If you are a lover of Disney yourself or are searching for the ideal present for a Disney enthusiast in your life, one of these books about Disney world is sure to be well received. What better way to carry a little bit of the enchantment back with you than to get lost in a good book?
We have the perfect book for you, whether you are interested in the history of the building of Disney parks, behind-the-scenes views of the animation process, or literature about Disney as a company. If you are a lover of Disney, this list of books about Disney world should give you a reasonably substantial TBR pile, which stands for “to be read.”
Table of Contents
17 Best Books To Read About Disney World
#1. Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler
This thorough biography offers a deep and exhaustive look at Walt Disney’s life and impact as one of the most significant characters in American popular culture history. This is one of the books about Disney world that gives a unique and intriguing insight into the man behind the enchantment of Disney, from his early days as a cartoonist through the construction of Disneyland and beyond.
#2. Disney’s Land: Walt Disney and the Invention of the Amusement Park That Changed the World by Richard Snow
This Disney parks books gives an in-depth examination of the building of Disneyland, the world’s first amusement park. From its humble beginnings as a little park in California to its present stature as a worldwide symbol, this book delves into the history and growth of Disneyland and its effect on the entertainment world.
Snow provides a unique viewpoint on Walt Disney’s life and the building of one of the world’s most popular amusement parks via interviews with family members, business partners, and friends.
#3. Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
This might be the perfect book for you if you are interested in reading a biography of Walt Disney but are hesitant to pick up Neal Gabler’s book due to its large number of pages. Because Disney published it, some readers believe that less favourable details should have been more balanced and glossed over. However, many believe this paints a good picture of Disney’s life. Those who like reading autobiographies.
#4. The Disney Story: Chronicling the Man, the Mouse and the Parks by Aaron H. Goldberg
This is one of the Disney art books that may be the book for you if you are searching for a book that discusses the history of Disney that is both comprehensive and easy to understand. There is little of a story to follow in this book, but that’s on purpose since there isn’t intended to be one. Beginning with Steamboat Willie’s publication and continuing into the 2000s, this is a massive and exhaustive chronology of Disney’s history.
#5. I am Walt Disney by Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
The life of Walt Disney is the subject of this picture book biography, which is included in the series Ordinary People Change the World. It focuses on what prompted Walt Disney to dream large and how he has continued to inspire us by combining evocative drawings with informative writing. The illustrations are bold, and the language is instructive.
#6. National Geographic Readers: Walt Disney by Barbara Kramer
This book about Walt Disney is just one example of how National Geographic makes learning about essential topics interesting for younger readers. On each page, there are many images, vivid hues, and no excessive writing (to avoid overwhelming young readers). Even though there isn’t much material here, this is a beautiful way for younger readers to become acquainted with Walt Disney (and the price makes this an easy grab). The author suggests ages 7 to 9.
#7. Who Was Walt Disney? by Whitney Steward
This biography on Walt Disney, a part of the well-known “Who Was” series, is an excellent choice for children interested in learning more about the guy responsible for the enchantment. The book begins with his infancy in Marceline, Missouri, and then continues to discuss his work as an animator and the construction of theme parks. Ideal for younger readers who are just getting started with biographies. The recommended age range is seven to ten years old.
#8. Where Is Walt Disney World? by Joan Holub
These Disney parks books give children an in-depth look into Disney World and guide them around the parks and some backstage areas. A word of caution: there may be better things for your children to do if they are still very much into the fantasy world (it can ruin some of the illusions). On the other hand, if you have an older child curious about how the park operates, this could be the perfect thing for them to do. The recommended age range is between 8 and 12 years.
#9. Walt Disney: Drawn from Imagination by Bill Scollon, Illustrated by Adrienne Brown
It should come as no surprise that young people like reading about Walt Disney in the form of biographies. If you have a young member of your family who is an avid reader and enjoys reading biographies, here is another book you may give them to read. It follows Walt’s life from his upbringing in Marceline, Missouri, through his development of animation and theme parks, all the way up to his passing away unexpectedly. It is intended for older readers than those who read the novels in the Who Was series. The recommended age range is between 8 and 12 years.
