Best planning guide for DL?

[Robindianne]

Is it the Unofficial Guide? Passporter? Other? Which one is most helpful to you?
Thanks!

 

[JustAKid]

Is it the Unofficial Guide? Passporter? Other? Which one is most helpful to you?
Thanks!

These here boards and the wonderful people who answer the same questions over and over and over, never complaining, and always willing to answer again!

 

[DisSarahK]

I liked the Unofficial Guide for Disneyland planning, but it was not very helpful AT ALL for California Adventure. It was missing more than half the rides and just generally wasn't very useful at all for that portion of our trip.

 

[skiingfast]

If you read these boards you will find much better precise information. I would start with some trip reports, hotel reviews/questions, tickets questions, and food threads. Then start asking on here anything you can think of.

 

[ardenandjacksmom]

I LOVE the Passporter for WDW because they come out with a new edition every year, and also because I love the pockets for ADR numbers, maps, receipts, etc. However if I'm not mistaken the last DL edition of the Passporter was 2006? Lots of changes since then! I think the boards have books beat now anyways (more detailed info, always updating)

But if still you want a guidebook, I'd probably go with whichever one of has the newest edition. Happy planning

 

[ter-moo]

We always use the UG! I just go to the back of the book, tear out (or copy) one of the touring plans and then change it to fit our family (or my experience). I find having a touring plan INVALUABLE for many reasons. It cuts down on arguing, it keeps groups from wasting time discussing what to do next between attractions, and it keeps the "planner" of the group from getting blamed for everything. I just smile and tell everyone that the UG says we must do such and such next!

I agree that it's somewhat lacking on CA Adventure stuff, but with all the changes they keep making to that park, it's hard to keep up on a yearly basis!

The one thing I DON'T use it for is hotel advice. I don't agree with a lot of their choices.

Other than that, I believe it's $15 well-spent. Or check your local library to see if they have a copy that's within the last year.

 

[Robindianne]

Thanks for all the great replies!

 

[Cartcanuck]

Agreed that this is the best resource for planning your trip. Where else can you find everything you need in one place?

 

[Jazziered]

Here and Ride Max. I love Ride Max...

The only thing I have found that helps was Ride Max and Disneyland boards. I read a guide book once, but really didn't find it helpful at all...

 

[HydroGuy]

Guidebooks have their place - and their limitations. See The Perils of Printed Guidebooks: Outdated Info in the Unofficial Guide to DLR

For those accustomed to guidebooks and print resources at WDW, the market is much smaller at DLR. It is partly due to lower attendance at DLR because it is smaller (roughly 60% less at DLR than WDW). But an even bigger influence is that DLR has way more locals on day trips who have little need for guidebooks.

Bottom line is DLR touring resources are in much lower demand than WDW and therefore of general lower quaility.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have UG 2009. I read that one cover to cover then read the WDW version. They were almost identical! They kept most of the info in the exact same words and just changed the title! Even the quotes from people they put in the book talking about how the UG touring guide plans helped them was word for word. That's when I realized no one thought the DLR plans helped them. They were all talking about WDW! I had my doubts that anyone who put that book together has even been to DLR. I remember it even said that DLR had the Tiki Room Under New Management, which as you know, it doesn't.

I haven't looked at recent versions so I would be interested to know if they have corrected the many mistakes. But the fact that they took most of it word for word from the WDW version has turned me off. I want a brand new book written from scratch about DLR by someone who has been there a zillion times. And it is too bad, because I enjoyed the humorous style of writing.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Personally, I'm not a fan of UG because it seemed to be more about how to ride as many rides as possible during your visit, but not about slowing down and experiencing the parks. In fact, they scoff at anyone who likes to take it slow and not attack the parks commando style.

I'm more of a fan of Birnbaum's when it comes to "planning" because I basically just review all of the information to help remind me where everything is and what I want to be sure not to miss. For my first visit, I used it to familiarize myself with the park layouts and what rides were at each park.

To each his own, obviously...

 

[Hound 109]

The books provide good basic info....but for better, more accurate & more up to date info look on these boards.


Start with this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

Then this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

& this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=802084

& this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1072276


& of course, read the rest of these boards.