The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2026

by Becky Gandillon, Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa

Save time and money with in-depth reviews, ratings, and details from the trusted source for a successful Walt Disney World vacation.


How do some guests get on the big, new attraction in less than 20 minutes while others wait for longer than 2 hours—on the same day? Why do some guests pay full price for their visit when others can save hundreds of dollars? In a theme park, every minute and every dollar count. Your vacation is too important to be left to chance, so put the best-selling independent guide to Walt Disney World in your hands and take control of your trip.


The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2026 explains how Walt Disney World works and how to use that knowledge to stay ahead of the crowd. Becky Gandillon, Bob Sehlinger, and Len Testa know that you want your vacation to be anything but average, so they employ an expert team of researchers to find the secrets, the shortcuts, and the bargains that are sure to make your vacation exceptional! Find out what’s available in every category, ranked from best to worst, and get detailed plans to make the most of your time at Walt Disney World. Stay at a top-rated hotel, eat at the best restaurants, and experience all the most popular attractions.


Keep up with the latest updates and changes at Walt Disney World. Here’s what’s NEW in the 2026


Learn when to visit Walt Disney World to experience lower crowds and score bigger hotel discounts
Find the most in-depth analysis of the Disney Dining Plan; we analyzed every menu item to determine whether the plan will save money or cost you more
Preview the brand-new show under the Tree of Better Zoogether!
Take in the latest on updated rides, including new missions for Millennium Smugglers Run and the reimagined Test Track
Get tips on helpful Disney programs such as Early Theme Park Entry
Successfully navigate every type of line offered for Disney attractions to save the most time
Uncover the newest, best places for ticket and hotel deals
Enjoy details about the two new lounges, one themed to Pirates of the Caribbean and the other to Spaceship Earth
Read complete reviews of Disney Dream the Night Away, the nighttime parade at the Magic Kingdom, and the new Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Utilize new touring plans to save the most time in line at every Disney park Discover the highest-rated buildings at every Disney resort and how to request the best rooms for your stay
Make the right choices to give your family a vacation they’ll never forget. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2026 is your key to planning a perfect stay. Whether you’re putting together your annual trip or preparing for your first visit, this book gives you the inside scoop on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Reference

565 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Kirsten Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't even think about going to Disney World unless you've read this book. This has been the Disney "bible" for many years, making vacations pleasurable and fun in spite of the chaos, expense and insanity that can happen without prior planning for a Disney vacation. My favorite thing about this book is it is HONEST. We have known since 2020 that Disney is no longer a magical place. It is where you go in spite of knowing that they've tossed out the free fastpasses that made every trip into a magical adventure. It is where you go in spite of the rides - which didn't break for DECADES - being prone to breaking with no discernible solution and no "come back" passes issued to those who have waited three hours. It is where you go even though you once rode every ride in the park by 3 pm (thanks to this book!) and now you can barely make it onto 8 rides - and then, only if you show up at rope-drop. This book EXPLAINS: how it happened, why it's continuing to happen, and what you can do to control the very small portion of things you actually can control. I really didn't want to go this year but, thanks to my husband's work trip and this book, I am going to make the best of it. And thanks only to this book, I know how to do it. This will save your vacation, since Disney doesn't seem capable of doing what's right (or magical) anymore. READ it!

[Kelsea Abston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly really cool!!! Will be taking some of the tips in this book as I plan my trip for next year

[Jamee Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating is based on its usefulness for planning a WDW vacation.

It’s also readable in general if you like all the details related to the parks. Which I do 🥰

[Robin Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea how to rate a book like this.