Thread killers unite!

[dreamin in pa]

Thanks for the advice. I'll let everyone know what park to go to also. I will have my plans to be there at rope drop and if anyone wants to join us for that, they are more than welcome. But I won't change my plans for any of them. Meeting for dinner and evening events sounds like a good idea too. Everyone can discuss their day while waiting for the parade or fireworks. And like you said, I'm sure we'll all see each other throughout the park. Can always hop on a ride together then too. I may have to ask you a few more questions before our trip, if you don't mind.

 

[TBDave]

Do you live near now?

Right now we live in Blacksburg, VA about 3-4 blocks from the infamous Virginia Tech Massacre. But a few years ago we lived in Clearwater, FL about 60-90 minutes from WDW.

I may have to ask you a few more questions before our trip, if you don't mind.

I'd be happy to help out anyway I can. Probably my best advice came from Rick Steves. He does those Backdoor Through Europe books and tours. He once said something along the lines of, "I've never understood how some people will spend thousands of dollars on a vacation to Europe, but won't invest in a $20 guidebook."

So my advice is, invest $100 into some good up-to-date guide books and touring site subscriptions (like TP and TGM). The information you'll get will make all the difference. It'll change a good trip into a great trip.

 

[dreamin in pa]

Right now we live in Blacksburg, VA about 3-4 blocks from the infamous Virginia Tech Massacre. But a few years ago we lived in Clearwater, FL about 60-90 minutes from WDW.



I'd be happy to help out anyway I can. Probably my best advice came from Rick Steves. He does those Backdoor Through Europe books and tours. He once said something along the lines of, "I've never understood how some people will spend thousands of dollars on a vacation to Europe, but won't invest in a $20 guidebook."

So my advice is, invest $100 into some good up-to-date guide books and touring site subscriptions (like TP and TGM). The information you'll get will make all the difference. It'll change a good trip into a great trip.

I already belong to TGM. I joined 2 years ago and it was the best money I have spent. Well, except for the actual vacation. I know how we like to tour the parks but I do have to remember our other members of the group. Out of the 15, 6 of us (my family) has been the last 2 years. My dad hasn't been since 99 and his fiance and her children have never been. My brother hasn't been since 82 and his wife and child have never been. I love disney and most of them have no idea why. My main agenda is to just give them a taste of how wonderful it is. But in reality, with this many people, all I really want is for everyone just to make it back in one piece.

 

[M&N]

Right now we live in Blacksburg, VA.

So my advice is, invest $100 into some good up-to-date guide books and touring site subscriptions (like TP and TGM). The information you'll get will make all the difference. It'll change a good trip into a great trip.

I'm a Virginian by birth. Love the state. Lots of history.

As a librarian, I have to agree with you. But as a DISer, it's more fun to ask and see what everyone has to say. Many opinions. Some good, some bad.

It's good to see someone with so much experience find the DIS boards.

 

[dreamin in pa]

M&N I know you said you didn't go on any coasters at Hershey this weekend but did you happen to see where they are building the new coaster? I tried looking at the map on line but they only have 2007 on there right now. Just curious because they don't seem to have alot of room to keep building.

 

[TBDave]

As a librarian, I have to agree with you. But as a DISer, it's more fun to ask and see what everyone has to say. Many opinions. Some good, some bad.

I agree that you can find the best, and most up-to-date info in the internet. The stuff you learn on this board is invaluable. But unless you're a Disney fanatic, most people aren't willing to invest the time and effort to search out the information.

For our recent family time, I bought 5-6 guide books. Following our family meeting about 30 days out, I gave each group a guidebook. Dad and Mom (in their 60's) got Birnbaum's WDW Without Kids, my younger bother and his wife (early 30's) got Birnbaum's WDW, and my youngest brother and his girlfriend (in their 20's) got The Complete Guide To WDW. I kept the big bible (Unofficial Guide To WDW). That way each group could research and plan whatever works best for them.

 

[dreamin in pa]

TBDave-I forgot all about the Birnbaum guide books. I bought the one for our kids for our trip 2 years ago. They loved it and it certainly is worn out by now. They are visually appealing and somewhat give you an idea of what some things look like. I may have to pick up a few for the rest of my family. I know most of them won't take the time to read a website such as this.

