Finest Books About Disney World, Disneyland & Imagineering in Our Library

There tons of nice books about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Imagineering, biographies of designers & leaders, and extra. This critiques the perfect of my library and low desk books with lovely idea artwork & archival photographs. Our purchasing information additionally provides hyperlinks for locating cheap used copies. (Up to date February 13, 2024.)

At the moment, an Amazon seek for “Disney books” yields almost 100,000 outcomes. That’s quite a lot of books. My library isn’t fairly that enormous, though typically evidently manner! Somewhat than proudly owning every thing, my assortment options the perfect Disneyland and Walt Disney World espresso desk books with robust visible components, lots of which had been initially offered as memento books within the Disney Parks. I additionally personal tons of biographies and non-fiction and canopy these highlights, as nicely.

Many of those books are out-of-print, to allow them to solely be bought on the secondary market. Fortunately, you possibly can nonetheless discover lots of them on Amazon.com for costs starting from $.01 to some {dollars}. A couple of are fairly costly, costing just a few hundred {dollars}, however most can now be bought less expensive than they had been when offered new at Walt Disney World or Disneyland.

In relation to these books about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Imagineering, and so forth, we obtain a small fee out of your purchases, so shopping for by these hyperlinks helps assist the location. Nonetheless, neither the worth you pay nor our suggestions are impacted by that.

Truly, it’s the other. We’ll warn you towards shopping for too many books–allow us to be a cautionary story! Though these books are individually low-cost, the price of gathering them is deceptively costly, and books can take up quite a lot of area. We’ve moved 4 instances since I obtained “critical” about constructing my Disney guide assortment, and my library crammed extra bins than every thing else…mixed! I’ve no regrets, however my again (and Sarah) may disagree with that evaluation.

With that, let’s check out my Disney theme park library, beginning with the latest books for the 100 Years of Marvel Celebration, adopted by important titles for these of you who need to get your collections began out proper!

New Books for 2024

The Story of Disney: 100 Years of Marvel – This espresso desk guide showcases the corporate’s historical past and wealthy legacy―previous, current, and future―with textual content plus idea artwork and images. It begins, fittingly, with Walt Disney’s childhood by to the early years of the businesses that he and his brother, Roy, based. From there, it grows broader in scope and scale, branching out similar to the Walt Disney Firm itself.

The guide is usually well-done, however it’s additionally superficial and bland. To some extent, that’s to be anticipated; it’s a surface-level retelling of the story aimed largely at those that aren’t superfans with libraries stocked stuffed with different titles. My favourite half is how Bob Chapek was minimize from the story on the eleventh hour earlier than publication, and solely contains one passing quote from the previous CEO.

The Official Walt Disney Quote E book – This assortment of quotations from the co-founder of The Walt Disney Firm ranges from the well-known to the obscure, with every thing from nuggets of homespun knowledge to specifics about his imaginative and prescient for operating the theme parks and making films. A lot of that is well-documented. What I discovered most fascinating had been the chapters about non-business subjects: well being, wellness, cash, training, love, enlightenment, training, household–all of those and extra every have devoted sections within the guide.

Walt Disney: An American Unique: Commemorative Version – That is the perfect biography about Walt Disney reissued for Disney100 and expanded by way of essays and introductions by 4 wonderful authors of different Disney books. The endnotes are what justifies paying a premium for this newer version, as these add ~25 pages of extra context and depth to sure passages of the biography. Ultimately, that is the model to purchase if you’d like a brand new hardcover model that appears good on the shelf (the duvet is definitely good).

Figment Little Golden E book – We’ve already purchased two copies: one for Megatron, one for the Bricker Figment Archives. This options lyrics from the beloved Disney track “One Little Spark” and is concerning the purple dragon from Walt Disney World’s EPCOT. This cute Little Golden E book is about creativity and creativeness, and is ideal for kids ages 2 to five, plus Disney Parks followers and Little Golden E book collectors of all ages.

