What is THE planning book I'm supposed to have?

Buying Disney travel guides is sort of a hobby for me, at least that's what my DH claims! I like UG, Walt Disney World with kids (if you have them), Passporter, birnbaums. I just got the 2005 birnbaum's Dining Guide too. It even has recipes like Tonga Toast in it!
 
What about the Tour Guide Mike website? I just joined it a couple weeks ago for our upcoming trip in February. I love it!! TGM has a wealth of information that Mike tries to tailor specifically to your family and their interests. Sometimes I have a little trouble navigating around the website, but I am impressed with the amount of information available and the quality. There was a long thread on the Theme Park Attractions and Strategies board about TGM a couple weeks ago.

I own the Passporter (which I also like), but I have read it so many times that I feel like I know it by heart! I am always on the hunt for new information. That is why I like TGM!

Good luck and have a great trip!

Gayl
 
I didn't realize such a website existed for the UG...thanks so much Len. Can't wait to plan my trip!
 
I'm planning for March 2006. I have the 2004 UG from our trip last year, will I need a new one for next year? I think I'd like the Passporter, too. How soon can I get these?
 

I like the PassPorter. It has pockets & a planner inside. I keep all of my reservation info in it, priority seating confirmation #'s & times, my schedule that I make, I had my Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets, everything. That way, everything is in one place & as long as I don't forget the book, we're good to go.
 
I purchased both the Unofficial Guide and Birnbaum's when I was planning our 2003 trip, mainly because my friend (lives in another state) doesn't use a computer and I wanted her to participate!

Quite honestly, I found this and several other unofficial sites, as well as the Disney official site, much more useful.

While you want to plan, don't overplan, particularly with a toddler. You'll end up zagging when you planned to zig, which can be frustrating!

Depending on the length of you visit, plan one or two character meals if your little one likes that sort of thing. Plan attractions/rides that really interest the adults in your party and things you think your little one will enjoy. Use the baby swap with other adults in your party for adult rides. Be prepared to exit an attraction or hold and comfort your little one if reality doesn't quite match anticipation on a ride that you can't exit until the end.

Plan breaks. Inside the parks, find a place where your toddler can, well--toddle! I really feel sorry for all of the little ones who are whisked from place to place in a stroller all day for the convenience of the adults! If you're staying on site, take a nap break in your room. The adults may be ready for it, too! :) Otherwise, find a quiet nook and settle in for an hour or so.

Use common sense, pay attention to the needs of your little one, and you'll all have a magical visit! :)
 
the "Unofficial" and you will probably want to buy it as it will be a lifesaver before and during your trip!

I have used the Passporter in the past but never have found it to be as useful.

Have a great time!

:cool1: Kapp :cool1:
 
I have used the UG, Birnbaum's and Passporter. Although I really like the layout and resources in the Passporter, I find it to be too darn bulky. Really any of these guidebooks are useful. The UG has the most information of any of the three. Whatever you choose, I would strongly suggest not to get them at Barnes & Noble or Borders. Amazon.com currently has all three of these guidebooks for the following prices, which are significantly off retail:

2004 or 2005 UG: $4.81 for 2004 or $12.91 for 2005
2005 Birnbaums: $11.53 for either the 2004 or 2005 edition
2004 or 2005 Passporter Spiral Edition: $14.93 for 2004 and $15.37 for 2005 (note that both of these are 15% off retail, or $18.66, on the Passporter web site)

Many books qualify for free shipping at Amazon, if your order totals $25.00 or more. Just this past week, I ordered the Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World, along with the 2005 UG, and the shipping was free. Plus, no sales tax.
 
Hi guys. I'm the OP, just an update.

I went on Amazon to see how much the books were. They really weren't that bad.

I had checked out the kids' Disney book from the libraray, but my library doesn't have the others. Also, I figure I need to actually keep the books since the info doesn't seem to be staying in my head.

So I ended up buying all 3. Sorry, probably not something I should be admitting on the budget board, but it cost me less than $40 and I'll have peace of mind knowing about stuff and hopefully w/ this board and the books I'll save that much anyhow!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I can't wait to get them and start reading!
 
I also bought all 3 books. LOL. I am thinking about getting the Passporter too just so I am prepared for anything. Also it looks really good to keep everything together while at WDW.
 
I find that frommers is a pretty good resource and they have guidebooks geared JUST toward Disney as well as ones that detail Disney, US, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, dinner shows, etc, etc, etc.
 
I buy several each year, even though I really don't need to. My husband sees this as a waste of money, but I enjoy looking for any changes from one year's edition to the next.

My current (2005) list:
Birnbaums
Unofficial Guide
The Luxury Guide
Birnbaums Restaurant Guide
Hidden Mickeys
WDW Trivia
a couple more but I can't think of the names here at work...

And I am planning to get the Passporter this year. I've not bought it before, but it sounds good.
 
I bought the UG 2004 last year and loved it. Currently lent it to my SIL, so need to get it back. What about a guide for UO and IOA and Seaworld?
 


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