Books about Disney

[goofy&tigger2]

I recently purchased three books. The Hidden Magic of WDW, Hidden Mickeys & Hassle Free Disney. I was wondering what your thoughts were about these books & if you have any suggestions of other books. There are so many on the market. Also would you be able to direct me to the best book about Walt Disney himself.
:banana::banana::banana::banana:

[MissNurse]

I haven't actually read any of the ones you listed, but I like the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It has absolutely everything in it. I call it my Disney "bible". It even has tear out touring plans in the back.

[scar65]

LOVE the Unofficial Guide, plus you can use it in conjuncture with the website
for crowd levels and touring plans. Book is a must have (or borrow) for anyone planning a trip to Disney.

[Disney_Lover06]

I also love the The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It has so much information. I also enjoyed the Hidden Mickey book. It can keep the kids busy and they have fun. Though it gives you hints where to look, sometimes it can be a little difficult to find the hidden mickey's.

[disnywd]

I enjoyed reading 'Disney on a Dime'. I got a few good tips out of that one. Of course, I read it years ago, when I knew a lot less than I do now.:rolleyes1

I just ordered 'Mousejunkies'. I haven't received it yet, though, so I can't report on that one.

We have 'The Walt Disney World Trivia Book'. It's pretty interesting. I've learned some fun facts. My 15 yo will just pick it up and start asking me questions, out of the book. It's fun.

We just, today, bought 'PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at WDW'. My son loves reading the info in the trivia book so much, he wants to bring this one to the parks with us and do the treasure hunt.

6 days!:banana:

[Ashmagash]

I love the unofficial guide and passporters and hidden mickeys (although I agree some are hard to find) but for electronic options “Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide” eBook is amazing. It's how I learned to rent DVC (I'm not sure if you're a owner or not, but until I can afford to own I will be renting). Also, tourguidemike.com is so helpful! We're going during a super busy time and the tips on the website have been very useful.

[ChefBilly]

I just ordered 'Mousejunkies'. I haven't received it yet, though, so I can't report on that one.

I'm the author of "Mousejunkies!" I really hope you enjoy the book!

[disnywd]

I'm the author of "Mousejunkies!" I really hope you enjoy the book!

Very cool!

I ordered the book after I heard about it on another site. I read the link they posted, with an interview. There was a quote, from you, something about the book, that I thought was quite funny. It's why I ordered the book. I thought I would probably like it.

Amazon said it's supposed to be here June 4th. I'm hoping it arrives before we leave on Saturday!

[ChefBilly]

Very cool!

I ordered the book after I heard about it on another site. I read the link they posted, with an interview. There was a quote, from you, something about the book, that I thought was quite funny. It's why I ordered the book. I thought I would probably like it.

Amazon said it's supposed to be here June 4th. I'm hoping it arrives before we leave on Saturday!

Cool! I hope you get a laugh out of it - and maybe pick up a few tips! :thumbsup2

[ZoZo]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide - it's the only one I actually buy (I borrow others from the library, but buy only the UG).

I find it has great detailed info about just about everything at WDW. They also have reviews of restaurants (invaluable) and attractions - these are very helpful. They also include reader comments about the different things (even if the readers disagree with the book's opinions!). You might not agree with every one of their reviews, but I find it helps me a lot. They seem to do a lot of research.

[Tigger822]

I love the Passporter because it has lots of places to wright down things in it. I like to scrapbook and it becomes like a mini one during the trip and then after I can find every thing because it has lots of pockets. I buy this one so I can write in it and then I get the UG and Burmbaums and Disney on A Dime from the library and take lots of notes and copys.

Where can you get the Mousejunkeys book? At a store?

Have fun picking a book!
Lisa:banana:

[ChefBilly]

Where can you get the Mousejunkeys book? At a store?

Yes, any bookstore.

I love the Unofficial Guide and the Passporter.
Then again, I really enjoy almost any of them, because they transport me to the place I most want to be in one way or another.

