Best WDW Guidebook?

[Elk Grove Chris]

Hey, looking at a trip to the World, probably summer of 2015. I know the DIS is the best place to find info and tips on everything, but I wanted a base to start with, looking at what everyone thinks is the best guidebook to pick up for an overall knowledge base?

We have been to Disneyland 20+ times, so we are not starting from the bottom of the curve, but we know things are a lot bigger and there are a lot more offerings to consider on the other side. I need to know what questions to ask when I come back to the DIS for specific trip advice, thanks for any input.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We've been to WDW MANY times, even got married there. But it has been about 6 years since our last trip. We picked up the Birnbaum Guides 2014 WDW book. There's a new/updated one every year. It's pretty good.

 

[erddig]

Passporter. A great book with tons of practical advice find info at passporter.com

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[NEDisneyFans]

PassPorter -- the WDW version is updated every year.

We've been using it since 2004.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Thanks-Sounds like Passporter will be my starting point.

 

[queenofthehive]

My favorite is the Unofficial Guide to WDW. The book is huge but has so much great information. I have purchased a Passporter in the past but I have about 5 Unofficial Guides. Just so much more information and it does not "sugar coat" things. It gives great advice.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Good to know-I like an objective view point.

 

[melissaehrlich]

I, as well, have a few copies of The Unofficial Guide to WDW, with children, and the Illustrated guide. Even if we don't have a trip planned, I buy the books

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Since this is our first trip to WDW, I might be buying several guidebooks to pour over. Then I will start jotting down all of the questions for the DIS to get the current schools of thought. So many questions floating in my head right now and I am like 550 days out!

 

[purple figment]

I would start by going to a bookstore or library and look through what they have. I know you post down on the DL board so I would look through the Birnbaum and Unofficial Guides for DL to see if either of those mirror your feelings because the DW guides are written in the same style/point of view. Two others that I've used are Passporter and The Complete Walt Disney World by Julie and Mike Neal (this one has lots of photos). These are the 4 that I have found consistently to be the most useful. I don't know if the 2014 editions of any of these have been published yet. Two that I haven't used much are Frommer's and Fodors.

 

[queenofthehive]

Podcasts are also great to learn from. My favorites are wdw today, dis unplugged and mouse chat.

 

[Rekenna]

As referenced by 'purple figment' The Complete Walt Disney World by the Neals has great pics. However, I don't believe they have published an edition for 2013 or 2014? I too would suggest your library, I never cease to be amazed at the selection of travel books at our library. Birnbaum is my second choice. OT- the Birnbaum for Kids makes a great gift for kids going to WDW, a tried and true winner in my experience.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Good call on the library, good day to curl up with a book as we are finally getting some real rain in Northern Cal.

 

[PinkBudgie]

We are planning our first trip to WDW this summer. I got the Unofficial Guide on my Kindle. Figured it is easy to take with me and with the Kindle app I can also access it in the parks. I also got Birnbaum in book for Christmas.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I'm an Unofficial Guide fan, so count this as a vote for that book.

The authors of that book also maintain the touringplans.com website, which is my main guide to choosing vacation dates and planning which parks on which days and is now our main guide for scheduling fastpass+ times.

 

[Elk Grove Chris]

Is touringplans fairly accurate for WDW?

 

[GenieCat]

Another Unofficial Guide fan, here. In years past, they have released second edition sometime in February. The authors Bob and Len used to hang around on the DIS but have not seen them here recently to inquire.

Just wanted to give a to OP from a former Californian. My home town is Galt, just a few miles south of EG.

 

[dissupermom]

I love the "unofficial guide" and the "idiots guide to WDW". instead of actually buying all the books, if you have a Barnes and noble in your area, grab a few and a latte and read them!!! it's free and relaxing!!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Passporter is currently 15% off and ships for free.

Lots of info and park maps.

 

[pooh2001]

Unofficial guide for great advice and Birbaum for the great pictures in color