A few of it’s possible you’ll acknowledge its creator, Jason Grandt, as additionally being the creator of the fan-favorite Orange Hen Little Golden E book and the Magic Kingdom Storybook earlier than that. Even earlier than each of these books, he turned a family identify within the Walt Disney World fan neighborhood as a frequent fixture at D23 displays and on social media, sharing sketches, historical past and extra.

Figment Little Golden E book is stuffed with web page after web page of beautiful art work that reimagines the unique Journey Into Creativeness in a whimsical and beautiful type. It’s directly previous and new–completely lovely, web page after web page. The art work blended with a singsong story is every thing I wanted from this guide and extra. The cherry on high is the many nods to different previous EPCOT Heart points of interest, and even Easter Eggs from Magic Kingdom’s previous. The Figment Little Golden E book is actually one thing particular. (On a associated notice, there’s a newish Disney100 field set of earlier Disney Little Golden Books.)

Folks Behind the Disney Parks: Tales of These Honored with a Window on Essential Avenue, U.S.A. – This guide has been delayed many instances over the course of the final a number of years, mainly turning into the TRON Lightcycle Run of books. Nevertheless it was nicely definitely worth the wait! This guide ought to be a must-own, instant-buy for anybody who’s a fan of the individuals who introduced Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the opposite parks to life.

It options 280+ biographies of individuals with home windows on Essential Avenue, and behind-the-scenes data on the creation of the ‘opening acts’ of the fortress parks. This hefty, 352 web page tome is a present that Disney collectors, theme park followers, and anybody curious in inventive profession paths by the humanities, sciences, and analysis improvement will respect for many years to come back. (As you possibly can see from the duvet, Folks Behind the Disney Parks has a ahead by the late Marty Sklar–presumably the final title for which we’ll see a ahead by that Disney Legend.)

Scrumptious Disney Disneyland: Recipes & Tales from The Happiest Place on Earth – The previous ‘Scrumptious Disney’ titles have pleasantly shocked, providing a pleasant mixture of historical past and recipes with distinctive content material (meals!) that’s extremely vital to our sentimentality for the parks, however doesn’t sometimes garner protection in espresso desk and even memento books. Suffice to say, I’m a fan.

This cookbook-meets-culinary-history espresso desk guide enchants with mouth-watering meals photographs, beautiful Walt Disney Imagineering idea art work, nostalgic restaurant menus, and a bit of Disney magic. Scrumptious Disneyland contains an assortment of appetizers, predominant programs, sides, desserts, and joyful libations, coming from fine-dining and quick-service institutions throughout the resort. Every has been examined by dwelling cooks that can assist you deliver your cherished trip reminiscences to life…and encourage new ones for years to come back.

The Artwork of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Past – I need to be very clear: we’ve NOT ordered this, and I wouldn’t advocate that you just achieve this, both. But. It is a launch of an (wonderful) older guide and previous editions may be discovered for ~$10. The Disney100 model initially value $100. It has since come right down to $50 on Amazon, however we’d wish to see it hit the $30-40 vary earlier than we chunk.

Because it was first printed in 1973, The Artwork of Walt Disney: From Mickey Mouse to the Magic Kingdoms and Past has established itself as an indispensable basic of illustrated guide publishing, promoting a whole lot of 1000’s of copies. Providing a complete historical past and tribute to the profession and legacy of Walt Disney, the guide was the primary to disclose the wealth of idea artwork, animation drawings, and archival materials that’s created in the middle of animating movies.

Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia — It is a considerably related story in that it’s one other re-release for Disney100. However the distinction is that there’s a ton of recent floor for the most recent version of the encyclopedia to cowl because of acquisitions, theme park openings, new films, and far more.

Initially by the incomparable Disney Legend Dave Smith (now with the also-excellent Steven Vagnini), this covers every thing you need to know concerning the Walt Disney Firm. Notice that it’s not nearly Walt Disney World and Disneyland (though they do characteristic closely), however all sides of the corporate. It’s a must-own useful resource for all Disney followers.