[Hibernians]

You have to check out "The Complete Walt Disney World Guide" by Julie Neal and Mike Neal. This guide book is deceivingly smaller than many of the other guide books yet it has the most beautiful color photos and packs tons of useful information not found in any other books I have read. Its really a great book just to read to pu you in a Disney mood.
I have the 2008 edition, I know there is a newer 2009 edition. I also like Passporter and the Unofficial Guide but the Julie Neal books in my opinion are simply the best out there.

Also check out the Imagineering Field Guide series; written by Disney Imagineers, have put out several Imagineering Guides which cover Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. These little books telll you how they designed and built the theme parks - books are very small though.

I have read 2 good bio's on Walt Disney; a recent bio by Neal Gabler, which is really very detailed and a good read. Years ago I read the Bob Thomas bio, it came out in the early 90's and its also a good bio. Can't go wrong with either.

If you're interested in the Disney Company and the business side of things, "Disney War" by Michael Stewart and "Keys to the Kingdom" by Kim Masters both focus on the Michael Eisner years and are fascinating reads.

[CampbellScot]

Passporter fan here!! I buy one every year. It's the handiest guide i've found. You can organize ADR's, keep all confirmation #'s in one place along with any other thing you might need to remember or keep organized. I also love the pages that allow you to write about each day. It's a lot of fun! I don't do Disney without it!! It's colorful and comprehensive. Can't beat that!:goodvibes

[Chedstro]

Another vote for Passporter! They become my "memory books" after the trip. We live about 20 minutes away from WDW and I still buy one every year!

The most detailed and complete book on Walt Disney, in my opinion is "Walt Disney" by Neal Gabler.

[TWyn]

I'm the author of "Mousejunkies!" I really hope you enjoy the book!

Cool! I just ordered my copy and am really looking forward to getting it.

[Jiminygirl]

I love "The Unofficial Guide to Disney World"- I think the new edition usually comes out in August of the upcoming year. I'm planning a trip to Disneyland in the next 2 years but I've found that the "unofficial" guide to DLR isn't published/updated as frequently- I'm guessing things don't change as rapidly there.

[Planning fanatic mom]

I just bought the "Mousejunkies" book at Borders today. It is very informative and hysterically funny.:rotfl2:

I'm on page 106 and laughed out loud several times. I even read parts to DH as we were driving home from his mother's house this evening.

I leave in 7 days to drive to WDW. I will save the rest for the trip down.:lmao:

[tinkbutt]

Walt - The Man Behind the Myth (2001)

this is a good one About walt himself!!

[kellb224]

Also bought Mousejunkies last night at Borders and already am about 100 pages in. I like it because it is written more like a story than a travel guide but has lots of great tips thrown in. Being someone who has read the "guides" many times, this was fresh and very comical!

[Hootch]

couple of posts here I just bought the book. I have at least twelve hours on planes or in airports before we leave on our trip in two weeks. I'm hoping this will be a little light entertainment and maybe I'll learn a few things too.

[ChefBilly]

Had a book night at our local library Thursday for "Mousejunkies." It was amazing - a ton of fun, and was a great example of how great, fun and friendly Disney people are. *waves to Dissers that were there*.

I hope they're all as good as Thursday's event was.

[jenelope]

Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying the book! I always thought that the true test of the book is how DISers feel about it. I know I've enjoyed the whole experience of being involved with this book. I'm so proud of Bill and what he's done, and I'm proud to call myself "Mousejunkie Jenna."

[julieneal]

You have to check out "The Complete Walt Disney World Guide" by Julie Neal and Mike Neal. This guide book is deceivingly smaller than many of the other guide books yet it has the most beautiful color photos and packs tons of useful information not found in any other books I have read. Its really a great book just to read to pu you in a Disney mood.
I have the 2008 edition, I know there is a newer 2009 edition. I also like Passporter and the Unofficial Guide but the Julie Neal books in my opinion are simply the best out there.

