Unofficial Guide - Comments

[MickeyMouth]

Since I have been lucky enough to go to WDW a number of times, I don't use any guide books to help with my vacation. That being said I love The Unofficial Guide to WDW! I read it to make me feel better about not being at WDW. I don't care about bad reviews about restaurants or rides, the only opinions I care about are my family's!
But I enjoy reading other people's comments good or bad . Just reading about different resorts, restaurants or attractions brings me closer to the magic!

 

[fam4jc]

I love the UG. I recommend it to anyone planning a trip to WDW. Agreed some of their reviews are harsh, but you must remember that they are partially grading on quality vs price. And in than sense hardly any of the WDW restaurants would receive a grade of A or realistically the hotels rooms either. I could really stay ultra, ultra posh for $450 a night in most any major city in the world. but I choose to spend my bucks at a place I love - WDW

I like that they research crowds and actually walk the parks taking notes, etc. It's a great guide that isn't intimidated or biased with Love. I own two of their guides now. I only wish they would do a day by day crowd level for Disneyland!!!

Gotta Love Len

 

[Poohbear123]

I bought this book back in 1999 and thought it was a hoot! Especially when they tell you if you are short on cash, dip into the "fountains for change." That would be a NO! I thought it was funny picture-ing a few people fishing they're hands into a fountain for some lunch money....

 

[danny1649]

On this board I would like to to say I'm proud of all poster's to this thread for posting your opinions in a great way.Being good enough to post many opinions without being nasty or mean spirited to each other even though many good and bad points are discussed in and expressed without anger.Congratulations to you all PS I like the UG but I think they are a little tough on dining venues.

 

[skiwee1]

I don't like the UG either. The way they try to cheat at different things makes me crazy. I'll stick to the Official Birnbaums when I want a good read and to the boards when I want accurate info. To each his own though. I know many love UG. I'm just not one of them.

 

[floridagirrl2]

DH and I have annual passes and have been 8 times in the last 14 months. I read the DIS boards nearly every day (sometimes obsessively!)

But I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Unofficial Guide. While the DISboards, AllEarsNet, MousePlanet, the Steve Soares site, etc. are very helpful, the UG has the most organized, unbiased, and thorough collection of information in an easy-to-use format (a book! ). I learn something new everytime I pick it up.

It's written in such an informal, anecdotal, entertaining way that I, too, keep it on my bedside table and use it for pleasure reading....as a way to fall asleep dreaming sweet Disney dreams.

 

[tomerin]

What I love about the DIS boards is that they are written by people who love WDW. They may not like individual restaurants or hotels, but they love Disney. These are the opinions I value.

Thanks to all who participate on these Boards - your advice is invaluable.

i couldnt have said it any better then you did !!!!



but i have to agree with others who do like the book. actually i have bought it 2 years in a row and i have found advice in it very useful. the reviews on rooms and resturants i always take with a grain of salt anyway. after all they are opinions based on how a person feels at that particular moment. But i do read them anway.

i do like to read so the book is something i enjoy reading. to be honest everytime we go to Borders i always get a disney book and sit and have a cappy while my wife goes about shopping. i dont know if i will buy it again next year but i will definitly buy it again.

 

[LegoMom3]

i do like to read so the book is something i enjoy reading. to be honest everytime we go to Borders i always get a disney book and sit and have a cappy...

Absolutely! I just love to read the WDW guides, period. Makes me feel like I'm there even I can't be. I could pass many an hour at Border's that way...

 

[pumpkinfish]

Dipping in with my opinion...
I guess I like the UG because it is another book on Disney! Who cares if I agree with the authors in all aspects or not. I figure it is entertaining, and deals with DISNEY! What is there not to like!

 

[minivan3]

Bought it a few years ago.......didn't like it at all!!!!

Found it waaaay too negative. On several things.
I came to feel that I was sitting with someone who picks at each part of something until they find a negative about it. Became too much of a chore to make myself read it and not get mad at it.

Stick with these boards!

 

[Gabrielle]

I love the UG - I think the UG and Birnbaums are the two books to read and bring to WDW with you.

But, as others have said - these boards have the most up-to-date information.