Now let’s flip to the ‘legacy’ must-own Disney books that weren’t launched in 2024 or throughout Disney100…

Extra Should-Have Disney Books

DisneyWar – This sparked my fascination with the workings of the corporate. It covers the rise and fall of Michael Eisner, culminating within the “civil warfare” between Eisner and Roy E. Disney. Writer James B. Stewart was granted unprecedented entry to write down a guide on the Eisner regime earlier than the “warfare” started unfolding, so he was there to witness all of it. It reads nearly as a Shakespearean tragedy, and proves that typically the reality is extra compelling than fiction. An absolute must-own.

Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Goals Look At Making the Magic Actual – Fairly merely, it’ll change the way in which you have a look at the Disney theme parks. It covers the design course of, why sure particulars are vital, and the way issues within the parks got here to be (or didn’t come to be). Had I discovered this again earlier than going to school, I’d’ve pursued a special profession path. It’s extremely inspiring, and can make you respect the parks extra. Each Disney theme park fan ought to personal this guide.

Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Goals Have a look at Making Extra Magic Actual– The follow-up to the above title, that is one other should buy. It’s an outsized hardcover espresso desk guide, and is price each penny. It illuminates the design-process, the rationale behind particular particulars, and gives beautiful fold-outs and ‘completely different’ page-types inside the guide. If you happen to solely purchase 5 books on this complete listing, these two Imagineering: Behind the Goals titles ought to be amongst what you buy.

A Portrait of Walt Disney World: 50 Years of The Most Magical Place on Earth – That is the perfect Walt Disney World-specific espresso desk guide ever. In type, construction, and high quality, that is extra like a Disneyland deep-dive than one of many previous Walt Disney World memento books. From Florida historical past pre-Disney and the Preview Heart to the event and historical past of the Trip Kingdom, there’s a wealth of data thoughtfully introduced right here in a manner that’s partaking, informative, and entertaining. There are additionally tons of photographs and idea artwork I’ve by no means seen–a rarity for Walt Disney World books, which regularly recycle not simply info–however photographs.

It reads like a love letter to Walt Disney World (or many love letters, because the authors have cleverly inserted essays from key figures in Walt Disney World’s historical past, bringing different attention-grabbing voices and views to the combination) that’s for followers–by followers. This is among the greatest issues to come back out of Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary, and never simply by way of merchandise. You may learn our full evaluation if you’d like, however the backside line is that that is the perfect guide about Walt Disney World.

The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering – The companion guide to the extremely acclaimed Disney+ documentary sequence, The Imagineering Story. This title enormously expands on award-winning filmmaker Leslie Iwerks’ narrative of the fascinating historical past of Walt Disney Imagineering. If you happen to’ve watched the Imagineering Story on Disney+, that’s doubtless all you want to know to make this guide a must-own. If you happen to haven’t watched the Imagineering Story…nicely, treatment that instantly!

Poster Artwork of the Disney Parks, Second Version – This new title is an expanded and up to date version of the beloved guide that ranks extremely in our library. The second version renders the primary out of date, because the 85+ new posters and behind-the-scenes improvement data almost doubles the guide in size. Whereas the primary version is unbelievable and may be bought even cheaper now, we extremely advocate springing for the brand new version.

It’s price it for all the superior new posters made for EPCOT’s reimagining alone. These had been displayed within the Odyssey/EPCOT Expertise, and are completely beautiful. (If, like us, you had been unable to attain the restricted releases on shopDisney, it is a good comfort prize.) Within the decade for the reason that unique’s launch, Shanghai Disneyland has opened and numerous expansions just about in every single place have resulted in a treasure trove of recent poster artwork. Extremely advisable!

Maps of the Disney Parks – The companion piece (of types) to the ‘Poster Artwork’ title above that includes park maps together with map-like idea artwork from the parks. This one has been met with extra of a blended response from followers, with most destructive critiques fixated on it not being merely a set of park maps distributed through the years, however are you able to think about how boring and repetitive that will’ve develop into? I discovered this to be a lot extra partaking than a bunch of map reproductions, however maybe that’s simply me. (I’ll say that in case you’re solely shopping for certainly one of these books, go for the Poster Artwork one. It’s the higher of the 2.)

