Unoffical guide

[lentesta]

Hi folks!

Thanks for posting the website for updates to our book (www.TouringPlans.com). As you can imagine, we had very little advance warning that Disney was going to announce major changes to its ticketing, dining and Extra Magic Hour offerings. I believe the official guide, as well as other guidebooks, all got caught in the same boat. As it is, we've got free explanations, tips and advice available on the website, including the best days to visit each theme park in 2005, deals on tickets, and more. If there's anything we've missed regarding updates, feel free to drop me a line: len@touringplans.com.

Docsknotinn, we love Disney; I have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse to prove it. The thing that we try to point out is where Disney's hype machine doesn't reflect reality, whether it's in the theme parks, resorts or restaurants.

Sincerely,

Len Testa

 

[jimmiej]

I've read many different WDW guidebooks. IMO, the only one that rivals UG is Passporter.

Hey Len- nice to see you. Did I see an UG for DCL? I can't seem to find it now. Gotta start planning for my '06 cruise! I read Passporter already.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Len I can appreciate that but in my view the opinons border on sarcastic in places. For my $$$ I have to say that's doing a tad bit more than dispelling "the hype machine". I also simply can not appreciate your "tips" in suggesting ( although thinly veiled ) that people make a PS and then stay parked at the resorts where they don't belong to access ( quicker or faster exiits ) the parks. I pulled out copy that was several years old today. I remembered how much I used to like the UG. In the past I gave it a A but the '05 issue I can only give a C. It is at best just another mediocre travel book with a few whiticisms thrown in. I'm glad your Disney fans. In regards to the other books getting caught chargeing people for outdated info I personally never saw that, but I wouldn't be suprised it's as you say. The UG was the only '05 book on the shelf in late Dec. In the end there is something for everyone and I would say the UG's rush to print the '05 edetion was a mistake. Sorry but I remain dissapointed with the new edetion Vs the friendlier, more accurate edetions of the past. I don't mean to be unpleasant in any way. It's just my view, but I simply can not think of a time I would appreciate buying a tour book that is outdated in less than two weeks no matter who published it !

 

[Jalva22]

In the end there is something for everyone and I would say the UG's rush to print the '05 edetion was a mistake.

There are at least a half dozen guidebooks for WDW 2005 on bookstore shelves at this moment. I'd be deeply surprised if any of them have the new pricing/packages etc. listed in their pages. At least none of the ones that I looked at on Saturday had them.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I am glad to see I am not the only one addicted to the UG! I keep it by my bed, also...and leaf thru it just to make me smile! I love the sarcastic, skeptical tone! And I do not mind the tips about parking at resorts to get into the parks. The only tip I found a bit alarming is when they told you to put lifts in your kid's shoes so they can be tall enough to ride certain rides! That seems a bit reckless to me. But I absolutely love the guide over all. I have the 2004 version, and will buy the 2006 edition as soon as it comes out!

 

[Bon Bon]

The only tip I found a bit alarming is when they told you to put lifts in your kid's shoes so they can be tall enough to ride certain rides! That seems a bit reckless to me. QUOTE]

I completely agree with you on that. (but still love UG). The height requirements are there for safety reasons. A child's safety should be your number one priority or you shouldn't be a parent. It makes me want to grab the parents and shake them when they drag their kids onto rides they are obviously terrified to go on. Don't they know or care about the child switch?!

 

[dreamingdisney]

I've bought the UG to Disneyland for several years (and we live in Southern California)!! Even though I know Disneyland inside and out, I've always learned a little something new in each UG edition.

We're planning our first trip to WDW this May and I just bought the UG this morning. By just reading the first two chapters (parts) I can see that I'll be joining those who keep it by their beds at night! I'm a beginner when it comes to WDW (I never heard of Figment until last week ), and the UG is just a great source for those who don't really know what to expect.

 

[DisnyMama]

My DS has to read in homeroom for 15 minutes every morning. He takes the UG and/or Birnbaums with him. His teacher thought it rather an interesting choice but who cares as long as he is reading.