Book Travel Guide Suggestions?

[Binkrin]

I have seen people suggest the Disney Passporter, but is that for more planning your trip? We already have the trip planned and are leaving in less than a month ( woo hoo! ), so I was just wondering if the Passporter would still be good for us? We are just looking for something to give us some good information that we can carry with us.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[chr1972]

I too have already planned out our Sept trip but purchased the Passporter after all my planning. I like the book. It was places to write down your plans and confirmation numbers. There are pockets for receipts and places to journal your trip It also has great information about the attractions and restaurants.

 

[goofiecrazy]

We always use the Birbaum book for disney.

 

[clonetothebone]

I love The Unofficial Guide to WDW We refer to it at the Disney Bible around our house. He tells it like it is without sugar coating it.

 

[wdwguide]

I am not 100% up-to-date on the guide books, but as of a couple of years ago the Unofficial Guide as well as the Passporter were HUGELY improved and very usable compared to years past (especially the Unofficial Guide, which had a lot of outdated info in it at one point).

 

[Bangerang]

I like the Delux Passporter for carrying around the parks. The Deluxe has a ring binder with loose leaf pages. If this is your one and only trip to WDW then buy just the refill kit along with binder rings from an office supply store. Before our trip I rearrange the pages based on our touring schedule. When we go to the parks, I only take the pocket organizer and park of the day pages (map, ride info, restuarants, etc) held together by more binder rings and carried in a zip lock bag. The rest of the pages stay together in the room ready for the next day. It not only keeps you from hauling way more than you need to but the zip lock bag is a convient place to store a pen, additional maps, small mementos, receipts, etc. The pocket organizer is a great place to record reservation numbers, parade times, etc. and is easy to refer to while still in the zip lock bag. At the end of the day, I fill in the rest of the schedule and info on the back to use for scrapbooking back home.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

I like the Delux Passporter for carrying around the parks. The Deluxe has a ring binder with loose leaf pages. If this is your one and only trip to WDW then buy just the refill kit along with binder rings from an office supply store. Before our trip I rearrange the pages based on our touring schedule. When we go to the parks, I only take the pocket organizer and park of the day pages (map, ride info, restuarants, etc) held together by more binder rings and carried in a zip lock bag. The rest of the pages stay together in the room ready for the next day. It not only keeps you from hauling way more than you need to but the zip lock bag is a convient place to store a pen, additional maps, small mementos, receipts, etc. The pocket organizer is a great place to record reservation numbers, parade times, etc. and is easy to refer to while still in the zip lock bag. At the end of the day, I fill in the rest of the schedule and info on the back to use for scrapbooking back home.

Please explain the "Zip Lock Bag" part... Is it because the book could become wet and then smudge or get ruined...? Just curious.

 

[MJMcBride]

I always get the guidebooks before going to Disney. I usually get the new Passporter and Unofficial Guide. Even though the information is often repetative, I enjoy reading. It gets me psyched for the trip.

 

[momrek06]

I am a PASSPORTER fan for sure. DH & I have BOTH. The Passporter for the DCL Cruises and for WDW!!!

They are awesome! I have been buying and reading WDW manuals for YEARS!!!

I never found anything as thorough as the Passporter. That family does NOT miss anything at all.

 

[Acorn Clubbers]

Where do you get the Passporter?

 

[smjj]

We stopped buying Birbaums several years ago. It does have some very nice and colorful pictures but it was just a big Disney commercial. It was to pro-Disney and did not tell you what you needed like the Unofficial Guide does. Its was just to sugar coated for us. Having said that, we have not bought the Unoffical guide the last couple of years either. We go so often now and we are able to get so much info online, we just don't feel the need...smjj

 

[Goofy Rulz]

I purchased a few guide books and subscribed to Tourguidemike. But what I find helpful w/Passporter are the pages which allow you to mark down your confirmation numbers, store your tickets and keep track of your spending. You can remove these pages from the book and carry the necessary page for that day of touring. As for the content of the book, it also gives you a reminder of everything to pack before your leave (a check list). It isn't just about touring suggestions. I'm glad I purchased it and can't wait to put it to use in a few months.

 

[NancyIL]

I bought a new Birnbaum and Passporter this year, then gave my Passporter away to a friend who appreciated it more than I did. Instead - I subscribed to Tour Guide Mike's service for $18.95 (after $3 discount) for my trip last week to get another perspective, and it was well worth the money.

 

[MAGGIED]

Another vote here for Tourguidemike...I would suggest subscribing and looking thru his website...printing out articles that would be helpful to you and bring those along to read. Also take advantage of his advice on which parks to go to on what days and his touring plans. Have a great trip!

 

[Bangerang]

Please explain the "Zip Lock Bag" part... Is it because the book could become wet and then smudge or get ruined...? Just curious.

Between water rides and rain showers, it is likely something will get wet unless you are carrying a waterproof backpack or other type of bag. Since we are still in our "stroller years", I prefer zip lock bags for keeping things dry and storing them in the basket stroller. The zip lock bag also keeps loose paper from falling out and getting lost.

 

[jillyjoey]

I love The Unofficial Guide to WDW We refer to it at the Disney Bible around our house. He tells it like it is without sugar coating it.

DITTO. I also agree with the comments that Birnbaum's is a bid Disney commercial -- although I admit I have it and enjoy it nonetheless. I bought my kids the Birnbaum's Disney for Kids and they love it -- it provides places for them to record trip memories. I thought this purchase was worthwhile. I am thinking about Birnbaum's Dining Guide to Disney? Is this worth buying?

 

[Anna114]

The passporter for me is a great help. It really does help with the planning of a trip. I use it to write down my ADR's, what park I'm going to what day, I've noted the EMH rides that are open on what days. While you certainly do not need a passporter ( a piece of paper and pen will get the job done) I like the book. I don't carry it with me during the parks, though. I keep it in the room for reference. Also, this year, I'm going to save my food receipts to figure out, if next time, it would pay for us to get the Dis. Dining. The passporter has pockets in the pages to save receipts and such. I also like to read the passporter just before going away and checking off those rides are a MUST do, a TRY to do and the NO WAY rides.

Have a magical day,
Anna

 

[chr1972]

Where do you get the Passporter?

I ordered mine from Amazon.com.

 

[Anna114]

I got mine from www.passporter.com

Have a magical day,
Anna

 

[Dustmouse]

I have the Unofficial Guide and Passporter. They are both great, but I think the PassPorter might suit you best since you already have your itinerary set. There are worksheets, planning pockets and great color maps that can be removed. (The original version is spiral bound so you have to tear out the pages.) The whole thing is like a souvenir diary. I think it's cool!