Walt Disney’s Disneyland — This outsized title by TASCHEN, the world’s main artwork guide writer, is essentially the most lovely Disney guide to be launched in years. Walt Disney’s Disneyland is attention-grabbing, beautiful, and an absolute must-have for Disneyland followers. Even in case you’re a extra of a Florida particular person, there’s an excellent quantity on Walt Disney right here, making it a worthwhile possibility for WDW followers, too. Learn my full evaluation of it right here.

Disneyland: Inside Story – Previous to Disneyland Nickel Tour, Imagineer Randy Vibrant’s Disneyland Inside Story held the crown as the perfect and most complete Disneyland espresso desk guide. At 240 pages, this guide balances historical past with distinctive photographs. Though the guide was written within the late Nineteen Eighties, surprisingly, it doesn’t really feel incomplete as to Disneyland (it clearly doesn’t cowl Disney California Journey). It’s additionally less expensive than it was–I paid ~$50 for my copy, and it’s now below $5!

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Freeway within the Sky — If you happen to’re a fan of Disney’s monorails (who isn’t?!), you’ll love this. There’s a ton of idea artwork and photographs, because the authors take readers on a historic experience the Freeway within the Sky. From Walt Disney’s Progress Metropolis ambitions to the way forward for this revolutionary transportation system.

Because the World Started: Walt Disney World – Not the perfect Walt Disney World guide, however an inexpensive technique to begin your assortment. It’s detailed with loads of attention-grabbing textual content, and is a snapshot in time throughout a good time in Walt Disney World historical past. It contains pretty widespread info, but additionally extra detailed info such because the rationale behind the coloring on the roadway indicators at Walt Disney World.

The Artwork of Walt Disney World – That is my favourite guide on this listing, however it’s a tad expensive. It options largely idea artwork and explanations thereof, a lot of the artwork predating the Resort itself, and far additionally by no means coming to fruition. I think about these pictures excellent visible explorations. The artwork within the guide is massive whereas the textual content is saved small (correctly), and the format is great. I discovered myself captivated by the breathtaking art work I’d by no means seen. It’s the right espresso desk guide for any fan who needs one thing to randomly flip by every now and then.

Gardens of the Walt Disney World Resort – To not be confused by a more recent title with an analogous identify (Wonderful Gardens), this guide is totally wonderful, and exhibits simply how lovely Walt Disney World as soon as was with its many gardens and water fixtures. Even in case you don’t care about gardening, this guide is superior. I gush over it at size in my full evaluation of it.

Disneyland the Nickel Tour: A Postcard Journey By way of 40 Years of the Happiest Place on Earth – Unquestionably the perfect guide about Disneyland, Nickel Tour is humorous, detailed, enjoyable to learn, and an awesome useful resource. The premise of Disneyland Nickel Tour is brilliantly easy: use an entire set of Disneyland postcards (and different photographs) as a car for telling the story of Disneyland. Sadly, it’s additionally uncommon and extremely costly.

I used to be skeptical it’d be definitely worth the cash, however I’m very glad I purchased it. The authors spent over a decade researching and penning this title, and it actually exhibits. This voluminous 392-page title is kind of the web page turner because the authors inject their humor into it to make the dense historical past partaking. The worth of Nickel Tour will solely enhance within the coming years as each authors are deceased and the writer is out of enterprise. It’s impossible that any reprints or future editions shall be written. Contemplate this a real funding.

Marc Davis in His Personal Phrases: Imagineering the Disney Theme Parks — This two quantity behemoth by Pixar director Pete Docter and Imagineer Christopher Merritt is a ardour mission about one of many true Walt-era Imagineering heavyweights. Disney Legend Marc Davis is the inventive thoughts behind numerous intelligent gags in iconic points of interest, together with Nation Bear Jamboree!

The Artwork of Disneyland – That is one other costly title that’s a necessary for any Disneyland collector. Seeing the early artwork on this title offers me goosebumps, and studying the story of Herb Ryman being informed by Walt that he was going to attract the now-famous idea artwork for Disneyland at all times brings a smile to my face. The Artwork of Disneyland is a visible deal with with its amazingly detailed idea artwork. My favourite parts of the guide contain the varied incarnations of Tomorrowland. Though I did chuckle on the authors’ optimistic remarks concerning the heat colours in Tomorrowland ’98. They had been joking, proper?!