Thank you so much for the kind words! We've gotten such great feedback from DIS and other boards, and lots of ideas, too. We're always on the lookout for tips on improving the book, so please feel free to let us know :)

[stacythatgirl]

Hidden magic was GREATTTT !!! I carried it with me in the parks & DBF read it while waiting in lines. I swear every few minutes he was like "You know whats secret about this ride..." or we have a 5 min wait. Let's see what the book says about this ride.

Was super cute. :goodvibes

[Chedstro]

Just got "Mousejunkies" today from Amazon and read it cover to cover. Great job Bill! We are locals and learned stuff and had a good laugh as well.

I'm just starting "Hidden Magic" and am looking forward to reading it all.

I have a Kindle and you know what would be great? A guide book that is available on Kindle. I take mine to the Parks with me all the time for wait times and while my husband "communes" with the goats at Rafiki, etc. It would be so handy to have a guide book on it for quick reference. Just a thought.:)

[demeritts1229]

I recently purchased three books. The Hidden Magic of WDW, Hidden Mickeys & Hassle Free Disney. I was wondering what your thoughts were about these books & if you have any suggestions of other books. There are so many on the market. Also would you be able to direct me to the best book about Walt Disney himself.
:banana::banana::banana::banana:

I have one word for you...Mousejunkies!! It's the best :thumbsup2 Disney "reference" book I've read and I've read A LOT of them!! It is comical and very informative. :rotfl2: We laugh :lmao:at Bill's stories in the book because we can relate to so many of them...it's a real gem of a book!! Can't wait for his second one!popcorn::

[naholder]

Unoffical Walt Disney World Guide is the book I buy every year. Even on the years we are not going to Disney.:thumbsup2

[goofy&tigger2]

Since we are going back again and there was alot of people who enjoy this book we finally bought it. Wasn't sure if it would be the same old same old. It wasn't it was very interesting and informative. Highly recommed it.:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[LockShockBarrel]

WOOHOO Hi Mousejunkies! I love that book. That's the book I go to when I want to feel like I'm there. Thanks:lovestruc

[o2bnoz]

***ordering the Julie Neal and Mousejunkies book right now... thanks for the ideas! Can't order Passporters 2011 yet, but I will!!***:thumbsup2

[happycamps]

I always get the unofficial guide, but I'm going to be looking for mousejunkies now, might be fun on a 20-hour drive to disney!?!

[RatherBeWithMickey]

Just got "Mousejunkies" today from Amazon and read it cover to cover. Great job Bill! We are locals and learned stuff and had a good laugh as well.

I'm just starting "Hidden Magic" and am looking forward to reading it all.

I have a Kindle and you know what would be great? A guide book that is available on Kindle. I take mine to the Parks with me all the time for wait times and while my husband "communes" with the goats at Rafiki, etc. It would be so handy to have a guide book on it for quick reference. Just a thought.:)

Can't speak for the Kindle, but the Sony Reader ebook store has Mousejunkies, Hidden Magic of WDW, and several of the other books mentioned here.
Mindy

[ZoZo]

I haven't actually read any of the ones you listed, but I like the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It has absolutely everything in it. I call it my Disney "bible". It even has tear out touring plans in the back.

Ditto - the Unofficial Guide is hands-down my favorite.

Have you tried your local library? I found it very helpful; I was able to "preview" several WDW guides, and figure out which one I wanted to buy.

[DorothyPoppins]

Another vote for "The Complete Walt Disney World Guide" by Julie Neal and Mike Neal- DH and I love these books! The reviews are thoughtful and objective and the color photographs are beautiful. The photos capture the spirit and energy of the parks- they are a great DIS-fix until we can get back to the parks!

[carrie80]

I love the Unofficial Guide. It has great tips and a humorous writing style. I also have a book called Inside Disney: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney World and the Man Behind the Mouse. It's out of print so some of it is outdated but I still think it has some interesting behind-the-scenes information. I have heard some good things about Vinyl Leaves: Walt Disney World And America (Institutional Structures of Feeling). It seems like a sociological analysis of the theme parks. As one book reviewer states, "Like Fjellman, many understand that Disney can be manipulative, overbearing, and self-promoting. However, people don't seem to care. It is an amazing phenomenon and Fjellman does a wonderful job explaining why it exists." I find it interesting how Disney World created such a magical place. So many little details are thought out that it make so many people keep wanting to come back over and over.

