Disney guide??

[kgteacher]

Hi! I am wondering which of the Disney guides or books is the one I want to buy?? I have looked and there are several. I am 41 years old and have NEVER been to WDW! I am planning my first trip to WDW in early October during our fall intercession from school. I am taking my two boys, but my husband is most likely not going. I wish he would, but then again, we could do what we wanted!!!
TIA on any advice!

 

[1000th happy haunt]

I'm particularly fond of PassPorter.

 

[SnowWhite12]

I love the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Tells so much info and tips! And the same writer must contribute to another book, because I have seen word for word some of the same info in another book.

 

[Topo Bella]

I think the Unofficial Guide has the best information (and the letters from readers are entertaining), but it doesn't have any pictures, which are a must for my children. So, I also got the Birnbaum guide which has photos.

 

[disneyag]

We have found the Passporter to be invaluable!

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

I love my passporter! The fold out colorful maps are very cool. I may get the Unofficial guide this year. I glanced at it last year, and with no pictures and so much info, it just looked overwhelming to me!

 

[GSD4ME]

I actually have the Unofficial Guide and think it's great. Last year when the trip was still just a "possibility" though, I did pick up a Fodor's, which also has some good information . . . it's just not quite as in depth as the Unofficial Guide.

 

[ZoZo]

I'm an "Unofficial Guide" kind of gal. I don't carry around a book with me at the parks - I just use it for research before I go (and keep the UG in my hotel room at WDW in case I need to look something up). But I try to minimize what I lug around at the parks, and don't carry it with me. That's why Passporter wasn't interesting to me - it's more of a "carry around with you" type of book.

Here's an idea for you - go to your local library and check out a bunch of WDW guides. That way, you can see what you like the best! I find the UG works best for me, because it includes ratings and reviews of the rides, restaurants, hotels, etc. It also includes comments and opinions from UG readers. If you're a first-time WDW-goer, it would give you some great information. Other guidebooks are nice, but they don't give "ratings" to things. I'm looking for opinions about things like restaurants, etc. I may not always agree with what the UG says, but they do significant research and testing to come to their conclusions. If you have to pick from several different restaurants, they can help guide you in the right direction. Meals can be very expensive at WDW, and it's nice to get some guidance. Most guide books simply list the types of food the restaurants offer, and don't rate them. UG does.

 

[AllesonWonderland]

Here's an idea for you - go to your local library and check out a bunch of WDW guides. That way, you can see what you like the best!

Ditto this!! I read lots of books from the library, but did end up getting the UG to have along. The touring plans were very helpful and there were so many tips/tricks we used.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

my friend just recommend for me to get passporter also, she said to go through the internet to buy because it's more expensive @ bookstore

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

my friend just recommend for me to get passporter also, she said to go through the internet to buy because it's more expensive @ bookstore

Yep, and last I looked on Amazon, they will suggest you go ahead and buy the Unofficial Guide with it, and then you would probably qualify for free shipping, which is pretty cool. I ended up also getting the DVD called Modern Marvels too (a show they sometimes air on the history channel). What an awesome DVD, even my teenagers love it!!!
-mary

 

[kathie859]

KGteacher......There's nothing more exciting than the first visit to WDW! How old are your boys? Be sure to take a camera because they will be in a constant state of amazement. And that's a great time to visit.

I'm a huge fan of the UG--love the occasional irreverence and the excerpts from folks correspondence. I find it thought provoking--not that I agree with everything--but it makes me think about things I normally might not.
In March, my WDW troop included 4 adults and 2 teens--two of which had never been to Disney (a 50 yr old WDW virgin and a teen who was there when she was 1, to be precise). In late September, my son-in-law has agreed to discover what all the hype is about. So it will be another trip filled with "firsts" for someone. A neat time for all.

 

[Amyg]

Me, DH & DS(9) went on our first WDW last summer and I borrowed the most recent UG from the library, the money I saved there I used to subscibe to TourGuideMike.com. He is also a sponsor on the "Attractions" page here.

I started planning in February for a July trip and we had a wonderful time! The UG is funny and informative but TGM is more up to date since he goes to the parks almost daily. As you get closer to your WDW trip, you will be able to get the most up to date information at all the parks! The site has information on all the attractions, reviews on attractions & restaurants from other TGM users and Mike himself. He gives tips on the best places to sit in shows, etc. And the most valuable advice is his best days (and times) to go to each park! This in itself was worth the $18! Plus he has a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied, so you lose nothing!

That said, this is a huge website and at the beginning can be intimidating to navigate. Some people have difficulty (as I did) but after a few times on the site you will catch on (If I can get it, ANYONE can!) You also need to know that he does not plan your individual itinerary for you as some people mistakenly have thought. He gives you all the information that you need so that you can plan your own personalized itinerary. He does have several pre-planned itineraries that you may follow if you choose. What I did was used the one most like our family and "tweeked" it to fit my family.

It made our trip so easy and relaxing since we did NOT go commando and had lots of rest/pool time! We never waited for more than 10 minutes during one of the busiest times of summer and in most cases, we generally just walked right on the attractions!

Yeah, I'm going on and one but I really like the site a LOT! I plan to subscribe when we go to WDW again next year.

In any case, have fun and good luck!