Trip of a Lifetime: Classes Realized from 15 Years as CEO of Walt Disney Co — Bob Iger’s memoir from his first run as CEO is shockingly candid and compelling. Iger is clearly a wise and attention-grabbing man, however all of his interviews are performed pretty near the vest and really feel meticulously scripted. It is a sharp and interesting departure from that.

Travels with Figment — The final title by Imagineering Legend Marty Sklar, printed posthumously. It’s attention-grabbing anecdotes from his globetrotting whereas growing Disney theme parks all over the world. Plus, it has Figment proper within the title!

Travels with Walt Disney — “There’s at all times a Disney connection.” That’s what we discover ourselves saying each time we journey, regardless of the place we go. That is for good purpose, as Walt Disney was a world traveler, and this guide chronicles his adventures and the way they influenced his films and parks. A lot of unique photographs, and it’s distinctive to have a profile of Walt’s life by the lens of journey.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney’s Epcot: The New World of Tomorrow – Any fan of EPCOT Heart owes it to themselves to have this guide of their assortment. There are literally 4 variations of this guide and so they’re dramatically completely different from each other. There are two massive ones which might be 240 pages every and two smaller ones which might be 127 pages every.

The most important distinction between the bigger books is after they had been produced, both pre-opening or post-opening of EPCOT Heart; in addition they have completely different titles (EPCOT v. EPCOT Heart within the names). The pre-opening variations include extra photographs of fashions, whereas the post-opening model include photographs of precise pavilions. The 240 web page model is clearly the higher model to get, however it’s troublesome to find out which model you’re getting till it arrives within the mail.

Walt Disney World fifteenth Anniversary Version – The correct title of this guide is solely “Walt Disney World” however I added the fifteenth anniversary portion to distinguish it from 1993’s guide by the very same title. It is a memento guide in premise, however the photographs are beautiful and this guide in all probability has the good cowl of any memento guide ever launched. Given its value and the photographs, it’s an absolute must-own.

The Making Of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park – This guide, by Joe Rohde’s spouse, is much extra text-heavy than any of the opposite titles on this listing. The creator had wonderful behind the scenes entry in the course of the building of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this guide displays that. It’s not merely a fluff piece. This can undoubtedly make you respect the park extra, and its low value and uniqueness make it a must-own.

Walt Disney World: A Magical Yr By Yr Journey – One other nice possibility due to its value and as a result of time interval during which it was produced (1998), this guide has develop into an actual favourite of mine as a Wikipedia-style supply of background info regarding points of interest, and a timeline of the resort normally. Many of the photographs are overly-staged or edited “Information Map Type” footage, however they’re cool and completely different, nonetheless.

Across the World with Disney – This guide is an attention-grabbing departure from the usual memento books produced annually, because it compares and contrasts points of interest from the worldwide parks to at least one one other with a robust emphasis on Walt Disney World. It hasn’t been out of print for quite a lot of years, however it’s surprisingly low-cost given its out-of-print standing and distinctive nature. Effectively price buying.

Walt Disney World Then, Now, and Ceaselessly – One of many newer titles, this is among the few titles that showcases present points of interest and extinct points of interest that had been beforehand there of their place. This guide was co-authored by the now deceased Bruce Gordon (purchase any guide you possibly can bearing his identify–they’re all gems), which implies it has shot up in value since going out-of-print. Although it was launched, copies of it recurrently promote for $50.

Walt Disney World: The First Decade – The content material of this guide is pretty much like the fifteenth anniversary version, however it does include some actually cool photographs, notably of Cinderella Fortress. If you happen to’re an off-the-cuff collector, proudly owning this or the fifteenth anniversary model might be enough. The plain benefit to the fifteenth anniversary version is that it contains EPCOT Heart.

