Travel Books

[MastroK75]

I am planning a trip to Disney and have the Unofficial Guide from 2006. Is it necessary to purchase the 2010 book or can I use the 2006 books. I was also looking to purchase the Passporter but wasn't sure if it was necessary or in there were any free versions I can print. Thanks!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I am planning a trip to Disney and have the Unofficial Guide from 2006. Is it necessary to purchase the 2010 book or can I use the 2006 books. I was also looking to purchase the Passporter but wasn't sure if it was necessary or in there were any free versions I can print. Thanks!

I think I'd buy a new Unofficial Guide book since your's will be 4 years old. But, I'd wait until later in the year as they print two editions a year. The latest will be the most updated one.

I like Passporter too but I have found that it's not quite as detailed as I would like.

Have you ever looked at the Birnbaum's Official Guide to Walt Disney World. It's a little more sugar coated than other guidebooks but it has coupons in the back that you may be interested in.

 

[yaksack]

We like the Birnbaum books.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

Totally worth it to spend the money for the latest addition of the Unofficial guidebook. More than likely there will be only a few things that have changed/been added but wouldn't you rather have the more up to date information?

You can always check out the book for free at your library too.

 

[laura-k]

I think I would get the new Unofficial Guide book ,I have had many in the past I think the Birnbaum books read like Disney official info nothing special .I have had passporter in the past and it was okay but I think by the time I got it I really knew how to plan my days out by myself so I'm not sure how it comes off to a new visiter -
I really liked the Unofficial Guide and used it my first couple trips -I saw now if you buy (or check it out at the library) they have a website you can get crowd info on that might really help on choosing which park for which day info -that sounds cool !
Good luck !
Laura

 

[MastroK75]

Thanks for the advice. Since I am over a year away from my trip, I am going to use my current book and went to the website and printed out all the updates for the past 3 years. When I get to the 1 year mark I will buy the new book. Thanks again.

 

[opiwan]

I love the PassPorter's book myself. 2010 edition comes out at the very end of November. I have the 09 book for my early 10 trip and might still buy the new one.

 

[zipuzee]

The Passporter is my "go to" book. I like the layout and breakdown as well as the maps that come with it. Both the Birnbaum book and the Unofficial Guide are also really good books. I would recommend getting at least one new book so that you have some updated information. Course - I love books and have been known to buy them all at some point before a trip. My next trip is October 2010; I have already ordered the 2010 Passporter and will get the Unofficial Guide with the next release.

 

[bwillis]

Count me as another one that likes the Unofficial Guide...as others have said, I'd get the 2010 edition, which is available now (was released at the end of Aug according to Amazon)!

 

[Karlzmom]

The Passporter is my "go to" book. I like the layout and breakdown as well as the maps that come with it. Both the Birnbaum book and the Unofficial Guide are also really good books. I would recommend getting at least one new book so that you have some updated information. Course - I love books and have been known to buy them all at some point before a trip. My next trip is October 2010; I have already ordered the 2010 Passporter and will get the Unofficial Guide with the next release.

What PP said I hate to think about how many mouse-ears worth of Disney books I have bought...I have a whole shelf in my library.

To OP: I haven't found that much of a variation between UG editions year over year...except prices, which go up regularly . If you are just wanting touring information, then you should be fine. The couple of restaurant changes are easily dealt with here at the Dis. I also use the Passoporter as my "take with" book....keeps me organized [if you call folded sheets of printouts organized].

 

[eyor44]

I love the Unofficial Guides. I used mine for referencing all the time. I have read about 6 different books about Disney, but always go back to the Unofficial. I also like having the access to the website, although you can pay a small fee for a year's worth of access to it.

 

[Metro West]

 

[diamondpixienc]

I am planning our first trip for Sept 2010 and have purchased both the 2010 unofficial and passporter. I am finding that I like the unofficial however the passporter is more in line w/ my organization style. I also plan to order a touring plan as soon as I get the official refurb dates if they will ever post them for fantasy land. I just hope it is before my 180th day

 

[kebauc]

I'd definitely go for the Birnbaum's. We love those books. And the pics are great - they even make a kids edition! Whichever you prefer, I'd go ahead and get the newest edition!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I went to Books a Million this weekend to have a look around. They had the 2010 Unofficial Guidebook already on the shelves. The Birnbaum's and Passporter were still the 2009 editions.

If I am remembering correctly, the Unofficial Guidebook also publishes a second edition that's updated later in the year but I may be wrong.

 

[sgaktwins]

I've really enjoyed the Unofficial Guide, and I just happened to snag the 2010 version the day is was released!