What is your favorite Disney planning/secret book?

[meljean]

I'm not sure where to post this but wondering what you have found to be the best planning, tip, or fun fact book about Disney? We have been there quite a few times but I always enjoy reading about Disney. I would love a book that has some fun facts or secrets about Disney I wouldn't know. What do books do you enjoy reading about?

 

[emma212010]

Great question!! I'm subbing in to see the answers! I've been looking for a book for a while now!

 

[speaksfam]

I love the Unofficial Guide to WDW and Passporter...both great books/guides.

 

[mattsmom2000]

I second the Unofficial Guide to WDW. We have used that book for years. Great reference material.
But, if you are looking for some fun facts about Disney that you may not have known, read this book:

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom

It has a lot of "secrets" in it. I bookmarked all the pages of things I didn't know (some things I did already know). The I would re-read the ones I didn't know the day before I went to that park to seek out the secrets for myself. Made for a fun trip last year and I looked at Disney with new eyes!
Have a magical trip!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World is a great book. I am hoping for an updated version once the Fantasyland expansion is complete!!

 

[meljean]

Thanks! I haven't heard of the Hidden Magic of WDW before. I will have to check it out! I love reading all the planning book and would like to read some of the more hidden secrets or unknowns of Disney

 

[Hootch]

has the Imagineering Guide for each of the four major parks. My preference, in order, MK, DAK, DHS then Epcot. MK and DAK will you give you a lot of little tidbits. DHS discusses architectural influences a great deal and Epcot was just dry to me but has some interesting notes on the pavilion designs.

I found the The Complete Walt Disney World to have a lot of information I did not know. The new edition comes out next week. The authors frequent the Dis boards. The 2012 edition is supposed to have an e-book version that has interactive maps and additional content. I don't see the e-book on Amazon's site. I have a Nook Color and B&N doesn't list the book at all yet. It is supposed to be offered by them.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

My family made fun of me yesterday b/c I was at a resale shop and found the Unofficial Guide from 2004. It was $ .90 so I bought it. I figured that I would look through it, see if I liked it (I've never used a guide before. I haven't needed to, but thought I might like it.), and then if I do like it, I can buy the 2012 book. I don't think that's wierd. Is that wierd? Of course some things will be outdated, but for the most part it is going to be very similar to the 2012 book. Anything I have a question about I can come on the Disboards for. I rarely have questions though, so I thought it would be fun to look through. I enjoyed my evening of perusing the book very much. Ha ha! In your face mom! I may buy the 2012 one after all.

 

[julieneal]

We get flak sometimes because we put TOO MUCH of these fun finds and Hidden Mickeys in our book (The Complete Walt Disney World 2012). Some people think this information gets in the way of the more traditional guidebook advice. I disagree; I think looking for these Disney secrets makes a WDW visit much more fun and interesting. Kids especially seem to love looking for these "Easter eggs," and families can have a memorable time searching them out together.

Hootch, our 2012 edition will soon be available as an ebook (both a video-enhanced version and one that has no video). The ebook comes out at the end of January for all devices -- including for the Nook, Nook Color, Kindle Touch, Kindle Fire, iPad and smart phone.

Until then, the print version of The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 was just released this week, and is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other spots. Woo hoo! This is the first time the book has come out before Christmas.

Please let me know if you have any feedback; I’m often on the boards

 

[dISNEYlOveer]

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom

It has a lot of "secrets" in it. I bookmarked all the pages of things I didn't know (some things I did already know). The I would re-read the ones I didn't know the day before I went to that park to seek out the secrets for myself.

I never heard of that book before and will need to look into it....i would do the same thing that you did with the book marking and stuff... i like to know all the secrets of rides and hidden mickeys and other stuff on the ride...

 

[kcount]

On our last trip a few months ago, those of us that had been to WDW several times before got addicted to the "Hidden Mickeys" book. It lists thousands of "hidden" mickey mouse ears within the attractions and restaurants in all of the sites at WDW (Downtown Disney, MK, Epcot, etc...). Each attraction has at least half a dozen hidden mickeys, but most of the restaurants only have one or two. It gave the adults and older children something to compete against one another with. Kind of a fun addition while you're waiting or touring.

 

[excited4disney2012]

Mousejunkies! They seem to love food and having a good time! I really enjoyed both books!

 

[GoofyPredsFan]

I second the Unofficial Guide to WDW. We have used that book for years. Great reference material.
But, if you are looking for some fun facts about Disney that you may not have known, read this book:

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World: Over 600 Secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom

It has a lot of "secrets" in it. I bookmarked all the pages of things I didn't know (some things I did already know). The I would re-read the ones I didn't know the day before I went to that park to seek out the secrets for myself. Made for a fun trip last year and I looked at Disney with new eyes!
Have a magical trip!

OOH Cool! I'll have to look that one up. I think it'll make my non-disney loving husband be more interested.

 

[ZoZo]

I'm definitely an Uniofficial Guide fan. Highly recommend it.

My best tip is to check out guidebooks from the library. Gives you a chance to "sample" books before buying!

 

[OKW Lover]

Not a fan of any of the various Disney travel books. We find all the information we need right here on the DIS.

 

[sara mom]

Not a fan of any of the various Disney travel books. We find all the information we need right here on the DIS.

I agree! Between reading DISboards and mousesavers...I'm all set!