2003 Unofficial Gude vs Birnbaum

[pstepka]

Which is better? Or, are they the same thing just being called by different names?

 

[cindy_k]

Oh they are definitely not the same thing.

Birnbaum is the Official Disney World guide book. It has beautiful color pictures, and tells the official line on all attractions and resorts.

The Unofficial Guide is written by Bob Sehlinger. His ranks the rides and has commando touring plans. A lot of people like this book.

I actually prefer the Passporter, and the Walt Disney World with Kids guide books. The rankings in these books more closely fit my touring style. The maps in the Passporter are the best. I find the Walt Disney World with Kids has really good tips for touring with children.

I never use the Birnbaum at all. I don't think it has enough information in it.


Hope this helps!

Cindy in NY

 

[mom_rules]

I've bought and read both-I actually prefer the Unofficial
Guide for his information but I like the hints and colour pictures
in Birnbaum's. I use both (plus a few others too!)

 

[punkin]

Birnbaum is very pretty with great pictures, but the contents are pure fluff. The Unofficial guide, however, is full of really useful information. I never could have enjoyed WDW as much without the preparation I had via the unofficial guide.

 

[padisneylover]

I have to agree with Cindy K. I have all three books and just received my first time Passporter Tour book and find that of all three it is the most informative and most useful to me. Plus, it has the advantage of unline up dates for any changes since the book was published which in the case of Birnbaums and the Unofficial Guide this year is a lot of changes.

 

[SimbaNoodle]

The unofficial guide is definately great. Everyone needs to have one before they make their first trip. I now use the guide as a starting point and update with current info from these boards. DIS has the best and most current info you can get.

That doesn't mean I don't buy a new edition each year. Never know, this internet thing may not work out.

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have always preferred the Birnbaum's book. I enjoy the colorful pictures, too. Probably the reason that I prefer Birnbaum's book is because it does NOT have opinions. I'm the type of person who wants a full description of the ride or attraction, then I will decide if that's the kind of thing I would like.
I'd rather make up my own mind.

In a book full of opinions, so many people have too many differing opinions.

I just go with the things that sound like I would like it; and I usually do.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: you may want to go to your local libraryor bookstore and check out these options and see which book fits you the best before you buy. we've been using birnbaum's since 87 and have also gotten a couple of the unofficial guides to see if there was any additional info. i checked into the passporter a few years ago as well. we still prefer the birnbaum's guide.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree w/ Claudia. The "Unofficial" Guide is far too opinionated--the fellow is attempting to tell you what HE wants you to do. And many of his opinions are way off base, especially with the restaurants. And he gets all wrapped up in trying to be cute and clever, at the expense of just presenting the facts and letting folks decide. I bought one back in 1997--it's the last one I bought too.
Birnbaum's is much the better publication.
Even better is Walt Disney World for Couples, by Rich and Gale Perlmutter.

 

[kdibattista]

Buy both... heck, I have close to every guide book there is!!!! I prefer the Unofficial Guide but Birnbaum's is quite good also. The Unofficial Guide has a ton of information and may be overwhelming for a first time visitor. You kind of have to know a thing about the parks to understand the Unofficial Guide. If you are a first timer, I would recommend Birnbaum's.

 

[sunking]

here's another vote for the unofficial guide...give you the down and dirty about the parks without any of the fluff that you will find in other books...we buy the new printing every time as soon as it comes out...
have fun!!!!
sunking

 

[JJS2K3]

Even better is Walt Disney World for Couples, by Rich and Gale Perlmutter.

Speaking of which, is there information in this book that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere? What makes it good?

Thanks

 

[apagano]

I agree with kdibattista. You might as well get them both. I prefer the Unofficial Guide, and I would have to disagree with comments that the book is too opinionated and that the author is trying to coerce you into doing just the stuff that he likes. In fact, Sehlinger often prints the opinions of readers who disagree with his views. Every restaurant review includes thumbs up/ thumbs down ratings from readers in addition to the writer's comments. I buy the UG because I want to read honest opinions and not just the company line.

 

[walt's assistant]

I happen to have the latest edition of both books here in front of me.

Unofficial is a blunt, no holds barred view of Disney...good and bad.

Birnbaum's book is a shill for Disney.

Both books play nicely off of each other so that YOU can make up your own mind what to believe about all things WDW. That's why I own both books.

Hope this helps!

WA

 

[goofy4tink]

I like the "Unofficial Guide". I have the past 3 editions. I also have 2 editions of Birnbaum's. Also 2 of their Kids edition. I love my PassPorter and I also like the Perlmutter's WDW for Couples. I take everyone's take on the same thing and try to come to my own decision.

 

[grinningghost]

I like them both. Birnbaum's is the happy, well adjusted child. Sehlinger is the evil stepchild. They both give alot of info on the parks, resorts, etc., it's just that Birnbaum doesn't have a negative thing to say about anything. Reality is, a trip to WDW isn't always 100% perfect (though it's close ). Sehlinger makes you face that reality. So if you're into Disney magic and don't want anyone raining on your parade - steer clear of The Unofficial Guide.

 

[Uncleromulus]

JJS:
Perlmutters book is good because it is a "blend" of the other two we've been talking about. They are an independent couple, and there is no "official" line. Unlike the "unofficial guide" they are not all wrapped up in their own cleverness and opinions--the writing style is matter-of-fact--and they have been to each restaurant and attraction themselves. Best of all are the dining reviews. Well balanced and, based on my experience at the restaurants, pretty much on the money.
No pics tho--

 

[mom_rules]

Uncleromulus-tell me more. I haven't heard of this one and would like to pick up a copy. Is it up to date for 2003?

 

[lentesta]

Just to clarify, Uncleromulus, the Unofficial Guide researchers have certainly visited every attraction and restaurant themselves many, many times. Every resort, pool and shop, too. Not to mention most of the all-you-can-eat buffets on International Drive.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[elemusing]

Here's my take on it for what it's worth:

Birnbaums has GREAT pictures and a few good coupons.

Unofficial Guide has better info and touring plans which are GREAT! I never go to WDW without them. We take the given plan and I type out a small version to suit our needs. (If we don't want to see an attraction listed, etc. I just leave it out.) I laminate it and keep it in my fanny pack and we follow it pretty much all day. We have never gone wrong with it.

We have bought both, but end up giving our 4YO the Birnbaums so he can look at the pictures after we read it. The UG stays with me.