Which guide book to purchase?

[LisaDougKaylee]

I'm thinking of buying a guide book. I've narrowed it down to two choices. Anyone have opinions on which is better?:confused:

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003

or

Passporter Walt Disney World Resort 2003: The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal and keepsake.

Thanks for your opinions in advance:wave:

[MommaluvsDis]

I personally like the Passporter because of the info and tips inside as well as the planning pockets in the back. Just MHO!

[Belle0101]

I vote for the Passporter!

Last year I bought the Unofficial Guide and it was okay.

This year, today as a matter of fact, I bought the Passporter 2003 Deluxe Edition. I love it! It's well laid out, pockets to keep all your papers in, room for notes ...

:D

[Shells9]

I have all of them, except the Passporter, and I believe those who say to get that one or the Unofficial Guide are right on the money. Save your money by not buying Fodor's or Birnbaum's, or whatever that other main travel one out there is.

Also, if you get the Unoffical one, don't bother buying the supplemental books (Unofficial Guide for Kids, etc), because it is 97% the same stuff.

I like the Unofficial Guide, but like I said, I don't have the Passporter. I think I will pick it up next, and maybe be a convert!

[worm761]

mine are all for 2001,the last time i went. anyway here is what i think.
Birnbaums~ really just an expensive brochure. has pretty pictures but no real info.

Passporter~i wanted more info but love the pockets.

Unofficial Guide~ i love this one. it is a little harsh on disney at times so you have to take some of it with a grain of salt. but the info on the parks cant be beat. they have a list of every attraction and a pretty good description of each. i am an information freak, i have to know everything there is before i get there. so this book was really geared to my personality.

good luck in your decision. and have a great trip!!

[cinmell]

I prefer the Passporter. It has a good deal of information, maps of the parks and resorts, pockets for you to put information into and worksheets. :D

[DVC-LEROY]

We've more recently become fans of the Passporter - mostly because it allows us to keep better records of our trips. We've purchased Birnbaums in the past - though my best suggestion would be to spend some time in your local bookstore in the travel section to get a better idea of which book works best for you. Of course we've always received the best information from the internet - this site in particular.

[TiggerInNY]

I would have to agree with DVC-Leroy. This website beats any book that you can buy. If you have a particular question, the book can't tell you certain things. Like where to get the cheap ponchos (Target or Wal-Mart), whether or not to bring your own stroller. I love this site. I tell everyone who is even thinking about going to "The World" to check it out. I found out about it by a woman in the Disney Store.

I have the Birnbaums book but am going to check out the Passporter. I'm not too crazy about Birnbaum's either.

Good luck.

TTFN,
Maria
:earsgirl: :earsboy: :earsboy: :earsboy:

[phorsenuf]

I have them both! LOL I just picked up the unofficial guide with kids supplemental today. I'm an information geek and I suppose my OCD makes me need to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING! LOL
But, that's just me....I'd buy them all, but my husband would probably have a stroke! :(

Cathy

[4greatboys]

I have Passporter, Offical Guide (but I wouldnt buy a new every yr) and the Unoffical guide. I really like all of them.

[Nysie]

I first bought he unofficial guide back in 2000!! I loved it! It had a section in the back where you could rip out park planning info. so you didn't have to carry a big thick book around!! It was like our "bible" for our first visit with kids 4 and 7!!

[mad4themouse]

For first-time visitors, I recommend Birnbaum's; nice pictures, good maps and enough info to get you started. It won't give you any info. about anything outside of the World, which can be pretty frustrating for someone looking for an outside restaurant, info. on Universal studios, or a good off-site hotel.

The Unofficial Guide can be at little overwhelming and pretty harsh. I don't recommend it for a first-time visitor. To the WDW veteran, it's a great source of info. I especially like the attractions info. about length of ride time and seating capacity of shows.

I also love the Passporter and I'm kicking myself for not buying it for previous trips. I really love the planning pockets and since I bought the Deluxe edition, I don't have to buy a brand-new book every year. I can just buy the updated pages and place them in my Passporter. If you plan to return to WDW in the future, this is a great feature.

[TiggerInNY]

Does anyone know how much the Passported costs? I hope to get out to Barnes & Noble today.

Thanks.

