Does anyone NOT like the Passporter guide and...

[indyanna]

I have Passporter and I do like it because of the reviews and ride descriptions. I really, really like the pockets and places to write things, too.

I also went out and bought the Unofficial Guide - Mini-Mickey verson- because I read the touring outlines are really good. To my surprise, the attraction descriptions were really detailed and interesting. I sat down that evening and read them aloud to my two kids. We sat there for two hours without even realizing it. (They're 8 & 11.)

I'd have to say I think I like and need both guides!

 

[lentesta]

Hi folks,

Thanks very much for the positive comments on the Unofficial Guide. Doombuggy, perhaps 2004 is the year we convert you, too. My offer still stands.

We're doing something in the 2004 edition that will help avoid having to carry around the entire book while in the parks. We've got new "touring plan companion" pages (one page per park) to cut out and take with you. Each companion lists all of the attractions, their location, ratings, and any warnings or height requirements.

It also contains restaurant descriptions, quality and value ratings, and featured menu items. Finally, we've got a list of nice spots to sit and relax in each park.

The rest of the Guide contains 50 more off-site hotel reviews, plus a new transportation timetable for the off-site hotels. New touring plans for Epcot and the Animal Kingdom. The usual updates on restaurants, too. It should be a good edition. Out in September, I believe. Maybe August.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[NancyIL]

I think the Passporter is a little too organized for my taste.

I buy the Birnbaum guide every year and love it. Most books are somewhat out of date by the time they hit the bookstore shelves, but I think Birnbaum does a good job of keeping up with new attractions.

The Unofficial Guide was a lifesaver for our first multi-day WDW vacation in 1996. I still think LeCellier has gotten a bad rap by the reviewers....which makes me wonder if any of them have eaten there lately.

 

[lentesta]

Hey NancyIL,

Several Unofficial Guide researchers have eaten at Le Cellier in the past six months. Five of us ate there around New Years (and I got stuck with the bill :-o ). At least one Guide researcher has dined at Le Cellier in the last 30 days.

I like Le Cellier. The culinary professional that contributes reviews to the Guide thinks less of it. He knows more about food than I.

In another thread I said that while it's not Ruth's Chris, neither are the prices. I also noted that in the latest round of reader surveys, something like 91% of the Unofficial Guide readers enjoyed their meal at LC. That puts it in the same league as Flying Fish, Boma and California Grill. It's also been named one of the top 20 restaurants in central Florida by the Zagat survey. All of this will be noted in the 2004 Guide. Hopefully all of this info will help folks make some decisions.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks, Len.

 

[figment95]

I have used the Unofficial Guide, Birnbaum's, and Passporter. As far as information goes, I found the Unofficial Guide to be the most comprehensive. It was also a very entertaining read. I thought it was definately worth the money even though I've been to DW quite a bit, I still use it. Birnbaum's is fun to look at with all the official Disney pictures and I usually buy a copy for my kids to read before a trip. Passporter was kind of cool but I didn't use it enough to justify the cost. I didn't even fill out the pass pockets and I LOVE to fill in notebooks. I usually make my own journal with pockets to keep tickets and reciepts. I have a lot of fun and it keeps me busy anticipating a trip. JMHO If you can only buy one guidebook, buy Unofficial Guide.

 

[MollyBelle]

that the Unofficial Guide rocks! The Passporter is decent, but is "surface" compared to UG. It's stuff you already know, mostly, and while I think the "storage compartments" of the Passporter are great in theory, there needs to be some type of velcro fastener on the front of the book, or something to make sure it stays "held together"... also, it was just too whitewashed or something.

Perhaps I'm a cynic like Bob Sehlinger & Co. because I found the tongue-in-cheekiness refreshing in the UG. There is also a lot of realism there, and it tells it like it is...

I think in the guidebook game: more is more....that's why I vote for UG (although I think every other Disney Guide I own rate behind UG and Passporter)...