Time for bed See you all tomorrow.

 

[D&DDisney]

Quickly checking in this morning.

TBDave! Hope to see you around here for a while. I watch those Rick Steves travel shows too. So much good information in case I ever get to Europe.

DL55 - Hope you're having a great vacation!

Where is everybody?????

 

[MagiKitty]

Morning all! So glad to see some chatting last night---as I said, I miss everyone!

What's TGM and TP? I have older versions (2006) of the Unofficial Guide and Passporter...do you think that makes a huge difference?

dreamin...that's quite a group you have! And I agree, just let people know what you have planned and let them have their own day. It will be lots to talk about when you meet up for dinner or for fireworks. Everyone has different agendas while on vacation. It will be hugely fun and quite a memory, if everyone gets through it unscathed!

M&N...I like your point about shopping. I'll have to bring that up with BF. He's still not sold on it, even after watching some stuff on YouTube.

I'm trying so hard not to go crazy on the boards. I feel compelled to check all day if there's any news I should know about! Its really bordering on obsession right now. I've been all over the boards, but I'm still keeping an eye out for those lonely one person threads. TKer forever!

 

[dreamin in pa]

Morning!!!! Beautiful day here today. Got the windows open, taking the kids to the playground later, and taking the puppy out for a long walk. Oh, I just love this weather.

D&DDisney-wasn't today the day free dining was suppose to open for everybody? Did you try to get anything?

MagiKitty-TGM is Tour Guide Mike. It's an online planning service and costs about 20 bucks. He gives advice on what parks to tour on which day, how to tour the parks, etc. It's not personalized...alot of people think that it is. Besides suggesting how to tour the parks, he also tells you the why behind his suggestions. It's alot of reading but you also learn how to adjust your plans if something goes wrong. We've used it for the last 2 years and his advice has been right on the money as to which park to visit on each day. You could most likely find almost all the same info on here for free but I like that I can find out the why's to my questions. Can't always get that here. Does that make sense?

I noticed too that our numbers are dwindling. Hope everyone else is just busy with life and haven't deserted us.

 

[lighttech]

Just noting everyone's "dwindling" concerns... so I wanted to stop by to say HI and I'm still here!

Had a lot of bills to pay at lunch today (yuck) so I didn't get to spend my customary quiet DIS time.

I'll try to stop by tomorrow b/c its finally the YMCA visit day. I'm so NERVOUS!!! I really want to like this place!!! (Actually, love it, since its where my babies will be.) So, I'll be into work late and don't know if I'll get a lunch break, but I'll definitely try to pop in to let you all know how it goes! You've all been so supportive.

Welcome TBDave
D&DDisney have a Wonderful trip!
Dreamin'/M&N - I'm very curious about that rollercoaster too... I hope they don't take away anymore of Hershey's open spaces. One of the reasons I like it so much is all the trees,etc.

Can't remember who asked about handicapped access, but one thing to keep in mind is that it is very hilly, so save some energy if the wheelchair isn't motorized. I've done it w/ a stroller, and that can be tiring sometimes. But, everyone is super nice there, so I'm sure they have some accomodations.

Oooo... late for a meetin'. Gotta run!

Ohyeah! - Pepper - Congrats on the problem solving... hope it all works.

 

[M&N]

I threw the new HersheyPark map away so can't check for sure. The rides in the back weren't open yet. I saw it from the Kissing Tower. Think it's to be near the boadrwalk area. There's not much room to do any more. Threr was talk of putting things on the other side of 422 but I'm sure the cost would be bad.
My walk today was wonderful but I cannot stop putting things in my mouth today. Not really bad things but too many that count points!
Other DIS places--I got involved in the should teachers take time off during school time for vacation to DW thread. It was interesting. It's for sure some have no idea what other people do outside their own little world. No one made a comment on my view but I'm used to that. I went through and welcomed a few newbies too. The biggest news I found was the cost of strollers. Anything else I should check on? Don't want to turn into a TK snob!

