Best Planning Book - The DIS Discussion Forums

PugLover · 05-24-2003, 01:30 PM

Hey Ya'll,

I am heading out to Barnes & Nobles in about an hour or so to pick up a few Disney planning/info books. I dont want to spend a ton because I know a lot of this info is avail. online for free.

What are the best ones to get? I know they seem to have a "dummies" book for just about everything but wasnt sure if that was the way to go.

Any suggestions? I was hoping to be able to pick up a book or two for under 30.00 or so.

I will check back to this thread in an hour or so before I leave.

Thanks oh wise Disney Gurus

Castillo Mom · 05-24-2003, 02:11 PM

Haven't bought mine yet but finally decided on Passporter. They have pockets you can put tickets, maps, etc. in. They include lots of useful info as well as sample itineraries. What I like about it is that you can take it with you. Check it out at passporter.com. Lots of threads regarding this book, seems highly rated/recommended.:D

Mady/Sophiemom · 05-24-2003, 05:59 PM

Another vote for passporter. I love mine, and just got the new one for our October trip.:D :D :D

Have fun planning.

PugLover · 05-24-2003, 10:49 PM

I tried to get the Passporter book, they were out of stock and it would take 10 days for a special order. Instead I picked up the 2003 Frommer's Guide, I really wished I wouldnt have wasted my 16.00. Not only was the info I found online more informative, all the resorts (with the exception of the BoardWalk Inn) were only given one star. All the restaurants people rave about were listed as overrated. Very dissapointing. Frommer's are THE books to travel by and usually their reviews are dead on. I hope in this case their reviews are way off. Only two attractions were given a better rating than a B+.

KristinU · 05-25-2003, 08:23 AM

Another vote for Passporter here. I have always purchased mine online directly from them: www.passporter.com

I also like to pick up a Birnbaum's every couple of years to have the "official" word.

disneyluver91 · 05-25-2003, 11:25 AM

passporter and birnbaum TOGETHER

dcg0317 · 05-25-2003, 05:22 PM

I have the unofficial Guide to WDW and it's good. I also have passporter and I love it. If you reg. your passporter on line you can also get free updates to the giude and print them out.
BTW don't buy the Unofficial Guide to WDW with kids. I was reading it at the local book store the other day and it is basicaly the same book only a lot smaller and I didn't notice anything new or different.

ScarletIndigo · 05-25-2003, 06:22 PM

I picked up the Birnbaum "Official Guide" from Border's the other day, but I haven't had a chance to read any of it yet. I heard a lot of good things about the "Unofficial Guide", but when I picked it up it was so thick and devoid of any colorful pictures (yes, I'm a kid and I like my colorful pictures!) that I was afraid it would be too "text book" for me. ;-)

But I agree, the best place to find out anything you could possibly be wondering about is RIGHT HERE at the DIS boards! DIS members rock! :D

dcg0317 · 05-25-2003, 06:29 PM

ScarletIndigo if you want a guide book with pictures try "Birnbaum's Walt disney World Expert advice from the Inside Source". Lots of pictures.
Have fun and only four months to go.
BTW where are you and your DF friend staying so we DS and I can be on the look out for some lime green.
Don :D

ScarletIndigo · 05-25-2003, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dcg0317
ScarletIndigo if you want a guide book with pictures try "Birnbaum's Walt disney World Expert advice from the Inside Source". Lots of pictures.
Have fun and only four months to go.
BTW where are you and your DF friend staying so we DS and I can be on the look out for some lime green.
Don :D

Hi Don,

I think that's the book that I bought. ;-) Great minds think alike!

DF (Dear Fiance) and I are staying at ASMu between Sept 28 - Oct 5. I doubt I'll be able to talk him into wearing ribbons anywhere remotely near his body (one of those wannabe "macho" guys, wouldn't ya know?) but I'm definitely planning on picking up some of those lime green paint chips from Home Depot that everyone's talking about! Sounds like fun!

Where will you and DS be staying? Hope to see you there!

dcg0317 · 05-25-2003, 07:05 PM

DS and I will be staying at Coronado Springs Resort, Sept 27-Oct 4. I will have something lime green on, my DS has no idea about it so will stick it to him. BTW my mother was born and rasied in Elgin IL. I spent many a summer out in IL. and loved it, almost moved there when out got out of the service. Spent many days in and around Chicago. I haven't been there in over 15 years though. well hope seeing you and your DF there.
Don

Limmer · 05-25-2003, 07:45 PM

I really liked the Unofficial Guide because I want detail (and boy does it have detail). A lot of it did not apply to us but I bought so far in advance that I read it all anyway whenever I needed a "Disney fix"! LOL.

dcgo317, in the "full version" it says that the other versions and trimmed down specifically for that group. So the guide with kids will leave out the specifics and touring plans for adults only etc.

aricau · 05-26-2003, 01:25 PM

Purchased the Passporter recently and love it. I bought both the Disney Cruise Line Passporter and the WDW Passporter. They are both filled with tons of information. Well worth the purchase price.

