Guide Books

[emilyd1974]

We are leaving in 54 days!! This will be our first trip with our 8 year old son. I have used a travel agent so I already have dining reservations, etc. Was wondering if any of you had a preference on any of the guide books out there? just looking for some additional tips without trying to dig through all of the information on here. I am VERY overwhelmed!!
HELP!!

Thanks!

 

[jambo5564]

Birnbaums guide for kids version will be great for you. Its great for kids to look through .. and don't forget to check through the coupons in the back.

 

[Fivesacharm]

We are leaving in 54 days!! This will be our first trip with our 8 year old son. I have used a travel agent so I already have dining reservations, etc. Was wondering if any of you had a preference on any of the guide books out there? just looking for some additional tips without trying to dig through all of the information on here. I am VERY overwhelmed!! HELP!! Thanks!

The Unofficial Guide: Walt Disney World is THICK and filled with tips and advice on just about everything WDW. It's a good choice when it comes to guide books (just don't expect a lot of pictures)

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World (they also have a kid version of the book) is also good. Much smaller book but good info and tips. More pictures too...

 

[siskaren]

PassPorter

 

[whatisgoofy?]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide! I like to read it cover to cover, but it's arranged to be a reference book...so you can easily search for the topics you're curious about. It gives a great breakdown of the attractions, restaurants, and strategies to maximize your fun.

 

[txcorey]

I've bought most of them at one time or another and I like The Unofficial Guide the best. I like the way it's broken up and I think they have the most comprehensive information.

 

[kenthanson]

There is a companion to the Unofficial being the Unofficial for faniles and it has all the rides and attractions rated by kids also they break them down pretty good.

 

[msp2mco]

We loved the unofficial guide too. We have several, but that one was the most entertaining to read and had great advice. It's been a few years since we've used one though.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Definitely Unofficial Guide!

 

[derekjd]

I am using the unofficial and the passporter to plan our trip. Both great. Passporter I think would be better for you since the trip is already booked.

 

[DisneyBookworm]

The Unofficial Guide is the best!

 

[Kleinhdr]

Another vote here for the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.

 

[mickey1968]

I used to buy the Unofficial Guide every trip when I went during the 90s. For my first trip back a couple of years ago I bought it on Kindle because I saw how HUGE it was in book form. They have great info but I think you can get as good info on these boards and on several popular blogs as you get in the any of the guidebooks. I was looking at the Birnbaum's 2013 Official guide the other day just for kicks and most of their info for POR was outdated and referenced info about the rooms that were changed about 2 years ago.

Blogs/Websites
www.wdwinfo.com - the parent site of these wonderful boards
www.touringplans.com/blog - these are the same people who do the unofficial guide we all just recommended
www.easywdw.com - an irreverant guide, he does walk-about posts at all the different parks including restaurants and special events like FW, MNSSHP
www.disneyfoodblog.com - excellent restaurant and FW reviews
disneytourist - great reviews and tips for photography
www.allears.net - great resource for restaurant menus and other info
www.wdwmagic.com - a good site for Disney news including updates on ride closings or new areas like New Fantasyland; they also have a pretty decent forum, but nowhere near as active as the disboards.
www.**************.net - an excellent planning site for first timers
www.wdwprepschool.com - this is also a great resource for first-timers and anyone, her planning binder pages are kind of legendary in some areas of the disboards!

Okay, I think that is enough to keep anybody busy!

Blogs and websites like these are better than books I think because you can generally find a date for the post and easily judge how current the info is. They almost always have great photos, charts or video (YouTube is also a great resource for videos of rides, parades etc.) included that makes it more interesting. Most of these writers are either local to Orlando or make several trips a year to Disney World and some to Disneyland as well.

 

[ktdid23]

I've bought most of them at one time or another and I like The Unofficial Guide the best. I like the way it's broken up and I think they have the most comprehensive information.

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide! I loved it and thought it had a TON of information.

 

[wiigirl]

Birnbaums guide for kids version will be great for you. Its great for kids to look through .. and don't forget to check through the coupons in the back.