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While the internet has a wealth of information on Disney planning and some good Disney history content, some of the best advice, history, and photography is found only in the old-school printed word. In this post, we’re collecting the best books related to Disney, be it Disney history, Disney design, or the business side of things.
Most of the books here are sold by Amazon and thus when you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, we may receive compensation. Occasionally I add books that aren’t yet on Amazon, too.
People Behind the Disney Parks: Stories of Those Honored with a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. (Affiliate Link)
Description: This is a pretty cool concept. It’s a book that tells the story of Disney by focusing on the people whose names have been added to the windows on Main Street USA. You might not have noticed, or you noticed but didn’t know the significance, that the Main Street USA windows have names of various “fictional” proprietors. Well, actually these aren’t fictional people—they’re real people who played a role in the parks and company.
The Disney Monorail: Imagineering A Highway In The Sky (Affiliate Link)
Description: This is a book that focuses specifically on the monorail, which is a good topic to sort of center a discussion about Disney and Walt Disney around. It’s a bit futurism, a bit Imagineering, and a whole lot of ambition.
Marc Davis in His Own Words: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks (Affiliate Link)
Description: Okay…I promise this is the only book that clocks in at a regular price of around $100…but it’s worth it. If you’re a Disney parks fanatic or you’re shopping for one and this book is in your budget, you have to grab it.
At nearly 400 pages across two coffee-table book sized halves, the authors take you on a thorough history of Disney Legend, animator, and Imagineer Marc Davis’s time developing Disney parks. The book includes concept art and interviews with Davis himself that haven’t seen the light of day until now.
The Ride of a Lifetime (Affiliate Link)
Read our Review of Ride of a Lifetime here
Description: Bob Iger’s “not a memoir” reads more like a memoir at times, which is good if you’re looking for his insight into the happenings at Disney during his tenure, but is also filled with nuggets of business wisdom. While I’m hopeful we’ll get a full memoir in the future, for now this book is a good look at Disney’s CEO.
Walt Disney’s Disneyland (Affiliate Link)
Description: This very large (10 in x 13 in x 1.2 in) book is a tour de force in the history of Disneyland. In over 300 pages (including some great full-page photography), Chris Nichols gives you a detailed look at the happiest place on earth.
The Unofficial Walt Disney World 1971 Companion: Stories of How the World Began (Affiliate Link)
Description: If it’s Disney parks history you’re into, Jim Korkis is your guy. His latest work focuses on the development and opening of Walt Disney World. The development of Walt Disney World is no doubt a huge moment in Disney history, but the story rarely sees as much detail as Korkis gives it here.
Drinking at Disney: A Tipsy Travel Guide to Walt Disney World's Bars, Lounges & Glow Cubes (Affiliate Link)
Description: While there are plenty of ways to “adult” without drinking, it’s safe to say that Drinking at Disney deserves a lot of credit from brining “adulting at Disney” into the mainstream. If you’re taking an adults-only trip to Disney World, this is the guide that answers all the questions you were too afraid to ask the Disney fanatics in your life.
[2024 Edition] Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2024 (Affiliate Link)
Description: The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2024 is undoubtedly the most comprehensive planning guide you’re going to find. It’s so comprehensive, it honestly is pretty good competition for many websites. If you just can’t spend hours online but need the detail you’d find searching everywhere on google, this is as close as you’ll get in printed form.
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler (Affiliate Link)
Description: At over 900 pages and with accolades including Winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Biography and USA Today Biography of the Year, this is the definitive biography of Walt Disney. But be warned—if you’re looking for a book that glosses over some of the less magical aspects of Walt’s life, you won’t find that here.
Walt Disney: An American Original (Disney Editions Deluxe) (Affiliate Link)
Description: There are basically three things you need to know about this biography of Walt. First, it’s a well-received book in many circles (so, it’s worth considering). Second, it’s significantly shorter than the biography mentioned above. Third, it’s published by the The Walt Disney Company.
Creating Magic: 10 Common Sense Leadership Strategies from a Life at Disney (Affiliate Link)
Description: Another business book on the list, this time from Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Operations for the Walt Disney World Resort. This is a good little book and an easy read for any Disney fan with an interest in the business side of things or who is in business themselves.
Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making More Magic Real (Affiliate Link)
Description: This coffee table book gives an inside look at Imagineering from the perspective of the Imagineers themselves. With looks at the work of different imagineers, the book gives a more comprehensive and complete look at the imagineering process.
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World (Affiliate Link)
Description: Susan Veness’s book is a go-to for fun facts at Walt Disney World. Experts might not be blown away by all of the secrets (though certainly a few will surprise), but it’s perfect for someone finding a new passion for Disney parks!
Dream It! Do it! (Affiliate Link)
Description: Marty Sklar joined Disney imagineering in 1961 and worked on several projects, including the Enchanted Tiki Room and “it’s a small world.” What he’s perhaps most known for is his time as president of Walt Disney Imagineering, during which he supervised the construction of eight Disney parks around the world. Dream It! Do It! is Sklar’s autobiography, and a must-read for Disney parks fans.
One Little Spark!: Mickey's Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering (Affiliate Link)
Description: This is another Marty Sklar book, but with more of a focus on imagineering as a process and business / art form, rather than an autobiography. It’s a good companion or counterpart to the “Walt Disney Imagineering” book discussed above. While that one focused more on the ground level of things, this book is more focused on the principles at work.
Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai (Affiliate Link)
Description: Let’s get this clear—this is not a collection of park maps that are given out at the parks. Rather, it’s a collection of concept art/maps for the Disney parks throughout the years.
The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering a Disney Classic (Affiliate Link)
Description: I wish they did more of these style books. The Haunted Mansion: Imagineering A Disney Classic is a great telling of the development of Haunted Mansion and its “sister” rides at Disney parks around the world. Read about how the ride was conceived and all the different options that were considered while getting a peek at great photos, diagrams, and concept art along the way.
Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies (Affiliate Link)
Description: Like the Haunted Mansion book above, the Pirates of the Caribbean book covers the development of a famous attraction.
Defunctland: Guide to the Magic Kingdom (Affiliate Link)
Description: Defunctland creator Kevin Perjurer takes you on a tour of the Magic Kingdom, complete with insight into existing and extinct attractions. To be fair, it’s the Defunctland YouTube Channel that is the best thing being produced in theme park commentary right now. But the book is a fun little trip through the Magic Kingdom.
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration (Affiliate Link)
Description: Creativity Inc. is a book about building a business environment that fosters creativity. Prior to being acquired by Disney, Pixar was seemingly on a path to taking Disney Animation’s crown, and it was their creative brilliance and the leadership of Ed Catmull that drove Bob Iger to acquire Pixar (and then give Catmull control of Disney Animation as well) in the first place.
Kingdom Keepers (Affiliate Link)
Description: Honestly, I’ve never read, skimmed, or touched a Kingdom Keepers book, but this list wouldn’t be complete without these cult hits. As I understand it, these fantasy books follow a group of kids trying to protect Walt Disney World from Disney villains. Sounds like a fun enough premise.
And Some Travel Books We Love
Okay, this post is about Disney travel, but we had to also throw in a few travel books we love, just in case your wanderlust extends beyond Disney.
Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders (Affiliate Link)
Description: Atlas Obscura is a great book for your coffee table or to start planning your next getaway. It’s filled with some of the most interesting spots around the world, from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to the Sunland Baobab.
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day: Third Edition: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter (Affiliate Link)
Description: Before there were legions of budget travelers and backpackers on the internet making a full-time career out of telling you their tips and tricks, there was Matt Kepnes. With his “OG” status, Kepnes has maintained an honest and clear voice about what it takes to travel the world on a budget.
Cockpit Confidential: Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel: Questions, Answers, and Reflections (Affiliate Link)
Description: For the most part, this is a introduction to the behind the scenes world of aviation. Any hardcore AV geek won’t be impressed by its contents, but if you’re new to travel this is a good look at some of the questions you might not have even known you had.
Skyfaring: A Journey with a Pilot (Affiliate Link)
Description: Skyfaring is a book about the beauty of travel. It’s less utilitarian than Cockpit Confidential, but every bit as engaging. It’s a great read for any lover of travel.
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Genie+ and Lightning Lane strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Epcot Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, Animal Kingdom Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, and Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.