Disney guide books.... opinions please

[ValerieK]

I am a HUGE fan of this book:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...002-9760913-9366405?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

"Walt Disney World with Kids" by Kim Wright Wiley.

It's not super in depth, but it's small enough for a backpack and it's VERY easy to read. I've read it front to back (before trips) at least four times.

She does editorial style polls about suitability for kids for every single attraction in the park as well as every resort and almost every restaurant. (all sit downs and a few select counter service).

The "scare factor" bars are really awesome for kids.

The one I bought last year was outdated, even before all the new tickets and other info came out. It wasn't much different from the one I purchased in 2001. If it is updated it would be good.

I always buy the Unofficial Guide and I have a Deluxe Passporter that I could not live without.

 

[JoannaOhio]

Hi Joanna
Thought I'd let you know that Allearsnet.com have a section of their website about wheelchair users at WDW. It's called 'Freewheelin' Disney' and is basically a series of articles written by a chap called Chet McDoniel who is a "vacation specialist" and a wheelchair-user. It's like a trip report. Here is a link to that section of their website
http://allearsnet.com/pl/mev_chet1.htm
And this is a link to his latest article in which he reviews 2 new attractions, Soarin' and Lights, Motors, Action. http://allearsnet.com/pl/mev_chet9.htm

Reading these articles might help when planning for your trip with your DD's fiancee. Oh, I agree, The Unofficial Guide is wonderful. Even though I haven't even been to WDW yet I really enjoyed reading that book. Have a wonderful trip

Hi, Deb
I get the All Ears newsletter, and I just read Chet's latest article this afternoon, but thanks for pointing it out, in case I wasn't familiar with it. Chet wrote that a CM he spoke with said that they are trying to work out a solution where people who can't transfer from their wheelchairs can still watch the movie, but currently no one can be on the floor of the ride room while the ride is in motion. I can understand that. What if a wheelchair user suddenly decided to wheel him or herself under where the seats would be coming back down? I imagine if they eventually have a space for people to stay in their wheelchairs, they will probably have to have it fenced off to keep the wheelchair users "corralled". Chet's description of transferring from wheelchair to the ride chair also made it more clear that this might not be possible for my DD's fiancee (who I already think of as my dearest SIL).

I just LOVE these boards. So many friendly people, and so much useful information.

 

[roscodog]

The Unofficial Guide told me everything that I needed to know and more. Get this book first and supplement later. I thought alot of the other books repeated what the UG already wrote about.

 

[AKQJ10]

Hi! Thanks to all of you who mentioned and recommended my trivia book

As far as guidebooks go, I also recommend the "Hassle-Free" Guide to WDW. It was written by Steve Barrett, the author of the Hidden Mickeys book, and I agree with the assesment that it has a very hands-on feel to it, as it was not written by a team of writers. It's also smaller, and is not overwhelming. For an all-encompassing book, though, I also recommend the Unofficial Guide, which has pretty much anything you can think of as far as resorts, restauarants, etc.

 

[keishashadow]

UG, Passporter and from the All Ears Site: Aronda Parks (couple different products, thought they were great, especially the mini-book). I too enjoy reading anything I can find on WDW, DL, Universal and usually borrow them from the Library to preview before I purchase them.

 

[Metallica_Band]

What is this "Unofficial Guide" and "PassPorter" you ppl are talking about??? Can ya provide links plz??
THANX
C'YA

 

[keishashadow]

Allears has links to both sites. The UG is a comprehensive, extensive reference book for WDW. Passporter is a more compact, portable type of book. It has an excellent system of pocket folders for planning and scheduling purposes-very handy.