8 Great Reads For Your Next Disney World Vacation
If you’re packing your bags for Disney World, you’re probably thinking of all the things you need for a successful vacation – things like weather essentials, parenting must-haves, and even the perfect Disney wardrobe!
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But in all the chaos and excitement of planning your magical getaway, there’s one thing I’ll BET you overlooked: a little thing called relaxation!
Honestly, I can’t say I blame you. You’ve been busy researching Disney World’s Lightning Lane options, booking advance dining reservations, and figuring out exactly how much sunscreen you’ll need.
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Suffice it to say, it’s pretty easy to forget that your Disney World vacation is, in fact, a VACATION. You know…downtime and all that.
No matter what you’ve heard, there are plenty of ways to relax and unwind in Disney World, including gorgeous resort pools and full-service spas.
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But the truth is that relaxing in Disney World doesn’t have to involve anything fancy OR costly. In fact, my FAVORITE way to unwind on a Disney vacation is with a book!
Of course, Disney World offers plenty of incredible things — but it isn’t exactly known for its bookstores. So, if you’re planning to channel your inner Belle on your next trip, it’s best to bring your books from home.
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Need some ideas? Here are eight great reads for your next Disney World vacation! Let’s check it out!
Great Reads for Your Disney Vacation
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Whether you’re reading by the pool, on your hotel room balcony, or in bed after a long, busy park day, these books will help you keep the magic going!
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1. Villains Series by Serena Valentino
If you’re anxiously awaiting Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Villains Land, the Villains series by Serena Valentino is the perfect way to pass the time!
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The ever-expanding series explores the origins of some of Disney’s most iconic and nefarious villains.
Currently, there are 12 books in the series, covering the backstories of the Evil Queen, Beast, Ursula, Maleficent, Mother Gothel, Cruella de Vil, Lady Tremaine, Captian Hook, Hades, Gaston, and the Queen of Hearts. There’s also a book dedicated to the quirky “Odd Sisters,” who are original to the Valentino series.
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The installments are all short and sweet (or should I say sour?!) and make for a quick vacation read. The series is technically meant to be read in order, but each book works just as well as a standalone, so there’s no need to start at the beginning. Go ahead and cherry-pick your favorite Disney villains!
2. Twisted Tales Series
Ever watched your favorite Disney film and wondered, “WHAT IF?” Disney Book Group’s Twisted Tales series takes beloved Disney tales and turns them on their heads!
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What if Aladdin never found the lamp? What if Aurora never woke up? What if Ariel never defeated Ursula?
This 18-book series explores wild reimaginings and alternate endings to fan-favorite films like Brave, Pinocchio, Tangled, The Sword in the Stone, Frozen, The Incredibles, and more.
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Written by several different authors (including Liz Braswell and Elizabeth Lim), the Twisted Tales series is a must-pack for your next Disney vacation!
3. Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw
Shea Ernshaw’s Long Live the Pumpkin Queen is more than just a tribute to Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The mesmerizing Young Adult novel puts Sally in the spotlight, giving the character more depth and agency than ever before.
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After marrying Jack, Sally finds herself struggling with her new role as the Queen of Halloweentown. But before long, disaster strikes, and Sally must save the town — and discover who she really is. There’s an intriguing new realm called Dream Town, plenty of peril, and, of course, a whole lot of Zero! What’s not to love?
4. Kingdom Keepers Series
If you want a book to hype you up for your Disney World vacation, the Kingdom Keepers series is your perfect pick! Technically, this one is intended for younger readers, but it’s really great for all ages — and makes for a fantastic family read.
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The seven-book series is set INSIDE THE PARKS (!) and follows five teenagers as they take on Disney Villains to protect Magic Kingdom — and the world. Billed as a “fantastical thriller,” this is a series you’ll want to read in chronological order. Be sure to start off with Book 1, Kingdom Keepers: After Dark.
5. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire
Gregory Macguire may be world-famous for Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West — but did you know that he’s also given the Elphaba treatment to some of our favorite classic tales?
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In Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Maguire reimagines the timeless tale of Cinderella. This time, it’s set in 17th-century Holland, where we find Iris, her sister Ruth, and their stepsister, Clara. Told through the eyes of Iris, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister is less fantasy and more historical fiction, but the tale is still pure magic.
If you enjoy this one, be sure to check out Maguire’s other fairytale retellings, including Mirror Mirror and After Alice.
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6. Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren
If rom-coms are your thing, you may have heard of Christina Lauren. This best friend duo has jointly authored several popular romance novels, like The Unhoneymooners and The Paradise Problem. Of course, any Christina Lauren book makes for a great read — but if you’re headed for Disney World, reach for Tangled Up in You.
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This adorable Tangled reimagining follows Ren and Fitz as they meet at Corona College and — HUGE shocker here! — fall in love.
Tangled Up in You is Book 4 in the Meant to Be series, which also includes playful retellings of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Mulan — all by some of the biggest names in romance!
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7. Darling Girl by Liz Michalski
Ready to explore the darker side of Peter Pan?
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In Liz Michalski’s Darling Girl, we pick up decades after the original story left off. The granddaughter of Wendy Darling, Holly Darling is all too aware that Peter Pan is much more than just a tale. But she’s also aware that Peter is EXTREMELY dangerous. So when one of her children goes missing, Holly knows exactly who and what she’s up against — and what she must do to save her family.
8. The Imagineering Story by Leslie Iwerks
Is non-fiction more your style? The Imagineering Story: The Official Biography of Walt Disney Imagineering is the expanded version of the highly-rated Disney+ docuseries The Imagineering Story.
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Clocking in at over 700 pages, this one covers tons of stories, details, and anecdotes that weren’t included in the docuseries — making it a perfect read for Disney superfans and lovers of Disney history.
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