best book to buy for tips/secrets, etc.

[Dawn68PA]

check out some guides from your local library

Zozo this is an excellent idea!

if you like the humor in UG, check out the WDW Today podcast

Can you listen to the podcast without an ipod? I'm a little technilogically challenged and don't own one....

 

[GoinToDisney]

We also use Tour Guide Mike. We love him! Won't go to Disney without him.

 

[summerlandjeff]

For an organization freak like me nothing beats the Passporter!

Concise, easy to read and chock full of info! The daily planning pockets are my particular favorite, since I like to save receipts. DD12 loves the reviews of the rides and attractions and since DW does all the reservations, the comprehensive index of important numbers is a god-send! (maybe I should do PR for Passporter )

 

[MAGGIED]

I use these boards, TGM and my passporter.... that is all I need!!!

 

[llmurphy17]

I like the passporter- it is easy to read and nicely organized.

 

[Marty Moose]

Can you listen to the podcast without an ipod? I'm a little technilogically challenged and don't own one....

You can listen to it directly on your computer (as long as you have audio of course!)...by downloading the iTunes software (I believe the software is free) or by going directly to their website at www.wdwtoday.com!

 

[mike72688]

I recommend finding out if any of the Disney guide books are available at your local library. That way you can browse through them and see what you like. If none are available try WorldCat. You may be able to borrow from other libraries through your library. I like the Ultimate Guide much better than Birnbaum. I've need seen Passporter.

 

[disney[xo]sweetie]

Unoffical guide! its an AWESOME GUIDE with opinions from other readers! passpporter didnt do anything for me either! i was expecting this disney miracle and, it was...just a book with a lot of pockets.

 

[wdw-ocd]

I have 7 or 8 WDW guides. Travel guides are my weakness. Most of the books I have give very similar info but the difference is the way it is presented.

Well it's nice to know I'm not alone! I've currently got 3 guides sitting on the nightstand, 1 beside the tub, and 2 in the family room. That doesn't even begin to count the folder I keep with my spreadsheets and the notebook I carry in my purse for when I've got a few minutes to jot down things I want to book, buy, or bring! I think I need therapy...

 

[SingingMom]

I thought I was organized, until I read UG - and then I started hyperventilating.. There IS such a thing as TOO MUCH planning,. It's called "vacation" for a reason.

 

[kindra657]

I would definately suggest the passporter! it's got full park maps, descriptions of every resort, attraction, show, and restaurant. there are ratings for each of these as well! i've learned a lot more about WDW from this guide book compared to every other that i own and it's also a great organizing tool and keepsake!

 

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I just ordered the 2008 Passporter and UG, and I can't wait until they arrive!

Last year I saved a few bucks and checked the 2006 UG out from my library. Based on my past experience, and all the reviews on this thread, I decided to get my own updated copy.

 

[flash654]

The girlfriend and I just got back from our very first WDW trip, and we couldn't have done it without the Unofficial Guide. It was amazingly great to be able to open up the book and see whether an attraction was worth our time before standing in line. In addition, it has reviews of every food establishment and hotel in the area.

Absolutely worth the $20.

 

[tinkerbellgirl93]

I get a Birnbaum book every Christmas, and they are great. Lots of information! I also recently got The Unofficial Guide and it is very honest and has information about the WHOLE orlando area. I love them both, and I recommend purchasing both books for two opinions. Read up!

 

[waterm]

I have to vote the Unofficial guide! This is our first trip to WDW and it helped me make sense of what seemed very overwhelming! Even my 7 1/2 yr old appreciated reading about the rides and what to expect-hopefully that takes some of the scariness away from something she might not have tried! I plan to take it with me.....

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I have to vote the Unofficial guide! This is our first trip to WDW and it helped me make sense of what seemed very overwhelming! Even my 7 1/2 yr old appreciated reading about the rides and what to expect-hopefully that takes some of the scariness away from something she might not have tried! I plan to take it with me.....

I think we'll take it w/ us but not carry it into the parks, that's why I love the "clip out" sheets at the end. Brilliant. I like Birnbaum also but for the pictures, UG is for the details. Amazon has it for less than $15.

 

[itsreally4mommy]

What about The Complete Guide... by Julie Neal? It looked like it got some good reviews on Amazon but I was curious what experience here was like?