Books

[honeybee8200]

I've seen suggestions spread out across the boards about which travel books people like. I would like to ask (since the 2009 editions will be out in the next couple months)...

Which one is your favorite to use?
Why?
Do you get more than one kind?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Aliceacc]

My favorite is the Unofficial Guide to WDW and the companion website, www.touringplans.com (Get the book first, then it gets you a discount on the website.)

You will find every little detail about your trip. They do the pros and cons of each of the onsite resorts, as well as a number of off site ones. They list travel times to each of the parks from each of the resorts. They give an overview of each table- and counter-service restaurant on the premises, as well as some of the off site ones.
- Once you've narrowed down your choices, take a look at the fact sheets and photos at www.allears.net

The website gives touring plans for just about every contigency. (girls ages 6-8, parents with young kids, teenagers, adults without kids, even a touring plan for people who don't want a touring plan.) I figure that if someone has info that can decrease my time waiting on lines, I would be crazy to totally ignore that advice.

As you might have guessed, there's a lot of info there-- it will take you some time to get through it all. I think they were WELL worth the money!! And my sister agrees. She got back from her first adult trip on Saturday, with her husband and 3 kids. She said "it's the Bible-- be sure to bring it along with you!!!"

 

[ToddyLu]

Our favorite is the Passporter, it was very straight forward and allowed me to get the info I needed. There are realy cool planning pages in the back which I use to plan our ADRs and to write down ticket #s. They highlight new info each year by using a different color type. The maps are really good also. Have fun planning

 

[ZoZo]

My favorite is the Unofficial Guide to WDW and the companion website, www.touringplans.com (Get the book first, then it gets you a discount on the website.)

You will find every little detail about your trip. They do the pros and cons of each of the onsite resorts, as well as a number of off site ones. They list travel times to each of the parks from each of the resorts. They give an overview of each table- and counter-service restaurant on the premises, as well as some of the off site ones.
- Once you've narrowed down your choices, take a look at the fact sheets and photos at www.allears.net

The website gives touring plans for just about every contigency. (girls ages 6-8, parents with young kids, teenagers, adults without kids, even a touring plan for people who don't want a touring plan.) I figure that if someone has info that can decrease my time waiting on lines, I would be crazy to totally ignore that advice.

As you might have guessed, there's a lot of info there-- it will take you some time to get through it all. I think they were WELL worth the money!! And my sister agrees. She got back from her first adult trip on Saturday, with her husband and 3 kids. She said "it's the Bible-- be sure to bring it along with you!!!"

I agree - the UG is my favorite, hands down. I like their reviews of things like restaurants - they don't just tell you what the name of the restaurant is and what type of food they serve, but give you a rating of that restaurant (and often reader comments about the food!). They seem to do some pretty in-depth research when coming up with their reviews - I've found them to be pretty reliable.

 

[erynsmom]

I have been using the UG and the Passporter and find them both invaluable. There is so much information to help plan your trip.

 

[Sorceress_Minnie]

For years we had used the Birnbaum, however, for our cruise this year we purchased the passporter and loved it.

 

[iScrap]

Another Passporter fan here! I love the layout of the book and the pockets for planning/receipts.

 

[Sorceress_Minnie]

I should be sure to mention the passporter club. There is an annual fee for access but there are e-books and e-worksheets that can be downloaded and used. CHeck it out at passporter.com

 

[*Valdez*]

For years we had used the Birnbaum, however, for our cruise this year we purchased the passporter and loved it.

We use both. I love the passporter and DH loves Birnbaum. I would recommend them both, they are great!

 

[Tam1067]

Unofficial Guide and its companion website

It's all you need.

 

[Chedstro]

Another vote for the Passporter. Very complete and detailed descriptions, maps and advice. Plus you can save your stuff in it for a great souvenier! Totally supportive website and info updates. Love it!

 

[Jazcat]

Passporter for sure very easy to read, pull out maps and pockets to put things in, and as other have said the website is great.

 

[DisneyMagick2008]

I've used all three in the past (Birnbaums's, Passporter, and UG). I must say that of the three, I would personally rate them Passporter first, then UG, then Birnbaum's. All three have their pros and cons.

 

[PrincessVal]

I use both Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. You can never have too much Disney info

 

[copperbrick]

1998 Passporter seems to be out of stock everywhere. Is the eBook worthwhile? Seems like a lot of printing -- I will not have a laptop with me at Disney.

 

[Aliceacc]

1998 Passporter seems to be out of stock everywhere. Is the eBook worthwhile? Seems like a lot of printing -- I will not have a laptop with me at Disney.

I think the new editions come out at the end of summer/early fall. Can you wait that long for the 2009?

 

[honeybee8200]

Ok, so I have put in my order for Passporters. I will also get the UG too. Can't ever have too much Dis info.

 

[copperbrick]

I think the new editions come out at the end of summer/early fall. Can you wait that long for the 2009?

No, although maybe -- it may be close. We leave Aug 31 -- would prefer to have all I need as much as possible before then.

Wondering if the eBook is a sound purchase . . .

 

[iScrap]

Have you checked Half.com or ebay for the 2008 guide? There might be some there.

Also, Passporter Store has the deluxe refills (which are the same as the 2008 book...just not bound). You could easily use binder rings to put this together or put them in a cheap day planner. Even better...you would only have to bring the pages you want instead of the whole book. I think I've just talked myself into getting my next Passporter this way!

 

[Jazcat]

We get a weekly email from passporters and they have said that they are sold out but most books store still have them we found them this weekend at book a million you may check there website to see if any are available ? and as far as getting the ebook it would be worth it, But I would try to get a hardbound copy They are useful for years to come