Walt Disney World (1993) – Pretty distinctive photographs (together with a hilarious certainly one of some vacationers sporting decidedly 90s Little Mermaid shirts) in a guide organized by attraction, this guide is one to undoubtedly try. Options pretty in-depth protection of The Disney-MGM Studios and the Trip Kingdom. If you could find it for $10 or much less, get it.

Walt Disney World Resort 100 Years of Magic – That is extremely much like the Memento for the New Millennium title. Close to the identical variety of pages, 80% of the identical photographs related. They mainly have completely different covers and layouts. Purchase one or the opposite.

Walt Disney World Resort: A Memento For The New Millennium – Practically an identical to 100 Years of Magic title above.

Walt Disney World 20 Magical Years – This title is fairly much like the fifteenth anniversary title, however does characteristic some new photographs. As a result of it’s comparatively low-cost, I believe it’s additionally price choosing up. There may be one other title, launched the 12 months earlier than this, merely known as Walt Disney World with a white cowl, the Fortress, and fireworks, that I’ve heard is nearly an identical to this.

Disneyland

Disneyland Then, Now, and Ceaselessly – It is a excellent place to start out your assortment. It’s not the perfect title on the Disneyland listing, however it’s comparatively cheap, accessible, and provides some details about extinct points of interest that pre-dated current favorites at Disneyland. My private favourite is the part on the Mine Practice By way of Nature’s Wonderland. It’s not as complete as a few of the titles that comply with, however it’s a good way to get your ft moist with out breaking the financial institution.

Disneyland Lodge – The Early Years – As quickly as you open this guide, you possibly can inform it was a passion-project. It’s such a distinct segment title, however it’s so extremely well-researched and introduced that I believe it might be of curiosity to most Disney theme park followers. Kudos to Mr. Ballard for creating this title!

Disneyland Lodge 1954-1959 – That is Donald Ballard’s follow-up title to The Early Years, and it provides some nice perception into the beginnings of the lodge. It’s hyper-focused and actually attention-grabbing for these within the early years of Disneyland.

a uncommon assortment of 3D pictures of Disneyland captured from its opening week in July 1955 by the twenty fifth Anniversary in 1980. The

Disneyland the First Quarter Century – The books made for Disneyland’s twenty fifth to thirty fifth Anniversary are over 75% an identical to at least one one other, with minor variations. One among them is price proudly owning as a result of they’re all low-cost and supply a pleasant snapshot in time of Disneyland, however for the reason that photographs and textual content is essentially the identical in all of those titles, there’s little sense in proudly owning all three. I like this one greatest.

Imagineering, Particulars & Design

These are books that may cowl Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney Resort, and/or Hong Kong Disneyland. Mainly, books that may’t be particularly positioned on solely both listing above. Plus, some wonderful titles on Walt Disney Imagineering.

Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Structure of Reassurance – That is significantly extra educational in nature than the books above, with extra textual content and fewer diagrams and photographs than in different books, however don’t let that scare you away. Editor Karal Ann Marling and the essays within the guide present a really thought-provoking, however not unapproachable, glimpse into the design of Disney. It appears to be a extra goal title than others on this listing because it’s educational, somewhat than making an attempt to market the parks. That is my “sleeper hit” of the listing; I actually get pleasure from this guide for its depth.

The Artwork of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The most recent land at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and a high-water mark for Imagineering. This gives a considerate have a look at the design influences, each from the Star Wars universe and the true world, and provides a whole lot of idea artworks, sketches, blueprints, pictures, and extra. That features a a number of issues that by no means got here to fruition for the land, making it considerably bittersweet.

One Day at Disney – Because the identify suggests, it’s at some point within the worldwide Disney theme parks, introduced because the day unfolds all over the world. It’s visually partaking, with contrasting photographs introduced subsequent to at least one one other. Whereas it’s daytime in a single park, it may be nighttime in one other. The photographs, largely, are lovely, too. The textual content solely actually provides explanatory captions, which is totally nice. This guide is on the costly facet, however I really feel it’s definitely worth the cash given the standard and idea.

