Do I need them all? Disney resources....

[mnasmom3]

I bought TGM and I'm sifting through that slowly. Is it worth it to also invest in Unofficial Guide, Passporter, Birnbaums, etc?

 

[disneyjunebug]

I have TGM also. As for books, I bought Passporter and Unofficial guide, but I think in retrospect, I would just buy one of the two (your choice). It's an awful lot when you combine the three and there is some overlapping material. Unofficial is huge, passporter is smaller, with pockets, etc. I guess it is more personal preference.

 

[SnackyStacky]

I think it's worth it to have a physical book to refer to. Tour Guide Mike requires you to print stuff out. You can print out the unique TGM stuff, and use the passporter for the overlapping stuff.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I do like the Passporter. But in the end, to me, TGM is the best because its constantly updated. Many times the information in the books is outdated or incorrect as WDW is a constantly evolving place! Snacky Stacky does have a great point about it being nice to have an actual book to take. Its fun to read on the plane or in the car on the way to WDW!

I also have to say I do like Birnbaums, mostly for the pictures. But its just a glossy overview. It is nice because its great for kids. But doesn't have nearly the information Passporter or TGM has.

 

[mnasmom3]

So Passporter over Unofficial Guide?

 

[SondraC]

I think it depends on what type of info. you want. I also did TGM for our upcoming trip, but I bought passporter & unofficial guide too! I think the unofficial guide has a TON of info. that the passporter doesn't have.
For us we like having information on the good and maybe the not so good.

Hope this helps!

Sondra

 

[phisigprincess]

Try borrowing them from the library - that's what we did our first few trips. I would read through them and take notes and then return the books 3 weeks later. That way you don't have to spend money until you go through them.

 

[Gus]

I vote for the UG, but realize this topic can be a bit like discussing religion or politics. Some people here (we are, afterall, crazed with our Disney love, no?) form deep attachments to their guide books. Not that I'd know anybody like that ...

 

[LISAMWDW]

I liked the Unoffical better when first learning about WDW.

 

[fonsy]

I have both books, and have to admit I like The Unofficial Guide better. It does have a lot of pages but you get a lot of info about everything that has to do with WDW, and Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, and Sea World also. And is not boring to read. People find it sometimes to be really hard on Disney, but I tought they just tell it like it is. At the end, you don't have to agree on everything they said. I'm also getting a subscription for TGM. I've heard that both their touring plans are pretty much the same but I like having all the resources I can get my hands on And about the Passporter...I like it too (the maps, the folders, stickers) but I think the UG covers more, and are not afraid to tell you if something at WDW sucks

 

[Dan Murphy]

TGM/Passporter

 

[Mommymcgee]

Well I'm a planning freak, I did them all. I'd recommend them in this order:

#1 TGM 100%, print out what you need.

If you want a planning journal/organizer buy Passporter OR print out travel journal pages from themouseforless and make your own. Passporter has the best maps imo.

The official guide/birnums is neat to get from the library just to get you excited for the trip. It is more like a big flashy brochure, not good for substantive touring info.

UG, just get from the library and read to supplement, some of the info is outdated even in the most current book. TGM is more reliable imo so if a conflict go with TGM's advice.

 

[mnasmom3]

Thanks for all of the responses. We aren't new to Disney. Just new to planning. I've always been sort of a "go w/the flow" person. Trying something new this time. I like TGM and glad I spent the money on that. I think I'll hit the library and or a book store for a first hand peek at the other books to see if one suits our specific needs better then the other.

Still interested in any other opinions too!

 

[Bambi5826]

dm and i luv unofficial!

 

[madison66]

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