DL Guide Books: A few questions...

[Alex2kMommy]

My family has taken 2 trips to DL (2006, 2007) and I have the Unofficial Guide for 2006.

Questions:

1. I've read that the UG was updated in 2007 with more info on the restaurants. Other than that, are there other updates that might make it worth purchasing the 2008 version?

2. When I purchased the UG for our first trip, I'd also looked at the Birnbaum's Guide. It had great photos, and more info on shopping and restaurant options, but I found the UG to have more useful info. I see that the Birnbaums 2008 Guide has a coupon section. What are the coupons for? DL? DTD vendors? Other Anaheim businesses? Was wondering if this would be worth purchasing as well.

Thanks!

 

[bumbershoot]

I've only checked the guidebooks out from the library, so I didn't pay attention to any coupons that might have been left, LOL. But it might be a good way for you to find out if you want it, to look at the current or just-past edition at the library.

Any guidebook writer or company (like WA's own Rick Steves) would tell you that the NEWEST edition is the only one that's worth getting. An '08 edition was basedon info they got in '07. An '07, or worse, '06 edition would be based on info from the year before that. Ancient info.

I'd put a hold on the most current at my library (I've checked them out from King County and Fircrest libraries...don't know what county you are in!) read them through and see if it made me want to buy, or if checking them out was good enough!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I'll have to check online for KCLS; two years ago the only guides available were 2+ years out of date, and I wound up getting confused with a lot of misinformation. That is why I bought the UG in the first place!

The library is where I got the Birnbaums I've seen, and I think it might have been dated 2003 or 2004.

 

[keishashadow]

i too had an '06 UG that i bought used on ebay. found out many things had changed once i starting poking around here; as with most guidebooks - unless they have a website that posts corrections/updates

i did pick up a newer edition '08 on ebay a few months ago 1/2 price.

passporter is nice option too, new book due out soon if not already (i've got last edition-wish the hotel prices were still the same )

 

[got_ron]

I have Birnbaum 08 guide. Most of the coupons are for DTD:

10% off Anne Geddes
Free $50 Disney gift card for signing up for a Disney Visa
10% off Icon Sunglasses
Free Pretzel when you buy 2 from Weztel's Pretzels
Free dessert when you buy a $25 game card at ESPN Zone
10% off $50 purchase at DLR (only one I'll use)

It was a good read. It had good tips but you could easily find more on Dis

 

[bumbershoot]

I'll have to check online for KCLS; two years ago the only guides available were 2+ years out of date, and I wound up getting confused with a lot of misinformation. That is why I bought the UG in the first place!

The library is where I got the Birnbaums I've seen, and I think it might have been dated 2003 or 2004.

Maybe I had them out when you were looking for the updated ones.

Online's definitely the way to go.

Where did I find the updated ones...oh wait, it might have been the Pierce Cty library system (not Fircrest...Fircrest is where I was living when I used their libraries), I definitely remember rooting around at the library in Lakewood. Well that's of no use to you if you're in King County!

 

[cheesemouse]

I used the 2007 version for our recent trip and found it very useful. It had good info in it, especially about newer things such as the nemo ride and the upcoming toy story ride at DCA. The book isn't too expensive, so I'd recommend just getting the newer version.

 

[CupidsKiss]

This book is not so much a resort guide but....
for my DDIL stocking I purchased Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets (Disneyland's Hidden Mickey's) (Paperback)
by Steven M. Barrett (Author)
I "accidently" read a good deal of it before it made it to the stocking.
I have always been one who in three days is just running ride to ride and in actuality have missed seeing so much. Even my teenage son slowed down enough to look for the golden hidden mickeys on last trip. This book outlines "scavenger hunts" to locate the hidden mickeys. With six days in the park this time I am forcing myself to slow down and absorb some of the magic.

 

[tinkermell]

Hi ya Alex!

I have the new guide for 2008. The biggest and nicest thing about this new version is the restaurant review guide. Each restaurant and counter service are rated, tells about what they serve, the cost and so on. I got some new ideas from it. Tried the fancy french fries at Cafe Orleans cuz the author raved about them so much. There were delicious!

Anyways, I think the 2008 version is worth it.