Thanks Guys, I bought a Passporter!

[MsDisney23]

OK after reading all the wonderful things on here about Passporter I just had to have another one! ( got one several years ago, the spiral one) Well I can not wait for my first Deluxe one to come. The spiral one I had a few years ago was nice, but I did not like the way it would close. So after all the great reviews on the boards here I went ahead and ordered the Deluxe. I got a great deal 30% off since I had regisitered my old one. Plus I sold a few items on ebay and it paid for my new Deluxe Passporter.

Was wondering what most people buy, Deluxe or Spiral? Even though my trip is only for 5 days, I have alot of planning since there are going to be 8 of us.

 

[crow11ad]

Hey we just ordered our passporter delux, along with the hidden mickey book, and the goodie bag. We can't wait.

 

[goofy4tink]

My deluxe PassPorter just arrived today!! Very happy at our house. I just love those pockets. I prefer the deluxe version. I can rearrange pages to suit my travel plans.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

What is a Passporter and where do you get them?

I don't know what it is but I might need one!

D4D

 

[AKQJ10]

I agree that the Passporter is an excellent, all-around guide taht covers all aspects of WDW, and is unique in its design and format. You also may want to take a look at the Unofficial Guide, as it is quite extensive.

For great touring plans (that actually work), look at the Hassle-Free Guide to WDW. It doesn't have anything as far as shopping, etc. but it is valuable for the plans. (He is also the author of the Hidden Mickeys book - we have the same publisher)

Part of what makes one book more valuable than another is who is using it (e.g. is this your first time there?), and how is it going to be used (while planning or while going through the parks?).

All of these books are, of course, availble from Amazon.com. Having reviewed pretty much every guide book out there, I'd be more than happy to help if you have any more questions.

-A

 

[elemusing]

from the website www.passporter.com :

What in the World is a PassPorter?
PassPorters are unique, all-in-one travel guides that offer comprehensive, expert advice and innovative planning systems of built-in worksheets and organizer "PassPockets." The PassPockets help you organize your vacation by building trip itineraries on the front before you go, storing maps, passes, and receipts inside while you're there, recording memories and expenses on the back to enjoy when you return.

 

[bobcat]

Happy Planning! The Hidden Mickey's book is great too!

 

[BrerMama]

I've had mine a week today but can't fill out my Passpockets because I can't make up my stinking mind. I had convinced my dh I wanted to stay off-site and save money, when he was set on on-site. And now I want to stay on-site and he's set on saving money! Wah! I want to fill out my passporter!

 

[kessieann]

My Passporter came last week and the pockets are stuffed. I got the Spiral Version because we can't afford to go to WDW very often so I didn't really need a book that could be updated each year. I will just buy a new one when I talk dh into going again

I really like that I can pull out the pages I don't need without tearing the book. (we are staying off site so I did not need all the hotel stuff) It lightened up my book and left me with just what I wanted.

 

[ncbyrne]

Last fall I received a webcertificate for my birthday. I decided to use the $ to buy a Deluxe passporter. It's been a very useful guide with much more detailed info than the other guides I have purchased.

 

[Mickey Moose]

I just bought the passporter deluxe on Buy dot com for $26.56 and free shipping. It's item # on the web site is Item#: BTRR25.

Mickey Moose

 

[KSgirl]

....but I know what you mean about filling out the pockets, then changing plans. I got so anxious to fill mine out too soon....then I changed them at least twice. That's why I always use a pencil!!!

 

[bugbugmom]

Which is better Passporter or Tour Guide Mike? I purchased Tour Guide Mike last year and was pleased. I'm interested in the Passporter. Is it bulky? Can you carry it in a waist pack or backpack?

 

[crow11ad]

Hey bugbugmom, passporter is not really "bulky". You can get the spiral eddition or get the delux edition. The delux comes in a binder sort of speak and comes with a cool pen. Good thing about the delux is that when you get one and lets say you go after the trip that you have your countdown set for, you can then download or order refill kits for that year. Best thing to do is go to www.passporter.com This has great information. You can also get a goodie bag. We are waiting for our shipment to come in. Check it out. Hope you enjoy.

 

[AKQJ10]

bugbugmom,

what did you think of the tourguidemike plans and printouts?

Did you have to download and/or print out sheets and sheets of touring plans, etc.? Did you find it unweildy or cumbersome, etc? Can you tell me (us) a little bit about the process, etc.?

Thanks for your help and time!

-A

 

[bugbugmom]

Tour Guide Mike was great. We used it last Sept 2003 it was our 1st trip to WDW. However, I thought the site was hard to navigate at times. What I would do is print out best/worst days and eves to visit which parks. Then I would print out his itineraries for each park. I then put the appropriate list in an seperate envelope and carry it in my fanny pack. I think I learned just as much from the Disboard. But, the passporter sounds nice for the planning and post trip reports as a keepsake. I was just worried if it could be carried into a waist pack. Tour Guide Mike has some great ideas about touring. But I think that the only thing I got out of it was go to the most popular rides first. I think it might be good for someone who is unfamiliar with WDW. JMHO. Hope this helps.

 

[ralpheholt]

The Passporter Disney Cruise Guide is also excellent. I highly recommend it if your planning a Disney Cruise.

 

[AKQJ10]

thanks, bugbug...

Although I do not use the guides/guidebooks personally, having been to WDW almost 50 times and author of a WDW book myself, I have reviewed most of what is out there for friends/family, etc. There are a number of guide books that just don't rise to the level of the Passporter, Unofficial Guide, etc. for one reason or another.

I agree about the book sizes as well. That's why I posted about what the book would be used for and when. Many of the books are excellent guides and come up with great touring plans, but are too cumbersome and unweildy to carry around in the park. You are often best served by reviewing the book(s) before your vacation or on your way down (or up or over) to WDW. Then, when you return to your room at night, it's sometimes good to go over your next day's itinereary, rather than go through a lengthy guidebook (assuming you look to plan out your days that way).

Sometimes it's nice to just make some priority seating reservations, and then just "wing it" at the park-of-the-day. The only problem with the touring plans is that if you don't stick to them for one reason or another, then they may not work out as well. Also, they don't always give you the flexibility to do something on a whim, etc.

OK.. enough of my babbling

Hope that helps! ANd remember, the most important part of your trip is to HAVE FUN!

-A

 

[mitymott]

We ordered ours Sunday from amazon, now I can't help myself everytime I see the ups truck I'm watching to see if he will stop.

 

[KatieLovesMickey]

Hello!
I posted this on the budget board, but I'll put it here, too. You can buy the 2004 Passporter at www.walmart.com for a grand total of $16.00 and change! It's the cheapest place I've found yet. I preordered mine in October and saved 30%, but now I wish I would have waited! It's a great book and a wonderful keepsake!