Recommend a good DisneyLand guidebook please!

[bas71873]

Considering a trip to DisneyLand in February 2009, with kids and extended family. Can you recommend a good guide book please.....really looking for info on all the different hotels that are within walking distance, info. on the dining plans, etc.

Also, anyone have experience staying at Portofino Inn & Suites....that one has caught my eye??

Thank you. Oh, and this would be for a first timer!

 

[avalon451]

Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, in bookstores... 2009 version should be out soon, if it isn't already.

These boards are an excellent source of info you won't find anywhere else. Specifically, be sure and read Hydroguy's tips thread, a sticky at the top of this forum: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483 Some very helpful tips in there, including a guide for WDW vets, on how DL differs.

Portofino is a nice hotel but too far to walk comfortably.

Howard Johnson's has an Entertainment book rate on certain dates of $59 standard, $74 deluxe, and is very well thought of on these boards. For more info: http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

Another helpful planning tool is Ridemax www.ridemax.com It's not Tour Guide Mike, but it works well for DL.

The dining plan in DL is not a good deal, it's very different from WDW. It's just prepaid vouchers with no discount. Better to save up Disney dollars or Disney gift cards if you want to budget a certain amount.

Read up, and keep coming back to ask questions! We love to help!

Welcome to the left coast DIS!

 

[Jennifer03]

I agree with avalon451, these boards are a great resource. I have learned so much from the members of this board. However, "The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" is great as well.

 

[Disney_Villain]

Unofficial Guide to Disneyland is the best way to go.

 

[rszdtrvl]

I agree with the Unofficial Guide. I have the 2008 version and will be using it to plan our 2009 trip. It worked great in helping to plan our trip earlier this year.

 

[WA Kay]

I love the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" for both the information and entertainment value. I suggest reading every word even if some sections don’t apply to you. There is lots of comedy to be found. The 2009 guide is out but it may not be in your local book store yet. Last year I ended up ordering it online.

I also like "Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort" for the fun pictures and nostalgia. It was the first travel book I ever used.

I agree with others... these boards are also a great source of information.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I love the "Unofficial Guide to Disneyland" for both the information and entertainment value. I suggest reading every word even if some sections don’t apply to you. There is lots of comedy to be found. The 2009 guide is out but it may not be in your local book store yet. Last year I ended up ordering it online.

I also like "Birnbaum's Disneyland Resort" for the fun pictures and nostalgia. It was the first travel book I ever used.

I agree with others... these boards are also a great source of information.

I always have and always will love Birnbaums official Guide to Disneyland but the unofficial guide is good as well...heck go buy both

 

[jonsmom57]

My Unofficial 2009 Guide shipped yesterday from Amazon. $11.55 was a good deal, I thought. Never been to DL so between this book & this board I should be all set.

 

[Keira1387]

I have the Disneyland Passporter and LOVE it!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide. I used the 2008 one for our summer trip and read it cover to cover. Even the parts about small children that didn't apply to us. It is just an easy read. Also included are dining ratings and price ranges. Each ride and attraction is also discribed and rated for different age groups. In the back they have a one and two day plans you can follow if your time is limited.

 

[tyluvsdis]

We have several that we buy new each trip.
1. Unofficial Guide to Disneyland
2. Birnbaum's Guide to Disneyland
3. Southern California with Kids.

We have also gained so much from these boards, Miceage.com, Mouseplanet.com and Mousesavers monthly newsletter. Good luck with the planning. We only have 58 days until we visit the land again!!!

 

[tksbaskets]

I always have and always will love Birnbaums official Guide to Disneyland but the unofficial guide is good as well...heck go buy both

I agree Can't get too much Disney!
TK