Do you need to buy a Disney World book for a first vacation? - The DIS Discussion Forums

BensWife · 01-09-2013, 07:35 PM

There are a ton of books out there about booking a creating a great Disney World vacation. We have been to Disneyland 4 times in the last 3 years, so we are pros when it comes to Disneyland. However, when it comes to Disney World, it is another story. I haven't been since I was in college, and even that trip was for a conference, so it wasn't even a "vacation" - it was more like go visit a park for a few hours after the sessions. This will be our first visit with kids (6 and 3) too, and I think it would be good to go with a plan. Not that we have to follow it to the max, but I have a feeling it is so big and so many choices we could waste a lot of time and feel overwhelmed. Is there a good book that you would recommend or can we get enough info from DIS boards and the Disney World website? Thank you!

nessz79 · 01-09-2013, 07:37 PM

Although I don't think you *have* to buy a book (there is so much info here!), if you did buy a book, I highly recommend the 2013 Unofficial Guide to Disney World. Even as someone who has been many times, I found myself learning new things.

Disney9.9.10 · 01-09-2013, 07:40 PM

I don't think that you NEED a book, but it could be helpful. I use Birnbaum's guides and I like them. Passporters are also popular on the boards.

hoosll · 01-09-2013, 07:45 PM

I strongly recommend a book for first time visitors as it will allow you to read detailed descriptions of the various rides before you get there. I love the Complete Walt Disney World 2012 by Neal ...

The genius of WDW is that most of the rides are INSIDE buildings including the roller coasters. Unless you know what to look for, you will miss the best parts of the experience. There is nothing more frustrating that seeing people stare at the park maps trying to discern what to see and where to go ....

Please prepare in advance and even make a list of the rides you would like to experience. If you have kids, you need to understand height restrictions of the scare-level of the rides.

Ephany · 01-09-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nessz79

Although I don't think you *have* to buy a book (there is so much info here!), if you did buy a book, I highly recommend the 2013 Unofficial Guide to Disney World. Even as someone who has been many times, I found myself learning new things.

Our favorite book also.

1pixiemom · 01-09-2013, 07:53 PM

I highly recommend this book ... Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids 2013 by Kim Wright Wiley.... This is by far the best book I have read... We also use Birnbaum's Walt Disney World ....

forloveofdisney · 01-09-2013, 07:55 PM

I get the "Unofficial Guide" every few years. I think it's a pretty solid and comprehensive guide to all things WDW. I also picked up the "Hidden Magic Walt Disney World Planner" for the first time. It has alot of good (mostly basic) information plus some great tips. I like it because it's spiral bound, has pages for notes, and pockets to keep things organized. It's nice to have a printed reference. Of course the boards are great because it has up to the minute information. The best way to prepare for a trip is to just be informed, know what is there, pick a few must dos and things that will be special for you and then enjoy. Have a great trip!

bumbershoot · 01-09-2013, 08:04 PM

The only WDW book I have purchased are Passporters.

Everything else I get from the library. The most recent edition ONLY, don't waste your time with an older edition. By the time these books go to print they can easily be somewhat out of date anyway (same is true with any travel book), so you might as well be the least out of date as possible.

Even though we're working on our 3rd trip, the first two feel like they existed in a dream (I'm not sure we were really paying attention), so I just recently checked out pretty much all of them. Skimmed through Fodor's WDW&Orlando, read the Wiley book (though I could only find her 2012 edition), am about to read the Birnbaum. I also read the 2013 Universal Orlando book by Monaghan and Kubersky (I bought the 2010 or 2011 edition before, but gifted that to a friend). And I think I have the unofficial and one other to skim through.

Yes, I'm panicking at the last minute, LOL.

Raenstoirm · 01-09-2013, 08:11 PM

Since you are a DLR vet, I am not sure you need a book. You know what to "expect" of disney. And disturbingly, most of the WDW rides are also in California despite the size difference. Your biggest problem might be locations. WDW is massive.
But as others said, I am a very seasoned WDW vet and I still buy the unofficial guides every few years just to see what they have added.

DuckyCurtains · 01-09-2013, 08:18 PM

I've been to Disney a lot, but I still get a passporter when I'm planning a trip and I also like the unofficial guides

mommak1 · 01-09-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1pixiemom

I highly recommend this book ... Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids 2013 by Kim Wright Wiley.... This is by far the best book I have read... We also use Birnbaum's Walt Disney World ....

I got the 2012 version of this one from my local library. I was glad I had read it. The internet has been great for getting answers to specific questions, but I felt like the book really helped me get a better idea of what to expect as a whole on the trip.