 

[MagiKitty]

Hi M&N!

I just found out about the stroller prices earlier. All I can say is for $31 a day, those better be the best strollers on earth.

There's an interesting poll about Trolling on the Budget Board, though it seems to be on a tangent. I understand the concept of trolls, but I often find that if you have a low post count, you're immediately dismissed as a troll. They forget we all had to start somewhere! And there are new people to the Dis every day, some people are literally starting from nothing. That's why our TK mission is so valuable!

I've been on the restaurant board a lot. Although they advertise that on the dining plan there's over 100 restaurants to eat at, there are definitely a top dozen that everyone seems to be looking to get ressies at!

I was laughing coz some people are actively dieting in anticipation of free dining! I guess if every meal provides dessert, the effect could be disasterous. I, of course, am looking forward to trying everything!

It was a beautiful day for a walk. I got some fantastic grapes yesterday at then grocer, and what they call a "personal watermelon", which is really just a baby watermelon that I'm tempted to cut into. But I'm having some mean chocolate ice cream cravings!

lighttech, it was me who was asking about handicapped access. The hills and steep climbs were the problems we had at Busch Gardens. I may have to rethink it. But for a smaller park, BF may just use his crutches and we'll just take it slow. And GOOD LUCK with the YMCA!

 

[TBDave]

Thanks for all the welcomes everybody. This is a really friendly group of people.

What's TGM and TP? I have older versions (2006) of the Unofficial Guide and Passporter...do you think that makes a huge difference?

dreamin in pa gave the perfect description of Tour Guide Mike (TGM). He's a professional VIP tour guide (at least he claims to be). Access to his site costs around $20 per trip. You could probably compile all the information and suggestions on your own by reading websites and forums. Actually, it's not the best source for information, because some info was out of date. But TGM explains the thought process behind everything, and as you understand WHY to do things, you become a better trip planner. If you ever decide to subscribe, check online for some coupon codes that'll knock a few bucks off the price.

TP was short for Touring Plans, the online site for the Unofficial Guide. It's only about $8 per year. It's meant to supplement the Unofficial Guide, with the latest crowd estimates, book updates and various touring plans for each day.

Regarding the older guide books. If they were your ONLY source for WDW information, then I'd say it makes a big difference. But probably 90% of the updated guidebooks will be exactly the same word-for-word. I buy the latest guides every year because I'm an obsessive trip planner. But the best and latest information is available online.

I know that in my group, only two out of seven of us read Disney websites. For the other five people in my family, without the guidebooks, they'd be lost. Luckily, once I put the guidebooks in their hands, they'll usually read through them. I smile when they come up to me holding the guidebooks saying, "Have you ever heard about this thing called Expedition Everest? That looks neat!" Without a guidebook, WDW would just eat them alive.

 

[MagiKitty]

Hi again, TBDave. We initially bonded b/c we felt like people were being really mean. We found company (nice, friendly company) together. So glad you joined us!

Thanks for the descriptions...as I said earlier, I've become obsessive about planning for a September trip. I am constantly on here, which has to stop, coz I'm not getting anything done!

But its been so helpful on here, finding answers and little things I'd never find out on my own! So you just get the same guidebooks, only newer versions, every year? The unofficial and Birnbaums are the ones you'd recommend? I just got a Borders coupon text and I may have to stray into the travel section.

Do you bring the books with you on vacay? Or have you pretty much planned everything to detail by the time you arrive? I know they recommend bringing the Passporter, but I find it bulky. I'm perfectly fine with a little notepad with necessary information.

 

[TBDave]

So you just get the same guidebooks, only newer versions, every year? The unofficial and Birnbaums are the ones you'd recommend? I just got a Borders coupon text and I may have to stray into the travel section.

Do you bring the books with you on vacay? Or have you pretty much planned everything to detail by the time you arrive? I know they recommend bringing the Passporter, but I find it bulky. I'm perfectly fine with a little notepad with necessary information.

There's a few guides I update every year. And others that I just get every couple years. The best guides are The Unofficial Guide, The Complete Guide To WDW, Birnbaum's and Passporter (that's probably my order of preference).

