"Unofficial Guide" Vs "Passporter" VS "Birnbaums"???

[Mandy_in_NC]

If I could only get one, it would be PassPorter. I love the whole format. I always get the deluxe binder one since it can hold all my stuff without stretching out the binding!!! If I want I can rearrange the pages to suit my plans...all the relevant stuff up front, less important in the back. I use the day by day pages in the back just like a travel diary. It's wonderful to go back years later and read about that particular trip.

I do get the UG also though. Yes, it's negative but it does give you a good overview of what's what. I have never used the touring plans.

As far as Birnbaums goes...I bought just one...first trip. It's just too pro-Disney. Now, no one loves Disney more than I do, but let's face it...all is not perfect in the World!! So, what I do is get the Birnbaum's for Kids each trip for my dd. She loves having her own guide.

So, each trip I get PassPorter, UG and the Birnbaums for Kids. Now, do I think I really need it after going so often? Nope, but they sure do give me a nice Disney fix when I need it!!

When the Passporter gets here I will have all 3. I also bought the Birnbaums Kids book so my girls would have an idea of what to expect. I really like the UG. I found it to be very straight to the point and they don't seem to sugar coat anything and that is the was I like books to be. Clear and straight to the point. But I do have to agree that Birnbaums guide does seem to be too Pro Disney but on the plus side it does have some really great pics. So I guess I will have all 4 of the major books when the Passporter gets here. Hope this helps and hope I didn't ramble too much.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I am one of those "weird" people that read the UG cover to cover. I find it very entertaining at times. Yes, some of the reviews could be considered negative, but I've been enough times to WDW that I can form my own opinion. I really liked their advice for Mission: Space in the 2005 version - I'm going to put it to the test in April. I would absolutely HATE to get sick on that ride!

I'm contemplating getting a Passporter this year because I've heard so many good things about it, and like the idea of it as almost a travel diary and memento after the trip. I checked out Birnbaum's latest from the library just for kicks, and would not spend $$ on it. The only thing that might be worthwhile about it is if you were to use a lot of the coupons in the back.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Goofy's Muse]

I am one of those "weird" people that read the UG cover to cover. I find it very entertaining at times.

Now that you mention it... I DID read UG cover to cover and forgot how many times I was ROTFL at the quotes and comments by readers! But... since I was planning a first time trip to Disney, the book tended to make me a little paranoid that I would totally screw up... you know, get the "worst" resort view, pick the "wrong" days for the parks, etc. I must say though, I learned a lot from UG... Still a major Passporter fan, but I do enjoy many others!