The Birnbaums Disney Cruise Book?

[rcumming]

I was at the book store buying the 2005 Official DIsney World Book and while doing so I came across The Birnbaum's Disney Cruise Line 2005 : Set Sail with Expert Advice (Birnbaum's Disney Cruise Line).

Has anyone bought this book? If so, how helpful is it. It said that it was the 'official' book of the Disney Cruise Lines.

If you have bought it, did you like it. I just dont want to invest in it unless it is worth it. We are going June 2-5, 2005. When we went last year we bought the Passporter DCL book and it was helpful.

 

[mmouse37]

I have it and it is not nearly as helpful (I was actually disappointed in it) as the Passporter or the information you can get from this site!!!

 

[Disneyfamfan]

We bought the Birnbaum book, however, I found a lot more useful information on this board and the DCL Tribute site. Save your money, unless you want to carry the book with you.

 

[JESW]

I bought this book and we like it - nice to have to bring with us on our first cruise in April. I have not been able to find the Passporter so I can't compare the two.

Jill

 

[allears]

We bought it also, but also found the Passporter Guide (purchased either through Amazon or Barnes and Noble) and these boards far more helpful. Howver, it's got some nice color pictures.

 

[logan1_2000]

I bought the Birnbaum book and the Passporter book, and Birnbaum really was a waste in retrospect. Some might argue there is as much or more info here on the boards than the Passporter book, but the book is very well organized and user friendly and easy to carry on board that I do recommend it.

24 days until my next DCL cruise. I just wanna go NOW!!!!!!!
(I think if I had won the 120 million dollar mega millions drawing--my new "home" phone number would be 888-DCATSEA...)

 

[bratray]

great pics but i found tons more info here

 

[wonderfan]

I agree -- the PassPorter was great for us as first-time cruisers -- but, the info here is great too. I bought the book on Amazon but, now the new edition is out -- so, it's already somewhat outdated. For novice Disney cruisers, I think the PassPorter is helpful ... I haven't read or seem the Birnbaum book --

 

[jrabbit]

It said that it was the 'official' book of the Disney Cruise Lines.

If its a book by Birnbaum and its about anything Disney, then it's an "Official" book. It's not put out by Disney, but the Disney Company has veto rights on anything that they want to put in the book. And Disney does supply them with great photographs to include in the publications.

 

[Jen in MA]

I bought the DCL Passporter last spring when it came out and have read it cover to cover more than once... great book with lots of info. Our cruise is coming up in just 6 weeks, so over the weekend I needed a new "fix" so I purchased the Birnbaum Guide... I like it. It has some great pictures. The Passporter definitely has more info, but the Birnbaum guide is good too. Of course, I've learned the most info right here on the boards though.

 

[Rachie0507]

I'm agreeing with the majority here--I ordered Birnbaums and Passporters and should have only got Passporters. Much more helpful. We didn't even bring Birnbaums on the trip with us. It was way to basic.

 

[MarkRG]

The name of the Birnbaum books should be changed to: 'Disney's Guide'. The Birnbaum that was the person really behind the books has been out of the picture a number of years now(think he might have passed away). There still is a Birnbaum listed in the credits, but the book is written and produced by Disney, so all the 'insider' info is history with any of the Birnbaum series now, they are just expanded advertisements now.

Passporter all the way for an excellent portable source of info.

 

[mmouse37]

Stephen Birnbaum did indeed pass away several years ago....he used to be on every cover of the WDW Birnbaum guide....which to me is a very good guide....that is why I was a bit disappointed in the cruise version....I have always loved the WDW version and buy one every year.

 

[GenieDana]

http://allearsnet.com/cruise/mdcg.pdf

 

[PattiO]

I agree with the above poster. I just got back from my 1st Disney cruise and WE LOVED IT!!! I bought both the Passporter and Birnbaum book because I wanted as much info as I could read. I agree Passporter has a lot more Birnbaum may have added some tidbits. But I have really learned SOOOO much from the Disboards its unbelievable. I found the site and just started reading and reading and reading. Then I actually logged on. If I had a question I asked and I figured someone would help me out and sure enough someone would...this site is wonderful!!!! I used so many of the tips and suggestions given!!! So utilize this forum as much as you can its amazing the info you can get!!!!!

 

[jrabbit]

Stephen Birnbaum did indeed pass away several years ago....he used to be on every cover of the WDW Birnbaum guide....which to me is a very good guide....that is why I was a bit disappointed in the cruise version....I have always loved the WDW version and buy one every year.

The BEST books on WDW and DL are the "Unofficial Guide to ..." by Bob Sehlinger. Big books. Lots of great info, well organized and a lot of funny storys ("Chuck Buba Baby Toss")