Herfnerd · 01-09-2013, 08:22 PM

Been using Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide since the 90's - can't go wrong with his book.

ses1230 · 01-09-2013, 08:25 PM

Unofficial Guide
Disboards
easywdw.com
kennythepirate.com and https://sites.google.com/site/wdwcharacterhunt/ for characters
allears.net for menus

The official website is a wreck, I try not to use it at all.

McDisney · 01-09-2013, 08:28 PM

I agree with those who have said that you don't HAVE to purchase a book, they are helpful and give a realistic idea of what to expect but that sort of info is readily available here.
We have gotten the Unofficial Guide a couple of times and bought Passporter on our last trip. While I did enjoy Passporter, it was geared more to keeping you organized (which is important, but less crucial for me with all of the technology available today). So with that being said I would recommend The Unofficial Guide.

Sweettears · 01-09-2013, 08:32 PM

I love the Unofficial Guide but I think it's geared more towards heavy planners. For a good overview I like the Complete Guide. Being a DLR vet will give you a leg up on MK but I think a book would come in handy to orientate yourself with the other parks. WDW is way to big to wing it and have the desired outcome.

01-09-2013, 07:35 PM	#1
BensWife Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 150	Do you need to buy a Disney World book for a first vacation? There are a ton of books out there about booking a creating a great Disney World vacation. We have been to Disneyland 4 times in the last 3 years, so we are pros when it comes to Disneyland. However, when it comes to Disney World, it is another story. I haven't been since I was in college, and even that trip was for a conference, so it wasn't even a "vacation" - it was more like go visit a park for a few hours after the sessions. This will be our first visit with kids (6 and 3) too, and I think it would be good to go with a plan. Not that we have to follow it to the max, but I have a feeling it is so big and so many choices we could waste a lot of time and feel overwhelmed. Is there a good book that you would recommend or can we get enough info from DIS boards and the Disney World website? Thank you! __________________ = DH = Me = DS (6) = DS (3) '77 DL - Holiday Inn, '93 DL - Disneyland Hotel, '98 WDW - Port Orleans French Q. '10 DL - Grand Californian (June & Aug), '12 DL - Candy Cane Inn

01-09-2013, 07:37 PM	#2
nessz79 DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 2,771	Although I don't think you have to buy a book (there is so much info here!), if you did buy a book, I highly recommend the 2013 Unofficial Guide to Disney World. Even as someone who has been many times, I found myself learning new things. __________________ Me DH DS (10) DS (8)

01-09-2013, 07:40 PM	#3
Disney9.9.10 DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 2,058	I don't think that you NEED a book, but it could be helpful. I use Birnbaum's guides and I like them. Passporters are also popular on the boards. __________________ Dec 1988 - First Trip! * 1989 * 1990 * 1992 - Polynesian * 1996 - ASMu - Dance Trip for Disney's Magic Music Days * Dec 2002 - DCL Wonder & ASMo * March 2004 * March 2005 - Pop * August 2007 - ASMu * September 2010 - Grand Floridian - Wedding/Honeymoon Trip! * August 2011 - AKL Kidani Village * December 2012 - CSR Krysten Michael and Scarlett Mommy to an Angel Our WP/Narcoossee's DFTW PJ/TR Canadians Go Wild at AKL! My August 2011 PTR/TR A Quick Holiday Miracle - Our Girls Only December 2012 Trip 3rd Time's the Charm! A September 2013 Anniversary PTR

01-09-2013, 07:45 PM	#4
hoosll DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Virigina Posts: 1,861	I strongly recommend a book for first time visitors as it will allow you to read detailed descriptions of the various rides before you get there. I love the Complete Walt Disney World 2012 by Neal ... The genius of WDW is that most of the rides are INSIDE buildings including the roller coasters. Unless you know what to look for, you will miss the best parts of the experience. There is nothing more frustrating that seeing people stare at the park maps trying to discern what to see and where to go .... Please prepare in advance and even make a list of the rides you would like to experience. If you have kids, you need to understand height restrictions of the scare-level of the rides. __________________ Hoosll Do It Cont -'84 Kids 10 & 7; Poly - '90 Kids 16 & 13 WL - Dec '00 - Big 5-0, No Kids! Yeah! WL - Feb '02; WL - Sep '03 Big Willie's B-day WL- Dec '04 MY B-day WL - Nov '06 - Big Willie retires BWV - Nov '07 Midweek long weekend WL - Apr '12 Me, DD, and DGS4, DGS2 -their 1st trip! FW - Dec '12 First time in RV; FW - Feb '13 Midwinter escape

01-09-2013, 07:55 PM	#7
forloveofdisney Earning My Ears Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 14	I get the "Unofficial Guide" every few years. I think it's a pretty solid and comprehensive guide to all things WDW. I also picked up the "Hidden Magic Walt Disney World Planner" for the first time. It has alot of good (mostly basic) information plus some great tips. I like it because it's spiral bound, has pages for notes, and pockets to keep things organized. It's nice to have a printed reference. Of course the boards are great because it has up to the minute information. The best way to prepare for a trip is to just be informed, know what is there, pick a few must dos and things that will be special for you and then enjoy. Have a great trip! __________________ ME , DH , DD (16) , DS (13) , DS (11) 2003 - WL , 2006 - POFQ , 2009 - AKL , 2011 - BW/CL 20th Anniversay Trip , 2013 - AKV Kidani/1st DVC stay!