Mrs. Snowgod · 05-26-2003, 02:09 PM

Plus they offer a ring-binder style so you can replace the pages with updates! I'm on my second one now, and got the refillable ring-binder version, and it is well worth the few extra $$$. Plus after you buy Passporter online, if you buy additional books, they automatically credit you with a nice discount. I've given them as gifts to friends going to WDW, twice now, and they were a huge hit in both cases!

Can't say enough good things about Passporter!

Princess49 · 05-26-2003, 02:46 PM

I personally love the Birnbaums, I have them from every year since 2000 & they have a without kids guide too! That's my choice, but what is "Birnbaum's Walt disney World Expert advice from the Inside Source" ???? I have never heard of this-- where can I get it & how much is it? Thanks a lot!!:D

05-24-2003, 01:30 PM	#1
PugLover Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 106	Best Planning Book Hey Ya'll, I am heading out to Barnes & Nobles in about an hour or so to pick up a few Disney planning/info books. I dont want to spend a ton because I know a lot of this info is avail. online for free. What are the best ones to get? I know they seem to have a "dummies" book for just about everything but wasnt sure if that was the way to go. Any suggestions? I was hoping to be able to pick up a book or two for under 30.00 or so. I will check back to this thread in an hour or so before I leave. Thanks oh wise Disney Gurus

05-24-2003, 02:11 PM	#2
Castillo Mom DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,479	Haven't bought mine yet but finally decided on Passporter. They have pockets you can put tickets, maps, etc. in. They include lots of useful info as well as sample itineraries. What I like about it is that you can take it with you. Check it out at passporter.com. Lots of threads regarding this book, seems highly rated/recommended.:D __________________ 8/13/04-8/26/04 Beach Club Resort and Hard Rock Hotel/Universal Orlando 8/21/07-8/31/07 Polynesian Resort 9/1/07-9/8/07 Disney Magic/Eastern Caribbean 8/8/09-8/21/09 SSR/AKV Kidani Village Next trip: August/September 2011 for youngest son's grad trip!

05-25-2003, 08:23 AM	#5
KristinU DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,535	Another vote for Passporter here. I have always purchased mine online directly from them: www.passporter.com I also like to pick up a Birnbaum's every couple of years to have the "official" word. __________________ 1994 Poly Honeymoon - 1997 BWV - 1998 Contemporary - 1999 Coronado Springs - 2000 Joined DVC! BWV & Vero Beach - 2001 BWV & CBR - 2002 BCV & OKW - 2003 Grand Californian & AKL - 2004 POR, DS's first trip to WDW and our 10th anniversary! - 2005 BWV for DS's first birthday! & SSR - 2006 Pop & OKW - 2007 VWL for DS's 3rd birthday! also in 2007 - started living Debt Free! - 2008 BWV for DS's 4th birthday and sold DVC! (and yes, it's a good thing for us! ) and Fort Wilderness for Thanksgiving 2008 - 2009 Bay Lake Tower for our 15th Anniversary

05-25-2003, 05:22 PM	#7
dcg0317 DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NH Posts: 1,714	I have the unofficial Guide to WDW and it's good. I also have passporter and I love it. If you reg. your passporter on line you can also get free updates to the giude and print them out. BTW don't buy the Unofficial Guide to WDW with kids. I was reading it at the local book store the other day and it is basicaly the same book only a lot smaller and I didn't notice anything new or different. __________________

05-25-2003, 06:29 PM	#9
dcg0317 DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NH Posts: 1,714	ScarletIndigo if you want a guide book with pictures try "Birnbaum's Walt disney World Expert advice from the Inside Source". Lots of pictures. Have fun and only four months to go. BTW where are you and your DF friend staying so we DS and I can be on the look out for some lime green. Don :D __________________

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05-24-2003, 05:59 PM	#3
Mady/Sophiemom Needing to clean, makes me feel sick Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Maryland Posts: 3,308	Another vote for passporter. I love mine, and just got the new one for our October trip.:D :D :D Have fun planning.

05-24-2003, 10:49 PM	#4
PugLover Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 106	I tried to get the Passporter book, they were out of stock and it would take 10 days for a special order. Instead I picked up the 2003 Frommer's Guide, I really wished I wouldnt have wasted my 16.00. Not only was the info I found online more informative, all the resorts (with the exception of the BoardWalk Inn) were only given one star. All the restaurants people rave about were listed as overrated. Very dissapointing. Frommer's are THE books to travel by and usually their reviews are dead on. I hope in this case their reviews are way off. Only two attractions were given a better rating than a B+.

