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If Disney is something that’s very close to your heart, then these are the books you really need to read.
I’ve always loved Disney animations, but I wasn’t aware that there was actually a whole ecosystem of fans doing what they do best.
I honestly find it fascinating – the world that Disney has created and the culture that has been sustained for more than three decades.
It’s so interesting, no matter how you look at it.
If you’re curious and want to see what happens behind the scenes – how the animators, investors, and even Disney himself worked hard to build the Disney we know today – then you should definitely check out these books.
Dream It! Do It! by Marty Sklar
If you love hearing about Disney magic straight from the people who built it, this book is pure treasure.
Marty Sklar was one of Walt Disney’s closest creative partners, starting as a young writer and eventually leading Walt Disney Imagineering.
In this lovely memoir, Marty shares what it was like working side-by-side with Walt and helping bring huge dreams like Disneyland and Epcot to life.
His stories are funny, touching, and full of behind-the-scenes Disney magic.
I really think this is one of the best Disney nonfiction books because you feel like you’re sitting with an old friend who helped create the Disney we all love.
The Disney Princess: A Celebration of Art and Creativity by Charles Solomon
If you adore Disney princesses like I do, this gorgeous book is a dream come true.
It’s packed with beautiful artwork and sweet stories about how each princess was created, from Snow White all the way to Moana.
You’ll get to see never-before-seen drawings and hear from the artists who brought the princesses to life.
It’s like peeking into a sparkling treasure chest full of Disney magic.
This book feels extra special because it honors not just the characters but the creativity behind them.
And, honestly, it’s a must-have for any Disney lover who wants to relive the magic in a whole new way.
The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness
Susan Veness takes you on a magical tour and she shares undreds of hidden details and sweet little secrets about the parks that most people miss.
It’s the kind of book that makes you want to visit again just so you can spot everything.
Reading it feels like being handed a special key to a whole new layer of Disney magic.
I think it’s perfect for anyone who believes the best part of Disney is the little surprises hidden in every corner.
It definitely made me fall even more in love with the parks.
The Disney Animation Renaissance by Mary E. Lescher
This book is like a front-row seat to one of Disney’s most magical times – the Disney Renaissance.
Mary Lescher shares what it was like working at the Florida animation studio during the making of hits like Beauty and the Beast and Mulan.
I loved how personal it felt; it’s not just about the movies, but about the people who worked so hard to create them.
You’ll feel like you’re walking through the studios yourself, seeing how animation changed forever.
I really think this book is special because it shows the heart and hard work behind the Disney magic we grew up loving.
The Imagineering Story by Leslie Iwerks
This book feels like sitting in a cozy room while Disney’s Imagineers tell you their favorite stories.
Leslie Iwerks, whose family helped build Disneyland, gives us a wonderful look into how the parks were created – from tiny models to towering castles.
There are so many amazing little stories and moments that just didn’t fit into the Disney+ series.
I love how personal and full of heart it is.
Honestly, if you love Disney parks and want to know the magic behind the magic, this book will fill you with wonder.
It’s like being invited behind the curtain where dreams are made.
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
If you want a kind, uplifting, and honest story about Walt Disney, this is the book you need.
Bob Thomas was trusted by Walt’s family and used Walt’s letters and personal papers to write this amazing biography.
It shows Walt not just as a legend but as a real person – someone who had dreams, struggles, failures, and endless imagination.
I love that it’s easy to read and full of inspiring moments.
It’s the kind of story that makes you believe you can create something magical too, even if you start with nothing but a big dream.
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
Even though this book is about Pixar, it feels so connected to Disney’s spirit of creativity and dreaming big.
Ed Catmull shares the behind-the-scenes secrets of how Pixar became a powerhouse of imagination and made movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
This gentle and thoughtful book goes into the successes and how to create a kind and creative place for people to do their best work.
Honestly, it’s one of the best nonfiction books if you love Disney because it shows how magic is made not just with ideas, but with kindness and trust.
Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler
This biography is deeper and longer than others, but it’s filled with so much heart.
Neal Gabler had full access to Disney archives, so he gives us the fullest, clearest picture of Walt Disney – the dreamer, the creator, the complicated man.
I think it’s wonderful because it doesn’t shy away from Walt’s struggles and mistakes, but it also celebrates his huge imagination and how he truly changed the world.
If you love Disney and want to know the real story behind all the castles and dreams, this book is rich, detailed, and unforgettable.
It makes Walt feel real and even more inspiring.
The Queens of Animation by Nathalia Holt
This book made my heart so full.
Nathalia Holt tells the powerful, beautiful stories of the women who helped create Disney’s most beloved animated films – even when it was hard for women to be heard.
These artists shaped the Disney magic we love today, often without getting credit at the time.
I loved how the book doesn’t just talk about the movies but also the battles these women fought in their personal and professional lives.
It’s honestly one of the most inspiring Disney nonfiction books because it reminds you that magic happens when brave people refuse to give up on their dreams.
The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger
Robert Iger shares how he led Disney through huge changes, including buying Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
You can tell he truly cared about keeping Disney’s magic alive while still growing and changing with the world.
His leadership lessons are gentle but powerful.
I think this is a must-read because it shows how Disney stayed magical even through tough times, and how the best kind of leadership is full of hope, trust, and big dreams.
Are you also a Disney fan? Which Disney cartoons or theme parks are your favorite?
And let me know which of these nonfiction books about Disney you’re going to add to your TBR!
