Birnbaums vs Passporter

[BeckWhy]

I've always gotten Birnbaums...but I saw a Passporters and it looked really fun. What do you suggest? I mean, what are the pros and cons of both?

Oh yeah, when will Passporters 2004 be released to stores?

 

[bigsis1970]

I had both for my 2001 trip and loved the equally - however on my 2002 & 2003 trips I only had Birnbaums No reason other then I got them as gifts so I never had to go to the bookstore . the only thing I can think of is that in 2001 we went for 15 days and there are only 10 pockets - that was kind of a bummer - but I kept a journal too .. For my 2004 trip I plan to get both again . I really did like the pocket Idea for holding tickets/slips of papers .

 

[Big V]

I bought Passporter last year and that's a good guide for WDW, but I bought the "Unofficial Guide to WDW 2004" a couple of weeks ago and I have to say they have A LOT of good information in there, on all of the Orlando area if you venture out of WDW!

 

[Melann]

I was in your position a few weeks ago! I originally had bought Birnbaum's when I first started planning Disney, and then discovered the PassPorter two months later. With much deliberation, and help from the Dis, I ordered my Passporter, and found it to be a great tool! I do scrapbooking, and I loved how they have the pockets/journal at the end for you to use. Also, the Paspporter provides space throughout the book as 'worksheets.'

 

[BeckWhy]

Does anyone know when Passporter 2004 will come out?

 

[Melann]

I believe you can pre order now on the Passporter site for delivery starting Jan 1st...definately visit their site www. passporter.com for more details.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Here's my analysis of the popular guidebooks:

Birnbaum's:
Pros:
*GREAT photos
*Good ride descriptions
*BEST park maps

Cons:
*They only give you the official line
*A little light on actual information

Passporter:
Pros:
*GREAT for planning
*Somewhat more info than Birnbaum's
*Lots of resort info (where to request rooms, etc....)
*Most up to date info (they keep updates on their website)

Cons:
*A little too "all-is-wonderful" approach - they don't give you too much
criticism
*Light on photos (supposedly the 2004 edition will have more)
*Better with information than Birnbaum, but still not as thorough as the Unofficial

The Unofficial Guide
Pros:
*VERY thorough information
*Gives information on off-property places as well (restuarants, hotels,
Universal Studios....)
*AMAZING touring plans
*Good maps (for driving...not the parks...)

Cons:
*NO pictures
*Some say it's overly negative....I think it gives both good and bad criticisms from both the writers, as well as the people that use it...other than those, I can't think of any cons


If you can, buy all three, but if I had to pick one, I would definitely reccomend the Unofficial guide over the others. But if I HAD to pick between the passporter, and birnbaum's? Passporter all the way.

 

[lentesta]

Thanks Dan!

I think we've addressed the "best room numbers" in the 2003 edition of the Unofficial Guide (I did the Yacht Club, and remind me to tell you the story about POR). Also, we keep updates to the book posted on the website. See my sig below for the URL. The most recent update was yesterday, but let me know if there's anything we've missed.

Thanks again!

Len

 

[kessieann]

Barnes and Nobles website has the 2004 Basic Passporter on pre-order and it releases on Dec. 15th. I am waiting for the Deluxe version and that also is on pre-order with a release date of Dec. 28th.

This will be my third book and that is mainly just because I am a mega planner and LOVE guide books. I really liked the Unoffical guide and far from finding it too negative I find it to be an honest look which is exactly what I want. This book has been super for planning (would love more info. on Sea World though) but it is too big to take along. Birnbaum's is very colorful and definitely gives you the rose colored glasses view. This one is a good size to bring along with us.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Kessie, there's a pocket size version available. I don't remember what it's called, but there is smaller version. (Unlike Len Testa, I'm in no way affiliated with the unofficial guide, I just love it!)

 

[lentesta]

Thanks Dan!

Don't forget the "Touring plan companion" pages in the '04 edition of the Unofficial Guide. They're designed to summarize everything about the attractions and restaurants in each park in just a few cut-out pages. The attraction information includes author ratings, ride restrictions, best times to ride and more. The restaurant information includes sample menu items, and ratings for quality and value. Let me know if you can't find 'em in your guide and I'll see what we can do!

Sincerely,

Len

 

[lknut01]

I have the 2004 Birnbaums and the 2004 unofficial guide. Definitely learned a lot more from the unofficial. Birnbaums is more of a picture book... but very nice for quick reference. I think a major negative on Birnbaums is that they only tell you the good stuff. The hardest decision for me was which resort. I still wish I could read more info on the resorts.

 

[BrerMama]

Oh yes, do buy them all. We had a family Christmas yesterday and I received Birnbaums and the Unofficial guide. I love the pics in Birnbaums for my kids (they also got the Kids version for Christmas). The Unofficial guide really helps me plan my days, although it's been several trips since I've actually used a touring plan religiously.

Passporter, however, is my idol. I believe that they expect the 2004 books to arrive any day now and that they will begin shipping after Christmas. I didn't order my deluxe Passporter from the site (because they charge your CC immediately for preorders, which bugs me) but from Amazon.com. I'm sure there's a link on this site you can use to order from Amazon and support the site. My deluxe preorder is scheduled to ship January 15, which is pretty close to what the Passporter authors are estimating. Why do I love Passporter? Because I'm an obsessive trip planner and insist on having all my information at my fingertips -- airline confirmation numbers, reservations confirmations, PS numbers, etc. Passporter gives me a place to put all these numbers within a very nice guidebook. I also adore the Passpockets in the back. In addition to providing a nice place to store all your receipts and other paper momentos, the schedules, budget worksheets and questions asked helped me not only write a nice trip report, but also create a scrapbook for my family that captures many of the little details that would otherwise be lost. I still have my Passporter from our 2000 trip and love to look at the notes I scribbled each night. It's truly a keepsake item.