Most useful in vacation planning?

[Dementia]

Okay, you've seen the ENDLESS heated debates about all of these. You've seen the flames, you've seen the reasons time and time again. Now if this has been done (and I'm sure it has, and I probably missed it), forgive me. I'm still new so I claim that as my excuse

But I figured a poll should make it a little more distinguishable as to what people have found most useful in their vacation planning. I have heard endless praise (and criticism) for each of the options, so taking all that into consideration, I figure I'd go with majority rules for my choice (I have yet to use any, actually, shame on me!). Even if I don't, I figured it'd be interesting to see the percentages.

Now please guys, no flames, no nastiness, no arguing... everyone has a right to their opinion, and to them it's a valid one, even if you're not fond of it.

 

[NCombs]

I chose other because I have found good information from a lot of sources-most you have mentioned above. I have UG, Passporter and subscribe to TGM. I have also looked at touringplans and of course this board is a great source of information as is allears. How about all of the above!

Seriously, going to Florida for 10 days is an expensive endeavor for a family of 5 so I think a little money on guide books or an online subscription is money well invested.

 

[MomofKatie]

I cast one vote each for UG and Passporter. I feel UG gives more detailed, no nonsense, nuts-and-bolts information about how to do as much as possible. UG seems to me to be the "Commando's Bible".

Passporter is a great help in organizing your plans- it has the nifty pockets, as well as lots of space to write in PS times, ressie confirmation #s, travel arrangements, etc.- it is more of an "Organizer's Bible".

I love them both- I read UG cover-to-cover to get ideas and formulate a plan of attack, then get out my Passporter to jot down all those plans and finalize the trip. Passporter is the book that goes on the trip with us, too. I tuck receipts, maps, and other papers and "stuff" in the pockets, and put blank paper in it to use as a journal.

P.S. How could I forget the DIS?? It is just as useful, or more so, than any guidebook out there. The info is up-to-the-minute, and there is SO much of it! There really aren't many questions you could think of that haven't been asked- and answered- here!

 

[Elfstar]

DIS is my "other" choice - had I known about this site last year, we could have stayed on site last year. The guide books are great for generalities. People's own experiences, findings, tips and tricks - the little details - that they list on DIS are what takes a trip from "the vacation" to "That Terrific Vacation!" . I thank you all for what I've learned and hope to contribute my own tips to help someone else have a wonderful trip.

 

[dmslush]

I think This site is #1, hands down the best resource. Next, Passporter. I love the design so much, when we go other places, I make my own passporter. LOL, my family calls them the Danaporter or the Momporter LOL. Finally, allearsnet.com. I could not plan a disney vacation without their dining section.

 

[Dementia]

This is actually VERY helpful, and very interesting... seeing the percentages.

*pondering and taking notes*

 

[djh96]

Other.......... DISboards!

 

[DrTomorrow]

IMHO, if I had to suggest only one resource to a WDW newbie, it'd have to be the UG. It gets you from zero to mouse.ears very quickly - and it's fun to read, too! Once someone's had some experience - that is, they now know what questions to ask and what things to 'worry' about - I'd have to say the DIS is most useful. The only other guide we ever used was Birnbaum, but we haven't for a long time; the only thing it was good for was getting us all jazzed up about our trip - and "we don't need no stinkin' book" to do that!

ETA: Oops, forgot to mention allearsnet.com. Right up there with the DIS when you have a specific question you wanted answered.

 

[snowglobe girl]

I buy new copies of the Unofficial Guide every few years. I think it has such valuable information in it. I don't use it's daily touring guides, but it was so helpful when we first starting coming to WDW to help plan and know things about attractions and restaurants...but I agree with DrTomorrow has been the most useful.

 

[Mellie0119]

I also love the UG, I've got 3 editions on my bookshelf. It's the number one thing I reccomend to anyone considering a trip to WDW. For the more internet-savvy I also add the DisBoards to the list. From here, you can find all sorts of info that you never could have imagined existed!

