Best planning book?

[millerpjm]

Looking for the most detailed book for an obsessive/compulsive planner!

TIA for suggestions!

 

[bellemeeko1]

I LOVE Birnbaums Official Guide to WDW.,...it has different versions depending on what your party consists of...couples, young kids, teens etc.... some people LOVE the Passporter and some LOVE the Unofficial Guide to WDW.....you can find these at Borders or Barnes and Nobles...... you can go to this site too, to ck them out........http://www.mousesavers.com/disneybooks.html

 

[marcielm]

I love the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. You would probably be able to find a 2010 copy out now (around $20 I think), but check around at used book stores for some 2009 copies, there usually isn't much in the way of changes within a year or so.

I've also known friends to check it out from the local library. I use mine all.the.time. In fact, the front cover is now torn off, thanks to my kids "reading" the pictures in the front.

It will give you deeper access to the crowd calendar & stuff at Touringplans.com

 

[Geoff_M]

I love the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. You would probably be able to find a 2010 copy out now (around $20 I think),

The "UG" is second to none. Yes, the 2010 version is out... $19.99. The Birnbaum book is OK, but it's nothing more than a 150 page Disney advertisement.

 

[DaParkers]

The Unofficial Guide is the best by far!

 

[disneyshakeygirl]

I love Frommer's and Fodor's (people pan them, but I love them). They both include pro's and con's of everything, wait times, costs right down to the detail. Those are just my two favourites. I've also heard really good things about the Unofficial Guide.

 

[gerows]

I've used tons of different ones over the years (Birnbaum, Unofficial guide, Complete Guide, Birnbaum for Kids, Passporter, Birnbaum's Dinning guide, Insider's guide, etc...) and I think the best one is the Passporter. It goes into so much detail to the point that each and every ride has its own page. I also like how it discusses/ranks restaurants using things you don't noramally consider beforehand, but are a key element such as noise level. For kids I love the "Guide to the Magic for Kids".

 

[skifast22]

Looks like every planning book has been recommended so far For me, I like Birnbaums the best. It's very easy to read and has the most pictures Being the official guide, I sometimes feel as though their tips are a little biased, but if you have a specific question, I find these boards to be the best source of info. Even without specific questions, I learn alot more just browsing the threads here

One other source to mention...while not a planning book per say, you may consider subscribing to the "Celebrations" magazine. It's only a year old, but the quality of the publication is superb. Plus, you get a new issue every 2 months, so there's always something new to look forward to

 

[michaelwilliammidd]

Another 100% supporter of the UG here! On a side note, I heard they are working on a color photo addition to go along with the UG that will be out in February 2010, I believe you can already pre order on Amazon.

 

[TimandTanya]

UG and Passporter!! UG for more detailed information, the Passporter for first timers, and helping to stay organized. The passporter also has a great website and weekly emails.

 

[BuzzLightyearDad]

Seriously, there is no other book close to the Unofficial Guide.

I have purchased one of all the others as well over the years, but I get the UG every year-- even though as another poster said it doesn't change that much. (I get it because of the wear mine goes through and I am so interested in the new info.)

What separates it from everything else to me are 1) the level of details that a deep planner wants to see and 2) the data-oriented approach to everything. So instead of getting one person's opinion on something, they always show reader survey results. They do data collection and use computer models to determine optimal touring plans. And they provide charts of things like travel time between every resort and park. Really just endless amounts of information combined with humor as well.

 

[mommyarewegoingback]

I'm a Passporter Gal. (I have WDW, DL & DCL version in a binder) For the kids, we have come to love "guide to the magic for kids".
-virginia

 

[ElizabethG]

I too revel in the planning! For that, you need more than one book. The Unofficial Guide is a must, that is a given. Another favorite of mine was 'The Complete Walt Disney World'. Great full color pictures on each page and the book was full of interesting little things along with the reviews (example: Nixon's 'I am not a crook' speech was given at the Contemporary). Also, if you have any kids old enough to help plan, 'Birnbaum's Walt Disney World For Kids' is a great book to give them.

 

[YukiPhnx]

For an obsessive planner, I HIGHLY recommend the Unofficial Guide.

I wouldn't buy a used 2009 one because that one probably doesn't include touring plans with Toy Story Mania in it, or the Seas with Nemo and Friends.

It's chock full of knowledge and experience! And a lot of research too.

 

[MHSweb79]

After seeing so much PassPorter love on these boards, I finally bought one before our last trip. After it arrived (several weeks late, I might add) I looked through it for about 20 minutes, sent it off to a relative and bought a new Unofficial Guide. The PassPorter seemed extremely light on content and just not what I was looking for.
UG on the other hand - aaah - 800 pages of pure planning bliss!

 

[zummi525]

I have to say that i am a huge fan of passporters we have used it for the past few years and the beautiful maps and pouches to hold your info come in so handy!

 

[Kathy Z]

I also have 2009 versions of UG, Passporter, Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW and Birnbaum's WDW for Kids. UG is my favorite. My granddaughters prefer the 2 Birnbaum guides. For fellow compulsive planning adults a current copy of UG is essential. In addition to the disboards, I love allears.net and that is the best place I know to go to for menu's of WDW.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I have both Birnbaum's 2009 & Fodor's 2006. I will buy a new book before next year's trip. I love reading WDW books! Happy reading to all!

 

[itJeff]

Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide Unofficial Guide

I like it because it's Unofficial. They tell you what really is good, and what really is bad. They don't hold anything back. They tell you their opinion, but give you enough info to let you make your own decision.

I own three copies. Yes, a lot of the stuff is repeated from edition to edition. But there are always new things added or things that have been updated.

Everything is rated. From the fluffiness of the pillows, to the sound proofing of individual rooms, to the spinning of the rides. It's great for those of us who want to plan everything to the Nth degree.

P.S. If Len Testa (one of the authors) reads this I would like to see less about Universal in the book. (That's the only negative thing I can say about it.)

 

[Calgary DISHeads]

Another vote for UG, bought a new one when the 2010 came out, did have a 2008 but like another poster said, touring plans are different each time a new ride/attraction opens. I did buy a passporter back in 07 but again, like another poster said I find it light in content but if you like to diarize things it would be a dream come true.