Unofficial Guide - Comments

[GoofieRuthie]

Please tell me how UG condones "cheating"?

I think they are referring to the Bubba Chuck relay.

My boss let me borrow her UG and it's not too bad. I like alot of the info in it. I was rather surprised that it persuades parents to use "lifts" or taller shoes to make a child the right height to ride a ride. I know lots of people do it. I was just a little shocked to see it in print, I guess. Other than that, I think I like the book. I probably wouldn't pay for it, but it was nice to have it borrowed.

 

[skiwee1]

I have never heard of the bubba chuck relay so that wasn't what I was referring to. There were other things in the book that I was talking about but won't repeat them here. It's bad enough that those that buy the book see them.

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

You have peaked my curiosity---I can't think of anything else that would constitute "cheating".

Unless you mean the section on "tall" shoes??

We love the UOG---I guess I should be glad that some people do not.

Fewer people following the itineraries means shorter waits for us

 

[bytheblood]

Unless you mean the section on "tall" shoes??

You know, I wondered about that too - but then I thought to myself - it seems like the parent would be more concerned for their child that they would want to follow the rules in place. Which is more important? Your child's safety or worming a way to get your child on a ride that Disney is suggesting was not designed for them quite yet.

So - I do not really think that is cheating, just a poor suggestion.

I personally did not see anything that suggested "cheating".

 

[disneyjunkie]

I buy the UG each but I no longer read the dining reviews or the touring plans.

We travel during school breaks. By getting to the parks early, taking advantage of EMH, and using fast pass, we avoid long lines, and manage to hit pretty much everything in each park.

I love the detailed ride descriptions and the reader comments that are found throughout the book.

I'll never understand why parents would try to make their child appear taller than they are just to get on a ride. What happens if the child gets hurt? Will they fault Disney for allowing the child on the ride?

 

[SteinsLaFemme]

I was dissapointed with the book because some important information such as ticket availibility and prices were incorrect. They said MYW tickets were only available for 7 days (when they are available to 10 days) and they said all of the tickets are non-expiring. They had no option for the less expensive non-expiring kind.

I bought the book early in year. It is possible that a revised edition has come out since and corrections are listed on their website.

 

[RobinMarie]

I have always appreciated the perspective of the guide myself. I used to buy Birnbaum but while it's pretty I feel like it's just another ad for DW. I like critical feedback and find the book provides just that.

 

[Bella2000]

I was dissapointed with the book because some important information such as ticket availibility and prices were incorrect. They said MYW tickets were only available for 7 days (when they are available to 10 days) and they said all of the tickets are non-expiring. They had no option for the less expensive non-expiring kind.

I bought the book early in year. It is possible that a revised edition has come out since and corrections are listed on their website.

The UG is printed in the Fall of the previous year - so 2005 was printed I think in August or Sept. Most guides are printed the previous year. The only exception that I know of is Passporter which typically prints in January. Frankly with so many changes that Disney is making even the upcoming 2005 Passporter will have a slew of changes. I think this is just the nature of print vs. online. I think that the UG companion website is fantastic and they have done an excellent job updating the 2005 and older version there as well as lots of other great tools. Unofficial Guide Website

 

[Slacking]

Undertaking a WDW vacation can be a huge task. Also, people going in without realistic knowledge and expecting an entire stressless and 100% happy vacation will most likely come away disappointed. I think the Unofficial Guide gives the readers a realistic view. Its not sugarcoated and void of any negatives (Birnbaums...... I'm looking at you), which WDW does have. I love the Unofficial Guide, and still buy a copy every few years even though I live an hour away from the parks.

As for the height issue. You don't have to listen to a book. A book isn't a parent. The parent obviously makes the final call about whether they want to "cheat" the system or not. The book gives suggestions, it doesn't say YOU MUST DO THIS!!!! Anyway, my opinion is that if a child is very close to the requirement, but not quite there, a tiny lift isn't going to endanger their safety.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I totally agree OP... [snip]

I have no issues with the unbias opinions, but I do like to get the opinions from people that actually enjoy their visit to WDW. That is why I come to these boards. Not haters of WDW, but people who tell their experiences... [snip]


The individuals who work for UG and write their opinons may as well be writing, "I hate Disney World, what a sucky job I have, I cannot believe I have to go to WDW again just to get this stupid book out." Sorry Len, you may have Mickey tatooed on your ankle, but you have cynicism tatooed on every page of the book.*In the book they make comments that they have been accused of being "cynical" but swear they are not - if a lot of people are getting that from the book, there must be a reason for it... [and one more snip]

Obviously, many people do read the UG this way. Yet - and I find it fascinating - I never did. I've read the comments to that effect both in the book and here on the DIS, and am mystified that people would see the book as cynical or hypocritical, when I honestly have always perceived it as sincerely, lovingly, realistic - sort of a "we really love this place but sometimes think it does not meet its potential" vibe. Whereas Birnbaum's vibe is more of a "everything here is always perfect; vacationers will never experience a less-than-ideal-moment," to me the UG says, "this place can be near-perfect as long as you are prepared to deal with these possible pitfalls."

