Birnbaums, Passporter or Unofficial?

[Dis2times]

Not sure where to post this...

DH is about to order one of the three for me with an Amazon gc. I can't decide which one I'd like. I'm sure dh would prefer the Unofficial, as he is not a Disneynut by nature. He wants the real skinny, given straight.

I have read reviews that while the Unofficial is unbiased, it is unnecessarily negative. Recall that I am the one who was concerned about negative reports about CMs. I am one to worry far too much. I want to be as prepared as possible for contingencies, but at the same time, a particularly negative outlook can change my experience entirely. I read one excerpt of the Unofficial that was about shows at WDW. While mentioning that there isn't a bad seat in any WDW theatre, it went on to list all of the horribly inconsiderate things other guests will do during shows. I didn't think any of the advice was particularly helpful, or even advice at all, and I got the feeling that flash photos taken during a 3D show are much more rare than the book made it seem.

I'm rambling now, but I still can't decide which book. Is it possibly to read the Unofficial guide and not come away from it anxious and overly concerned with contingencies? Also, which is the most up-to-date book? I know they were both just released for 2005, but I also know some series are better than others with keeping information as current as possible as of press time.

Thanks for the help. I had taken a few weeks off from planning after I paid for almost everything, and after a bad day yesterday, i think some Mouse planning is exactly what I need!

Lisa

 

[Stitch Inside]

You won't be disappointed in the Passporter. The pockets alone make it the best.

 

[dznyntnh]

I never really cared for the unofficial guide, it is rather negative.

For information, I would prefer Brinbaum's (already got 2005s), but for the fun of planning, I really liked the Passporter with all its areas to plan and keep notes, it made planning the trip fun.

 

[ducklite]

The Passporter with it's Passpockets is by far the best. When things change they post updated pages on their web site that you can dowload and print out!

They are by far teh most realistic as far as their comments. The Unoffical guide tends to be sarcastic and negative, while Birnbuams is sugar coated. Passporter is factual, and even when they have a negative comment, they take a "just the facts ma'am" approach to it.

Anne

 

[bballmom56]

Is it possibly to read the Unofficial guide and not come away from it anxious and overly concerned with contingencies? Lisa

I used the UG almost exclusively (with a lot of help from these boards!) when planning our trip last year. It was like going for the first time as we hadn't been there in 11 years and things had changed a lot!

I felt the UG really prepared me for all the different possibilities. I wasn't anxious or nervous, I was prepared. I had read Birnbaums books and enjoyed them, but they only give you the positive. You know there has to be more to it than that when dealing with such a large operation. We didn't use any particular touring plan, we just took the tips and hints that worked into our plans and they really optimized the trip. We never waited more than 20 minutes at an attraction, we were able to eat wherever we wanted, and we enjoyed a morning at Typhoon Lagoon and left before it got so crowded, they closed it! And we did this at the end of June when the crowds were getting pretty heavy. You just have to know how to do it and I felt the UG and the DIS boards had me very well prepared.

I understand the UG is coming out with an updated 2005 version, including the new MYW admissions. I plan to get it as soon as I can!

Enjoy the planning! That's half the fun!

 

[Twigs]

I would suggest going to your local library and taking out all three, they each have their own style, and then you can decide which book is right for you. I am a big fan of the unofficial guide, I have seen the passposrter and it is good too, but I personally would not use the pockets. I like Birnbaums too, but usually just take that out of the library to see what is new in it before a trip.

 

[TXTink]

I like them all...and get them every time we go, I figure for what I am spending on the vacation, I don't mind buying a book or two!

Here is how I see them:

Birnbaum's is the "prettiest"! I love the pictures and the cheery way they describe everything. Maybe not that forthcoming, but a "must have" for me.

Unofficial Guide: The most information given in a very blunt manner. The real meat and potatoes for planning. I take the reviews of the restaurants with a grain of salt, we love the Disney restaurants. A "must have" for me.

Passporter: A very cute book, and a good souvenir for after the trip. A good place to keep all your trip information.

 

[Dis2times]

I would suggest going to your local library and taking out all three, they each have their own style, and then you can decide which book is right for you. I am a big fan of the unofficial guide, I have seen the passposrter and it is good too, but I personally would not use the pockets. I like Birnbaums too, but usually just take that out of the library to see what is new in it before a trip.

I only found the 2003 UG off all three books in our local library . Our library system is TERRIBLE!

Lisa

 

[sters]

Passporter for info, Birnbaums for pictures. Get both.

 

[amwhitaker]

Hey thanks for all the input. I didn't think about going to the library to check them out. I had planned on buying one or even all of them. I just ordered Anonda's stuff, it should be here in a few weeks.

 

[tigefan]

I have all three and I love, love, love the Unofficial Guide. I'm an information junkie & it definitely satisfies my addiction. If you choose this book, make sure you get the updated 2005 edition with the Magic Your Way info.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

The UG was the first Disney guidebook I read last winter (cover-to-cover). Lots of information in it and I often enjoyed the excerpts from readers, but I must say, it did stress me out. I was absolutely sure I'd make all the "mistakes", despite being armed with info (you know, get the "wrong room", pick the "wrong line", pay too much, etc.)

My DH ordered the Passporter for me as a BD gift a few weeks later. I was thinking I didn't need to read another book, but I was wrong! Absolutely love my Passporter and I still reference it regularly even though I'm not actively planning a trip! The maps and descriptions are terrific... lots of useful, easy-to-find info, and somehow I found it less stressful to read.

I'm glad I read both and think that having different points of view is great. But since you said you tend to be a worrier, just thought I'd mention my experience. Strange to think that a book could stress a person out, but it did me! Good luck with your choice...

 

[dtsaos]

I agree with TXTink. All 3 are very good in their own ways and getting all 3 would probably satisfy both you and your hubby.

 

[ElizabethB]

We like Walt Disney World for Couples and Families by the Permutters (husband and wife team). Great ideas for romance at WDW even with kids.

 

[Mandy_in_NC]

I like them all...and get them every time we go, I figure for what I am spending on the vacation, I don't mind buying a book or two!

Here is how I see them:

Birnbaum's is the "prettiest"! I love the pictures and the cheery way they describe everything. Maybe not that forthcoming, but a "must have" for me.

Unofficial Guide: The most information given in a very blunt manner. The real meat and potatoes for planning. I take the reviews of the restaurants with a grain of salt, we love the Disney restaurants. A "must have" for me.

Passporter: A very cute book, and a good souvenir for after the trip. A good place to keep all your trip information.

I agree. I have all 3 books and also have the Birbaum's for kids book. My favorites are the Unofficial Guide because it gives the good with the bad and I love the Passporter because it will help me be organized.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Though the unofficial is a good guide and it is nice to get an unbiased opinion, I prefer the Passporter. It gives good tips and advice and it is a lot of fun to plan with.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I would say Passporter... But I'm one of those people that has to have all three