Trip Planning Trip - Buy a book?

[ranman1973]

I've booked a trip to Florida for 2013. I really felt like I was getting nowhere going online (various sites) trying to figure out the maze that is Disney World. I finally gave up and took a different approach. I bought a book. Yup, an old fashioned hard copy book.... Unofficial Guide.

After reading it (well, most of it), I have a good sense of how WDW works, and perusing these discussion forums makes so much more sense now that I have a foundation of knowledge and some context.

My tip. If you feel like you're getting nowhere, drop $20 on a guide book. I'm very happy I did.

 

[Stasia5]

Ditto.

 

[MHSweb79]

I love the UG too. I have several outdated copies, and with 2 trips booked for 2013, I think I'll just have to pick up the latest edition.

When you think about the total cost of the trip, what's another 20 bucks? Plus, I always get at least that much in value out of the book, if only for ways to reduce waiting in line, or help choosing a resort, where to eat, etc.

 

[consumermonkey]

Couldn't agree more. UG is the best starter for a trip IMHO.

I have bought a few over the years. If you pre-order from amazon, I find it costs a lot less too. The 2013 guide cost me about £8.00 ($12ish) delivered.

The older copies I give to others to start them on their way.

It is a bit daunting seeing how thick the book is, but is really easy to get to grips with.

Have you tried the UG podcasts too? been listening to them in the car this last few weeks and they are a good history-ish lesson about the place too.

 

[Mexidoc]

UG is great plus if you buy the book you get a pretty good discount on the Lines app/ web page.
I also like the passporter guides.

 

[kbsmall84]

Who has the best podcasts, and where can I download them? Thanks!

 

[siskaren]

I like the PassPorter Moms Podcast. You can find it on iTunes.

 

[ZoZo]

Yep, I totally agree. When I see a "newbie" posting on the DIS that they're completely overwhelmed, I always suggest they buy the UG, read through it, then post specific questions here. As the OP states, it's best to have a good foundation, and reading through a really good guidebook can save you tons of time.

 

[elleavon]

I love the DIS, but can't read it in the bathtub or the car...

 

[Hootch]

great for planning a first time trip. The UG is the most comprehensive that I have seen. The DISboards have a great deal of information. It is sometimes difficult to sift through in a short period of time.

We planned our first trip with a lot of help from the UG. Since then it has been based on that information and more important supplements from this site.

I have read a number of other guides. Some of them provide different perspectives that I find interesting. In fact, I am reading the 2005 Frommer's Guide that I got free from the local library.

 

[YukiPhnx]

If you have an iPad, the iBook version is at least half the price of the hard copy. I would totally recommend doing this. I got the iBook version for only $11 and it's so much easier to tote around.

 

[ranman1973]

Thanks everyone for all the tips. Here's what I did.

First, now that I know what I know, it all seems obvious and makes sense. But before I did what I did, I just didn't get it. I was so confused by what WDW was. My only frame of reference was Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. Felt like I was in the dark trying to find my way. So, what I did was....

Went to the book store and bought the Unofficial Guide.
Read it.
Got it. Finally, I GOT IT!
Got my Disney planning DVD. Watched it.
Now I feel like an expert.

Haven't taken my trip yet, and still many questions to be answere about hotels, transportation, tickets, and other logistics. But I'm sooo much less confused than I was before. Now, when I'm on these forums, I know what to ask, and where to ask it.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[tjevans]

Who has the best podcasts, and where can I download them? Thanks!

DIS Unplugged
WDW Today
Inside the Magic
WDW Radio

The easiest way to download them is through iTunes or an app known as a "pod catcher" (I prefer Downcast on the iPhone). There are also links to download them on the web page for each of those podcasts.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[kbsmall84]

DIS Unplugged
WDW Today
Inside the Magic
WDW Radio

The easiest way to download them is through iTunes or an app known as a "pod catcher" (I prefer Downcast on the iPhone). There are also links to download them on the web page for each of those podcasts.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Thank you! I'll check them out.

 

[showers2flowers]

Who has the best podcasts, and where can I download them? Thanks!

Also Mousechat and the Be Our Guest podcast, both available on itunes.

 

[rachelmarisa]

I love the DIS, but can't read it in the bathtub or the car...

Bahahaha true

But can you read the UG while driving?

 

[Heididisco]

DH and I always say that if someone comes back from a Disney vacation hating their experience, it is because they didn't plan for their trip! I firmly believe that and I think the fact that other "newbies" ask us for tips and advice solidifies it! I actually have a word document I created for some friends who don't quite "get it" and don't want to invest in the Unofficial Guide book which to me is well worth it for anyone new to Disney. I think sites like this can be overwhelming but once you understand what you are asking about (ie: dining plan) you can follow along with the tips and tricks and make your visits magical!

 

[phardin]

The best book I ever read was the hidden magic of Disney. It really helps you to slow down and appreciate the small little details that make Disney so special.

 

[davedmaine]

I love the DIS, but can't read it in the bathtub or the car...

You can read it on an iPad in the tub

 

[disn3ymomma212]

I bought a book for our first vacation and it was a great help. I was able to "get to know" the parks and attractions, which was great for planning and creating the itinerary. I definitely recommend buying a Disney Planning Book.
Have a great Vacation!