Again, I find the differences in readers' perspectives fascinating.

 

[bytheblood]

Whereas Birnbaum's vibe is more of a "everything here is always perfect;

You could not be more precise. That is the very reason I refuse to purchase the Birnbaum book.

 

[PatriciaH]

LOVE the UG! I bought my first one in 1993 for a trip with my little sister. I was facinated with the descriptions of the ride systems and how they worked. Now the guide is twice as large and chock full of great info like that! It made me want to work for WDW I never thought the writers hated WDW! How could someone that hates the parks spend that much time researching and writing about them? Check out the rumors board and you will see many people that love Disney saying very critical things about what needs to be improved. Some of the people on there have worked for Disney for many years and love the parks but know it is a good thing to be critical sometimes.

We met Bob S. at Mousefest and he is a great guy. We also own the UG for Las Vegas and cruises and they are a big help when you sell travel.

 

[Dopey's twin Dippy]

i used to read those books to along time ago. now i just come on here. But i also book all of our res. by myself, we usually dont do packages. I still laugh though when people talk about room size. i gues s to each their own. But we have stayed off site, in condos , and at the all stars at least 7 - 8 times. We have been really lucky cause we have had great stays . The rooms are clean, we love the food courts, the cm were always nice. So we really arnt in our room much. But for what we need it is fine. We have had 2a and 2 kids with all our luggage and still had plenty of room.But like we all say, to each their own. someday i would like to try poly. cause i dont like to fly so i know ill never see Hawaii..........ha ha ha ......no matter where you STAY you will have fun..................................

 

[henrylovespooh]

As the starter of this thread, I just wanted to add that I have continued reading the UG and my initial negative opinion has changed for the better. The park info and touring plans are great, the essential phone numbers have already been a big help, and the tips and humor throughout the book have got me smiling again.

My husband also looked through the book last night (he's not a big planner-type) and found it very informative.

 

[pumpkinfish]

As the starter of this thread, I just wanted to add that I have continued reading the UG and my initial negative opinion has changed for the better. The park info and touring plans are great, the essential phone numbers have already been a big help, and the tips and humor throughout the book have got me smiling again.

My husband also looked through the book last night (he's not a big planner-type) and found it very informative.

Good to hear!

 

[swilphil]

The UG is great for people who have very little Disney experience. A disney vet won't learn much from it though I constantly do. It's definitely better than any other travel/guidebook out there. It's also very well written and a fun read. I do think the Dining Reviews are a little harsh, so I take that with a grain of salt.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

If it weren't for the Unofficial guide....

I never would have learned about Mousesavers...

If it weren't for Mousesavers...

I never would have known about All Ears Net...

If it weren't for All Ears...

I never would have found DIS place....

I got more for my money (plus free shipping and no tax from Barnes and Noble!) than I knew!

 

[fishy_mouse]

The UG is the best Disney World guide book available. It is straightforward, unbiased information. The Birnbaum book is little more than a printed version of the Disney vacation DVD. It's Disney advertising that people pay for.

Granted, UG can be a bit irrevrent. One persons, irreverence is another person's criticism. But here is some shocking news for this site: NOT EVERY PERSON LOVES DISNEY. UG realizes this and reports accordingly. That is what I like about it. A person going to WDW for the first time knows exactly what they are getting into.

That said, any information source can be useful if you understand where the writer is coming from. No guide book will be 100% accurate in a constantly changing environment like Disney. Before the web, these books were just about the only information source and sometimes you just don't want to log on.

 

[SoCalKDG]

I love the book.

I'm glad that they now include % of people that enjoyed a restuarant besides their own review.

On the lifts in the shoes. I don't believe in lifts, but I wouldn't have a problem with a shoe that might have a 1/2 heel. I also wouldn't condemn the book for making that suggestion. You can find something like that on the Disboards.

By the way, I like Birnbaums as well. Easier to relate with the wife, who wants less details, but still enjoys some info.

 

[jimmiej]

I respectfully disagree with the OP. On our first trip to WDW, we did everything wrong (& still had a blast!). Then I found the UG. My eyes were opened! That's when I became an expert. I think it's a must for newbies. I read it now for fun, although the latest version had a lot of new things to enjoy.