help me make a Disney Guide book choice,please!

[airhead]

I want to order my Guide book,which one: Birnbaum's or Unofficial Guide?

Thanks!
airhead

 

[dianeschlicht]

WE buy both each year. The Birnbaum one for real Disney information, and the Unofficial for touring tips. I will say, I don't think Unofficial is as good as it once was. I see numerous errors in it now that we go multiple times a year. Most errors are in the DVC resort sections and transportation. I really like them for the restaurant reviews though.

 

[vald1977]

We also buy both but I prefer Birnbaum's. While it contains useful tips and information, Unofficial is much more harsh than I am on the parks, restuarants, etc.

 

[lacool]

I like the Unoffficial Guide and the Passporter. I use the Unofficial for pre-visit planning and restaurant choices, and the Passporter as an organizer for PS Confirmation numbers, dates and times, as well as flight numbers, resort confirmation numbers, etc. Keeps all the info together and it isn't as heavy as the Unofficial Guide if you want to take it to the parks.

 

[piratesmate]

We also bought both before our first trip. Birnbaum's was nice for a "quick read" and to "get us in the mood." Both of my kids (8 & 18 at the time) took to calling the Unofficial Guide "the grouchy book!" We found it had much more information than Birnbaum's but seemed excessively negative. If we'd taken it at face value, we'd have canceled our trip - seriously! We had a marvelous time & great food even though we ate at places the UG said were lousy. We also talked to a family while there who had actually canceled their ressies after reading the book, only to re-book after being assured by friends that they'd enjoy themselves. They were as nuts as we were about the place & had, in fact, just joined DVC . . . . so the book wasn't too accurate at reflecting their experience either.

 

[airhead]

Just that little push I needed to buy both!!!!!

 

[ead79]

In the past I have bought both the Birnbaums and the Unofficial. Now I only get the Unofficial. The Birnbaums book is too promotional for me. I like how the Unofficial Guide actually gives an opinion about which attractions/resorts/etc. are better instead of saying they are all great. I also think the Unofficial Guide is very humorously written. The only thing I think is a little too negative are the restaurant reviews, but I think that really boils down to individual taste (the author seems to enjoy more upscale meals, but I prefer more standard type foods). The touring plans are also very helpful, as is the ability to order custom plans (for people like me who don't like to get up early).

 

[airhead]

.....and bought both books and saved over $10.00 !!!!

 

[Micca]

Good choice Airhead

 

[lentesta]

Thanks for reading the Unofficial Guide, airhead! If you have any questions about the Guide, feel free to drop me a line: testa@ncat.edu. I wrote the touring plan software.


Hi dianeschlicht, updates and corrections to the Unofficial Guide are posted on-line. See my sig below for the link. If there's something we've missed, please let me know. Thanks very much.

Sincerely,

Len


[edit: typo]