Unofficial Guide Attendance Ratings???

[jonrex]

Ditto all of the above on this guide. I can sit and read it for hours just like a novel.

But you have to look at the crowd ratings ceteris paribas, taking weather, special events, festivals, conventions, etc., all into account. How much longer does everyone think the weather reschedulings will continue to affect crowds? I would think the phenomenon would start to taper off over the next several weeks.

 

[paigevz]

It's a fantastic book and I know a lot of work went into it. I probably shouldn't have answered the first one, but was so excited to know an answer for somebody!

Anyway, not wanting to break copyright or anything, so just buy the book..........you won't be sorry..........I paid cover for mine and it was so worth it!

 

[BCVBRUCE]

I always thought the UOG was a bit negative when I would preview it in bookstores. In fact, a month ago, I chose the Passporter over the UOG because of this. But this thread and the fact that the 2005 UOG has a new in depth crowds chart, has convinced me to give the 2005 UOG a try. The Overstock.com price of $10.99 is hard to beat! I think the UOG will be great companion to the Passporter.

Have Fun,
Bruce

 

[Rozzie]

I can't believe the overstock price, I made almost $20 bucks for mine at Barnes and Noble......I was too inpatient to wait for the mail and didn't even check price....

I agree that everyone should have this book, and no, I don't believe it is negative, I love the way they give you insider, tested info to help you plan your trip, save hours and 1000$'s of dollars, yes I saved megga with their info, actually it is where I found the DIS!!

I personally would love to read actual factual info then some fluffed up guide (not passporter, have that one too, great) from a PR firm....

JMO!

 

[BCVBRUCE]

Originally posted by Rozzie
...and no, I don't believe it is negative...
JMO!

Negative may be too strong of a word. How about "not cheery"?

Have Fun,
Bruce

 

[Michelina]

I think the Unofficial Guide and the Passporter go great together! I like to cut out the touring plans and things from the back of the Guide and keep them in my Passporter pockets

 

[ironz]

Love the UOG!! And there's even a letter from me in there with regards to disabled guests... That tidbit from me has lasted several editions!

(I'm not disabled, but went there with a friend of mine who is in a wheelchair...great trip!)

 

[lark]

Originally posted by Laralyn
I hate to sound like a pain, but I don't think it's cool to post that kind of info directly from the book. [/B]

Even more than uncool, reproducing copyrighted material is a no-no.

I agree with the others, buy the book. If we all keep buying it, the authors will only do more and more research and give us better and better books.

 

[nyfinfan]

I just ordered mine last night!

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

What is the Passporter? I usually buy BirnBaum's Unofficial Guide & it has done very well for me over the years.

Going to have to try the UOG! Can't beat the price!

 

[Laralyn]

I don't think the Unofficial Guide is negative. Even when they say they don't like something, they print letters from readers who disagree. They're very even handed.

I bought Frommer's Irreverant Guide to WDW at a used book store. It was a couple years old but only $2, so what the heck! Now THAT book is negative. They didn't like most things at WDW, and they skipped over things they probably would have liked. I realized as I continued reading that they just didn't talk about things they hadn't tried.

At any rate, I'd suggest staying away from that book if you think the Unofficial Guide is negative.

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

So The Passporter is another book you can buy? I don't find Birmbaum's negative. I was actually in the Disney Store today & they were selling Birmbaum's right buy the cashier. Guess Disney recommends that book.

 

[disneymania]

Just bought the unofficial guide for 2005 & week we are planning to go in January is a 4 in attendance. What?? Early Dec is a 2 but late January (not near MLK weekend) is a 4? I had always heard that Jan is dead which is why we picked it. Hope we won't be sorry!!!

 

[BCVBRUCE]

Originally posted by AlwaysAPrincess
So The Passporter is another book you can buy? I don't find Birmbaum's negative. I was actually in the Disney Store today & they were selling Birmbaum's right buy the cashier. Guess Disney recommends that book.

Birnbaums and The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World are two totally different books.

Birnbaums is the "Official" WDW "Party Line". Therefore, it is recommended by Disney and sold at their stores.

The Unofficial Guide is an independent book that is SOMETIMES rather critical of Disney. Hence, why I said it "appears" to be negative or "not as cheery" in it's tone as Birnbaums.

However, after reading these posts and looking at the new and improved 2005 Unofficial Guide, I think this critical unbiased look at WDW is a good thing. That is why I ordered The UOG.

Have Fun,
Bruce

 

[Mister Skellington]

Bought 3 books this year (Birnbaums,unofficial,and econguide)
Unofficial was hands down best of the three.
You do get nice pictures with Birnbaum but it hardly makes up for the lack of info. Econoguides coverage of things non Disney was the best....especially with Universal,Seaworld, and Busch Gardens info. Unofficial was right on the money with nearly everything for our trip.(especially the day ratings) I didnt use the other books at all while I was there. My only complaint with unofficial was the maps of Orlando for driving. We ended up using the free magazine "I Love Orlando" for the maps.(available at all off property hotels) The map they use had all the attractions and restaraunts listed on the side of the road so not only did you know what road you were on but exactly WHERE you were on that road. Buy the guide it will be the best money you spend on your trip!

 

[Jalva22]

My brother once told me he buys Birnbaum's official guide every year, mainly just to collect them. I liked that idea and am starting to do the same. It has nice pictures and a great "Disney" feel to it, so it's fun to thumb through. When I'm seriously looking for information, though, I go to the Unofficial Guide.

 

[lentesta]

See..this is what happens when I go away for a week. I miss a big thread about the book, and a chance to confirm that I'm indeed male. ;-)

Thanks to everyone who recommended the Guide. Those of you who've not yet read the book, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions: len@touringplans.com.

Len

 

[ZachnElli]

Thanks for posting the link to Overstock (love that website!). I just ordered mine! We weren't going to go in 2005, but we just can't stay away! I booked our trip today!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Originally posted by disneymania
Just bought the unofficial guide for 2005 & week we are planning to go in January is a 4 in attendance. What?? Early Dec is a 2 but late January (not near MLK weekend) is a 4? I had always heard that Jan is dead which is why we picked it. Hope we won't be sorry!!!

I thought the same thing ... the Unofficial Guide's attendance charts don't seem to track with what I've read here and in my PassPorter. I wonder why!

 

[AlwaysAPrincess]

Bruce....
Thanks for clarifying. Going to have to check out all of these other books.