If you’re anything like me, your love for Disney has stayed with you into adulthood. With the best books for adults who love Disney, you can bring the magic of Walt into your home.
My Disney world vacation is coming to an end in a few days. It’s hard to believe that it’s gone by so quickly. But, like always, I’m having a blast. I also am dreaming of the next time I can come back.
Books about Walt Disney and the Disney brand are exciting. It can be overwhelming to choose which ones to read first. With this list of the best Disney books, you’ll find new favourites and learn at the same time!
Whether you’re looking for an in-depth look at Walt Disney or an interesting behind the scenes of the imagineers, there’s a book for you on this list.
If you love Disney as much as I do, then you certainly do not want to miss the best books for adults who love Disney.
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Best Disney Books for Adults
Disney’s Land by Richard Snow. If you’re looking for a really great in depth look at the history of the parks, then this is a great option. Richard Snow tells the story of the creation of Disneyland — from Walt’s concept to the execution. It’s a really thorough book that’s perfect for readers who love the parks.
How to Be Like Walt by Pat Williams. Readers will love this biography of Walt Disney. You’ll learn about Walt’s life from the beginning and how he turned into one of the most beloved individual.
Ink & Paint by Mindy Johnson. Women have played an important role in the Walt Disney Company since the very beginning. Readers learn about women working in animation for Disney in this enjoyable read. The book also includes archival resources, which really help bring the book to life.
Magic Journey by Kevin P Rafferty. I think that being an Imagineer is a really cool job. Read all about the experience of a Disney Imagineer in this wonderful memoir. It’s full of great information from someone who worked on attractions like Toy Story Mania and the Tower of Terror!
The Disney Story by Aaron H Goldberg. Look back at the life of Walt Disney and the theme parks through the decades. From the creation of Mickey Mouse to the opening of Shanghai Disneyland, this book is a great option for readers who love the Disney lifestyle.
The Haunted Mansion by Jason Surrell. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favourite Disney attractions. If you love it too, then you’ll want to check this one out! You’ll learn about the creation of the attraction since first sketches to it’s official opening.
The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt. Another great look into the women of the Walt Disney Company! There are so many women whose work for Disney has been overlooked over the years. Read about the contributions these women made to the world of Disney through interviews, archival resources as well as personal documents. It’s a must read!
The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger. If you’re looking for a great memoir of an influential person in the Disney Company, then this is the perfect book. Robert Iger was the CEO of the Walt Disney Company from 2005 to 2020. He shares his experiences while also sharing the lessons he’s learned. It’s a must read for fans of everything Disney.
Walt Before Mickey by Timothy S Susanin. Read all about Walt Disney before the creation of Mickey Mouse. It’s a great look into the need for perserverance but also at Walt’s life before everything changed. It was also made into a film in 2015, so read the book and then watcht he movie!
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas. This is one of my personal favourites. It’s a great biography on the man and the mouse. You’ll learn about Walt’s life before the Disney brand and the road to the Disney we know and love today.
Walt Disney Imagineering by The Imagineers. Another great look into the world of Imagineering! Read about the creation of attractions at Disney theme parks from the people who create them. It’s a great look at sketches, concepts, and behind the scenes stories of some of your favourite rides!
Walt Disney by Neal Gabler. Neal Gabler is the first writer to be given complete access to the Disney archives. This biography is so enjoyable and is a really thorough and in-depth look at Walt and his life. It’s one that you don’t want to miss.
Walt’s Disneyland by Marcy Carriker Smothers. This is a great look at the attractions that we all know and love! Readers are introduced to the creation of the park through Walt’s eyes and will also see the creation of his original Magic Kingdom. It’s a great read!
Walt Disney’s Ultimate Inventor by Don Iwerks. Learn about a self-taught animatir who became the first person to animate Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Not only is it a great story but there are also wonderful photos and personal memories that make it a wonderful read.
Women of Walt Disney Imagineering by Elisabete Erlandson. Another great look at the women who contribute to the Walt Disney Company. A dozen female imagineers write personal stories about their time building and creating. It has great photos and archival resources and will certainly be a great addition to your Disney book collection!
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