The Unofficial Guide is probably your best tool for planning a vacation. It's basically a reference book disguised as a vacation book. But it's a bit overwhelming for the average vacationer, so I usually keep that for myself.

The Complete Guide To WDW is relatively new. I think they started in 2007. I haven't picked up the latest version yet, but I will soon. The 2007 edition was excellent. Lots of pictures, facts and trivia. It wasn't much of a trip planner. But it's a really fun WDW book.

Birnbaum's is good, because it's the perfect book for the casual Disney vacationer in your group. Very basic information, lots of pictures, easy to read.

Passporter is more of an interactive planner/organizer/keepsake. I don't use their organizer/keepsake sections, so I probably don't get as much out of it as I should. But I like their maps and suggestions that you don't find in other guide books.

We drive to WDW, so I'll bring everything to the hotels. Even though all the planning is done way in advance, every trip seems to get tweaked midway through, and it's nice to have the info handy. But I don't carry anything around the park, except for a sheet of paper with all the important info. Sometimes we'll carry an Imagineering Field Guide for fun.

But you also might want to check out the Mini Mickey. It's a small pocketsized version of the Unofficial Guide. They trimmed out most of the filler. If you had limited space, that would probably be a good choice.

 

[dreamin in pa]

Hey everyone!!! What a great day it was. Kids were able to play outside forever today. It was great for me to get a break too. Can't remember the last time I got some peace and quiet.

M&N-Thanks for the update about the new coaster. I don't know where they will put anything else after this one. I think they own the land across the road (where you were talking about) but I think that would be a nightmare to get too. I just can't picture it. And I don't want them to change what they already have for bigger and faster rides. I love them but right now it is the perfect family park that's close to home.

TBDave-you really know your stuff. I think I have older copies of all the books you mentioned. Each one offered something different like you said. We also have a copy of the Hidden Mickey book along with Passporter's Treasure Hunts. I think our next purchase will be the Imagineering Field Guides. I glanced at them at the bookstore and seem really interesting. Any opinion on them?

MagiKitty-I don't carry any of the guide books into the park either. And I don't bring them with me on vacation. I usually type up a few pages of all the important info from all the books and just bring a folder with that stuff in. For in the parks, I type up little index cards, color coded for each park, with Adr numbers, parade times, etc. I also add a brief outline of how we are touring the park. I attached them all together with a binder ring clip. Very small to carry and it kept me orgainized.

lighttech-Good luck tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed still. Let us know how it goes.

 

[TBDave]

I think our next purchase will be the Imagineering Field Guides. I glanced at them at the bookstore and seem really interesting. Any opinion on them?

These are excellent books. The Disneyland one's coming next (in October). They're perfect to have in your back pocket as you're walking around the park.

Amazon has them for $9.99 each as part of their 4-for-3 Books promotion. Which means you can pick them all up and get a free book (along with free shipping). Amazon also has an overstock copy of the EPCOT imagineering book for just $4.29.

 

[dreamin in pa]

These are excellent books. The Disneyland one's coming next (in October). They're perfect to have in your back pocket as you're walking around the park.

Amazon has them for $9.99 each as part of their 4-for-3 Books promotion. Which means you can pick them all up and get a free book (along with free shipping). Amazon also has an overstock copy of the EPCOT imagineering book for just $4.29.

Thanks for the heads-up on those. I just checked them out but can't get the 4 for 3 to work. I'll mess around with it...I'm sure it's just mistake on my part. Oh, and of course, I saw quite a few other books that look interesting. I wonder how mad my hubby will be if I order a bunch more guide books?

 

[M&N]

Thanks for the ratings for the tour books. I used one for my first cruise but Borders only had 1 to choose from so I didn't feel like I picked the wrong one. The Imagineering books sound interesting. Has anyone ever gotten into finding the Hidden Mickeys?
I felt a little obsessive about the cruise. Felt I was checking their forum every 2 hours---and they don't get that much action.
I never heard about trolling...except in fishing. Guess I need to look at it.
BTW, I think wheelchair rentals are going up too.
Hoping the YMCA worked out ok.