Unofficial Guide changes?

[Ochio]

My last edition of the Unofficial Guide is from 2009. We have always used their touring plans successfully. My question is, do you think I need to purchase a new one for touring plans for this summer (2011)? Just wondering if there are many changes or if I will be safe using the 2009 touring plans.

 

[minnie mouse ears]

I would look at the touring plans website instead. It is $10.95 a year and has touring plans, crowd predictions and an app for your phone that has line wait times.

I really don't think the books change that much from year to year. Actually, the current year book will already be out of date since it won't include the new Star Tours.

 

[Ochio]

Oh, that's right-I have not even thought about how the opening of the new Star Tours ride would effect touring! I wonder if the online plans will change or be current enough to include this.

 

[itsalebeau]

Our library had the 2009 edition (which I read cover to cover!). I actually went to Barnes and Noble and browsed the 2011 edition for changes and updates on touring plans. Not sure if that makes me Scrooge McDuck or not!

 

[rtravels]

I think the books do a great job with the touring plans--but, at least in the past, they've had a habit of adding more without editing what was already there. So the books just get heavier, but not better.

Example: Still describing DHS as a working tv and movie studio. Hopefully the book has been updated in the more recent editions, but it was describing the studios as such for years after it really ceased being anything except a theme park.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Oh, that's right-I have not even thought about how the opening of the new Star Tours ride would effect touring! I wonder if the online plans will change or be current enough to include this.

The online plans should update once ST officially opens and any effect on crowds or touring is determined.

I buy one every 2 years or so but it's more of a collector thing not a I need it for the info thing. I can find more up to date info online.

 

[britdis]

The content of the Unofficial Guides can be placed into 2 categories, the entertaining stuff and the important stuff.

The entertaining stuff is practicaly never updated, i have a copy from 2002 which has much of the same advice/anecdotes/stories as the latest version

The important stuff: prices, menus, times, etc is updated every year however.

It is always worth mentioning that any travel guide is 10% out of date by the time it hits the shelves so always check any info through trusted websites as well.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I do swear by the UOG tour guides, but don't think you'll get great value buying another one this year. As was said, you'll probably do better with the touringplans website.

I think the books do a great job with the touring plans--but, at least in the past, they've had a habit of adding more without editing what was already there. So the books just get heavier, but not better.

Example: Still describing DHS as a working tv and movie studio. Hopefully the book has been updated in the more recent editions, but it was describing the studios as such for years after it really ceased being anything except a theme park.

My 2010 version says somewhere that you can take a bus from DTD to the theme parks. That hasn't been the case for years!

 

[Ochio]

Thanks for your replies. I agree that more general up-to date info can definately be found browsing the internet! I'm mainly wondering if I should plan to follow the same touring plans I have in the past. Maybe I'll just sign up for their online program and grab some fresh touring plans from there. Thanks again for all your input.

 

[Experiment_626]

While there will still be out-of-date information, it is worth noting that the Unofficial Guide is updated twice a year -- once when a given edition is originally published, and again around the first part of the actual calendar year that appears on the cover.

The current edition would be adjusted somewhat to reflect the closure of Mickey's Toontown Fair, FWIW.

Scott

 

[Babbletrish]

FWIW, the new Guide has a huge amount of information on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Fantasyland expansion.