Best trip planning book?

[NurseKim]

Hello to anyone out there who remembers me!

My boss is going to Disney for the 1st time next Nov/Dec. She has 3 small kids. Can anyone recommend a good planning book for her?
I haven't read a planning book since '97!

And is it only the Deluxe resorts that can accomidate 5 people?

TIA!

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I use 3 different planning tools.

TourGuideMike- an online trip planner

Passporter- book with planning pockets to help with organization

Unofficial Guide- book that has great all around information

I use all 3. Maybe have her check out TGM online and browse the books at a bookstore to help her see what is best for he. My favorite is TGM, but everyone's tastes are different.

POR will accomodate 5 people as well in the moderate class of resorts.

 

[bjkj]

I really like the Unofficial Guide the best. Have used it every trip and am never dissapointed!

 

[lentesta]

5 people in a moderate might be a bit tight. Just a thought. Two value rooms might be more comfortable, if slightly more expensive.

Len

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I prefer the Unofficial Guide!

 

[jaycns]

We have used The Unofficial Guide and The Pass Porter and Tour Guide Mike. My favorite of the three is also Tour Guide Mike. I consider myself a Disney diva but still learned a lot from him. His tips and suggestions have always been WAY helpful and I enjoyed the time I spent pulling together my plans using the tips, articles and schdules. If your boss doesn't mind time spent online pouring over the site, Tour Guide Mike is tops in my book. It's like a guide book that is updated in real time with email reminders for some important reservations deadlines. My favorite actual book is The Unofficial Guide, until I discovered TGM this past vacation we always used The Unofficial Guide with great results. Another place you might direct her (and I know you must know this already but thought it might bear adding that you don't have to be a "poster" to get a lot from it)is here to these boards! I have been lurking here for a long time and getting GREAT information and tips here. Even if she is not into posting (which I was NOT for a very long time myself) she would get a lot out of exploring the boards. I love being able to see other "real" people's reactions to rides, resturatants, hotels etc and being able to evaluate stuff second hand by seeing a broad range of what others think. Good luck finding the perfect planning guide suggestion!

 

[jaycns]

As far as the room goes, my family of five (self, dh, and 3 ds ages 9, 6 and 4) stayed at ASM this past September in two adjoining rooms and loved it. Before that we had always stayed at the AKL in order to fit all 5 of us in a single room. We enjoyed both. Since this is true, for the money saved (as long as my kids are young and still LOVING the theme at ASM) we plan on staying at ASM in two adjoining rooms for our forseeable Disney plans.

** If they are looking for more than just a room (we are the kind of family who eats and plays at the parks and only needs a room to sleep in and get ready) I would suggest they look at which Disney resort has the "feel" they are hoping to find and figure out how to book a party of five there. Adjoining rooms are a good thing!

But again, my boys loved the larger than life movie icons at ASM and the pools were nice (even though they didn't have a slide), there was a foodcourt for our late night "we just got back from the parks and we are in need a Mickey Sundae" cravings and having two bathrooms is always a plus when it comes to getting ready in the morning!

 

[petchie]

I really like the Unofficial Guide the best. Have used it every trip and am never dissapointed!

Me too! 100%

 

[lvloopingbag]

Passporter is great for staying organized!

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

We stayed at POR in the Spring and got a room in Alligator Bayou that would sleep 5. Two queens and a trundle. I'd opt to put one of the smaller fry in the trundle, as it's a little small-ish.

Another option is to rent DVC points if they want more space to spread out and a kitchen. Just an idea.

Haven't used TGM, but I adore the UG and Passporter, both. If I had to pick one book, I'd probably choose Passporter. But I can't choose so I buy both! Hello, I'm Dale-n-Chip and I'm an obsessive Disney vacation planner. . .

Happy Planning!