Best Disney Tour book?

[julieneal]

Hi everybody. Amazon now has our book, "The Complete Walt Disney World 2011"! Here's the link to Amazon's page if you're interested: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Walt-...0970959621/ref

Anyone ordering today will get their book on Tuesday.

Barnes & Noble says April 12th for some reason as a delivery date, but it should be closer to April 1st. Here's that link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...70959621&#TABS

It's quicker through Amazon; less expensive through Barnes & Noble (at least for now).

Thanks again for all your patience. Disney fans are the best

 

[Hootch]

Hi everybody. Amazon now has our book, "The Complete Walt Disney World 2011"! Here's the link to Amazon's page if you're interested: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Walt-...0970959621/ref

Anyone ordering today will get their book on Tuesday.

Barnes & Noble says April 12th for some reason as a delivery date, but it should be closer to April 1st. Here's that link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...70959621&#TABS

It's quicker through Amazon; less expensive through Barnes & Noble (at least for now).

Thanks again for all your patience. Disney fans are the best

Barnes and Noble last week looking for it. I guess I can wait a couple of more weeks.

In the past I haven't found subsequent copies useful as the information changes only minorly (and in ways that are covered on these boards). It sounds as if you added scope which can make it worthwhile follow-up to my 2009 copy.

 

[julieneal]

Hi Hootch,
Yes, we've added depth this time that we didn't have before. That includes a new ESPN Wide World of Sports chapter, expanded water park coverage (plus, for the first time, average wait times for water park rides), a separate Restaurant chapter, a four-page telephone directory, a three-page Internet directory (which has descriptions of all the best Disney fan sites), improved World Showcase information and the best and worst aspects of each Disney park. My favorite new section is called Best Bets, with descriptions and photos of 24 of Disney World's best experiences. I'm sure you'll see the difference between this new book and the 2009 edition

 

[Hootch]

We added water pass and more to our ten day non expiring passes last trip. This will be our first time in the water parks so I may have to get the book before our June trip.

There were several sections I enjoyed from the previous edition. My favorite parts were some of the details you covered for small items in the parks and for the rides. The storyline for Splash Mountain and the details for Haunted Mansion were two that really stood out.

 

[julieneal]

Hootch, you're going to love the water parks! They are among the most under-appreciated spots at Disney, especially Typhoon Lagoon. And no worries, we kept the back stories for Splash Mountain and the details for Haunted Mansion (and now both attractions have additional photos). Have fun on your June trip

 

[lakohls]

catie.hiltz - thank you for posting this question! I was thinking the exact same thing. I've used 2008 & 2010 version of Birnbaum's and found it really useful both of our last trips, but really did not want to buy another copy for basically the same info.

I just ordered the Complete Walt Disney World 2011 by Julie Neal from Barnes & Noble (free shipping!). I'm actually glad it came out a little late as our trip is not until November, easily a year after most of the 2011 books went to press. Really looking forward to a new source of info.

ps - I noticed you are also from upstate NY - we are Lake George. Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[mdr931]

I always go with the Unofficial Guide it has never steered me wrong.

 

[julieneal]

By the way, The Complete Walt Disney World 2011 is on sale now on both the Amazon and Barnes & Noble sites for $14.58, 42% off, the biggest discount I've ever seen Thank you everyone who has bought it; please feel free to let me know what you think. I pay close attention to what you say, and use it in making revisions in future editions.

 

[DopeysMom]

I LOVE the passporter, everything else I either take out of the library or go sit at Borders and browse.

 

[canopynut66]

I want to buy a 2011 disney tour book but am unsure which one to buy-

I know Birnbaums is the 'official' book, but I am worried that since it IS official that it won't be as honest about things that aren't so good at Disney...

I read the 2010 "unofficial guide" which was very good but not sure how much it would really change for 2011...

Mostly hesitant as the books cost $20-25 a piece for books that are pretty small!


Any advice is appreciated

I use three to watch but Unoffical Guide is my favorite. Birnbaums ok but his not as good to me.. when they come out they already about a year behind so allow for that pricing wise I only get maybe ever two years or so. use touring plans .com a lot also

 

[moniqueelaine]

I like PPs as well..I also like the Binbaum dining and cruise line Guides..They are small so they won't take up a lot of room..The dining is about the same size as the Hidden Mickeys book and the cruise book is smaller

 

[casa34]

I like the unoffical guide book. I suggest checking it out from your local library first to see if anything much has changed before you buy one.

 

[ZoZo]

I know Birnbaums is the 'official' book, but I am worried that since it IS official that it won't be as honest about things that aren't so good at Disney...

I read the 2010 "unofficial guide" which was very good but not sure how much it would really change for 2011...

I like the Unofficial Guide the best, just for the reason you mentioned: that the "official' guidebooks won't provide honest reviews of restaurants, etc. Birnbaum's is great for basic information, but doesn't give you opinions about anything!

I don't find that the Unofficial Guide changes a huge amount from year to year. They will review new things (like new rides) but much of the information is carried over from year to year. IMO, it's the best one.

But what I'd really recommend is that you go to a bookstore (or even better, your local library!) and look through a bunch of guidebooks before buying. That's the best way to figure out which one you like best. I always check out just about every WDW guidebook from my library before each trip.

 

[MaggieBailey]

I want to buy a 2011 disney tour book but am unsure which one to buy-

I know Birnbaums is the 'official' book, but I am worried that since it IS official that it won't be as honest about things that aren't so good at Disney...

I read the 2010 "unofficial guide" which was very good but not sure how much it would really change for 2011...

Mostly hesitant as the books cost $20-25 a piece for books that are pretty small!


Any advice is appreciated

I love any book about Disney - tour book, history book, whatever it is! Lol. As far as a tour guide type book - I do have the Birnbaums, and it is great, lots of photos, info, etc - but it doesn't tell you anything negative.

I have to agree with the others who have mentioned the "Passporters" book. It's a great one! Lots of wonderful descriptions, plus space for you to fill in your own info. The Unofficial Guides are great as well, but they really don't change that much from year to year. Except, as mentioned, the getting sadder haha.