[sunshineNJ]

I do not have any of the books you mentioned. I love The Complete Guide and Birnbaums.

[gam8898]

I am currently reading the book Mousejunkies and I am really enjoying it!

[jaz4]

"The Complete Walt Disney World Guide" by Julie Neal and Mike Neal

Does anyone know if this book is available in Canada? i have looked on the Chapter's website but have been unable to find it.

[yekcoh_99]

Had a book night at our local library Thursday for "Mousejunkies." It was amazing - a ton of fun, and was a great example of how great, fun and friendly Disney people are. *waves to Dissers that were there*.

I hope they're all as good as Thursday's event was.

My wife & I would of loved to have gone as we live just up I-95 but I'm stuck in Saudi Arabia... maybe you'll do another one after the new year?

[yekcoh_99]

I do not have any of the books you mentioned. I love The Complete Guide and Birnbaums.


I agree have everyone since 1999 and there are such little changes, I just can't help myself. :confused3

[yekcoh_99]

I'm the author of "Mousejunkies!" I really hope you enjoy the book!

Any free copies for deployed NH Air Guard members???

[Hootch]

"The Complete Walt Disney World Guide" by Julie Neal and Mike Neal

Does anyone know if this book is available in Canada? i have looked on the Chapter's website but have been unable to find it.

tried Amazon? I know their still in print.

I thought the big plus for the Complete Guide was some of the detailing included. There was the normal ride ratings, expected wait times, etc and thos are worthwhile. A couple of detail items that really stood out are the ride descriptions for Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion and the things you can look for in DHS.

[StacieDreaminODisney]

tried Amazon? I know their still in print.

I thought the big plus for the Complete Guide was some of the detailing included. There was the normal ride ratings, expected wait times, etc and thos are worthwhile. A couple of detail items that really stood out are the ride descriptions for Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion and the things you can look for in DHS.

I second that! I read this book before our first trip, and with the wait times listed, ride length, and fastpass return times, I was able to plan a perfect trip.

[SanFranciscan]

The most recent book that I read about Disney World is one that I heard that Disney is trying to get banned. It is Cast Member Confidential: A Disneyfied Memoir by Chris Mitchell. It was written by a former cast member, who worked as a Photopass photographer. I found it to be entertaining, and nothing that I read in it would keep me from going to Disney World.

One of the best sources of information about Disney World is a magazine that I subscribe to. As the name of the magazine says, Orlando Attractions is not exclusively about Disney World; but it is a source of timely information about Disney World and the other tourist locations around Orlando.

It has been about a year since I read Mousejunkies so I don't have a clear memory of the book, but I do remember enjoying it enough that I can and have recommended it.

Another book I found very helpful was Queens In The Kingdom. It was written for a gay audience, but it has so much information about not only the parks but the resorts at both Disney World and Disneyland that it is a good guide for heterosexual families as well. There are two editions of it with the newer one being much larger.

[Sagginit]

tried Amazon? I know their still in print.

I thought the big plus for the Complete Guide was some of the detailing included. There was the normal ride ratings, expected wait times, etc and thos are worthwhile. A couple of detail items that really stood out are the ride descriptions for Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion and the things you can look for in DHS.


another vote for the complete guide too! it seems to have it all and love the pictures, it is the only book i bought after taking nearly 10 of them out of the library. i like that is has little hidden mickey and trivia facts for each ride, but just a few, not too many. birnbaums is good for the maps and the discounts for limo service, but i just borrow that from the library. unofficial guide seemed good at first but i found it was a bit dramatic when i actually went. plus i decided,if all those people buy it and rip out the touring plans to use, doesnt that defeat the purpose of not going with the crowds? instead i used their technique to develop my own touring plans and it was very successful.

i have a copy of a coffee table book they came out with for the 25th anniversary and enjoy that, also enjoy the WDW explorer software we got that year as well. its like a little time capsule of my first trip to disney.