Guidebook rec needed for a family.

[xoxosmom]

Any recomendation on which guidebook is best for a family with kids ages 7, 4, 1 year. I thought there was one that had a scary factor on rides and shows for kids? That would be very helpful. If it includes a map of Lands with all the rides that would be even better. Thanks.

 

[MissKIA]

I bought the Birbaum's Official Guidebook and was really impressed with it. It's very detailed. I'm not sure if if it has a scary factor included for the rides but it does explain them in detail so it should be pretty easy to tell if your kids might be too scared for them.

Anyway I highly recommend it.

 

[Aggie96]

In my opinion, the most comprehensive guidebook out there right now for Disneyland is The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland 2006 by Bob Sehlinger. It has maps of the area (with hotels) as well as maps of the parks and locations of all the rides. It doesn't specifically mention scare factor, but it does give an appeal rating that is broken down into different age groups for each ride. And if a certain ride tends to scare children, the author points that out.

My kids love the Birnbaum's guide because it has pictures. So even though I rarely refer to it, I consider it money well spent

I don't know when you're planning your next trip, but if you can wait until May for a guidebook, the PassPorter Disneyland will be coming out then. If it's anything like the one for WDW it will be amazing. Much more comprehensive than anything else out there. And I'm pretty sure I read that it will be in full color, so that will be nice!

Those are really the best three you'll find. Most bookstores should have Burnbaum's and The Unofficial Guide in stock, so you'll be able to compare the two before you buy.

 

[amw]

I would suggest going to your local library, and taking out the older editions. You can get a feel for the books -- they don't change much from year to year -- and then you can purchase the newest edition for your trip.

Like the previous posters, I prefer the Birnbaum guidebook and the Unofficial Guidebook. However, I own the unofficial guidebook for WDW and it's not that different. I always like to read the unofficial, but purchase the Birnbaum Official guidebook because it makes for a great souvenir (maps, ride info, etc.) and usually has a few good coupons. Just make sure to purchase the edition for the year you are going. If you're going in 2007, wait until September 2006 and the next year editions should be out.

Check out websites like Amazon for sample pages. There are some guidebooks specifically for travel with kids, but I didn't find them all that helpful. This board was the best resource of all

 

[kwilliams]

In the Unofficial Guide there is a "small-child fright-potential chart". It lists the ride, if it is frightening in any way, and why. good luck.

 

[SunshineOR]

We have young kids and used the Unofficial Guide before our first trip and thought it did a good job helping you know the attractions/shows, possible fear factor and what to expect.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I bought the Unofficial Guide, and borrowed Birnbaums and a few others from the library. The others (whose titles I can't even remember now) were not as helpful as the Unofficial Guide and Birnbaums. The Birnbaums one has nice photos and more information on the shops, which is kinda skimpy in the Unofficial Guide. But both are great!