Unofficial Guide vs. UG With Kids

[MommaBerd]

Has anyone bought both of these? Is the “...with Kids” version worth it or best to just stick with the regular version (and read these forums? :-D). Is it geared more to families with very young kids, like infants and preschoolers?

We’ll be traveling with my brother’s family in the Fall and his boys will be 6, 8 and 9. We always used the regular version, but I’m a big researcher, too. I don’t think my brother or his wife are as inclined to do as much research as I did.

 

[rideswithchrist]

I just asked this awhile back haha. I went to the library and checked out both so I could compare.

The Unofficial with Kids was my preference. It had more of the kid's view and had honest reviews- some good and some bad. Plus it comes with different touring plans at the bac (but we will just use the lines app)

I would buy the Unofficial with Kids and send it to the boys so they can read it and take notes. It is written to parents, but there are kid interviews dotted throughout as well.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

I have both. The regular one gives you a more in-depth overview of EVERYTHING (when to go, where to stay, restaurants, etc.) but has less about child-relevant topics like how/when to have breaks, fear factor, strollers, etc. The kids one has less on the general topics (has some, but not as much...) but way more about the kid specific topics. If you’ve been to Disney fairly recently or get how it “works”, and/or if you have an idea of when/where you’ll stay, the one for kids is more helpful. If you really don’t know much to begin with, the general is better.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Also, we’ve always gotten the kids we go with Birnbaum one that’s made for kids. It is full color, they like that.

 

[MommaBerd]

@rideswithchrist & @Chrislovesdisney - Thanks so much! That helps a lot.

 

[bigeyedfish]

We have the Birnbaum’s kid version and it has been very popular at my house. My oldest is reading it right at this moment

 

[MommaBerd]

Is the Birnbaum’s written more FOR kids?

 

[bigeyedfish]

Yes, it is. I think suggested reading age was like 8-12 years of age? My oldest boy is twelve and I thought it might be a bit on the young side, but he has been very interested and is almost finished reading it

 

[MommaBerd]

Yes, it is. I think suggested reading age was like 8-12 years of age? My oldest boy is twelve and I thought it might be a bit on the young side, but he has been very interested and is almost finished reading it

Then I will give it to my nephews as a gift once they know we’re going!

 

[rideswithchrist]

From what I heard, Birnbaums is written more from a Disney Marketing perspective while the Unofficial is written from the tourist perspective.
It won't give you as many tips from a parent's view, but it may be the better choice as visually it is more appealing for the kids with big photos of rides.

The homeschooling mama in me says "get both!" haha.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

I agree, unofficial guides for me, birnbaum for kids for my kids