Changes to UG

[lentesta]

Yeah, the 2004 edition was particularly bad for typos. I think we made significant improvements in the '05 edition, though there are still some there, too. We found out at the last minute that we had to re-enter by hand the Best Days chart, and re-typing seven hundred two-letter codes didn't go so well.

I'll check around for the letter about Horizons and River Country. Drop me a line with the page number, if you recall it. And I thought that TSI still had the guns - they were still there in 2004 when I last checked. Maybe they're not air guns, just sound effects? But something that looks like a rifle was still there.

Finally, if you're interested in working with the Guide, by all means, drop me a line: len@touringplans.com.

Thanks very, very much!

Len

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd like to see a chapter or so devoted solely to solo visitors. I bought the regular UG for my trip in Jan with my son and GD and then the other day bought the UG for Grown-ups for my May trip. It seems to be geared toward adults, but not particularly things for solos to do.

I volunteer! I've taken 6 solo trips-so far. Solo trip #7 is "on the drawing board" for late November. Honest, anyone who's got questions on solo trips is welcome to PM me. Also, don't forget to check out the solo board. Lots of help there!

 

[FromVatoDisney]

Is the updated version out yet??? Anybody???

 

[dan-tot]

When I was planning my first trip with my family I found informative and I liked the discount tickets in the back.

Dan-tot

 

[bdrex95]

Is the updated version out yet??? Anybody???

I just checked at Barnes & Noble and Borders this weekend and neither of them had an updated version of the 2005 UG or knew anything about when to expect it.

Maybe Len can help......

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

My DH came home today--said he bought me the new UG! I was so excited! then realized it was the 2005 edition and has not been updated--oh well better than nothing!

 

[Musky]

I'll check around for the letter about Horizons and River Country. Drop me a line with the page number, if you recall it. And I thought that TSI still had the guns - they were still there in 2004 when I last checked. Maybe they're not air guns, just sound effects? But something that looks like a rifle was still there.

Finally, if you're interested in working with the Guide, by all means, drop me a line: len@touringplans.com.

Thanks very, very much!


Thank you, Len! Sorry it took me so long to respond. The Horizons/River Country letter is on p.334 in my 2004 edition. Regarding the air guns - I guess that shows how much I know. When we went to TSI in 2001, the air guns were gone, as was the barrel bridge. I remembered reading something about a child getting hurt on one of the guns, so I just assumed they were gone for good. Obviously, with no guns and no barrel bridge, TSI was something of a dud for us, so we haven't been back. I never heard anything about the guns being replaced, so just assumed they were still gone. They must have been altered so that no one could get hurt. Curious at to whether the barrel bridge is back, also. Might have to check out TSI this trip!

One more thing I wanted to mention is I have always wondered why Trail's End is not included in the restaurant reviews. I'm sure I'm not the only person who would like to see this added. And thanks for the offer - I may just take you up on that!

Becky

 

[lentesta]

Ah, thanks for the page number. I'll check the '05 edition to see if it's still there.

I'm beginning to wonder whether Trails End is putting something in the food....you're the fourth or fifth person that's mentioned it this year! We've got it on our list of things to do for the next edition. If we can get a review done in the meantime, we'll post it to the web. Heck, we need a dining section there anyway. Might was well start somewhere.

I think TSI still has guns, but the triggers are linked to a speaker with sound effects now, instead of the old compressed air sound. And I'm fairly sure the barrel bridge is still there, as I went on it not too long ago.

Thanks very much for searching down that reference!

Len

 

[barb45]

I love UG! I also buy it every year and read it from cover to cover - must be sick or something! My suggestion is to make a detailed park map for each touring plan with the path marked out and the rides numbered in the order that you should go on them. Then all you need is that map to follow the plan. I do this myself but first I have to find a map (sometimes I have old ones from the parks). Then I white-out all the Disney numbers and write in the numbers of the order that we are going to do the rides. Then at the edge of the map I put the confirmation numbers of my priority seatings for meals.

Another thing that I would like to see is a touring plan (for slower season) that would be for people that can't walk as much so there would be less criss-crossing of the parks. Maybe you wouldn't be able to see as much but the wear and tear on the old legs would be better.

 

[LSUDis]

Len,

This thread has, at this point, had 765 views, but look how few suggestions have been offered (although several of them were interesting, and people have been kind enough to think through their suggestions thoroughly). I guess this means that most people are really happy with the UG and have very few suggestions for improvements or gripes, right?

 

[lentesta]

Barb45, I think we have those plans, if you'd like to test 'em. Drop me a line and we'll hook you up.

Bob's read this thread, and we're going set up some time to discuss the suggestions when we get to Orlando less than two.....long.....cold.....weeks from today. My, but the clock ticks slowly. Anyway, based on those discussions, I'll see what we can share with everyone on future directions.

Thanks again for the thread, LSUDis.

Len

 

[scoutsmom99]

Ohhh I read the thread a few days ago and wanted to reply, but I did not have the chance until now. I just found the Unofficial Guide last year and was very impressed with it and since then I have loaned it (well the 2004 version I’m too stingy with 2005 yet!) to a number of people all of who have really enjoyed it! So here are my thoughts on what to add/change/update to the UG:

I agree with CrazedDisFan about the UG being hard on Disney transport. When I have checked in at various WDW resort hotels they mention that the busses run every 15-20 minutes and I have found the best transportation to be at resorts that do not have to share a bus with other resorts.

I like aubriee would love to see something more for solos included in one of the two UGs. Part 6 I (pages 291-304) in the 2005 book could easily be expanded to include this.

One of the things I would change about the UG would be the Resorts section. I think Unofficial Fan said it best about either sorting the resorts by rate or alphabetically. Also I wish that some of the resort maps had more detail (like building numbers, elevators, smoking buildings, bus stops, etc). Examples of more detailed maps would include Coronado Springs or Old Key West and I find Port Orleans or Swan/Dolphin to be lacking...maybe there could be a standard key that is used for each map? I really like the way the resort maps are done in Pass Porter…something similar to that would be very helpful.

Although this might not be possible it would be nice to see some new reviews on tours (KTK etc.) and also some different reviews for MNNSHP/MVMCP. When I read the review in KTK I was very apprehensive about going after reading the readers comments in the UG. Only one bathroom break (eek that made mom nervous, we had plenty of those) Mom (54) and I (23) did the tour in September 2004 it was about 95 that day and we did just fine. Maybe a few different view points would be nice on these subjects if they are available.

Ok thanks for listening/reading.

 

[barb45]

lentesta - I sent you a PM about those plans we were talking about but maybe it didn't go through??? Would you please check? I would love to test them. Barb

 

[NCombs]

Here's another vote for reorganizing the resort section. Trying to find a resort based on area is confusing.

I confess I also bought the 2005 version this year and we don't have a trip planned.

The ride/attraction descriptions are great.