Is the TDR Explorer Guidebook up to date and worth it?

[TeamRiley]

We are heading to Japan next summer. The guidebook looks like it may well be worth every penny. Has anyone used it this year and found it worth the investment?

Thanks

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We purchased it perhaps 3 months ago in prep for a trip later this year, and we found it very helpful. We have also found, over the past few months, the changes going on at TDR (Fantasy Springs opening, new package options, etc) have made our version of the Guidebook no longer accurate on everything - but I can't blame the author for that. It's like getting a guidebook for WDW 3 months ago to learn about Genie+ and have the whole system change later this month! Our TDR guide has a published date of Feb, 2024, and is listed as the 2024 Guide. Looking at it now, it's still 85% accurate and helpful information. Fantasy Springs info is old. It might be a good place to start, and then purchase again next year for the updates (unless they decide to put out an updated one this year with all the changes). Bottom line - good information, not a major investment - it was very helpful.

 

[soniam]

We bought both 2023 and 2024 for TDR and USJ. Incredibly helpful. He has updates on the site for FS. There’s an FB group for TDR and USJ that I frequent. I always want evangelize his books, but the groups don’t allow outside references to other social media Answered most of my quest except for very detailed ones.

 

[Flossbolna]

I really liked the books, too. They are refreshed every year and I got in his email list and bought as soon as the new edition came out this spring for our June trip. There was an early bird deal that saved me some money.

I found them very helpful and feel like I should have read more about USJ as it would have prepared me better.

 

[dunkindonut]

It's alright, there were quite a few typos and I felt like some of the graphic design was confusing.

 

[disneyerin]

We purchased it perhaps 3 months ago in prep for a trip later this year, and we found it very helpful. We have also found, over the past few months, the changes going on at TDR (Fantasy Springs opening, new package options, etc) have made our version of the Guidebook no longer accurate on everything - but I can't blame the author for that. It's like getting a guidebook for WDW 3 months ago to learn about Genie+ and have the whole system change later this month! Our TDR guide has a published date of Feb, 2024, and is listed as the 2024 Guide. Looking at it now, it's still 85% accurate and helpful information. Fantasy Springs info is old. It might be a good place to start, and then purchase again next year for the updates (unless they decide to put out an updated one this year with all the changes). Bottom line - good information, not a major investment - it was very helpful.

I ordered both guidebooks months ago but never received them. Does anyone know if there is someone I could contact for that?

 

[gmi3804]

I ordered both guidebooks months ago but never received them. Does anyone know if there is someone I could contact for that?

Check your email confirmation. There’s a link to download it. You purchased an e-book.

I really find them useful for general planning. TDR changes the rules so often that some small parts get outdated rather quickly, but that’s not their fault.