birnbaum or unofficial guide

[SnackyStacky]

I'm a bit amused at the assertion that the UG isn't biased.

I'm a bit amused at your assertion that it is.

We all have opinions, and I don't quite see why you feel that yours is more valid than someone else's.

 

[bicker]

And you're entitled that opinion too!

Seriously, let's keep it real, dawg: I haven't, and wouldn't, say that my opinion about the UG is more valid than anyone else's.

 

[boomhauer]

The Birnbaum Guide isn't very helpful in terms of tour planning. It's also very unobjective, and leaves certain attractions out. That being said, it's much easier to follow than the Unofficial Guide.

The UG, I don't think is overly negative. It just gives a more unbias opinion. It also gives readers comments, which is usueful. Not to sound smarter than the authors, but their touring plan doesn't help me much. What they suggest is the exact same thing I've already figured out.

The UG is better for someone who is familiar with Disney World. For someone unfamiliar, it's too much to take in, and poorly organized. For example, the same subject will appear in different chapters. Stuff like that annoys me.

 

[kaysmommie]

I have all 3 books. I like UG the best because it has the most information. Birnbaums is good if you don't want to drive yourself crazy planning every detail. I like passporter because I can plan my whole Itinerary in it. If I could pick only one it would be Passporter, as we have been to Disney enough that we know pretty much how to tour the parks.

 

[shasess]

I respectfully disagree with some of the other posts here. I think UG is hands down the best guide book and I don't find it biased at all. It does enjoy humor at Disney's expense but when they like something they let ya know it. Birnbaum's is a waste of money. The Passporter is good but doesn't contain nearly the info UG does.

I totally agree. I have both the UG and the Passporter. I do enjoy using the Passsporter and filling it with all my trip information but I have to say that the UG has alot of useful info in it that the Passporter does not have. I like the mix of positive and negative info that is in the UG. I dont thinks it's overly biased either way.

 

[SnackyStacky]

And you're entitled that opinion too!

Seriously, let's keep it real, dawg: I haven't, and wouldn't, say that my opinion about the UG is more valid than anyone else's.

Since this discussion between you and I has nothing to do with OP's question, this will be my final post on this topic.

But your choice of words speaks volumes. If you honestly didn't believe your opinion wasn't more valid than someone else's, a simple "I disagree" would have sufficed. Instead you chose to say that you found it amusing that someone could find it unbiased. That choice of words is condescending, patronizing, and flat out offensive.

And as I said, I'm done now. I have no further intention of hijacking this thread from the OP.

 

[DisneyShack]

I have found that the UG suited me the best.

 

[clonetothebone]

IMHUO(im my homest unbiased opinion)Unofficial Guide hands down.

 

[drewswife]

I would recommend Birnbaums for 1st timer & UG for others. I like reading the ops on UG. It can get bogged down sometimes but more comprehensive on resturants & rides.

 

[bicker]

That choice of words is condescending, patronizing, and flat out offensive.

I'm sorry you feel that way. It surely isn't why I choose my words the way I do.

Thanks for taking it offline though.

 

[missminniemouse]

We've been to WDW many times since Mk opened. DH and I have been there over 20 times since 1990.

I still buy Birnbaum's every year. There is plenty of valuable information in that book to justify it's annual purchase. I like to keep it on hand as an easy reference when someone asks me a question. It's well organized and easy to use. We've been to WDW often enough that "touring plans" aren't necessary...we make a general plan as to what days to spend in each park (and make ADR's accordingly), but don't plan minute by minute what we're going to do.

A friend of ours gave me the UG a number of years ago. I hated it! The information in it was so negative...it would turn anyone totally off of going to WDW at all. The restaurants were all given lousy reviews, while our experience has been quite the opposite. Again, I haven't seen a UG in a number of years, but that was my one experience with it.

Just got a Passporter for the first time. I think this is a great guide, especially for first timers. It presented a wealth of information in a very organized format. It was a fun read even for someone with a lot of WDW experience.

I've been finding the boards here one of the most useful tools around. When we were planning our Disney cruise for this past January, I got a lot of helpful information right here. Even though we had been on a Disney cruise before, this was still the place to find little tips and ideas that made the trip very enjoyable.

 

[MsLeFever]

I like the unofficial guide because I think it's funny! Maybe the debate about it is because of the sense of humour it has - a bit quirky and not for everyone apparently.

Take it off the shelf and flip through it - if you laugh buy it.

 

[kaysmommie]

I like the unofficial guide because I think it's funny! Maybe the debate about it is because of the sense of humour it has - a bit quirky and not for everyone apparently.

Take it off the shelf and flip through it - if you laugh buy it.

That is excellent advice!

 

[Gladys Kravitz]

This trip I'm trying something new- the Unofficial Guide. I've had Birmbaum's before but the UG really has me hooked. I've never been to WDW with a touring plan. I can't wait to see how it works.

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Of course, the DIS boards first but I would suggest TourGuideMike as another poster did too. I am planning my 2nd trip to WDW this August and I have subscribed to TGM and have read lots of cool ideas/tips already. It is a little confusing to start but there really is a lot out there and I hear he offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisifed. His least-crowded days charts specific to your trip and reason why are probably worth it alone (I know the UOG had these type charts too, not sure how people like them).

Good luck!

 

[myprinceandprincess]

Personally, I bought both this year for my upcoming trip. I definitely think the unofficial guide is better. There is more detailed information, and I don't think it's as biased as Birnbaum's. It does actually tell you some bad things!

 

[Carolc]

I own the 2004 edition of the UG. Is there a enough new/updated info in the 2006 version to make it worth it? Or, should I buy a different book this time, like the Passporter instead?

 

[disneyfansx5]

I got Birnbaum's from our local library to see how well I liked it before buying it. To be honest, I don't think I'll buy this guide because I have been able to get so much valuable info. from this website that I did not find it very informative.

 

[DisneyDK]

I loved UG. Read it cover to cover and am still reading it. In the back of the book they have touring plans for each park that you can tear out and take with you.It was packed with information but DD enjoyed Birbaums. Not as much information but she enjoyed the pictures. I am very much an info junkie though, so am thinking of joining TGM.

 

[QueenT]

Ok, I read this thread backwards but it was interesting so I kept going (I seem to read a lot of threads that way lol).

I have only perused Birnbaum's in the bookstore, am on my 4th or 5th copy of UG, and just bought passporter this year.

Like one poster said, if UG doesn't make you laugh it is not for you. I like it because they base their restaurant reviews and crowd/line/when to go info on what appears to be better data, not just opinion. I am a data sort of girl.

I like Passporter because of the neat layout, and places to write things down (this is my first time so who knows if I will follow through and actually bring the pockets to the parks). One thing I don't like is that I will have to tear the thing up to actually use it as designed. What a way to build a market!

I never bought Birnbaums because it is a littly too syrupy for me.

I think they are UG and Birnbaums are the most biased (opposite directions of course). Passporter isn't exactly biased, but it is just some pretty random opinions. But as long as you understand that they ARE biased, they are still very useful.

I guess you could think of UG as the sarcastic encyclopedia , Passporter as your friendly and organized neighbor who visits WDW a lot , and Birnbaum's as a WDW advertisement .

Then there's the DIS, I have learned things here I have never seen anywhere else, this is my most valuable guide!