#10. Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
In this mystery set in Disney World for students in middle school, five teenage Disney guides are pitted against Disney villains who have been brought to life in the Magic Kingdom. The park is in danger of being destroyed by a group of villains led by Maleficent, and it is up to Finn Whitman and the other Disney guides to stop them. The Kingdom Keepers series kicks out with this, the first book. The age range of 9 to 12 years is suggested.
#11. Poster Art of Disney Parks by Daniel Handke and Vanessa Hunt
This coffee table book delves into Disney’s world, including the movies and theme parks. In addition to trivia, the book has images and concept artwork. Although this Disney books for adults talk about movies and amusement parks, the most significant portion of the book is dedicated to flicks. In addition, this book has been evaluated and recommended by the School Library Journal for children ages 8 and above; yet, it is most certainly not written to appeal just to children, and adults will take pleasure in reading it as well.
#12. Maps of the Disney Parks: Charting 60 Years from California to Shanghai by Vanessa Hunt, Kevin Neary, and Susan Neary
Would this be a good moment to inform you that I am completely obsessed with Disney maps? And to tell you the truth, if you are a lover of Disney, you probably already understand. I used to spend a lot of time looking at the maps in our travel guides when I was younger, and now I want to read this book. This is one of the books about Disney world maps and includes maps from Disney parks all around the globe and maps from the last 60 years of Disney history. (Also, take notice that the cover of this book has a unique design—it folds out into a map in the middle of the book.)
#13. The Disney Book: A Celebration of the World of Disney by Jim Fanning
We’ve all seen the posters advertising the many attractions at Disney World or Disneyland, which include vivid colours and clever drawings. They could immediately transport you back in time or make you want to go for a trip on your favourite amusement park attraction right now. This Disney art books contains a selection of the artwork that was used for these posters. Some pictures span the whole page, and the book is divided into sections based on the various countries.
#14. Meet the Disney Brothers: A Unique Biography About Walt Disney by Aaron H. Goldberg
Although it is mostly a biography of Walt Disney geared at younger readers, this books about Disney world also focuses on both of Walt Disney’s brothers. It chronicles the narrative of their childhoods and the growth of the Disney empire they accomplished together. The recommended age range is between 8 and 12 years.
#15. Birnbaum’s 2020 Walt Disney World for Kids: The Official Guide by Birnbuam Guides
Casey first gets to know Bert on her last vacation to Disneyland before starting high school. Casey and him spend the day together, and by the end, she may have developed feelings for him. However, Bert is also hiding things and doesn’t seem to have any relationship with his family. The age range suggested is 13 and higher.
#16. The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger
In 2005, Bob Iger was appointed CEO of Disney. During his tenure at the corporation’s helm, it saw unprecedented expansion due to mergers, acquisitions, and investments in new theme parks and creative assets. Both the extraordinary challenges he faced and the tremendous victories he achieved throughout his tenure as CEO are detailed in this account of his life’s work and the lessons he took away from them. For those who like memoirs and business novels.
#17. Disneylanders by Kate Abbott
The handbook written by Birnbaum is a good choice if you are searching for a book about Disney world that will familiarise your children with all the many places and attractions that can be found at Disney World. It describes each region of the parks, provides ride evaluations written by children, offers advice on how to make the most of your time in the park, and provides recommendations on where to look for hidden Mickeys. The recommended age range is between 8 and 12 years.
Final Words!
In conclusion, the books about Disney world listed above provide a wealth of information and insight into the world of Disney World and the magic behind its attractions. Whether you’re a fan of Disney or simply interested in learning more about the history of amusement parks, these books offer a unique and fascinating look at the creation and evolution of one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations.
From the stories behind the attractions to the life of Walt Disney, these books provide a comprehensive and engaging look at the world of Disney World. Whether you’re planning a trip to the park or simply looking to deepen your knowledge, these books are a must-read for anyone interested in the magic of Disney.
