Passporter or unofficial guide?

[goofy4tink]

Thanks Len. But I still think it looks like a daybed. I love POR, one of my favorite resorts. But hey....who else would notice these things except for us Disney fanatics?? Just wanted to make sure they didn't sneak those pesky day beds in when I wasn't looking. Thanks for getting back to us. It sure is nice to have one of the 'official researchers' here!!

 

[Vavasmon]

I use both books when planning. I prefer the passporter's maps (which are color foldouts) to the maps in the UG. The UG and passporter both a room descriptions and ride overviews. I base my personal touring plans off the UG. Just as an FYI both books contain some errors (it would be impossible to verify all edits required each year and still make it to press) - as an example the 2004 passporter I bought last week has the incorrect dates for the hotel rate seasons.

I especially like the UG the first time we visitied Disney (over Christmas 2001) - it helped me to set my expectations correctly. I prefer the disboards for restaurant reviews and attraction reviews (since you can see such a diversity of opinions and ask questions). I carry both books in the backpack on our "unplanned" days at Disney. I don't use the passporter for the journal - not my style.

Both have their pluses and minues - I don't think you can go wrong with either.

The only book I have ever regretted buying was the Birnbaums guide - the picturs are great - the info was pure Disney marketing. I say buy that one for the pictures.

 

[mslangen]

Hi,

Last year I bought the Passporter Guide 2003. Now I'v also bought the Unofficial Guide 2004.
Both books have their good things. Found the passporter the most updated and it had the most correct info. The Unofficial Guide has lots more tekst to read on lots of more pages.
I really enjoy reading the Unofficial Guide. Although I'm not going to follow their touring plans exactly, I found some good tips in their touring plans. Also I like reading all the reader comments in the Unofficial Guide.

I also found errors in the Unofficial Guide. I'v not read every part of the guide by now. I found the following:
1. Room diagrams (allready posted). Also in the UG all moderate resorts have the same room size. I thought that the CBR rooms were bigger then the other moderates.
2. Bus transportation to the waterparks (page 330)
The book tells me that only in the morning and late in the afternoon there is transportation between resorts and the Waterparks. During slower times in the day you need a transfer at the TTC. Sorry UG, but I don't think this information is correct.

My advice would be, buy both guides. Start reading the Unofficial Guide to get an idea what Walt Disney World and the Orlando area is all about. Also the guide is a great help while making decisions on travel dates, resort, restaurants etc.
If you decide to go to the World use the Passporter for all the practical info you need. Also take the Passporter with you on vacation and, if you like, take the book also with you while visiting the parks.

Marcel.

 

[lentesta]

Thanks for that bus information, mslangen. I'm confirming that now with a couple of CMs I know that work in Transportation.

As far as the room diagrams go, I'm going through my 2003 Disney Interactive Travel Industry Reference Guide now. Hopefully that'll have something.

Thanks again.

Len

 

[erikthewise]

Len,

While you're checking room diagrams, I also feel the room sizes (in sq ft) may be suspect. There are some places where UG seems to contradict common beliefs.
(1) Everybody and their cousin swears rooms at Caribbean Beach are larger (340 sq ft) than at other Moderates.
(2) You're the only source I've seen claim that Contemporary rooms are under 400 sq ft, a claim of 436 is common.
(3) Most sources say BC/YC rooms are under 400 sq ft, around 385 like BWI.

If you've really gone to the carpet with a tape measure, please say so. I'm sure three people can measure the same room and come up with three different answers, but at least I'll know you're giving it your best shot.

 

[lentesta]

Hey erikthewise,

We really take tape measures to carpet. Perhaps I should have mentioned that. True story: on my first research trip with the Unofficial Guide, Bob and team were dropping me off at my room at OKW. This is late one night after dinner. So Bob says "Do you mind if we come up and take a look at your room?" Being the newbie in the group, I said sure. So everyone - like six people - pops out of the van, notebooks in hand.

I end up standing in my room while folks around me are breaking out tape measures and pencils. One person is writing information. Everyone else is calling stuff out - new refrigerator, same wallpaper, looking for manufacturing dates dates on the bedding and appliances (to see how old they are). And I'm thinking "What the heck did I get myself into?" Fortunately, I'd not left out any Superman undies or anything. That would have been embarrassing. Not that I wear Superman und.....nevermind.

I suspect where our room sizes differ internally in the book, we've listed our measurements in one section with official information in the other.

An update on the transportation question: Three sources checked so far, three different answers: the Guide is always right, the Guide is always wrong, and something in between. I suspect it may take a call to Disney on Monday to clarify it. I'll post an update here when I know something definitive.

Len

 

[toystoryduo]

Len~
You have such a great job! Thanks for all of the updates that you are giving us.

Quick question: I just ordered my copy of the 2004 Unofficial Guide and I am really looking forward to reading it! Is there a survey to fill out in the back of the book and when does it have to be in? Thanks for the great, behind the scenes information!

P.S. If you don't mind sharing, how did you get to be an Unofficial researcher?

 

[lentesta]

Hey ToyStoryDuo,

Thanks for reading the Guide!

There is a survey in the back of the Guide. We'd like to have those in by early April, if possible. When's your trip? Also, we should have a web-based version of the reader survey up in the next 90 days or so, in case you'd rather use that.

The 'search' function here isn't working, but I'd posted a fairly detailed view of what we look for in Guide researchers a while back. The short version for me is: 1997-ish in grad school, working on a Masters. Doing research into scheduling problems. Applied said research to finding efficient theme park tours. Called Bob. Joined the Guide. Finished Masters. Wrote the Guide's touring plan software. Started Ph.D. Still working on that software.

Most folks who work for the Guide started out as unpaid volunteers (including me). A very few - I can think of two - we actually approached first. We'll see those two in the next edition. Very excited about that.

Drop me a line if you'd like to more info about helping out. Volunteers are always welcome.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[toystoryduo]

Len~
You have such a great job! Thanks for all of the updates that you are giving us.

Quick question: I just ordered my copy of the 2004 Unofficial Guide and I am really looking forward to reading it! Is there a survey to fill out in the back of the book and when does it have to be in? Thanks for the great, behind the scenes information!

P.S. If you don't mind sharing, how did you get to be an Unofficial researcher?

 

[Micca]

I love the UG. I have been buying them for more years than I can remember. Having been to WDW dozens of times I don't even need a guide anymore, but I find them very entertaining, and I'm impressed by the on-going research and updates. While some find the tone a bit cynical, I think it's very real and down-to-earth while remaining respectful of WDW

 

[Uncleromulus]

"Ask not for whom the tome tells, Bubba, it tells for thee".

But not for me--

 

[goofy4tink]

All I can say is that we are all obviously reading, with great relish, the UG!!! Poor Len....has to double-check all that stuff for us. Tell you what Len....I'll volunteer to go with you on your next trip and help out. I'll be glad to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. And you guys wouldn't have to pay me either I'll be happy to re-measure those rooms.

 

[lentesta]

Hey Diane,

Drop me a line: testa@ncat.edu. Next trip is the week of March 8, followed by July 24th.

Hey Uncleromulus . Nice to see you again. My previous offer to you still stands.

Thanks!

Len

 

[mariessas_mom]

Personally, I buy just about every guide book available!! But, I really like the unofficial guide as I feel it gives you honest info you can't get elsewhere!!

 

[Lcm2108]

I prefer Unofficial Guide as it covers US, IOA, off site hotels, etc. I have them both.

Lisa