Favorite Books about Disney & WDW

[Hibernians]

Just wondering if people have favorite books about Walt Disney, the Disney Company and the various travel guides? Years ago I read a very good Walt Disney biography by Bob Thomas (which I would recommend) and I've ordered the paperback version (due in March '06) of James Stewart's Disney Wars book - has anyone read that one ?

About travel guides, I'm sure most people have an opinion on the Unofficial Guide authors - has anyone actually met these people ? The book contains so much useful information but I think the authors need to lose the cynical attitude.
My favorite guidebook is the PassPorter, after reading a few pages of it I'm always in a Goofy Mood ;-)

Happy New Years !

 

[travelbug]

I'm pretty sure that one of the Unofficial Guide authors posts occasionally on the DIS. Can't remember the name he goes by, but he seems like quite a nice guy when he posts.

I actually love the Unofficial Guide for the wealth of information it gives. I don't necessarily agree with some of the opinions expressed, but that's OK. I'm not as interested in the subjective parts as I am in the objective parts.

I also loved this book I got some years ago called "Since the World Began." It was written to honor the 25th anniversary of Disney World. It's really interesting! In fact, I should pull it off my shelf and read it again one of these days.

 

[deide71]

I actually like the attitude of UG. It makes me realize I take this stuff WAAAAAYYYYY too seriously.

 

[Pinmaniac]

Disney Wars was great. Another favorite of mine is Mouse Tales. A book of stories from behind the scenes at Disneyland.

 

[solgent]

Disney Wars was absolutely fascinating.

I love the Unofficial Guide. So much fun to read.

 

[lentesta]

I've met the Unofficial Guide authors.

Without exception, everyone that works on the book absolutely loves Walt Disney World. Heck, I have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse. To the best of my knowledge, no other guidebook author has permanently inscribed the Disney corporate logo on their body. (Not that I'm going to be checking my peers all that closely. I mean, Dave Marx is a stud and all, but, you know ...)

Anyway, I don't think we're cynical so much as realists. WDW has something like 70 sit-down restaurants, more than a hundred attractions, and around thirty thousand hotel rooms. It's impossible for everything to be "above average." Some of those things will be great, most will be average, and some will fall short. When a meal isn't worth your money (Cap'n Jack's), or a ride isn't worth your time (Stitch), we're obligated to say so. Conversely, we're more than happy to point out where Disney continues to set the standard for theme park entertainment (The new rooms at the Contemporary, Raglan Road, Soarin', Everest - keep your fingers crossed).

Hope this helps! Thanks for reading the book.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[TLinden16]

I think the Unofficial Guide is the best book handsdown to help get the most of your trip. There are lots of useful tips, and great information. The book keeps on growing and evolving. It's always improving. There is great information on the resorts and restaurants. I've been getting the Unofficial Guide for years. I've found the Unofficial Guide to be an incredible resource over the years, and I have read it cover to cover many times.

I'm also a big fan of their online trip planner at www.touringplans.com I have used it for many trips to keep track of my reservations and confirmations.

And Len Testa and Bob Sehlinger are pretty nice guys to boot Len dances a mean conga line.

I also like picking up the Birnbaum guide from time to time, and recognize it for first time travellers to get a great overview of the parks with pictures. The Kids edition of the Birnbaum book is great too.

Karen

 

[crazywig]

i got this for dh to read on the plane during our last trip. it's very interesting (and small, great for travel)

The Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/07...102-3116055-4375369?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

 

[Hibernians]

I agree that the Unofficial Guide is a valuable tool and I have bought it 3 times over the past 10 years and plan to buy again every 2 or 3 years. I don't think there is any other book out there that provides as much information (and opinions) on WDW and for this I am grateful. In fact, I appreciate negative reviews and consider them carefully especially when deciding where to eat. I agree with the person who reads the objective info and disregards the subjective stuff.

Anyways, without venting, I just wanted to back up what I said about the cynical attititude - since I threw it out there, I should explain what I mean:

The cynical attitude that I mentioned comes from comments such as the one in the 2006 version about the Diamond Horshoe Saloon on page 453. The author implies that Disney may want to launch a new attraction on the cheap and that this may happen when there's nothing new to talk about at Disney World.
Well, what exactly is the point of this commentary ? - other than its pure specualtion and reads like an editorial. There was no need for this in the review.

I also thought the comment about children getting hypothermia from Ariel's Grotto (page 461) was another example of cynicism. Do children really get hypothermia ? Are parents not smart enough to care for the well being of their children ?

Thats all I wanted to throw out there now. I still like the book, just wish they would change their attitude.

 

[solgent]

I also thought the comment about children getting hypothermia from Ariel's Grotto (page 461) was another example of cynicism. Do children really get hypothermia ? Are parents not smart enough to care for the well being of their children ?

I remember that comment and I see it as an entertainingly exaggerated way to say, Your child can get really wet here. I appreciate the warning. For something like Kali River Rapids, everyone knows that getting drenched is a possibility, but for the Grotto, you might think of it as a character opportunity and not be prepared for the water.