We get e-mails periodically regarding recommendations for the best “Walt Disney World travel guide books” and the best tips for Walt Disney world vacations. Although this is highly subjective, we thought we would do a little research to answer that question. According to Amazon.com sales rank figures, and assuming sales is a barometer of quality, the top Walt Disney World guide books are:

* The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009, by Bob Sehlinger. Ranked #1 in Travel – North America and  #275 books overall by the website

* The Complete Walt Disney World, by Julie Neal. Ranked #2 in Travel – Florida and #549 books overall

* Birnbaum Travel Guides: Birnbaum Travel Guides, Birnbaum’s Walt Disney World 2009. Ranked #6 in Travel Books – Reference and Tips and #5608 overall by Amazon

* Passporter’s Walt Disney World 2009, by Jennifer Marx. Ranked #33 in Travel books United States by Amazon

* The Hassle Free Walt Disney World Vacation 2008, by Steven M. Barrett. Ranked #97 in Travel books United States

Although none of these guide books typically recommend nor cover Orlando vacation rentals, they are nonetheless useful planning tools for your next Disney vacation. Orlando vacation homes are a great alternative to area hotels when you consider amenities such as pools, self-catering kitchens, multiple bathrooms and bedrooms and other living rooms all for typically the price of a hotel room.

We have personally met Julie Neal (#2 on the list). Julie and her husband spend most of the year in the Disney parks. The beginning of their book always starts with all of the latest and greatest new additions to the Disney parks over the last year. We highly recommend the book which is covered in a newer post – click here.