guidebooks

[luvsTink]

Len - thanks for the welcome and the interest. Here is the scoop:
January 16, arrive late (10:00 pm) - Jan. 21 (depart 6:00 pm)

Me - 39
DH - 39
DD - 16
DD - 6
DD - 4

The plan (currently anyway)

Saturday am: AK, lunch at Tusker House
pm: Dinner at Chef Mickey's followed by Spectro (late one)

Sunday am: MK, CRT late Breakfast
Dinner at Whispering Canyon followed by Illuminations at Epcot

Mon am: Epcot
PM: Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic dinner package

Tues:MGM lunch at primetime
PM at MK for dinner (cosmic rays??) and Wishes

Wed: MK and lunch at Crystal Palace and
then
home

So what do you think? All opinions are welcome! As noted I have some access to guide material, but am looking for all ideas around setting an order of "attack" at each park.

I am having so much fun planning, I can only imagine what it will be like to GO!

Anne

 

[Texowl2]

bought most of em over the years, but Unofficial is the best to get the most value and maximize the fun out of any trip

 

[lentesta]

Hi Anne!

If you're taking a mid-day break, then the schedule looks very good. The one thing I'd mention is the transportation time you're going to incur on Sunday. That is, you're going MK>Resort>Wilderness Lodge>Epcot>Resort. A fair bit of time will be spent in your car. An alternate idea would be to dine somewhere in World Showcase, as you'll already be in Epcot.

On the other hand, if you're not staying at the Wilderness Lodge, it's lobby is visually impressive, so there's something to be said for dining there. And Whispering Canyon is a nice place. So I'm not entirely convinced I'd make a change. Just FYI on the transportation.

Len

 

[Partridge4ever]

DH and I used the Unofficial Guide touring plans on a two day trip on a weekend in July back in 1993. We followed the plans religiously at Epcot and MK, as I gleefully made notes and checked things off my to-do list. They've had my allegiance ever since. Now that I have kids, we're not able to follow the plans to the letter, but I still buy the book every couple of years. When the kids are a little older I want to order the personalized touring plans.

I also like Passporter. The problem is that the new edition comes out in January and our trips are usually in Oct. or Dec., so I feel like by the time we go, the book is outdated. They do awsome updates though. I buy it in years that I don't buy the Unoffical Guide.

 

[NMAmy]

Since I got the Unofficial Guide for Christmas and have been reading it for the past week (we have Christmas early at my house!), I just want to pass along a word of warning to those who may not have been to WDW before. Some of the info in this book contradicts itself. For example, in one section it says that Pleasure Island used to be open during the day and isn't any longer. In another section, it states that PI is open during the day. Also--in one section it states that the Saloon in Frontierland no longer serves food--in another it says you can get a snack while you watch the show.

If you're not reading the whole thing obsessively cover to cover (which I'm now admitting to!), you might not get the correct information. I love the guide, too--just wanted to let you know to doublecheck the information!

 

[lentesta]

Hi NMAmy,

Thanks for that information. I believe we've covered most of these, especially the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon lunch item, in our online updates (see my sig below for the URL). I'll check again to make sure.

If you don't mind, could you send me a PM with the section that says PI is still open? I'll post that to the website, too.

Thanks very much!

Len

 

[luvsTink]

Len,
Thanks for the review. We are staying at Pop and I know the travel to eat at Whispering Canyon is a bit much. But the more I read about it the more I want to go there!

We actually decided to rent a car (got a mid size for 114.00 for out entire stay!) just to facilitate that ressie (how obsessive is THAT)

My kids find out about the trip on Christmas day. I can't wait to share the excitement

Anne

 

[jimmiej]

Like many of you, I've read them all! Birnbaum & Passporter (excellent maps!) are excellent guidebooks. However, I would have to say, without a doubt, UG provided ( & continues to provide) more good, helpful info than all the others, especially for a first-timer. If I could only read one guidebook, it would be UG!

As an aside, I'm now reading the Luxury Guide to WDW by Cara Goldsbury for the next time DW & I go by ourselves.

 

[bobcat]

What do you think of the luxury guide so far?

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by bobcat
What do you think of the luxury guide so far?

Not bad. As I said, it would be great for an adults only trip. She only reviews the deluxe resorts. The restaurant reviews are excellent. I personally disagree with her on some things, but that's to be expected I guess. For instance, she gives Le Cellier a mostly so-so review. I've seen a lot of people say it was awesome. I am reading it because I love WDW & because I get frequent requests for assistance with people planning their trips & I want to be as knowledgeable as possible. Overall it's not a bad read.

 

[bobcat]

Thanks for the review. I may have to pick that one up.