When it comes to books about Disney, it is really necessary to break them down into categories. This week we will feature four categories: Vacation Planning, History, Fiction and Personal Accounts. They're all pretty self-explanatory, so lets just jump right in to some good readin'!
Vacation Planning
Everyone has their own favorites here - and we all seem to be quite loyal to our favorite Guide to the Disney book! My personal favorite is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
 |
| 2011 Edition - Unofficial Guide |
This series is a compilation from several different authors - a whole team, in fact! Every year they update as needed and release a new version. I'm actually still working off my well-loved 2009 edition. The book includes everything a Disney newbie or veteran may need to know during the planning stages, as well as what to do once you GET to the World.
They offer: Dining Reviews, Resort Reviews, Attraction Ratings & Descriptions, Touring Plans (tear out and bring to the park with you), Maps, Pricing, Reader Comments and SO much more. Not to mention suggestions of things to do off Disney property.
I like this book because the authors tell it like it is - if something sucks, they tell you - but keep in mind, its only their opinion. They even share readers' opinions that differ from theirs to offer both sides of the story. There is a companion site to go along with the book, as well for even more updated information.
History
While this book isn't strictly "history", it has a lot of background information about various attractions and details throughout Disney World. The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom is a great collection of trivia and fun facts.
 |
| Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World |
A quick read, but jam packed with fun information. It'll highlight where Imagineers put their "signature" within attractions, explain the placement of certain details and put you in awe of the excruciating attention to detail that goes into a Disney Park. For example... the entrance and Oasis of Animal Kingdom is slightly uphill, to force guests to slow down and take in their surroundings without them even realizing it!
Fiction
Obviously, when one thinks of Disney World fiction only one series comes to mind:
Kingdom Keepers!
 |
| Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark |
Taking place INSIDE the Magic Kingdom at night, a group of young teens must defend the park from the evil "Overtakers" (the classic Disney villains come to life!). This series is popular with young adults and adults alike and offers a fun, different view of the Disney Parks.
Ridley Pearson just released the fourth book in the series with a special event in Downtown Disney earlier this month!
 |
| Kindgom Keepers IV: Power Play |
Personal Account
Is there anything better than reading about someone else's experiences with Disney World? Especially if that someone is from another country and takes the daring step to move to America to work in Disney World for an entire year! Mousetrapped: A Year and A Bit in Orlando, Florida is a wonderful account of one Cast Member who braves it all for a year with the Mouse!
 |
| Mousetrapped! |
Catherine Ryan Howard writes about her year-long journey to find herself by working in Disney World. She has a rough time getting situated, but takes everything in stride and comes out a better, stronger person for her experiences. This is a quick read full of hilarious wit and misadventures!
Thanks for stopping by for another edition of Shopaholics & Mouseaholics! Don't forget to leave your favorite Disney books in the comments below.
Have a Magical Day today!
°o°