TTFN,
Maria

[off2disney]

TiggerinNY
I got my Passporter at Barnes and Noble for $21.95 (less my reader's advantage discount), which was a little pricier than some of the others, but it has a lot of info on various web sites - I love the pockets and planning pages. Even though I'm not ging to Disney until December, I've already got my budget pretty well planned out.

[blessedby3]

:D I have the Unofficial Guide and I just love it. I checked out quite a few books from my local library before I bought one and went with the Unofficial Guide. It is chocked full of info and the more the better for me. I have not seen this Passporter so I can't compare them, but I have been very happy with the Unofficial Guide.:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[doombuggy]

I have to say that I picked up the unoffical Guide last week, and feel it was the worst $18 I ever spent. While it does have quite a bit of info in it, the condecending attitude of the editor gets to you (or it did to me) after awhile. i should have picked up the Frommer's, I did not see Passport (which is what I really wanted) at this B & N.

[kcarp]

doombuggy,

I'm not saying that the Unoffical guide is the best book, but I think it is a great book for planning a Disney trip. Maybe it didn't satisfy your taste, but that doesn't make it a bad book. For you to put Frommer's before the Unoffical guide, that is real funny......lol

[doombuggy]

I bought a Frommer's guidebook last year when i went to Las Vegas for the first time and thought it was GREAT. It came with pull out maps that really helped me get around. Even thought I was staying with family, I rented a car and went out on my own a bit. I took 2 of my teen cousisn to DL from there too.

We also got a Frommer's for Ireland about 8 years ago, but that trip got cancelled. The book was borrowed by at least 2 of my firends who felt it was quite helpful.

I found the "unofficial guide book" to be full of info, but some of the info was incorrect. For example, it incorrectly states the denominations of Disney Dollars; it states you can buy/order one day/one park passes from TDS (you cannot/could not). Those are just two examples.

The condecending attitude that I experienced by reading this book surprises me. The book should be giving me advise on visiting this (or any other) place, and leave the sarcasm out of it. I felt like the editor and his staff were really belitting people like me (for wanting to go to WDW) - yet they mack $$$$$$$$$$ off publishing these books. Go figure!

PS: Read the section/paragraph regarding the buy-abrick walkway at the MK. Talk about sarcasm! This book was a waste of my hard earned cash!

[kcarp]

Well, as far as the book being dated, show me a book that is not dated. That's alot of info to try and keep current. Sarcasm, that's the best part, I have been reading this book since 89' Yeah, I beleive this book is not for everyone, but if everything in the book was positive then the Unoffical guide would be like Disney's Offical guide. Please, we don't need another book like that one. I think every guide book is special in it's own way.

Good Day

[doombuggy]

kcarp,

I did not say the book was dated (true, WDW recently reinstated early entry, but this book was published in August, I think), I said there were incorrect comments. The one about buying or ordering on day/one park passes from the Disney Store is incorrect. I have worked there for nearly 7 years, and you have never been able to purchase these passes at TDS. This is one example of what I was speaking of when i said "some of the info was incorrect."

:earsgirl:

[OBother]

I have both the 2003 Passporter and 2003 Unofficial Guide for my trip in 9 days. Both provide a wealth of information, but the Unofficial Guide is not as up to date as the Passporter. For example, the Unofficial Guide still assumes that Early Entry for resort guests has been discontinued while it was reinstated last fall.

The Passporter also includes the ability to keep track of your itinerary, your PS confirmation numbers, and a method to keep receipts, postcards, tickets, etc. all together in the book. :cool:

If I had to choose between the two, I would definitely opt for the Passporter.

[DemoBri1]

I like both the Unofficial Guide and Passporter as well. The one with the most up-to-date info is going to be Passporter, since it just pubbed a little more than a month ago.

If you have kids the Passporter will be a good book to have as the author's child gives her ratings on alot of the rides and attractions from 8-9 yo point of view.

Unofficial Guide has a great deal of quotes from people who have sent back the survey in the back of the book. And yes they actually do publish your thoughts. I have two or three in there from my survey response.

I don't think you'll lose with either one. If you really want the Disney corporate view go with Birnbaum. I'm not saying it is a bad guide, but sometimes it gives me the impression of being a Marketing piece for WDW and not a true guide.

Brian

[kcarp]

DemoBri1 that was well said. doombuggy, your right, you was stating the error in the book and I took it as a dated book. I stand corrected. I still say there really is not a bad book, just everyone have different taste. I think it's funny when you read reviews on this site, and see so many different taste and culture. That's what makes this site so great.

