Best Disney and Universal guide now?

[LuvOrlando]

Whole thing is so messy the only thing I am now sure of is that I won't know what I'm doing when I get there if we go.

Also, there are about a million guides saying a million things all over the internet, it's so much I get irritated quickly and punch out.

Maybe the best way to move ahead is to go back so for our first trip in the 90s I read Fodor's & Birnbaum, they are in my cart, question is, are they still good?
I remember sites like Mousesavers & All Ears being super helpful but wonder if they and similar have been bought up and no longer run by fans, anyone know?

I remember when this was fun from booking with airlines to picking resorts and all the planning in between, where is "that loving feeling?"

And yeah, I'm still stuck in neutral on traveling, been idling here a while

 

[BrianL]

Don't worry about a guide - the DISboards are here to help! Just hit up the Theme Parks, Attractions, & Strategies board with any questions. You will get answers fast!

 

[slo]

I agree about using The DIS.
If you ever want to pm me about anything, please do - I’ll help answer whatever I can

 

[Dan Murphy]

The dis is great, good, quick interaction, questions answered. Allears and Touringplans are both still great. WDW Prep School is of value also, IMO.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Thanks, when I read through descriptions I feel like a newbie despite my siggie. I'll check out the Prep School, I'm not even sure I know enough about what I don't know to ask the right questions.

Trying yet again to plan a trip, well a family trip to WDW and I think another couples trip to Italy, meanwhile when I was in my 20's I would just blast through consequences shmonsequences.

 

[shh]

Thanks, when I read through descriptions I feel like a newbie despite my siggie. I'll check out the Prep School, I'm not even sure I know enough about what I don't know to ask the right questions.

Trying yet again to plan a trip, well a family trip to WDW and I think another couples trip to Italy, meanwhile when I was in my 20's I would just blast through consequences shmonsequences.

I get it. I love the DIS - such helpful people. I'm just doing a hard ticket party this year vs considering AP or reg tics, just to avoid all the genie and LL stuff. The parties still feel like the last remnants of "old school WDW" - just show up and go on whatever you want, whenever you feel like it. No planning, No reservations. No per ride upcharges.

 

[CynBeth]

When are you thinking about going?

Universal is so easy there really is not much to plan for. You can look on the website to see about hotels and packages with tickets and book. I would recommend staying at a premiere hotel so you get unlimited express pass and do park to park tickets so you can take the Hogwarts Express. You don’t have to book any rides or dining can just go with the flow. We went for 2 nights in November 2021 staying at Portofino before a Disney trip and ate at mostly CS. One night we had an early dinner at Finnegan’s. The 3 of us walked in and got a table right away. For Disney you can look at their website for hotels and other information especially about currently needing to make a park reservation, Genie+ for booking rides, and ADRs (advanced dining reservations). There is a lot of planning involved and these boards are a great resource. Please feel free to ask any questions you have.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I got the books delivered yesterday I'm not sure if it the nostalgia, the immersion of physically settling down with a book or the permanence of it that hits all the right boxes but the planning feels so much more enjoyable now. I have a bunch for Italy (some already have dog ears) and am thrilled to see the Birnbaums has a few coupons again, which is surprisingly satisfying. Last time I got them there was nothing even remotely interesting in the coupon part. I am wondering if Orlando and the local areas have those city coupon books sold by schools and all? We used to love to explore the town with those coupons for restaurants & exhibits like Ripley's with the upside down house.

Pretty sure what I was missing was the Travel Bingo element created by discounts that used to be a thing, a very endearing and enticing part of the experience

 

[CynBeth]

I always get books when going on a trip so totally understand. When are you going to Italy? We will hopefully be on our Med cruise this summer.