Best Guide Books

[5 blind mice]

We are planning our first trip to Disney World with our 3 kids (ages 1,5,6) in early 2008. We've booked our room, now we need to start figuring out everything else!

Can anyone recommend the best guide books for families? I only want to buy one book (okay...maybe I'll get two), and I want it to be geared mainly towards families with young kids. I know there are quite a few out there, so I'd like to know which books have been most helpful for others.

Thanks!

 

[cinder1]

My absolute favorite guidebook is the Unofficial Guide. I buy the new edition each year. I used if for our first trip to WDW 6 trips ago and it made the trip wonderful. I was fully prepared for everything. The UG does tell you all the great stuff plus all the negative stuff too so you are prepared. Everyone we know who has not loved WDW did not do all the research. Get the UG and also check out allearsnet.com for lots of up-to-date info. Check out mousesavers.com for any discounts. Have fun

 

[AllesonWonderland]

Ditto on the Unofficial Guide! I got it for our first trip last week and it was wonderful. Lots of touring plans for families with kids, info on what rides are scary to kids or big hits. Lots of tips and info, I'm so glad we used it! I also borrowed a lot of Disney books from the library, so there's an option for you as well. Have fun planning! I planned/researched so much for so long, I feel a little lost now!!

 

[5 blind mice]

My absolute favorite guidebook is the Unofficial Guide. I buy the new edition each year.

Do you know when the new edition comes out each year? I suppose we could buy the 2007 edition, since most of it should still be relevant in early 2008.

I've found lots of great info on various websites, but it'd be great to have it all compiled in one place. Plus I want to bring it with us on our trip!

 

[cinder1]

I think it comes out prior to the new year so 2008 would be out prior to 2008.
Also with the book, you can go to ***************** and look up which days you should go to which park without having to pay extra for the service. You will have to answer a few specific questions so the website knows you actually own the book, then you will be able to check out your vacation days and which parks will be less crowded on each specific day. With this info, you are already way ahead of the game. Also, really pay attention to how fast pass works so you can use if effectively. I can't tell you the number of people I've explained fast pass to at the parks who didn't know it existed

We WDW and with research, you will have a total blast!!

Ok so apparently I can't put the website in my post, but it's the UG's website and it's in the book!!

 

[Elmo888]

I agree with the Unofficial Guide. Amazon will have the publish date of the 2008 version, which states Aug. 20, 2007.

Enjoy!

 

[write2caro]

I love the Unofficial Guide as well - get the new edition every year through Amazon. The 2007 edition states that the 2008 one will be out in Auguest or September of 2007. Don't know how old your kids are, but if you DO decide on a second book, consider "Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids". Even my two year old loves it, and there's space at the back for signatures - pretty cute. Happy planning!!!

 

[whogirl'smom]

A vote for UG here, too. It's an easy read even with 800 pages with a good balance of advice and humor. Have fun planning!

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

I'll be the voice of dissent and say the passporter. I love my passporter. (I think it's cause I like the pockets!) I'm such a dork.
I get almost ALL of my info here though, so it's mostly to look cool.

 

[loopner67]

The Unofficial Guide is a must, but it's also really involved and large. It's only worth it if you're going to really read through *all* of the information.

I used to love the Birmbaum Guides, but I now consider them mainly just a reference book or more for newbies.

I have to have a Passporter along with the Unofficial Guide. I love the format and I love the envelope journal pages in the back. It's got a different style to it than the other guide books and I thought I didn't need it this year and ended up buying a new one for 2007. I couldn't resist.

 

[mary174]

For just one I'd choose the Unofficial Guide. I do find myself reaching more often for the passporter these days for it's ease of use, but I just don't feel it has everything I want in it.

 

[MNdisneymom]

As much as I like the UG, the Birnbaum's for Kids guide might be a good idea for the older kids--my now 4 yo DS loved looking at all the pictures. He can find all of his favorite rides in there by himself, even without reading--and he still "reads" it to himself, actually making up little stories about our trip.

 

[AMaloy314]

My advice would be to buy the PassPorter. Any of the other guides can be thoroughly used, studied and returned to a library. The PassPorter is the one you will want to keep. It isn't just for reading. It is for planning, organizing, recording and holding memories.

 

[jenrein]

Might have to venture to the book store tonight! We leave next Thursday- that should be enough time to read an entire guide book and make last minute plans!