[lentesta]

OBother,

Updates to the Unofficial Guide's touring plans for Early Entry can be found here: www.touringplans.com/tp_update.html . We plan to post updates to the Unofficial Guide on the website in the very near future. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

[jpmom97]

When do the 2004 books come out? We are gong in Feb of next year will the new books be out in the fall or should I just buy a 2003 book?

[lentesta]

Hi JPMom97,

The 2004 edition should be out sometime in late September / early October. Lots of new detailed information on off-site hotels, revised touring plans, and more.

Sincerely,

Len

[jpmom97]

Thank you! I will look for it then. Thanks again!

[disney4me4ever]

For your Passporter fans, what is the difference between the spiral editions and the "Deluxe". Is it worth the extra money for the Deluxe? Is the deluxe bulky to carry around?

Thanks,
Nancy:earsgirl:

[OBother]

disney4me4ever,

The deluxe edition has a leather 6-ring case so that pages can be removed and added, while the standard is spiral bound. If you are familiar with the Franklin-Covey products, it is very similar to their day timer planners. It is no larger than the standard edition, so it should not be any more difficult to carry, but I am planning on only taking the pages I need for the day and replacing them when I am finished.

Updates can be added whenever they are published on the website, so you can keep your edition up to date. The leather case can be used over and over so you won't have to purchase it again when new editions are published, just the refill pages. I also used Excel to make up my own itinerary, printed it, used a hole punch, and have added it to my passporter.

The leather case also has places for all of your "cards" (credit card, drivers license, etc), on the inside cover as well as an area for postcards, poloroids, maps, or anything else you want to keep safe while you tour.

For me, the added flexibility was worth the extra money.

[disney4me4ever]

Thanks for clarifying! I'm really struggling with the idea of the "planner" format, as I have given up my Franklin and now use a Palm Pilot. So I'm into streamlining, which would suggest the spiral bound PP. OTOH, I assume that if I buy the deluxe, as you said, I would only have to buy the updates, which is more economical. I guess that is what I'll do, and like you suggested, only take the pages I need. Such decisions! ;)

Thanks for your help.
Nancy:earsgirl:

[jpmom97]

This thread ispired me soooo much I got the urge to buy and went to Amazon.com and bought the Passporter Deluxe and Disney World With Kids. I just couldn't wait for the 2004, I like how I can download the extra pages. I am addicted to shopping and Disney info! Was 27.00 a good price for the Passporter Deluxe?

[4greatboys]

Yes I think its a pretty good price. Did you get free shipping? I paid $25.17 at Buy.com--also free shipping, so those prices are really close. You would have paid more at the passporter site.
You will really enjoy it.

[jpmom97]

I am never lucky enough for free shipping. I hope I do enjoy it thanks!

[doombuggy]

Last Sunday, I broke down and called PassPorter to order their 2003 sprial guide, as I knew my local Barnes & Noble did not have it. I was given a discount of 15% off (I think) and a free adjustable bottle strap! It came on thursday and I am about 1/3 of the way through it and really like the book!

[disney4me4ever]

I ordered the deluxe passporter at overstock.com and got it for
$ 22.39. Shipping was $ 2.80, but that was for 2 books. I checked to see if they had the new Hidden Mickey book by Steven Barrett, but they don't have it yet.

Nancy:earsgirl:

[jpmom97]

I got mine today, plan on reading it tonight. Looks good though.

[TwingleMum]

I recently purchased the Passporter. For my 2000 trip I bought Rita Aeros book. I thought it was great it had a website so it was always up to date welll, I checked into it for this tripDon't buy this book!!! They claim again that the website keeps everything up to date (the only addition out is 2002). I tried to access the website but was denied. I did some digging and found out they only allow a certin select group to access it, Very cliche (sp?). Yet the book advertizes the website. I brought it back and will never purchase it again. I think the publisher should remove the book from the stores. If they are not going to deliver (i.e. the website) They shouldn't advertise it. Sorry for the rant.

[cindala]

My vote goes with the UnOfficial Guide. You can't beat it for the best information on how to get around the parks more efficiently!:):):)



:sunny::bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :sunny:

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by LisaDougKaylee
I'm thinking of buying a guide book. I've narrowed it down to two choices. Anyone have opinions on which is better?:confused:

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003

or

Passporter Walt Disney World Resort 2003: The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal and keepsake.

