Birnbaums book

[dorisdvu]

I've heard that this book is a must. I'm going to DW March 2004. When does the 2004 edition come out? Should I buy the 2003 or wait?

 

[Floundering Crab]

I always buy the new Birnbaum's Official Guide when it comes out--usually late fall. But now I'm also hooked on my Passporter. When I brought in my "deluxe, leatherbound, handy-dandy edition," I sold three others on it. Can't beat Birnbaum's for pix (and info--they're pretty thorough), but Passporter is quite the organizer. Love them both.

 

[halfway there]

I wholeheartedly agree. I have both as well and have been a faithful Birnbaum's reader for years. I believe 2004 will be out in Oct so it may pay to wait since you have some time.

 

[cfewell]

If you cant stand to wait, you usually can find an older addition in the library or a used one on Ebay.

I like to have two copies in the house, just in case DH is reading one at the same time I want to read. Even if they are different years most of the information is the same.

 

[solotraveler]

I believe last I heard it was coming out in October. It is already available for preorder from Amazon...

Hope this helps!
Solotraveler

 

[dorisdvu]

Originally posted by solotraveler
I believe last I heard it was coming out in October. It is already available for preorder from Amazon...

Hope this helps!
Solotraveler

Great!! Thanks for the info. Is the book for kids worth buying? The kids are 7 and 4.

 

[myboysmom]

Yes, it is worth it.

We bought one when we went for Christmas 2002. I wasn't so sure I would like it, but it was very helpful. It also has coupons in the back that can be used for discounts.

They also make one just for kids by kids. I don't have that one, but may this time. I am waiting for the 2004 one too.

In 2002 we took a 9 year old, a 6 year old, and two 4 year olds. Had great info on the rides and the things to see and do.

 

[disneyatl]

Just as an FYI......The Unofficial Guide to Disney 2004 is out now if you want it.

 

[Danemom]

I just bought the kids' Birnbaum guide from bookcloseouts.com for $3.99 (I think). I think they'll really enjoy reading it on the ride.

 

[Melann]

I bought the book (03 edition) when I started planning my trip, and I will buy the 04 edition too! It is a great book, lots of info and tips included!

 

[lasmickey]

FYI ~ Birnbaum's Official "2004" book is now available in most bookstores! Just got mine this weekend!

 

[girlsx2]

Just as a heads up...last week I went to the mall and our Disney Store had the 2003 versions for 75% off!!! They had Disney World, Disneyland and Disney World for Kids. I just couldn't pass them up. This could definately get you started.


sherri

 

[indyanna]

I prefer the Unofficial Guide or Passporters because they are so much more detailed. Just depends upon how much information you want, and how many details you want to plan ahead.

 

[JadeTiger]

I might be a wee bit obsessive.

I first bought the

04 Unofficial guide
It has tons of information, and is so thick. It is divided into easy to follow sections.

Then I bought the
03-04 Pasporter
It is a little thinner, and has somewhat easier to find information. It seems to be a little like the Cliff notes version, of the unofficial guide. I like the fact that it has pockets to put your paperwork, and write your flight information and res. #, and PS.

Then I got the Official 04 Burnbaum's Walt Disney World guide.
I like the fact that it has so many color pictures throughout the book.

I have never been to Disney as an adult, so I am trying to gain as much information as I can. My husband never likes to travel, so I want it to be an awsome trip, so that he may be interested in more vacations

I think that all the books are great. The unofficial guide is probably less biased than the other two books.

The Passporter is keeping me organized, with its planner type section and pockets.

The official guide is nice, and I love the pictures, but I probably didn't need it. I haven't seen one negative comment on anything in the book yet, which is probably why it is the OFFICIAL Guide.

These are just a few of my observations about the books. I can't wait to go ... January...... I will be reading all of the books more than once.

 

[halfway there]

Originally posted by lasmickey
FYI ~ Birnbaum's Official "2004" book is now available in most bookstores! Just got mine this weekend!

Ah! Thanks for the heads up! I've been trying to restrain myself from buying the 2003 version (it looks so interesting!). I finally broke down and purchased Walt Disney World with Kids by Kim Wright Wiley which is also good. Now I can run out and get Birnbaum's 2004 this week too!!

Who's obsessive??

 

[ncbyrne]

My next trip is May 2004. I can buy the 2003 passporter now, but the 2004 wont' be out until January. Does it matter? Will I need the updated version?

 

[halfway there]

I would say no, especially if you're itching to start planning now.
I bought my 2002 Passporter in March of 2002 and it has served me well for the past year and a half. They have the best layouts of the resorts I've seen, other than actually getting a map at check in. If you want to know where to request a room that's the easiest way to find out. Also, I believe you can check their website for updates.

I usually only buy a new book every 3 years or so or when something new comes out that I want to read about like Mission Space and Pop Century (Passporter's 2002 had an excellent layout of this resort despite it's delayed opening). The 2004 books will have the most up to date info on things like that. However, there are so many good choices out there that it seems I may start buying them sooner and closer together with two in the same year even. For shame!

 

[SnackyStacky]

I agree with JadeTiger!

I think what you're looking for out of a guidebook determines which one you should get.

If you want the best photographs, and good attraction descriptions, definitely get the Birnbaum's. It can't be beat for photographs.

If you want the best planning aid, get the passporter. The pockets in the back, and the charts to write down Priority Seatings, and confirmation numbers is the best.

If you want the best information, the unofficial guide is the best.

If you can afford it, get all three. If you want the two best planning aids, I'd say the Passporter and the Unofficial Guide.

 

[megrod74]

I personally don't think this book is a must - I much prefer either the Passporter or the Unofficial. But that's just my opinion. I think of Birnbaum's more as a souvie type book. It's just so plainly biased.

 

[goofygreb]

I was at Barnes and Noble this evening and saw the 2004 edition was on the shelf. I really enjoy this book, and I usually buy a new copy every year. I can't help it, I just can't seem to get enough Disney!!
I also buy several other Disney Guide books to get different opinions and idea's. Even though we've been to Disney World several times it always amazes me that I will learn something every time I read a new book.
For me half the fun is planning the vacation, and it's a lot more fun when I have as many resources as I can find!!

Have fun planning!