The Magic of Disneyland and Walt Disney World – I anticipated little or no from this guide by Valerie Childs. It was a $.99 buy, simply one thing to fill out my bookshelf. I used to be floored when I discovered a plethora of distinctive and well-composed photographs and a somewhat good guide. Don’t count on an incredible guide, however for the low costs, it’s well-worth buying!

The Imagineering Discipline Guides – Imagineer Alex Wright has performed a wonderful job with these titles, and they’re nice take-to-the-park books for company who need to a bit extra background details about the parks or the “why” behind the points of interest and lands. If you happen to’re going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort, particularly for the primary time, these titles are an awesome in-park companion to present you a larger understanding and appreciation of the parks.

Walt Disney’s Imagineering Legends – Jeff Kurtti authors this title that provides mini-biographies of plenty of early Imagineers who all had ties to Walt Disney, in a roundabout way, and gives anecdotes, quotes, and a few background details about every and the way they labored within the grand scheme of the design of the theme parks. Positively a price addition to any assortment.

The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Films – That is an extremely detailed and well-written guide that covers the Haunted Mansion points of interest in all the worldwide parks in and out. Better of all, it dispels quite a lot of fan-generated myths concerning the Haunted Mansion. If an attraction-based movie is what it takes for extra books like this to be written, I hope Disney retains churning them out.

Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Films – Similar concept and high quality because the Haunted Mansion guide, aside from Pirates of the Caribbean. That is one other should personal.

The Disney Mountains: Imagineering At Its Peak – A guide that includes textual content and artwork of the Disney mountains, this title is considerably superficial as in comparison with the Pirates and Haunted Mansion books. To be truthful, the previous are targeted on one attraction every, whereas this was targeted on a number of mountains, so it essentially couldn’t have been as in-depth as these titles. There may be quite a lot of idea artwork, which is nice, however the mountains on this guide existed on the time of the publication, so extra photographs would have been applicable. Nonetheless an awesome guide. If you could find a duplicate for $25 or much less, get it.

Constructing a Dream: The Artwork of Disney Structure – That is one other title that pertains to the structure of the Disney Parks, largely from the Michael Eisner period. It isn’t precisely essential, however it’s a pleasant espresso desk guide that gives perception into design decisions.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Books – I’m going to lump all of those books collectively as a result of they in all probability don’t curiosity lots of you. All of those books are fully in Japanese and are overpriced on eBay (about the one place to search out them in need of going to Japan). The upside? All of them characteristic breathtaking photographs of the Tokyo parks, and the photographs are the celebrities of the present, so not studying Japanese makes no distinction. I solely advocate the 5 books pictured above; there are quite a lot of different books, however they’re all character photographs.

Disneyland Paris: From Sketch to Actuality – This guide is true up there with Disneyland Nickel Tour, which is extremely excessive reward. For some time, it was cost-prohibitive for me, as listing costs soared above $500. Costs have since come down, and I lastly bought it. This guide is an enormous a part of the explanation why we visited Disneyland Paris. Sufficient mentioned.

Hidden Mickeys Guides – The Hidden Mickeys Guides (to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Strains) are books which might be actually enjoyable to take in your journey to present the expertise some further dimension. Enjoyable “sport” for trip, and an excellent gateway to noticing different depth within the Disney Parks!

Biographies & Misc.

Many different books in my assortment are unbiased titles produced by third celebration publishers (ones that Disney doesn’t personal). With the proliferation of self-publishing and the curiosity within the Disney theme parks, normally, it’s not pragmatic to listing each Disney guide I personal right here. Listed here are the highlights…

The Animated Man: A Lifetime of Walt Disney – For a lot of Disney followers, Walt Disney is the last word hero. Between that and the corporate’s try and market Walt as a caricature of an actual particular person, he’s typically considered is infallible, extra inventive than another human ever, and so on. This guide doesn’t try this. It additionally doesn’t demonize him as different books have tried to do. It presents a balanced view of Walt Disney, each good and unhealthy. The tales aren’t as humorous or enthralling as these in another books, however it’s very attention-grabbing.