Thanks for your opinions in advance:wave:

If I could only buy one it would be the PassPorter. I have both of these plus a couple of others but if I had to reconmend one it would be the PassPorter.

[Melrosgirl]

My vote is for Passorter. The Unofficial guide is actually somewhat depressing. When I first read it, I was literally stressed over planning a WDW vacation, lol. Good tips in there, but it seems every page talks negatively about something (long lines, prices, etc.). Passporter, OTOH, is fun to read and I love the pockets in back!

hth :)

[4greatboys]

Twinglemum......are you mad about the Rita Aero webiste or Passporter?? Sorry I just wasnt clear. It kinda looks like you are mad about Rita's site--I have never seen it or the book.

[kcarp]

Hi Melrosgirl,

Well, I have to disagree with you. The Unoffical guide is negative in some ways, but he does it for a reason. People tend to get on the defensive side when someone talks negative about mouseville. The guy is just putting it all on the table for you. If you are new to Disney, I think Unoffical guide might not be the best choice for you, but if you been there done that, you know what he's talking about. The Passporter is a good book, but I don't think it's all that. Yeah, it has good information, but some people don't care about the little pockets in the back, and over priced. Anyway, everyone has their own opinion about things.Just stating how some other people might feel about it.

Good Day

[jaysue]

I purchased the unofficial guide and found it invaluable on our first trip to WDW just recently. I did not follow the exact touring guides but followed the spirit of them and found the tips very helpful and kept enough structure in our vacation to get the big events and rides in without long lineups or being stressed.

For the 2nd trip, I am not going to be so structured but will review the book again.

So not sure if the passporter is better having never seen it but will vouch that the unoffical guide is very helpful and well worth the money

Thanks
Jason

[TwingleMum]

4Greatboys- sorry if I was unclear. I blame sleep deprivation, I have infant twins. I was complaining about Rita Aero. Now shes charging $40 to access the website. (my friend found out when she tried to go online).

[4greatboys]

Twinglemum--Congrats on your twins! My heart goes out to you I have been sleep deprived with 1 baby at a time but not 2.
I dont blame you a bit for being mad about having to pay $40 to access a website--that seems quite high to me.
I will be keeping my fingers crossed your babies will let you get some sleep:D

[house_of_princesses]

I have the unofficial guide. Found it to be very realistic, balanced. Have just ordered Passporter Cruise. Love to read! Last trip also purchased 3 (one for each reading DD) Birnbaums for Kids. They loved it! There's a spot in the back for autographs, trip memories, etc.

[house_of_princesses]

I have the unofficial guide. Found it to be very realistic, balanced. Have just ordered Passporter Cruise. Love to read! Last trip also purchased 3 (one for each reading DD) Birnbaums for Kids. They loved it! There's a spot in the back for autographs, trip memories, etc.

[nowellsl]

I have both the passporter and the unofficial guide. I really like the unofficial guide - read it almost cover to cover. The only thing about it I didn't like was that even though it's the 2003 edition, some of the info is already out of date by the time 2003 got here - I bought it back in Oct or Nov of 2002. The 2003 passporter is more current. They're both informative and each has some info which not in the other book. I'd have to say I liked the unofficial guide better.

[lentesta]

Hey nowellsl,

Updates to the 2003 edition of the Unofficial Guide can be found here: www.TouringPlans.com/GuideUpdates.html . Drop me a line if you have any questions: testa@ncat.edu

Sincerely,

Len Testa

[nowellsl]

Thanks! I didn't know about this site. I have really enjoyed the unofficial guide!!!:D

[jaysue]

Oops Len, extra "." at the end of your hyperlink - corrected as:

http://www.touringplans.com/GuideUpdates.html

Thanks
Jason

[lentesta]

Thanks Jason. I've edited the link. Darn punctuation.

Len

[high meadows]

Here we are in late 2010 with the same question! We plan to buy a guide book for each of the four family units/families going with us. I prefer the Unofficial book as the most complete, but it's huge. Any other good candidates out there?

[high meadows]

The advantage of the supplemental books is that you can get a smaller book for each kid in advance. This gives them: their OWN book; encouragement to read; pictures of things they have seen (memories) and things they want to do (advance planning for the seven-year-old); answers to some of the innumerable questions they have!