Birnbaum's vs. The Unofficial Guide...

[shell8558]

I have the unofficial guide - actually two of them. 2007 and 2010 versions . I agree that you should check your library for recent versions of all the books to see what you like . I think the passporter is also nicely done . The last one I looked at had pockets - which was a great idea.

 

[Winnowill]

I'm overplanning, clearly, but I have the 2014 versions of all, since this is our first REAL trip to WDW (we hit the MK one day in 2012 pre-DCL, but that doesn't really count). Last year, when we went to DLR, I bought the Birnbaum guide. And I liked it. So, planning this trip, I bought the Birnbaum for WDW and it didn't have as much information as I wanted, and nothing at all about MB, FP+, or any of the new changes. So, since we are travelling with a small child, I got the UG for going with kids. LOVE IT. So informative, and helpful, especially with advice on planning and packing. Then I figured I'd get the full-on Unofficial Guide since the Kids version was so useful. Got to B&N and saw it AND the Passporter. I couldn't decide. I bought them both.

Right now, though I haven't had a chance to read either the full UG or the Passporter, Birnbaum has fallen to the bottom of the pack. Its saving grace is that it's going to be easier to stick in my totebag and bring to the parks with me for quick reference - the others are a little too bulky.

 

[ShelliRenee]

I have two of them as well. I just bought the newest one for planning my upcoming trip because I wanted information on all the changes (FP+ and MB). I was disappointed that there was hardly any information given. However, I love the guide. It not only tells you what is good and bad with resorts/restaurants but also has tips.

So, all this being said, you can get an older copy of the book from your library or used book store and will get almost as much information as buying a new one and save a little money for souvenirs.

Hope you have a Magical Trip!

 

[Micca]

As an old-timer, I used to buy every Disney tour book, every year. I ended up buying the UOG exclusively. I must say that with all the online resources I think a book is superfluous and outdated the moment it gets printed.

If one needs a physical book, I'd definitely recommend the UOG.

 

[mcd2745]

For a first-timer (or perhaps someone returning after a long layoff), I say go with both. Read Birnbaums first. It is a quick easy read, with lots of pictures. Yes it is a 100% pro-Disney point of view, but that's okay. It gives a good "base" though. Then after you have a good idea of the basics, move on to the Unofficial Guide to get better details and the more objective slant.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

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.

Yes, they publish the next year edition in August of every year. But they also do an incremental update early in the new year which addresses some of the things the writing team had to guess at back in August. The mid-year updated versions go to stores whose UG stocks are depleted, as well as all ebook versions. I couldn't find a written reference, but I recall the co-author, Len Testa, discussing the update schedules on the WDW Today podcasts. Len is active on the Touring Plans web site as well as these forums, if anyone wants to pester him directly. (He's responded to about 1/3 of my stupid questions.)

The Passporter team is much smaller and their annual release is a big deal. They also tend to blow out old editions at a steep discount in the weeks before a new edition is released. You can find out more details by checking out their website or following the "Passporter Moms Podcast".

 

[sonofanarchy]

Birnbaum is easier to read, but doesn't give you honest, helpful information. Unofficial has a lot of stuff to skip over but is much more useful in trip planning.

 

[sonofanarchy]

Yes, they publish the next year edition in August of every year. But they also do an incremental update early in the new year which addresses some of the things the writing team had to guess at back in August. The mid-year updated versions go to stores whose UG stocks are depleted, as well as all ebook versions. I couldn't find a written reference, but I recall the co-author, Len Testa, discussing the update schedules on the WDW Today podcasts. Len is active on the Touring Plans web site as well as these forums, if anyone wants to pester him directly. (He's responded to about 1/3 of my stupid questions.)

The Passporter team is much smaller and their annual release is a big deal. They also tend to blow out old editions at a steep discount in the weeks before a new edition is released. You can find out more details by checking out their website or following the "Passporter Moms Podcast".

The problem with Passporter is the readers info hasn't been updated in years. The feedback section is the same in 2013 as it was in 2007, at least for the resorts.

 

[6loversofdisney]

I checked out the library and while what they have is extremely outdated, at least it gives me an idea of what these books are like. I've only ever used Birnbaum's and I do love it for the Disney 'fix' that I need prior to traveling. However, I do think I might try the UOG because it seems to have a lot more info in it that is more like what a real person would write. Not just giving you what Disney wants you to know.

Thanks everyone!!!! Time to look on ebay

 

[PinkBudgie]

I checked out the library and while what they have is extremely outdated, at least it gives me an idea of what these books are like. I've only ever used Birnbaum's and I do love it for the Disney 'fix' that I need prior to traveling. However, I do think I might try the UOG because it seems to have a lot more info in it that is more like what a real person would write. Not just giving you what Disney wants you to know.

Thanks everyone!!!! Time to look on ebay

Yes, our library has only outdated tour books too. I actually have the Kindle version of UOG. I figured that way I could easily take it with me to the parks for quick reference. (on my Kindle app for itouch, or on Kindle for days when we bring our Kindle to the park)

 

[magrudersmakes3]

I have read both, but prefer the UO. I also liked that with getting the book, I got a subscription to touring plans at a discounted rate.