Disney for Dummies

[kathy8779]

Anybody read this book? My BF and I are going for the first time in Sept, staying at WL.......he bought this book

Thought I'd see if it was any good!

 

[rickpratt]

I have read the "Fodor's" and "Birnbaums" guides. They have opened my eyes alot. But I have still received more information from here then I did from the books. Some books are pushing an agenda.

 

[Rhonda]

I agree -- you'll get much better, and up-to-date information here on the DIS!

But, I'm sure you'll get something out of the book! It's a good place to start, especially if this is your first trip!

 

[LeesyUD]

If you are going to get a Disney book I'd say get the Unofficial Guide, it covers just about everything! And I think I've heard from a few people on the boards here there may be an updated version coming out in August

 

[AnninIowa]

I bought the Frommer's book and now wished I'd gotten the Unofficial Guide. The Frommer's covers WDW AND most of Orlando..since we won't be venturing outside of Disney, there's a lot in there I don't care about. From what I've heard, the Unofficial Guide is the way to go. However, you can skip the books altogether and get everything you need here on DIS or at AllEars!!

 

[swilphil]

The Unofficial Guide is the best one, by far.

 

[Atotty]

If you've got the Dummies guide...don't buy the Idiot's book For real, it's word for word the exact same thing in several places. DH didn't beleive me til I gave him one book and read from the other.

For our first trip, I read everything I could get my hands on which ended up being 15+ books thanks to interlibrary loan. My top three are TGM (online) for touring plans and hints (am using it for our third trip now and we've never spent more than 15 mins in line), Passporter for organizing and room reference when there, and Unofficial Guide because I like to see their perspective on things. The UG takes off the rose-colored glasses and gives you an accurate picture. I haven't used their touring plans, though.

 

[Chicago526]

I like the UG too. Frommer's is runner up, while it doesn't cover as much, I find what they do give to be accurate and for the most part, neutral.

 

[tygerlilli]

The Unofficial Guide was fantastic help for me when I planned our trip. I still like to get updated copies and just read it through.

(and daydream of the time I'll get to go back!)

 

[robinsfamily]

I agree, the UO guide is the best. It gives you accurate information. We did use the touring guides the first time we went. It was a little "commando"ish. Grandparents were not as on board with the plans as we and our children were. They dumped us by day 2 and went on their on way. We found the plans effective and helpful.
We are going back in August and since we have limited time, we will use one of their plans that we got off of www.touringplans.com for parents and tweens. (My kids are now 13,11, and 10).

Good luck in planning.


39 days to go!!

1972 poly
1978 contemporary
1989 CBR
1989 GF
1999 Wyndym
2000 OKW
2001 YC
2002 RP
2003 BC
Aug 2005 YC

 

[goofy4tink]

I do have Disney for Dummies and have found it to be entertaining. But for real info that I can use...I buy both UG and PassPorter. Those are the only two guidebooks that I have yearly editions of.

 

[TXTink]

The UG is my favorite for information, although some of it I take with a grain of salt, some of the restaurant info is a bit harsh (IMHO).

I also like Birnbaums, but I must admit, I get it mostly for the pictures!

 

[aubriee]

I also like the Unofficial Guide and PassPorter. Birenbaums is OK, but you can tell Disney sponsors it. Unofficail Guide can be a little too honest at times, but I like it best. I also have the UG and Birenbams for adults which is pretty good.

 

[Atotty]

I also like Birnbaums, but I must admit, I get it mostly for the pictures!

Me too... We just look at the pictures. I really got a kick out of the 2004 edition. It mentioned how great Earl of Sandwich was and how people liked to get a sandwich and eat outside.......it wasn't even open until Aprilish 2004...well after the book came out. I guess the writer could predict the future.

The other thing that I noticed was it still said 60 days for the PS window for CRT. Unfortunately, I bet that mistake really messed somone's plans up.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I like Birnbaums and Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. I read these books when I can't get to my computer. I sometimes read these books before going to bed. But I like the DIS Board better!! More pictures.. and I get to read the "up to date" events. The crowds... the heat... what rides are closed and when they will be back open... when is EMH... reading someone else's experience on their dinings and the resorts. DIS is GREAT!!