 

[lentesta]

I'm sorry to hear henrylovespooh didn't like the Guide. I've PM'd him to see if there's anything I can do to help with his trip.

On a lighter note, (and I'm laughing when I'm writing this, just so there's no misunderstanding) what's this "don't love Disney" talk? I have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse just above my ankle; I've permanently inked the corporate logo to my leg! I'm probably banned from Universal's press events! All I ask is that we keep that tattoo in mind when reading the Guide. Okay, maybe not the best visual, especially at night, but darn it, you know what I mean.

Len

 

[pumpkinfish]

I'm sorry to hear henrylovespooh didn't like the Guide. I've PM'd him to see if there's anything I can do to help with his trip.

On a lighter note, (and I'm laughing when I'm writing this, just so there's no misunderstanding) what's this "don't love Disney" talk? I have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse just above my ankle; I've permanently inked the corporate logo to my leg! I'm probably banned from Universal's press events! All I ask is that we keep that tattoo in mind when reading the Guide. Okay, maybe not the best visual, especially at night, but darn it, you know what I mean.

Len

LOL I am actually sitting here picturing the tattoo right now!

 

[Luv2Travel]

On a lighter note, (and I'm laughing when I'm writing this, just so there's no misunderstanding) what's this "don't love Disney" talk? I have a tattoo of Mickey Mouse just above my ankle; I've permanently inked the corporate logo to my leg! I'm probably banned from Universal's press events! All I ask is that we keep that tattoo in mind when reading the Guide. Okay, maybe not the best visual, especially at night, but darn it, you know what I mean.

It's that since of humor all through out the book (and all "Unofficial Guides") that makes me love it!

 

[paigevz]

Len is the Director of Data Collection and Field Research for the 'Guide..............now I got it................the tattooed Director, it would seem................

 

[crazee4mickey]

I love the UOG...it was my travel "Bible" for our entire trip!

 

[valandemmy]

We have not yet read the UG, however, since this was our first trip we wanted something that gave us a little more information about the surrounding area's.
we went with the "EVERYTHING family guide to the walt disney world resort, universal studios, and greater orlando" by Jason Rich (WWW.Jasonrich.com)

I would be hard pressed to find another book as detailed as this one is.

anyone ever read this one????

 

[Bella2000]

I have also purchased other Unofficial Guidebooks (Las Vegas, Cruising to name a few). This WDW version is the first book I recommend to eveyone and I have to say I l the associated website.

I appreciate the updated info there and those cool data tools. The new cheat sheets, the sample tours, the best day to visit and the ticket examples - I could go on and on and you can see all of these things for FREE. Of course I also think the value is fantastic enough to purchase the book year after year. I've enjoyed the new info (JimHill history) they have placed in it for the 2005 version and I am waiting for the 2nd printing revised with best days to visit annual chart.

I believe that they do love Disney and believe in it (so much so that they are dedicated to have people experience it eyes wide open to ensure they know what they are undertaking). I also found them particularly inclusive giving info and praise to others (The DIS, passporter, allearsnet etc all have gotten nods from them). This is why I give this as a gift to every Disney novice. I cringe everytime I hear someone going into the parks with no clue and expressing later how they waited in line all day and the experience wasnt a good one.

So I personally haven't lost any magic reading the Unofficial Guide. I read it and then place my rose color glasses firmly back on since I know what pitfalls that may befall me and avoid them.

 

[YourMajesty]

I'm a big fan of the UG. It's written with great humor and a nice dose of reality. I will have to say that during our first trip in 1996 we were afraid to eat at any of the restaurants. Now, two kids later, we realize that the restaurants are part of the disney "magic". With the price you have to pay and the average food quality we can understand why they rate them like they do;however, we add more PS with each trip! We have never stayed at a value resort but I can understand that most people have to pick and choose where they spend their money. It's nice for them to point out if room size and quality is important you might want to save more for your room. We're lucky to be able to stay at SOG which has both!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I read once there was an empirical formula for happiness on vacations
Happiness= Expectations/Actual

So if you read both positive and negative views ,then on your vacation you'll have more realistic expectations and will be less likely to be disappointed.
The Disney dining seems to vary incredibly in quality and service.