Unofficial Guide Book....how much does it change year to year?

[smidgen21]

I have the 2007 version (written in 06). I was going to buy the 09 version, but am I just being silly and wasting $$. How much does it change each year?

 

[AuroraBorealis]

It doesn't change *that* much. In fact, much of the text is word-for-word like the older versions, which, with a book that size, is understandable. The biggest things that change are the crowd calendar and the touring plans when new attractions open up (like TSM) or close, but these changes are available on the website, usually for free.

I would recommend maybe checking out the 2009 version from the library to compare before you spend money on it. If you do buy the book, it will give you a free subscription to the website for the year. That is a new change for 2009!

 

[Elmo888]

We went in 2007 and 2008, and I bought it both times. After the second time, I decided that I could have skipped the book and just subscribed to the web site. That way, you can get up to date touring plans (with new attractions, etc.) There are some new resort options, too.

AuroraBorealis - How do you get a free subscription when you buy the book? I couldn't find anything on the web site. I might just buy the book if this is the case (I like the books!).

Thanks!

 

[smidgen21]

thank you for your reply! it's almost worth it for the website access! i think i'll browse the book next time I'm at B&N.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

We went in 2007 and 2008, and I bought it both times. After the second time, I decided that I could have skipped the book and just subscribed to the web site. That way, you can get up to date touring plans (with new attractions, etc.) There are some new resort options, too.

AuroraBorealis - How do you get a free subscription when you buy the book? I couldn't find anything on the web site. I might just buy the book if this is the case (I like the books!).

Thanks!

It is about 3/4 of the way down on the FAQ page.

http://www.touringplans.com/tp2/UG2_index.php?PageID=24

I Bought the Book - Do I Have to Pay to Subscribe? Beginning with the 2009 edition of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, book owners receive free website subscriptions that last through the end of that edition's year. That is, those subscriptions will last through December 31, 2009. Owners of Unofficial Guides published before August 20, 2008 require a subscription to access the premium content on the site. Here are the steps to get your free subscription:

1. If you don't already have a username on TouringPlans.com, create a free basic subscription account on the website, including a username and password. Having a username allows us to remember you, and that you're a book owner. (If you already have a username on TouringPlans.com, sign in to the site first before continuing to Step 2.)

2. Answer the two questions shown on the Crowd Calendar page to validate your edition of the book.

Hope that helps!

 

[Justsyd2]

It doesn't change a lot, but as far as the updates go, I think it's worth it to purchase a new book for the year that you are going. I have noticed quite a bit of different information between last years book and the 2009 edition. Plus, when you purchase the 2009 edition, you get access to their website for free. It's a bargain!

 

[jlovesee]

I swear by the Unofficial Guide, and usually buy a new copy every 2-3 years (I have 4 copies and my first one was in 1999). I do like his crowd calendars though, so this year instead of buying a new book (I have 2007 as well) I went to the library and picked up a 2008 to use for the crowd calendar. Hey I am frugal what can I say!

Jennifer

 

[fausz4]

I had an unofficial guide from 2005 for a trip in 2006 and I contiplated whether to buy the 2009 book or to buy a different guide book. I really liked the set up and info in the unofficial guide book - and went ahead and bought it. I am glad...yes there is alot of the same info - but I am reassured that I am getting the best and most up to date info, in a format I am comfortable with. I cant wait to get on the website...I had forgotten all about that!

When we took a trip to Munich Germany several years ago - I did go to the library and checked out several travel guides and then bought the one I found most useful.

Darcy

 

[millerjmls]

I have the Official 2008 guide and was browsing at the 2009 at Borders yesterday. Most of the pictures were the same and although I couldn't stand there and read the whole thing, most of the entries looked pretty similiar too. I have read the 2008 book cover to cover several times and I think that any major differences would have jumped out at me. Any big differences in things going on, you would have picked up here by now !! I would save a few dollars and use the one you have or check at the library. Mine had quite a few new copies of Disney travel books.

 

[saratogadreamin09]

It doesnt change too much but neer things are added and some new letters from readers are added.

I usually but it every 2-3 years.

 

[Mom23Disneybelievers]

I think that it is a good read..even though quite a bit stays the same. For us it helps with the excitement/planning of the new trip, getting the newest edition. I also purchase it at a good price at amazon.