Birnbaum’s Question

[Djm_in_buffalo]

After a more than 25 year gap between WDW visits, it will now be an approximately 2 year gap; went February 2024 and going in February 2026.

In looking at my Amazon order history, I see that on July 26, 2023 I ordered the 2024 edition of Birnbaum’s, which was fulfilled on September 18, 2023.

Now, when I look to order the 2026 version, I see that they’re currently taking preorders for the “2025-2026” version, to be fulfilled in early October 2025.

Have they switched to this sort of format? I thought their multi-year publications (‘23-‘24, ‘24-‘25, etc.) were essentially meant as a bridge for those going late in the calendar year.

Based on how they’re currently selling, doesn’t seem there will be a ‘26 version for February 2026?

 

[_19disnA]

Not familiar with that particular publication, but I have to assume virtually anything published about how to experience Disney is out of date by the time it hits shelves. With so many online resources frequently updated to the latest practices, I would look there instead of buying some sort of travel book.

If you have been to Disney before, you probably already know your favorite park(s), rides/shows and restaurants. None of those change that often. Someone who is going to Disney for the first time likely won't know their preferences until they actually experience it for themselves.

 

[crisi]

Not familiar with that particular publication, but I have to assume virtually anything published about how to experience Disney is out of date by the time it hits shelves. With so many online resources frequently updated to the latest practices, I would look there instead of buying some sort of travel book.

If you have been to Disney before, you probably already know your favorite park(s), rides/shows and restaurants. None of those change that often. Someone who is going to Disney for the first time likely won't know their preferences until they actually experience it for themselves.

Birnbaums is the official Disney guide - its been around for at least 40 years. I like it far better than the online information because online information is disjointed and only as accurate as the person giving it. Disney's own site is HORRIBLE for actual information.

I always give it to first timers who are going with us. I tell them things can change between publication and travel, but it doesn't change that much over a year - and Birnbaums - as officially Disney - often knows about changes as they go to print. As Disney's official guide, everything is magical - but it does provide fairly good - although rose colored - descriptions of attractions.

As to the actual question, my few old Birnbaums (which goes back to the 1980s) is a year date, not a two year date. So if they are doing a "2025-2026" that is a change and looks like as of this year. I currently have the 2025 version sitting on my coffee table (checked out from the library). I'm planning a trip after a seven year break from WDW. It has a 2024 pub date, and the 2025-2026 version will get released in October of 2025. I'll note the changes, look up the latest version of "lightning lane" or whatever they are calling it by the time my trip comes plus anything else important, and have more information fast then if I researched the whole thing on the internet.

 

[GoingSince1990]

Wow, Birnbaum, that is a blast from the past! I switched from Birnbaum to the Unofficial Guide in 1992!

 

[Simba's Mom]

After a more than 25 year gap between WDW visits, it will now be an approximately 2 year gap; went February 2024 and going in February 2026.

In looking at my Amazon order history, I see that on July 26, 2023 I ordered the 2024 edition of Birnbaum’s, which was fulfilled on September 18, 2023.

Now, when I look to order the 2026 version, I see that they’re currently taking preorders for the “2025-2026” version, to be fulfilled in early October 2025.

Have they switched to this sort of format? I thought their multi-year publications (‘23-‘24, ‘24-‘25, etc.) were essentially meant as a bridge for those going late in the calendar year.

Based on how they’re currently selling, doesn’t seem there will be a ‘26 version for February 2026?

I've been reading Birnbaum for about 35 years, the new one every year. I never heard of "multi-year publications", at least not since 1992. I'm pretty sure they published a "new" one every year, in the fall. So the one for 2026 will be published in October of 2025. Every year my DGDs (since 2010) have given me the newest one for Christmas, so I predict I'll get the newest (2026) for Christmas in 2025. As I always say, Birnbaum loves everything- Unofficial Guide hates everything so I have to read both and form an opinion!