Birnbaum's vs. The Unofficial Guide...

[6loversofdisney]

I need to buy one of these to help me plan our next trip. Which doyou prefer and why?

 

[PinkBudgie]

I've never been so I got both. But the UOG has more detailed info so I'd pick that one if I could only pick one.

 

[6loversofdisney]

I've never been so I got both. But the UOG has more detailed info so I'd pick that one if I could only pick one.

Hahah Good point!!!! Thanks Pink!!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

Check your local library. Ours has copies of both so I was able to check them out and determine which I liked better. I am a Birnbaum's fan. UG is too commando for me and my touring style.

 

[lizabean]

you wont find any negative things in burnbaums .the others dont have the pictures,dis keeps a close lid on. the unofficials also tell you to skip this or that,thats your choice

 

[mom2faith]

Unofficial for me - I use their guides for all my trips (Not just Disney) and lend them to my friends.

Also, for my first trip I LOVED Passporter - the one with all the pockets, etc.

 

[HM]

When I was first planning trips, I got them both from the library to read. They were so different but both had great information.

 

[Just2DisneyKids]

I need to buy one of these to help me plan our next trip. Which doyou prefer and why?

Love Unofficial Guide here. They tell it like it is and give tons of good information and tips besides the basics. Birnbaum is a bit too "fluffy", almost like Disney writes it.

 

[ErinTwinmom]

So I like unofficial for grown ups and birnbaums for kids but depending on when you are going I would wait till augest to buy when the 2015 comes out. Because both books publish so early the current versions are out of date for fp, fp+ and touring.

 

[waffles77]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide. There are a lot of good tips and encompasses almost everything there. It's also a more humorous read which can be more entertaining.

Birnbaums is more informational, but I didn't find it as good for planning.

 

[HM]

I know you didn't ask about other book resources, but I'd also take a look at the Passporter Guide Book. Really great concept, with all sorts of useful information and they keep it updated with changes online. (Plus you can use it to store all your paperwork and review your days in the parks in the Passpockets).

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

I read both before my first family trip. Unofficial Guide wins hands down. It has so much more information, tips and details. I really felt prepared after reading it. The other guides are just short reviews in my opinion.

 

[6loversofdisney]

Check your local library. Ours has copies of both so I was able to check them out and determine which I liked better. I am a Birnbaum's fan. UG is too commando for me and my touring style.

I am so thankful you posted this! I always forget about checking the library first. That way, I can compare first. I've only ever bought Birnbaum's. I really use it to help give me my fix before I actually go!

I see you go back in 72 days and haven't been to the world in 7 years so GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a blessed time and safe travels!!!

 

[Muddypaws]

Keep in mind that the Birnbaum Disney edition is published by Disney. It is slick, easy to read and has lots of good information, but it is most definitely biased.

 

[Jrsy Boy]

I am so thankful you posted this! I always forget about checking the library first. That way, I can compare first. I've only ever bought Birnbaum's. I really use it to help give me my fix before I actually go!

I see you go back in 72 days and haven't been to the world in 7 years so GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a blessed time and safe travels!!!

Glad I could help and thanks for the I'm definitely feeling like I'm in the minority here but, since it has been so long since my last trip, I picked up the latest Birnbaum's mainly to see what has changed.

 

[jeffbear]

Keep in mind that the Birnbaum Disney edition is published by Disney. It is slick, easy to read and has lots of good information, but it is most definitely biased.

I would describe it as "relentlessly positive" as opposed to "biased." It's still useful, but worth noting that it's the "official" guide. The Unofficial Guide takes great pains to publish information based on reader feedback and thus it's a little more open minded about negatives ... with the caveat that the input is largely coming from hard core Disney fans and thus even their feedback skews a little to the positive side.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

For a first-time visitor, I would actually suggest using the Passporter guide. It is really designed to hold your hand through the entire vacation.

For my family, we tour commando-style, and the Unofficial Guide series works well for us. Their restaurant reviews are bang on.

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with Birnbaum, but it's not detailed or critical enough for my family's needs. I have a cousin who loved using it for her large family visit.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Check your local library. Ours has copies of both so I was able to check them out and determine which I liked better. I am a Birnbaum's fan. UG is too commando for me and my touring style.

Keep in mind that for your actual trip, you really should use the most current guide. I'm not sure about Birnbaum, but UG is updated in January and August each year.

 

[bumbershoot]

I read the absolute latest guides I can get my hands on at the library.

And I buy the Passporter. Now I just buy the looseleaf refill, as I have the fancypants fake-leather refillable deluxe edition.

Birnbaum is a bit too "fluffy", almost like Disney writes it.

Almost like it's the official, sanctioned by Disney, book or something.

Keep in mind that for your actual trip, you really should use the most current guide. I'm not sure about Birnbaum, but UG is updated in January and August each year.

I don't think they publish twice a year. Just looking at amazon (from their link so it's as official as can be) it's published each August-October. They have other guides, like the color companion and the "for kids" editions, etc, but the plain old WDW UO guide tends to be late summer early fall release each year.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have Birnbaums, the UnOffficial Guide, and the PassPorter. My favorite? PassPorter. Birnbaums is fine, but it spews pixie dust when you open it! It is, after all, the 'official' guidebook for Disney. The unOfficial Guide is fine and has a ton of good info. But it is cumbersome for first timers. PassPorter is a nice middle ground. It has some great photos, nod all the info you will ever need. There are handy dandy pages in the back where you can plug in all your trip info. Then, there's a spot for recording each days' happenings.....so nice to sit and read years down the road!
I would really recommend the PassPorter.