Best guide book?

[*123JOANNA123*]

I'm currently working off the 1999 Frommer's 'unofficial guide to disney world' and figured I should really upgrade (it was given to me by my brother who last visited in 1999). I've looked on amazon and have ordered Birnbaum's book and the Passporter.

Any opinions on which is the best guide book?

 

[puffkin]

I have Birnbaums and the Passporter. They are both good. I also bought the Insight guidebook (by the discovery channel). It has some pretty good information, and it includes Universal and Seaworld. It also has plenty of pictures.

 

[Bill From PA]

I've found Bob Sehlinger's 'Unofficial Guide to WDW' to be the most informative of the three I've owned, the others being Frommer's & Birnbaum. This book takes its 'Unofficial' status seriously and you'll get a more blunt view of all things Disney. To me, they're a little too critical of WDW eateries, sit down and counter service. I just goose their restaurant ratings up a notch and go from there.

Bill From PA

 

[Pat_Elliott]

I have three books I renew each year and carry with me on the plane:

The aforementioned:

#1 Passporter
#2 Unofficial Guide to Disney


And my personal favorite:

#3 The Hassle Free Disney. I find it has info the others don't, great touring plans, and is an easy read. Here's a link to a review and ordering info:

http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/catalog/wdw.html

Pat

 

[lentesta]

Hi *123JOANNA123*,

The touring plans in the Unofficial Guide are greatly improved from previous versions, and can save up to five hours per day of standing in line. I believe the 2003 edition also contains more than 200 hotel reviews, at least double that of other guidebooks.
We've also included the best room numbers to request at each Disney resort. If you have any questions about the Unofficial Guide, I'd be happy to answer them.

Also, updates to the 2003 edition can be found online here: www.TouringPlans.com/GuideUpdates.html . These updates include information on changes at Walt Disney World since the Unofficial Guide went to press.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[QuickGold]

Another vote for Unofficial Guide....I swear by it

 

[miko]

Unofficial Guide for me. If you take some time and have a chance to read it carefully it is quite humorous. Since it includes other parks (US/IOA and Sea World) you can dome some comparrison shopping.
I almost never believe any critic, I have to experience the disappointment or fun for myself!

 

[DrKnow77]

Bob Sehlinger's 'Unofficial Guide to WDW' - Very long and wordy... has great information, but very detailed in information.

Passporter - My personal favorite. Covers alot of good things and I like the rating system that they have for each ride and restaraunt.

Birbaum's - Another good one, has more pictures than the other two, but is very low in detail information. Bribaum is not very objective because it is the "Official" guidebook sponsored by Disney.

 

[whatisgoofy?]

Another vote for Sehlinger's Unofficial Guide to WDW

To be honest, we've never used the touring plans (and many people find them intimidating)...but the descriptions of the attractions, restaurants, and resorts are first-rate! It really helps you catagorize things into "Must Do", "Sounds Good", "If there's time", and "I'll Pass". Even if you're a seasoned Disney traveller, there's something new to learn (or at very least, it helps you revisit your memories)

 

[Geoff_M]

I'd pick:
#1) Un-Official Guide
#2) Passporter

Taken together it offers a good mix. Birnbaum's book is good if you want to mainly look at photos.

 

[Dodie]

Personally, I have never found any of the guidebooks to be anywhere near as helpful as these boards.

If you have to have one, I'd use the Unofficial Guide. There's a little less "spin" and a little more honesty.

 

[deirdrefitch]

Each year for the past five years I have bought the Unofficial Guide to Disney by Sehlinger. The book is very informative, entertaining, and has great touring plans. I find myself re-reading this book over and over. When my children were younger, I would in addition purchase the Official Guide for my children. They loved looking at the pictures. I have bought many books, and the Unofficial Guide could never be replaced.