 

[snyderla]

The DIS has been the most help and most informative to us for trip planning, followed closely by allears.

Lori

 

[marriedmarylander]

I also chose other because half of it because I got a lot of advice from these boards. I've also read Allearsnet for the menus and wdwinfo.com for the ratings and reviews of various hotels, restaurants, attractions, etc.

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

Just have to add one little note. (Unfortunately inspired by the polling problems lecture from my Logic class. Oy. ) Keep in mind that just because one poll choice is lower in percentage does not mean it is necessarily "less useful." I'm betting more people choose AllEarsNet than TourGuideMike, simply because more people have tried a free guide than a paid one. Even if the paid one is "more useful." The other thing to consider is that everyone is looking for something different in a guide. If you have no knowledge of Disney, and just want to become familiar with the various rides and attractions, AllEarsNet is an amazing (and free) resource. If you're looking for a commando approach, the UG makes it possible. If you want more casual advice of the best times for attractions, best views for shows, helpful attraction hints, best days, that kind of thing, I love Tour Guide Mike . If you want the completely upbeat, but not so objective perspective, it's Birnbaum's for you. Mind you all of the above are gross oversimplifications of each guide's many great features. But hopefully my point of knowing what you're looking for, and finding the best guide for you still comes through. I have used all of these and gained quite a lot from each one. So best of luck to everyone finding what works best for you. (And good luck keeping this a civil and respectful thread. ) Happy planning everyone!

 

[MickiMouth]

I voted other for The DIS. This site is so full of awesome info. I also love All Ears and Birnbaums. I've been thinking about getting a Passporter for our next trip. It sounds useful for organizing which I think I'll like. After seeing the results of this poll I'd like to check out the UG too.

 

[Hockeychic]

I know it isn't a guide book but I find this site the most informative on Disney

 

[Alice Sr.]

I voted other for The DIS, my 2nd would be Allearsnet.com

 

[HeatherinNC]

UG Hands down!! I really enjoy reading the visitors comments that he puts in the book. It is chockful of information, especially if you want really honest, specific advice. I was a little disappointed in the PassPorter. The only thing I think the Passporter has over the UG is the detailed maps of the parks. They are in color and also list the restaurant locations.

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

I voted for the UG. It was extremely helpful on last year's trip; we hadn't been to Disney in 8 years, so we really needed a review of the parks and attractions that we hadn't seen, such as AK. We stayed onsite for the first time and ate our dinners on property as well, so the resort and dining sections were invaluable. We did pseudo-commando touring too, so the touring plans were great! (As well as the info on how to use Fastpass!)

We just got back yesterday from this year's trip and even though I bought the 2005 UG for pleasure reading, I probably didn't need to...I know the parks, where the attractions are, what PS's I wanted to make, etc. So I think the UG works best for Disney newbies or those who haven't been for awhile.

I used the Passporter this year and last year for the great park maps that I fold out and use in the parks, mainly to find restrooms or counter service places...I keep all my receipts in it, so I can see how much we spent at the end... I also write all my PS's in it just in case. ( Though I have never had a problem when I check in at the restaurants )

The DIS, Mousesavers, and Allears have all given me the best tips to plan my vacations and I am learning new things all the time. From updated park hours, attraction rehabs and openings, rental car codes, resort pictures, dining menus, and the "must have" Walmart ponchos, I have these wonderful friends on the internet to help me plan my vacations.

Thanks to you all!!

 

[Jalva22]

I voted for the UG and allears.net. UG just has the most usable information of any of the printed guides I've seen. I've gotten a ton of help by reading the UG cover-to-cover, then using allears.net for the resort facts and pictures, restaurant menus, and tips from its weekly newsletter. I have not read the Passporter, but the UG itself recommends it as a "companion volume."

To be perfectly honest, though, I've gotten the absolute most help and information from these boards (which includes many valuable posts from the UG's Len Testa).

 

[DisneyJen0504]

The Unofficial Guide-it is unbiased, sometimes a little negative but its real and it lets you form your own opinions once you get there!!