05-25-2003, 11:25 AM	#6
disneyluver91 My hands are sore from clapping for the Tag Fairy Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 98	passporter and birnbaum TOGETHER

05-25-2003, 06:22 PM	#8
ScarletIndigo Certified Sweetpea Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 350	I picked up the Birnbaum "Official Guide" from Border's the other day, but I haven't had a chance to read any of it yet. I heard a lot of good things about the "Unofficial Guide", but when I picked it up it was so thick and devoid of any colorful pictures (yes, I'm a kid and I like my colorful pictures!) that I was afraid it would be too "text book" for me. ;-) But I agree, the best place to find out anything you could possibly be wondering about is RIGHT HERE at the DIS boards! DIS members rock! :D

05-25-2003, 07:05 PM	#11
dcg0317 DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: NH Posts: 1,714	DS and I will be staying at Coronado Springs Resort, Sept 27-Oct 4. I will have something lime green on, my DS has no idea about it so will stick it to him. BTW my mother was born and rasied in Elgin IL. I spent many a summer out in IL. and loved it, almost moved there when out got out of the service. Spent many days in and around Chicago. I haven't been there in over 15 years though. well hope seeing you and your DF there. Don __________________

05-25-2003, 07:45 PM	#12
Limmer DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2001 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 968	I really liked the Unofficial Guide because I want detail (and boy does it have detail). A lot of it did not apply to us but I bought so far in advance that I read it all anyway whenever I needed a "Disney fix"! LOL. dcgo317, in the "full version" it says that the other versions and trimmed down specifically for that group. So the guide with kids will leave out the specifics and touring plans for adults only etc. __________________ Lynn

05-26-2003, 01:25 PM	#13
aricau Disney Mom Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Baton Rouge, La, USA Posts: 63	Passporter Purchased the Passporter recently and love it. I bought both the Disney Cruise Line Passporter and the WDW Passporter. They are both filled with tons of information. Well worth the purchase price.

05-26-2003, 02:09 PM	#14
Mrs. Snowgod A very colorful DIS poster Counting the Days.... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Andover, NH Posts: 1,099	Another vote for Passporter! Plus they offer a ring-binder style so you can replace the pages with updates! I'm on my second one now, and got the refillable ring-binder version, and it is well worth the few extra $$$. Plus after you buy Passporter online, if you buy additional books, they automatically credit you with a nice discount. I've given them as gifts to friends going to WDW, twice now, and they were a huge hit in both cases! Can't say enough good things about Passporter! __________________ Enjoy the Magic! <a href="http://daisyPath.com"><img src="http://daisyPath.com/ani/050105/1/4/-5/1" alt="daisyPath Anniversary" border="0" /></a> Next trip: January, '05, OKW! Last trip: 10/3/04 to 10/8/04 at BCV! Previous trips: OKW 6/27/04 - 7/5/04; BVC 1/18 - 1/23/04; OKW 10/21 - 10/26/03; VWL 7/2/03 to 7/5/03; Poly 1/29/03 - 2/2/03; BCV 10/02; VB & OKW 6/ & 7/02; BWV & OKW 12/01; WL 10/00; ASMu 12/97; ASMu 4/95; Offsite 12/91; Offsite 12/73

05-26-2003, 02:46 PM	#15
Princess49 It's a great big beautiful tomorrow...just a DREAM away! I only just started cruising the cruise boards Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 435	I personally love the Birnbaums, I have them from every year since 2000 & they have a without kids guide too! That's my choice, but what is "Birnbaum's Walt disney World Expert advice from the Inside Source" ???? I have never heard of this-- where can I get it & how much is it? Thanks a lot!!:D __________________ Trips to WDW as kids with our families totaling 3!! As a couple... Jan-Dec 2000-2001 10 @ days AS Sports March 2002 10 days @ AS Sports Jan 2003 2 amazing weeks @ The Boardwalk... now we're living! August 2003 11 days @ The Boardwalk May 2004 our first Disney Cruise! 4 day Wonder! And... <Script language='Javascript'>var rndNum = Math.floor(Math.random() * 10000);eval("var CDTDate" + rndNum + " = '12/01/2004 6:00:00 AM EST';");document.writeln("<form name='CDTform" + rndNum + "' action='Javascript:void(0);'>");document.writeln(' <font size=2 color=lime>We go back to the Wonder in.... </font><br>');document.writeln("<input type=text value='' size=40 name='WrittenByJamesMVenglarikII'>");document.writ eln("</form>");if (theFunction) theFunction += "var d = new Date();";else var theFunction = "var d = new Date();";theFunction += "var c = new Date('" + eval("CDTDate" + rndNum) + "');";theFunction += "var diff = (c - d)/1000;";theFunction += "var days = Math.floor(diff / 86400);";theFunction += "var rem = diff - (days * 86400);";theFunction += "var hours = Math.floor(rem / 3600);";theFunction += "rem = rem - (hours * 3600);";theFunction += "var minutes = Math.floor(rem / 60);";theFunction += "rem = rem - (minutes * 60);";theFunction += "var seconds = Math.floor(rem);";theFunction += "if ((days < 0) \| (hours < 0) \| (minutes < 0) \| (seconds < 0)) ";theFunction += "var out = 'YIPEE!!! Cruisin!!';";theFunction += "else ";theFunction += "var out = ' ' + days + ' days ' + hours + ' hrs. ' + minutes + ' mins. ' + seconds + ' secs.';";theFunction += "document.forms.CDTform" + rndNum + ".elements.WrittenByJamesMVenglarikII.value = out;";setInterval(theFunction, 1000);</Script>

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