our list is without a doubt one of the true Disney fans among us. after all, it all started with a mouse! Mickey Mouse is over 90 now, but his appeal is ageless. This King of Disney World Books showcases Disney’s vast historical work, as well as public and private collections. from concept art, story sketches, background paintings and animation drawings, as well as historical photographs that trace origins and timeless character. an expensive but wonderful collector’s book that you could pass down from generation to generation.
walt disney mickey mouse, £80
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start with our disney trip planner
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