Best Guide book?

[hmeadq]

OK, OK! I know the best guide book is this forum!

But I really don't want to ask EVERY stupid question here! I was looking at diffrent books yesterday, and there were as many for Disney as for London!

So do people have recommendations. So the favroite one I saw was a wire bound one withan envelope for each day where you could write notes on it... It was Pass something...

If it matters we'll be staying on-site for 10 days with no kids...

 

[matysgrandma]

You're speaking of the PassPorter:Walt Disney World by Jennifer, Dave and Alison Marx. If you can swing the extra bucks, go with the leather bound edition. Then each year you can purchase the refill kit and you'll always have an up-to-date book. I found ordering through Amazon was the best price. If you're just looking for the book and don't care what year it is, go directly to passporter.com and they had their 2004 books at 3 books for $5.00, plus shipping and handling. It's a great way to keep track of all your reservations, tickets, etc.
I also like the Unofficial Guide because I just like Bob's style of writing. I met him at the Mousefest last December and he's as great as his book is. His comment to me (re: his book) was that it was great to read at night for insomnia. I beg to disagree. Two big thumbs up!

 

[matysgrandma]

Oh, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Hope you have an absolutely magical time on your honeymoon.

 

[LegoMom3]

Well, it's been 10 years since I did WDW w/o kids, but there is a book out there that deals specifically with adults going to the World. Can't remember who puts it out, which is very helpful to you I know.... Maybe Fodors??

Anyway!!...of the all-around guide books, I have both the Official guide by Birnbaum, and the hysterically irreverant Unofficial guide by Bob Sehlinger. They both give lots of good details; the Official guide has some fun insider info, and while it will give you both sides of some things, it has a decidedly Disney slant. The Unofficial guide really dives in and isn't afraid to dig up dirt on what works and what doesn't at WDW. It's funny but you need to take it with a grain of salt or you risk being offended if you're someone who worships the Mouse and all he stands for! This one also gives touring plans for different situations, which can be very helpful.

The one you mentioned is the Passporter, and while I don't own that one (yet!) I have read lots of good reports on it here on the DIS.

Whatever book(s) you decide on, happy reading and planning!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I concur with Passporter. It is very informative and does allow you to keep your paper work in the envelopes contained within but it also has wonderfully colored maps of the property.

I have also purchased the Birnbaum's guide and it is great for a quick reference but the Passporter is best.

Disney Crazy Debbie

 

[themudd4]

I guess I am out of the loop I have never heard of the passporter. Guess I will check that one out for myself. I buy Birnbaum's everytime although nothing really changes much in it...but habit. I also buy "the Unofficial Guide to WDW". It is my favorite just because it tell you the good as well as the bad. It has alot of input from the WDW travelers as well.

 

[aterriq]

You could always check your library first. When you find one you like, you can then buy it. Kind of like a test drive.

 

[phantom728]

I like the Passporter because of the sleeves in the back. It helped my DD remember each day and keep track of any items she wanted to keep.

As far as reading information however, I love the Unofficial Guide to WDW. We've been to Disney several times, but I still buy the updated one whenever we are going. I find this book easy to read and not a snoozer like some of the other books out there.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

I agree about the Passporter. It's great for "planners" like me with the sleaves for stuff, areas to write in, etc.. The only thing it DOESN'T have is the fun pictures that you will find in the Unofficial Guide and Birnbaum's Official Guide. So, I usually get one WITH pictures and the Passporter and I use them together.

 

[msklcassidy]

I love that book. It gives you the ins and outs, rates the restaurants, gives details about rides and suggests what to do with AND without kids!

My favorite things to do: 1. MUST ride up front with the driver on the Monorail from the TTC to/through EPCOT. 2. MUST eat fish and chips at the Yorkshire County Chip Shop...I could be convinced to leave my husband for Harry Ramsden's recipe! 3. MUST see Eyeore ! 4. MUST do at least one of the special tours...the Segway through EPCOT's future world is my hubby's favorite. 5. MUST just have fun!

Have a great time and happy planning!

 

[jimmiej]

4. MUST do at least one of the special tours...the Segway through EPCOT's future world is my hubby's favorite.

See pic below.

OP, Unofficial Guide is my choice.

 

[Karnak]

If we are voting, I vote for The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Schlinger.
___________________________________________

PEOPLE HAVE MORE FUN THAN ANYBODY
___________________________________________

1994 Sept. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
1996 Nov. - Disney Institute
1997 Nov. - Port Orleans - Riverside
1998 Dec. - Boardwalk
1999 Nov. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2001 July - Contemporary
2002 May - Boardwalk
2002 Dec. - Polynesian (concierge)
2003 May - Animal Kingdom
2004 June - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2005 April - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2005 Dec. - Port Orleans - French Quarter
2006 March - Port Orleans - French Quarter (upcoming)
2006 Dec. - Resort undecided (planning stage)

 

[debloco]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide here. I would love to write for them!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and don't forget to get and wear the bride and groom mouse ears while you're at WDW!

 

[byoung]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

 

[Kae]

I love PassPorter also, but I must suggest WDW for Couples. So I would get both. But then again I have alot more that 2

Kae

 

[my2boys1821]

Hi, I asked this question about 2 weeks ago. Thanks to all the help of the DIS members I purchased the Unofficial guide by Bob Sehlinger and the Passporter (binder) from Amazon. I think I got both for $27, free shipping. I received the books last Friday and I am already 1/2 way done with it (The Unofficial guide). Now keep in mind, its a rather large book. I just can't put it down. Bob has so much great information, plus letters from other people who have read his book with their opinions. He even makes me laugh The Passporter is going to be great to have once I get to the park. It has the neat envelopes for keeping brochures, receipts and you can write down all you reservation #s and keep a log of how each day has gone. Has a map of each park as well. I'm a scrap-o-holic (Scrapbooker) so being able to carry this book around with me in my backpack to fill with lots of good info is totally my cup of tea.

So my advice to you is take the advice of this board. These people really know what they are talking about.

 

[hmeadq]

Bride and groom mouse ears?

 

[Andrea]

you can check ebay and get some good deals on them also

 

[hmeadq]

Went to Borders this weekend and had to buy PassPorter and UnOffcial Guide.

My DF says he does not want to follow a tour plan, "After all it is VACATION!" So I guess I'll just have to memorize them (probably from Tour guide Mike) and then we'll just happen to follow it .

"You're kidding? We did things almost exactly in the recommeded order? Well, you know honey, maybe we should start a Disney business..."

I'm sure my Disney library will expand, DF has already threatned to hide the books, but I did catch him reading them a couple times!

 

[TCKK]

We've always gotten Birnbaum's book. We've also gotten the kid's version when our kids were younger. We bought his again this year, but I'm planning on get the Unofficial Guide too.