More Newbie Questions

[ChrisinNJ]

Should I buy the "Unofficial Guide" book, or pay the registration fee & use the site instead?

or, Should I just register with TGM?

If I register with TGM, would the Unoffial Guide site be redundant, and a waste?

Thanks again!

Christine

 

[Chester's Mum]

I would go for the book, you can get it cheaper at Amazon. With two teens at home, I don't get much computer time, and I can read the book any time. I find it is a great resource when I just want to find out a thing or two, and it is also well written and easy to read for my morning commute. There are also parts of the website you can view if you buy the book.

Never used TGM so I can't advise you on that.

 

[Crystal_27]

I don't know about UG, but I can vouch for TGM. However, one word of caution: with TGM, you have to be willing to really "delve" into the site - there are many many layers to it, and it contains a wealth of information - you just have to learn how to navigate through it. If you are not wanting to spend a lot of time at the computer, I would recommend buying the UG book instead. Either way, happy planning!!

 

[bradk]

book + TGM. TGM really isn't all that linear so it can be tough to get into.

i would use the book to familiarize myself with the resort. use TGM to parlay that into a viable touring experience.

although as a contributor, i'd heartily recommend the passporter as well.

 

[Lintasare]

I second the Passporter. It is what my sister and I use to plan our trips and we have never run into any major snafus. In the past two trips I think the only snafu we hit was a couple days the parks were busier than expected but we still had a great time.

Plus the Passporter has an area in the back where you can keep everything for your trip organize and it has lots of reviews of the rides, shows, resorts and restaurants.

 

[pickles]

I like the passporter we have the leatherbound one where you can add pages
I also use allears a lot. If I needed touring plans..ie going during a busy time I would also get something like tgm online to help with planning

 

[Disney1976]

It's been years since I used the UG (I live here now, so no need to really plan anymore, I know my way around things) but I still highly recommend it! I thought it was an amazing tool and really helped maximize the time I spent in the parks, while giving honest and fair reviews. I recently came across the latest edition in a bookstore the other day, and noticed they've really added to it since I last used it, so it seems to me even better. A great investment, for sure.

TGM I've never used, so I can't advise you on that one way or the other.

 

[wilde_oscar]

more information is better, put len testa on speed dial and take lou mongello with you in your pocket.

Goto the book store with a big note pad, get a coffee and read up all of them. Then goto the library and do the same. Then memorize allearsnet.com?

I have used all the resources for one reason or another, gather... plan... be flexible.

 

[Smile4Me]

Before you buy anything, check with your local library and see if they have the latest copy of the UG, or see if they could order it for you!

 

[paula70]

I used TGM, UG and PP.The previous poster was right when she said TGM has lots of info to "delve" into so if you go that route be patient and make sure you enjoy spending time on the computer. I liked the UG to keep in my car and read when I had spare time at DD's swim practice etc...UG and TGM's info is a little different when it comes to best/worst days and I went with TGM's touring plans and was THRILLED! No longer than 15 minute wait for any ride/attraction! PP had good park maps that I used to scope out parade route info (but that was really all i got out of it). All are a wealth of info and being a frist timer I say arm yourself with knowledge! When I plan my next trip I will do TGM and UG not passporter. Good luck and have fun...that is waht it is all about!

 

[KristInWonderland]

Before you buy anything, check with your local library and see if they have the latest copy of the UG, or see if they could order it for you!

Smile4Me- this is a great idea! this is what i did and i read 4 of the latest edition disney guide books in one morning! im sure glad i didnt buy them all. i may still buy one to take with, but not sure which.

 

[Loafmastermom]

I buy the UG guide every other year and use the book to access the crowd calendar online. I buy the passporter when I have a trip planned. I print out menus (allears) the family will be interested in so we can pick our ADRs. Make sure you take one of your books with you so you have access to phone numbers should the need arise. Most passporter fans, like myself, wouldn't dream of going to WDW without our book.

 

[Sandy321]

I think of TGM as an online book, that I can print out pages, and I can access the forums to ask questions -
I like UG to read in the car also - I loved that book!

I love Passporter for the maps - it came in handy -

maybe I'm an overplanner??

going to the library or to a barnes and noble spending an hour or so looking at the books is a great idea also!

 

[Smile4Me]

Smile4Me- this is a great idea! this is what i did and i read 4 of the latest edition disney guide books in one morning! im sure glad i didnt buy them all. i may still buy one to take with, but not sure which.

You might also be able to run off the pages you want on a copier. I like to take the pages I need (whether I own the book or not) and put them on note cards,,,then I laminate the note cards and put them on ring! That way I know where everything is, neat and organized!

 

[cissy]

My vote is for the UG book AND the website. The updates on the park news was invaluable and that is on the website.

I also agree that allearsnet.com is a must. No fee there.

But the book has so much more info than the site. They are really two different things. The site is not a web version of the book. And, I have two small kids so I got both the UG guide and the UG kids guide. But I found myself utilizing the original guide a lot more.

Best of luck!!

 

[sbell111]

My vote is on the passporter.