Thoughts on which guidebook is best??

[Growin'upDisney]

Any input anyone could give on which guidebook would be best to buy would be appreciated.

I have been to WDW only once about 3 years ago and I knew nothing about PS's or resort options. I have been actively searching and learning from the DIS for about 6 months but I wanted to see what others thought. I heave read the description of Birnbaums, Passporter, and the Unofficial Guide but cannot decide.

We are 4 adults who love love love Disney and have been to DL at least 25 times. But have never purchased a guidebook. Thanks for the help.

 

[ncbyrne]

I've purchased all three over the years. Also have the Unofficial one for adults traveling with no kids. The passporter is the most expensive, but I really do like it the best. I ordered the deluxe version online and have really been satisfied.

 

[TLinden16]

I have all three books, and usually replace them every couple of years. I like all three books for different reasons.

I think the Birnbaum guide is the best for giving ride descriptions, and photos of the ride. This is the bubblegum, sugar coated Disney guide. Don't expect anything negative. I think it's a great guide to help people who are going for the first time get an overview of what to expect.

I think that the Unofficial Guide gives the most useful information of the three guides. It really helps you understand how the rides work, and gives you lots of great information that helps to save time and money. The hotel descriptions and restaurant reviews are very helpful.

I think that the Passporter is the best way to get organized for your trip. It's nice to have one place to keep all of your confirmations, priority seating numbers, etc. I also love filling in the pass pockets with information for my trips. It's a great way to look back at all of the wonderful trips I've taken over the years.

If someone was going to get just one book, I'd recommend the Unofficial Guide, and I'd recommend that you read it cover to cover, highlight, take notes, scribble all over it. Just find the information in it that will help you the most.

Karen

 

[Growin'upDisney]

Thanks for the feedback so far!!

 

[tiberius]

I have read several, but always keep going back to the Unofficial Guide. It has always seemed the most useful to me for the information that I want and/or need.

 

[Shells9]

Another vote for The Unofficial Guide .
I like the way it is written, and the humor in it makes it an easy read. I find it a great reference.

 

[pjlla]

Just have to laugh at the first few posters who said "I have all three"........ Do they really think that there are only three out there? Or maybe they are just thinking of the "big" three (Birnbaum's, Unofficial, and Passporter). I personally have six on my shelf right now and have read them all. First choice would be "The Unofficial Guide" and second choice would be Birnbaum's (although I highly receommend investing in both). Don't try to cheap out and buy an old copy from ebay or the neighborhood yard sale. You really need current, up-to-date information. And keep checking the Disboards here for "breaking" news. For example, the 2003 copy of Unofficial states 60 days as the appropriate number of days in advance to call for PS..... but things have changed recently and it is actually (I believe!) 90 days out that you can call. That is a major change not to know about. So keep your ears/eyes opened wide here at the Disboards, as well as reading a good guidebook!..............P

 

[danny1649]

The Unoffical Guide and I always take a PassPorter with me when I go to WDW.

 

[Mich Mouse]

I also have read numerous guide books, and I believe the best overall book is The Unofficial Guide.

 

[Kteacher]

For organization and dining info I like Passporter the best.

 

[BrerMama]

Personally, the Passporter is my favorite, but I'm an anal-obsessive planner and like to have all my info organized and ready to go. Then I can go back years later and look at all my notes and smile. I can't imagine going to a Disney park without an Unofficial guide, though. That thing is a bible of how to tour the parks. I got one for Christmas and figure it's my 5th or 6th version.

 

[disneymomtofour]

Oh no, I don't have Passporter! I am sure I cannot plan the "perfect" WDW trip without it. So, my DH offered to go buy me one tonight. I bet he is worried I won't sleep knowing that some other planning book is available. He could be right! I have found the Unofficial Guide very helpful. I only hope my local bookstore has a Passporter or we are in for a long night!

 

[cinmell]

My favorite is the Passporter Deluxe. It has lots of information, worksheets and maps of the parks and resorts.

 

[QuickGold]

I swear by Sehlinger's Unoffical Guide

 

[Texowl2]

over the years I've bought 4 or 5 different. The unofficial is hands down the best.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

I like the Unofficial Guide the best even though I have all three. The UG gives more critical reviews regarding restaurants, resorts, and crowds that you won't get with the other two. Sometimes I think if someone only read the Official Guide they would not know what to think about the size of the holiday crowds! The Unofficial is also pretty funny to read.

 

[elemusing]

I have all 3 that you mentioned and the UG is the best, hands down. I have bought a new copy every year since 1996. Now, that really isn't necessary, as you can find out most updated things from this board, but if this is your first copy, BUY A NEW ONE. You won't be disappointed and the touring plans in the back are worth the money of the whole book.

Angie

 

[kevind65]

we have been enough now that we don't purchase the guide books any longer. I find that any info I need, I can find right here on the DIS...this place is awesome....when we did buy the guides; the unofficial guidebook was our favorite--lots and lots of useful info--almost too much....I didn't care for the Birmbaum's version so much--it kinda felt like company advertising and not a honest critical review of things....

 

[jaysue]

Thumbs up for Unofficial Guide

Passporter is pretty good as well but not as useful to us

thanks
jaysue

 

[Mainebound]

Another vote for the UG. It is BY FAR the most comprehensive guide book, right down to transportation charts and room layouts, not to mention detailed touring plans. I just don't see the other books as even in the same league. The Official Guide is a glossy photo book, basically, and the Passporter is kind of like those 5 pocket notebooks we used in grade school, i.e. an organizer. For information on WDW (and even Universal -- we have found it the only guide we need for our upcoming joint WDW /US trip!) the UG cannot be beat!