Looking for a book for a Disney Lover

[Kairi_7378]

I'm looking for a book for DH about Disney World for Christmas. We have all 3 of the Imagineers' Guides to the Parks. I was considering one of the haunted mansion books because that's his favorite ride. Can anyone recommend a good book for someone who loves the magic (and now wants to retire down there?)

[peemagg]

How about the series about Peter Pan? I know that they are a kids series, but I read them and really enjoyed them (I am 38 ). There are 3 books to the series and I think one of the two authors last names is "Barry".

[Jenemmy]

I bought a copy of "The Complete Walt Disney World" (Neal) a few months ago and have been devouring it ever since! It is WONDERFUL. Not only is it packed full of gorgeous full color pictures, but it gives back stories and trivia about the attractions. Love it!!!

[mulderxcoltrane]

There's a book about all of the Disney Mountains called "Imagineering at Its Peak" by Jason Surrell.

Also - a must have is the book about designing the parks and their attractions by JOhn Hench (but I can't think of the name since I"m not in front of my shelf.)

[CaptainJessicaSparrow]

What about the Encyclopedia by Dave Smith or books about the man himself? I find Walt's life to be completely fascinating.

[wendy*darling]

I have to recommend "Spinning Disney's World" by Charlie Ridgway .
It's not strictly about WDW, but about all of the Disney Parks from the man who was Walt's "Press Secretary" and stayed on long after Walt dies. It's a great look behind the scenes at how many things in the parks came to be.
It's not too long, but full of really cool details.

[tinksmom02]

I have to recommend "Spinning Disney's World" by Charlie Ridgway .
It's not strictly about WDW, but about all of the Disney Parks from the man who was Walt's "Press Secretary" and stayed on long after Walt dies. It's a great look behind the scenes at how many things in the parks came to be.
It's not too long, but full of really cool details.

I'm glad to hear a review of this book, I just ordered it--another website was offering it at 40% off, and the author is supposed to sign it. With shipping I think it was about $17. Haven't gotten it yet, but it sounded interesting. Glad to hear you liked it!

[DDuck66]

There is another fiction book about the MK, that is called Kingdom Keepers. It is a childrens book (Harry Potter Style and reading level), but I really enjoyed it. I will never look at the audioanimatronics at IASWAA quite the same.

[JerseyMouse]

A couple of great Disney and WDW-related books which I own come to mind.

1) Walt Disney...The Triumph of the American Imagination, by Neal Gabler...the most complete biography on Walt I have ever read.

2) Since The World Began, by Jeff Kurtii...this is an older book, done mainly for the 25th anniversary, but it is a great read, nonetheless!

[bleukarma]

I third "Spinning Disney's World" by Charles Ridgeway. When I bought this book Charles Ridgeway was there signing the book and I got to talk to him for a least an hour. He's such a fascinating man, and his book is just as fascinating!!!!! The things he got to see and do...amazing!!!!!! He's a lucky guy, and it shows in his book.

I have also read Kingdom Keepers (in fact I sold it on ebay and just mailed it off last night) and it's a good book for a childrens book. And yes...I will never look at IASW the same!!!!

[Kairi_7378]

Thank you so much for all of the great tips! So many good choices to choose from.

[kmo84]

I too really enjoyed "Since The World Began", but it is an older book.

I have been thinking about finding something new and I apprecitated the suggestions here.

[Tink#64]

I too have "Since The World Began" and it's a beautiful book! It is an older book but I just purchased mine last year online, & used, I think it was less than $10.00. It's in perfect condition! I have read so many books about WDW and in particular about Walt Disney the man. I can't get enough! But I 've read so many that I can't remember all of the titles. I check out a lot through the public library.

I love reading anything and everything about Disney. The next book that I intend to buy is "The Complete Walt Disney World". I have read many good things about this book. I have many touring guides, and books that I've bought in the parks, and we particularly love the trivia books about WDW! For a Disney fan, I'm sure that anything you give, will be enjoyed!

[DisneyTwirler13!]

If your husband doesn't mind reading a little fiction, Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson, the co-author of Peter and the Starcatchers, would be perfect. It has a ton of Disney facts mixed in with an interesting plot, and theres a sequel coming out soon (YAY!! ).
There is another fiction book, but it probably wouldn't be right for your husband, but it might intrest others: Dream Factory by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler. I think it's geared more towards women than men, but you never know...

[drosenbe]

If you're DH is interested in a good critical view of WDW, there is a book called Vinyl Leaves (I think its available on Amazon) which is an excellent view of the world, from a definitely non-Disney point of view. It's a little old (2000), but, I think is still relevant. The author is realistic (as opposed to some Disney critiques) and enjoys WDW, but still points out a lot interesting things how the reality of WDW doesn't always jive with the fantasy that it is promoting.

Happy reading

[tomorrowschild]

I agree with the above post about The Complete Walt Disney World. It is a great book. The pictures are fantastic. It has great tips and interesting facts about most of the attractions. My family has really enjoyed it.

[JerseyMouse]

FYI....A new edition of Since The World Began is due out March of 2008...It is to be titled, "Walt Disney World...Then, Now, and Forever." It's by the same author, Jeff Kurtii.

[pook@wdw]

Hey there fellow WDW retiree. (DH & I are going there also after DD goes off to college). Complete WDW (Neal) is wonderful). If he's into video, go online to Discovery Channel or Travel Channel to get most excellent dvds about WDW. (I really liked the "Modern Marvels" on Discovery and "Ultimate WDW" on Travel Channel. Also, Barnes & Nobles has a good WDW selection. Hope these help!

[Tigger&Stitch]

I second the Peter Pan books (first one is Peter and the Starcatchers). My husband read them and loved them, so I have started to read them too.

They aren't WDW, but still about beloved Disney characters!

Oh, and of the authors is Dave Barry (the comedian).

[McGoofy]

I'm throwing another book title into the mix:
Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World by David Koenig.

My DH and I have been reading this together, and the facts in it are so interesting. It is just amazing to see all of the challenges that Walt Disney overcame to make WDW happen.