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01-09-2013, 07:53 PM	#6
1pixiemom Long Time DIS Board user Join Date: May 2012 Location: MI Posts: 89	I highly recommend this book ... Fodor's Walt Disney World with Kids 2013 by Kim Wright Wiley.... This is by far the best book I have read... We also use Birnbaum's Walt Disney World ....

01-09-2013, 08:04 PM	#8
bumbershoot DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 37,023	The only WDW book I have purchased are Passporters. Everything else I get from the library. The most recent edition ONLY, don't waste your time with an older edition. By the time these books go to print they can easily be somewhat out of date anyway (same is true with any travel book), so you might as well be the least out of date as possible. Even though we're working on our 3rd trip, the first two feel like they existed in a dream (I'm not sure we were really paying attention), so I just recently checked out pretty much all of them. Skimmed through Fodor's WDW&Orlando, read the Wiley book (though I could only find her 2012 edition), am about to read the Birnbaum. I also read the 2013 Universal Orlando book by Monaghan and Kubersky (I bought the 2010 or 2011 edition before, but gifted that to a friend). And I think I have the unofficial and one other to skim through. Yes, I'm panicking at the last minute, LOL. __________________ -molly + robert + eamon (8) DLR 7,9,12 2012 Universal Feb '12 DLR Dec '11 and Feb '12 WDW 1.0 WDW 2.0 pretrip and trip DLR '05-'09 found within this link feb 2013 cruise & WDW 3.0 TOT 10-miler in Oct '13//halfmarathon and mother-son5K in Jan '14 pre-TR

01-09-2013, 08:11 PM	#9
Raenstoirm BL6 Team Challenge Tracker Lets go get me your numbers! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Near DC Posts: 3,692	Since you are a DLR vet, I am not sure you need a book. You know what to "expect" of disney. And disturbingly, most of the WDW rides are also in California despite the size difference. Your biggest problem might be locations. WDW is massive. But as others said, I am a very seasoned WDW vet and I still buy the unofficial guides every few years just to see what they have added. __________________ First trip 1986 and going ever since! Loving our annual passes! Just me (Carla Rae), dh, and the critters Misty, Adonis, Arabella, Charlie, Angel, Timothy, Sebastian, Raja, and Oswald Trying to stay at every resort, but we are creatures of habit! Caribbean Beach/Riverside/Wilderness Lodge/All Star Movies/Beach Club/Contemporary

01-09-2013, 08:18 PM	#10
DuckyCurtains Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 81	I've been to Disney a lot, but I still get a passporter when I'm planning a trip and I also like the unofficial guides __________________

01-09-2013, 08:22 PM	#12
Herfnerd DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Matthews, NC Posts: 547	Been using Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide since the 90's - can't go wrong with his book. __________________ [IMG][/IMG]

01-09-2013, 08:25 PM	#13
ses1230 DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Philly 'burbs Posts: 3,636	Unofficial Guide Disboards easywdw.com kennythepirate.com and https://sites.google.com/site/wdwcharacterhunt/ for characters allears.net for menus The official website is a wreck, I try not to use it at all. __________________ 1978 CR 2006 CR 2007 OKW 2008 SSR 2009 GF 2010 BLT 2011 BLT 2012 AKV 2013 BCV

01-09-2013, 08:28 PM	#14
McDisney DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 567	I agree with those who have said that you don't HAVE to purchase a book, they are helpful and give a realistic idea of what to expect but that sort of info is readily available here. We have gotten the Unofficial Guide a couple of times and bought Passporter on our last trip. While I did enjoy Passporter, it was geared more to keeping you organized (which is important, but less crucial for me with all of the technology available today). So with that being said I would recommend The Unofficial Guide.

01-09-2013, 08:32 PM	#15
Sweettears 50 years of Disney and counting Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 1,296	I love the Unofficial Guide but I think it's geared more towards heavy planners. For a good overview I like the Complete Guide. Being a DLR vet will give you a leg up on MK but I think a book would come in handy to orientate yourself with the other parks. WDW is way to big to wing it and have the desired outcome.

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