Unofficial Guide or Passporter for first trip?

[trampslady]

I'm thinking of investing in a guidebook. Any advise on which one to purchase?

 

[PinGirl_07]

Passporters is a real nice book. Its very organized and filled with info. We have both and I would go with Passporters. Then Birnbaum.

 

[kcork1026]

I LOVE the PAssporter, not only is it a guidebook, but it is an AWESOME organizer. I have had one for each of the last 2 trips, and one for our upcoming trip. I just think it's the best!

 

[Miss Jessr!ca]

i had actually posted a thread kinda like this myself.
im going with my whole family next december, adn my mom has never been there. (i go with my grandparents)
so i got her the UG and she really seems to like it.
its got sticky notes sticking out just about every page.
but i hear both of them are really good.
i like the UG though.

 

[CinderMelly]

I'm using Passporter for my first trip. The pockets are wonderful for keeping you organized and holding receipts.

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am planning a first trip this March. I have the Unofficial Guide, but I felt like I wasn't getting enough real info out of it. I bought the DL Passporter and it is GREAT. Lots of info and organizational stuff.

Happy planning,

Lives4Disney

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would get both. They have different approaches. Most used was ..the passporter.

Jack

 

[Tink33]

I think the Disneyland Passporter is great. I love how it includes information on all things Southern California.

 

[Echo queen]

Passporter, I just ordered my 4th one in 4 years. WDW,Disney Cruise, Disneyland, now WDW 2007. They have a deal on the website for free shipping until Monday 1/8/07 at midnight.

 

[darph nader]

Check your local library. See if they have either,then just jot down what you need. (I'm a cheapskate).

 

[TwingleMum]

I've used Passporter for WDW. I bought the spiral deluxe version a couple of years ago and extra inserts. So now all I do is buy inserts and I have a journal of each trip . I liked Disneyland and Southern California with Kids. Its bigger than UG and a happier tone. Have fun planning.

 

[fabshelly]

You read UG. You LIVE Passporter.

 

[Echo queen]

You read UG. You LIVE Passporter.

That's a great way to put it.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I like the UG for WDW but do not like their Disneyland version. Passporter on the other hand, I love for both WDW and DL as well as their Disney Cruise Line version. They know their Disney!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Check your local library. See if they have either,then just jot down what you need. (I'm a cheapskate).

Be careful with this; that's what I did for our first ever trip last year. I picked out several different books, and they were published in several different years (the newest was 2 years old.) I wound up getting a lot of old information on attractions (Goofy's Bounce House doesn't exist anymore) and character meals. And once this was in my head, it was hard to get it out!

I'd say check some out at the library for an idea of which one you might like to buy in a current version. A LOT has changed even in a couple years, so I think having a good guide (there seem to be a lot of useless ones) in a current year is important.

Last year I wound up buying the UG, but I also really enjoyed the information from Birnbaums; for a first-timer, the photos, detailed info on restaurants and shops was very helpful. But the UG had great information on making the most of your time, and great detailed information on the rides and shows.

I might consider buying a Passporter for DL for our upcoming trip in the fall, since so many people recommend it.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I Birnbaums...I get one every single year...Ive been buying them since around 1989...

 

[MulanFan]

I really liked the Unofficial Guide out of the ones I checked, but it did not include the Passporter. However, I had my own organizer so I would not have found it useful anyway.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I remember reading months ago (summer, perhaps?) about a new DL guide for 2007 by someone who puts out a great WDW guide. I'm not sure, but I was under the impression this person/company had not done a DL guide before...?

Does anybody know which one that would be? I wasn't sure if it might be Passporters or not.

 

[fabshelly]

I Birnbaums...I get one every single year...Ive been buying them since around 1989...

I did too, then Steve died and Alexa sold the rights to Disney. Now it's an in-house guide that tells you only what Disney wants you to hear.

 

[ter-moo]

GET THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE! Passporter is an organizer, but you don't really need that at DL. At WDW I get both.

Use the UG for the strategies for managing the parks, and follow it as closely as possible. You'll have a GREAT time.

However, as far as hotels go, use this board, mouseplanet.com's reviews, and tripadvisor.com's reviews. The UG doesn't have enough specific info to help you out there.