Eat Like Walt: The Fantastic World of Disney Meals — Fortunately, that is NOT A COOKBOOK. It’s a guide about historic tales by the lens of meals. With tons of unique photographs, it looks like taking steps again in time to the early days of Disneyland. It’s a wonderful historical past guide and includes a ton of placing photographs we had by no means seen earlier than. We extremely advocate it—simply don’t count on a lot in the way in which of recipes!

It’s Form of a Cute Story – Imagineer Rolly Crump is among the final Walt Disney-era Imagineers, and this guide covers every thing from the design and approval course of for Disneyland tasks to Crump’s relationship with Walt Disney. The perfect factor about this guide is that it was not printed by Disney, so as an alternative of making an attempt to sugarcoat Walt Disney’s persona, it presents a extra candid take. It’s nonetheless removed from a ‘tell-all’, however you simply really feel a special tone with it. One other extremely nicely performed guide.

Ink & Paint: The Ladies of Walt Disney’s Animation — This guide is an overdue celebration of the ladies who performed a pivotal function within the early years of Walt Disney’s animation division. The result’s a lovely, informative guide that’s shockingly massive (no less than, its measurement shocked us). Completely researched and infinitely fascinating, it is a must-have new launch.

Marc Davis: Walt Disney’s Renaissance Man – Biography of one other Disney Legend, this one is type of hit or miss. The artwork that was curated for the title is generally beautiful, however there are some notable omissions and the textual content isn’t all that particular. If you happen to’re searching for a espresso desk guide that includes artwork from some of the legendary Imagineers of all-time, I like to recommend it. Learn my full evaluation of this guide right here.

Dream It! Do It! – Marty Sklar’s autobiography is attention-grabbing in that Sklar is the one one who has had a hand in opening each single Disney theme park up to now. Sklar additionally had quite a lot of relationships with key people in Imagineering and elsewhere inside Disney, and he covers each the nice and unhealthy of that. Regardless of being printed by Disney, this guide is surprisingly frank. Learn my full evaluation right here.

Designing Disney – Legend John Hench is well one of many best Imagineers of all time. This guide is a considerate examination of how he and others designed the parks. It’s approachable-enough for the Disney newcomer, however nonetheless has sufficient depth to fulfill a die-hard fan. Loads of Hench’s later writings come throughout as mental justifications for why these intestine selections had been made. A should personal.

A Brush with Disney – Disney Legend Herb Ryman had an illustrious profession with Disney, working side-by-side with Walt Disney and doing idea artwork for the parks for many years. His Disney work is breathtaking, and this guide offers perception (maybe an excessive amount of) into his non-Disney work as nicely. It’s expensive, and possibly greatest for the intense Ryman fan.

Travels with Walt Disney — “There’s at all times a Disney connection.” That’s what we discover ourselves saying each time we journey, regardless of the place we go. That is for good purpose, as Walt Disney was a world traveler, and this guide chronicles his adventures and the way they influenced his films and parks. A lot of unique photographs, and it’s distinctive to have a profile of Walt’s life by the lens of journey.

One remaining notice: when shopping for older Disney memento books, ensure the merchandise itemizing features a photograph. Most of those books wouldn’t have ISBN numbers and have similar-sounding names, and are thus vulnerable to being mis-listed by sellers if there is no such thing as a photograph on the merchandise web page. I’ve obtained the inaccurate guide a few instances.

I’ve quite a lot of different Disney books in my library, however these are the highlights that pertain to the Disney Parks. I’ve a number of different memento books and miscellaneous biographies, so if in case you have questions on different titles not listed right here, ask!

We hope this helps you fill your bookcase with Disney Parks titles! In case you are contemplating a purchase order of any of those (or the rest for that matter) simply click on the affiliate hyperlinks right here to get to Amazon and navigate to any objects you may want. Utilizing these hyperlinks advantages the location, doesn’t value you something, and helps us to maintain offering you with helpful content material!

Your Ideas…

Which books on this listing do you personal? Do you may have any favorites? Which Disney theme park books do you personal that aren’t listed right here? Do you agree or disagree with any of our suggestions? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!