Planning Books for Adults
PassPorter’s Walt Disney World – if you buy only one Disney planning book, this should definitely be it! It covers everything and it’s conveniently organized. A must-have resource! (I got to review a newer edition of the PassPorter also.)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Walt Disney World (2010 edition) – a very thorough planning book!
Hidden Mickeys – A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets – not necessarily a “planning book” per se; but if you’ve been to Disney several times and are looking for “extra fun”, this is the book for you. Older kids (good readers who don’t “need” pictures) will also appreciate this book.
The Little Black Book of Walt Disney World – a handy-dandy field guide that’s actually small enough to take with you!
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World – I wasn’t sure if I should include this under “planning” or “other”. Repeat Disney visitors will appreciate the tidbits of Disney trivia, which will make your next trip more interesting.
Strategies for Paying for Disney – This is a great book for your pre-planning stages. Natalie Henley lists many different ways to save up for your Disney trips.
Ears of Steel – Ladies, if you have a man in your life who just doesn’t “get” your fascination with Walt Disney World, you absolutely HAVE to buy this book for him. Bart Scott is a man, writing to men. This book is hilarious!
Beyond the Attractions by Lisa M. Battista – If you’re getting ready to take the little ones on a trip to Walt Disney World, I’ll go so far as to say that you NEED this book. Taking a look at everything from transportation to attractions to dining options, this book walks you through steps to make the most of your trips with your preschoolers.
Planning Books for Kids
Guide to the Magic for Kids – a one-stop Disney book for planning and journaling a trip to Walt Disney World. This book is a MUST HAVE!
Kid Tips for Walt Disney World – this book is FULL of tips FOR kids, BY kids.
“Other” Books for Adults
The Key to the Kingdom– this book combines fact and fiction in a fast-paced Disney mystery/adventure.
The Walt Disney World Trivia books by Lou Mongello – these books totally ROCK!
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse – Learn While You Play at Walt Disney World Resort by Jodi Whisenhunt – this book is written with homeschool families in mind. It takes aspects of the Disney parks (attractions, trivia, etc.) and ties them in with educational activities that you can do at home. VERY NICE resource for the Disney-loving homeschool family!
From Screen to Theme by Brent Dodge – this book is a great tool for finding references to your favorite animated movies/characters at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Spinning Disney’s World by Charles Ridgway – this book has the tagline “memories of a Magic Kingdom press agent” and that’s exactly what it is – an up close and personal look at the Disney corporation through the eyes of a man who has been there, done that!
The Thinking Fan’s Guide to Walt Disney World: Magic Kingdom by Aaron Wallace – I’m putting this book in the “other” section, simply because it’s so much more than just a guidebook. In this book, you get an in-depth description of each and every attraction in the Magic Kingdom – the history behind it, the inspiration for it, etc. Then, he follows each one up with a sugggested movie for viewing. If you are looking to add more Disney to your life at home, this book is exactly what you need. Eat supper, read a section of the book together, then watch the recommended movie.
Every Guest is a Hero by Adam Berger – Very different from any other Disney book I’ve read, this book reads more like a literature textbook. It takes an in-depth look at the back stories behind many of our favorite Disney attractions and ties those stories in with “the magic of mythic storytelling.” An excellent resource for those who want a deeper look at the world of Disney.
Faith and the Magic Kingdom by Randy Crane – This book is a devotional. The author ties in the premise behind each attraction with a Biblical principal that relates to it. I would highly recommend this book to Disney lovers who are looking for a daily pick-me-up.
The Customer Rules by Lee Cockerell – While not technically a “Disney” book, I’m sharing it on this list because it’s written by former executive vice president of operations at Wald Disney World(R) Resort. This book shares steps necessary to run a successful business, no matter if it’s a large corporation or a small family-run business. I think everyone should read this book!
Who’s the Leader of the Club? by Jim Korkis – This is another book that focuses on Walt’s leadership and how we can learn to become better leaders by following his example. Of course, we can always learn from others’ mistakes as well, and those are pointed out in this book too. Lots of great quotes and stories!
“Other” Books for Kids
Walt Disney World ADVENTURE – A Field Guide & Activity Book for Explorers – this is a really great book to introduce to your children before your Disney trip. They can start doing the activities then, maybe work on them on the way, and complete the rest while in the parks, or afterwards.
Lots To Do In Line – Disneyland – this book is a great accompaniment to a Disneyland trip. It’s filled with quizzes and treasure hunts to keep you busy while waiting in line for your favorite attractions.
Lots To Do In Line – Walt Disney World – my only complaint about the book mentioned above was that there wasn’t a Walt Disney World version. Now there is! Buy this book for your kids – you won’t regret it!
Guide to the Magic’s Deluxe Autograph & Sticker Book – if you’re looking for an alternative to the typical park-sold autograph books and you don’t have time (or the creativity) to make your own, I would HIGHLY recommend this book! Not only is it an autograph book, but it’s also a World Showcase Passport, and MUCH MORE!
E-Books
What We Ate With Mickey – If you are planning on using the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) on your next trip, you might find this book very helpful. The author shares her family’s experience with the QUICK-SERVICE plan, going into detail about the large variety of foods that are available at quick-service restaurants nowadays.
Three Disney Cruises by Steve Burns – This book reads like a journal. In it, Steve shares about the three separate Disney cruises that he has been blessed to take! It was fun “cruising” along with him.
Magazines
Celebrations Magazine – this is my new favorite magazine! It’s devoted entirely to Walt Disney World!
Orlando Attractions Magazine – not all-Disney, but still a worthy resource to take a look at (especially if you visit the Orlando area a lot).
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