The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2025

by Becky Gandillon, 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 2025 explains how Walt Disney World works and how to use that knowledge to stay ahead of the crowd. Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa, and debut author Becky Gandillon 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 in the know on the latest updates and changes at Walt Disney World. Here’s what’s NEW in the 2025




Learn when to visit Walt Disney World to get lower crowds and bigger hotel discounts
Find the most in-depth analysis of the Disney Dining Plan, with every menu item analyzed to determine whether the plan will save money or cost you more
Read a review of EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular, Luminous
Get tips on finding great room deals through Disney Vacation Club rentals
Take in the latest on Disney programs such as Early Theme Park Entry
Successfully navigate every type of line offered for Disney attractions and how you can save the most time by choosing the right ones
Uncover the newest, best places for ticket and hotel deals
Save more with information on discounted stroller rentals, car rentals, and vacation homes
Preview of the new DVC cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
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 2025 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 insider scoop on hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

584 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2024

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is still the best guide book series for Disney World and Disneyland. The authors are honest and funny, which is exactly what I want when reading a long book about how to maximize a Walt Disney World trip.

However, as is the issue with all dated printed media, this book is already out of date for things happening in *2024*, let alone the target of 2025. Genie+ doesn’t exist anymore, many ride closures aren’t noted, and they profile rides that have been torn down.

This isn’t a dig on the authors - I know that the writing and publishing cycle need a lot of time. This is simply a warning to someone planning trip to supplement their planning with blogs/vlogs from official Disney sources and fans. Things can change quickly, so definitely make sure you’re up-to-date on what’s new.

Still, this book is solid on ride and restaurant reviews. Additionally, their touring plans and info remain fantastic no matter what lingo Disney is using for their skip the line product.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned about these books in 1995, and I now use them every time I'm planning a Disney trip. I used to read every single page, but now I tend toward using them as a reference (folks planning a Disney trip for the first time ... please do read every single page!). So, I look at the hotel where I'll be staying to see the latest ratings; often this stay is in conjunction with business travel, so I might not have as much flexibility as I'd like. Then, I look at whatever parks I plan to visit to get the latest update on food/beverage, new attractions, and so on. It makes my visits both more efficient and more pleasant. Highly recommended!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My type A mom and I have been reading these books for many years. There’s nothing like it out there. My theory is if you’re going to spend an inordinate amount of money on a trip to Disney, you may as well get your moneys worth! Great breakdown of hotels, rides, and honest restaurant review. The also have an app (paid) where you a plug in the rides you want to go on. And it puts them in order so you don’t miss anything. Fantastic. I’ll always support them and the hard work they put into it.

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of a slog. Lots of typos and missing blocks of information. I own the 1997 Unofficial Guide and I find it extremely funny that probably 60% of the copy is just the same as in that edition. Same little readers' stories, too. I went into reading this expecting an overhaul. They haven't. But I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love these guide books and I read them every year. There are so many good tips and information!! It's obvious that there's been so many hours of research put into this book! The sections about the restaurants and hotels are especially valuable.

[Dorothy Timm · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Disney fanatic, I get this books, read it, and enjoy it every year. There are always a few things that are out of date, but I forgive anything about Disney.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful guide for planning a Disney World vacation.

[Alexandra Steiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible amount of detail, information, just about everything you could think of when you’re planning a trip to WDW! Definitely a must-read before taking a trip to Florida!

[Kimberly Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best guidebook for planning a trip to WDW. Valuable time saving tips and tricks for families.

[Michael Berges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it useful, especially the various star ratings.

[Rebecca Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for those who are planning their first trip. I have been 8 times but bought this since it will be my first time making reservations and planning the whole trip for my family. This is a great resource that goes into details about each park there at WDW. So if this will be your first time going to Disney and you would prefer to read more then this is the book for you!