What is your favorite Universal planning book?

[mommy2paisley]

Or what are the best sites to research/plan Universal? We have never been and want to find out as much info as we can about the parks, any type of rope drop, all the rides and shows and attractions, as well as dining and the difference in hotels.

 

[schumigirl]

This site is as good as any, if not better.

We have stickies in restaurants, hotels and all sorts of information.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/w...do-including-menus-updated-regularly.2681315/

https://www.disboards.com/threads/quick-access-links.3494264/

These are good ones to start you off.........all the hotel stickies are together on Universal hotel boards. They all have pictures of the hotel to give you an idea of the look of them and what they offer.

Loads of threads and many, many questions from first time visitors..........usually the answers are already there.

 

[michelepa]

DIS is a great resource for specific questions.

I found the Universal site difficult to navigate in my search for all the types of passes and tickets, blackout dates, early entry times and park, hotels and participating hotels.

Downloading the Universal app is helpful in understanding the parks, rides and what is single rider and express passed.

Orlando infomer had the best info. regardiing restaurant ressie

 

[mjhtvchick]

I also really like the site Staying Universal - lots of details that can be hard to find elsewhere - menus, photos, etc.

http://stayinguniversal.com/

 

[Squirlz]

The Unofficial Guide.

 

[macraven]

I also really like the site Staying Universal - lots of details that can be hard to find elsewhere - menus, photos, etc.

http://stayinguniversal.com/

if i would have known about your site i would have saved the info for some of those places in the list.

ate at many of them february 2017 and there have been changes.

next time i go, will take pictures of the menus with my phone and send them to you

will be glad to help you keep the list updated

i'm sure others would be happy to help also.

 

[jagafen]

Orlando infomer had the best info. regardiing restaurant ressie

I think orlando informer is the best web based information source.

The Unofficial Guide.

The unofficial guide is a good written book, but I prefer Orlando Informer's site a bit more.

 

[Squirlz]

I think orlando informer is the best web based information source.



The unofficial guide is a good written book, but I prefer Orlando Informer's site a bit more.

Well since the poster asked for a book...

 

[macraven]

when i first started out seeking info about orlando parks, i went with books.

after going to the parks a couple of times, i preferred using websites for reading of others personal experiences.


either one works, depends on what type of info you are seeking.



the Disboards are great to help newbies as when parks have changes or additionals, it can be found here immediately.

you gain a lot of information on the total park set up from car rental to food to whatever you need to know.



reading the personal experiences of others, is extremely helpful to a newbie
when on the Dis, you can always contact a poster for private conversations for additional help

 

[michelepa]

Yeah I saw that OP was asking about a book ~problem is the Orlando theme park books are not completely correct by the time the book hits the shelves due to the constant changes and this can lead to bad planning or confusion so I did not recommend a book ~ even the Unofficial Guide which I purchased and edited myself when planning Disney and then Universal due to all the changes was not as good a resource as online sites.

 

[bumbershoot]

the Orlando theme park books are not completely correct by the time the book hits the shelves due to the constant changes and this can lead to bad planning or confusion

That's the case for all travel guide books.

 

[jagafen]

Or what are the best sites to research/plan Universal? We have never been and want to find out as much info as we can about the parks, any type of rope drop, all the rides and shows and attractions, as well as dining and the difference in hotels.

Well since the poster asked for a book...

Actually, the OP asked for sites in her post, and books in the thread title. You recommended a book. I recommended a site. The snark is inappropriate, and totally misdirected. We're all just trying to be helpful. This isn't a contest to see who is "most right".

 

[Squirlz]

Actually, the OP asked for sites in her post, and books in the thread title. You recommended a book. I recommended a site. The snark is inappropriate, and totally misdirected. We're all just trying to be helpful. This isn't a contest to see who is "most right".

Wasn't snark, in fact there was supposed to be a smiley in my post but it didn't translate.

 

[keishashadow]

The Unofficial Guide.

Good 2 fer as U used to have a small section included in back of the WDW guide, not sure if still so

That's the case for all travel guide books.

Yes, but there is nothing like a physical/ebook type of reference material to educate yourself first, then, hit the websites. Travel guides give a good, basic lay of the land for total noobs...ala a theme park for dummies (yes, they used to have those books too lol).

Equipped with a basic knowledge one can easiy refine/update via online sites.

If not inclined to plow thru a travel guide, suggest that one peruse the stickies here first , then, ask specific questions/look for hints/express their excitement over an upcoming trip.

Or,. (Unlike the OP) a person can wing it & just show up @ a pricey amusement park, have a far less than stellar trip, then loudly complain about it

 

[janicept]

I like the Official Guide Books. I haven't looked at them lately but years ago they had a Universal section in their Disney Book. Of course Universal is expanding so much now they might make it it's own book soon. I bet I could write a guidebook as many times I've been. Unless you really just like having a book just check some websites then do searches on here for specific questions. Or post questions on the forum.

 

[Squirlz]

I like the Official Guide Books. I haven't looked at them lately but years ago they had a Universal section in their Disney Book. Of course Universal is expanding so much now they might make it it's own book soon. I bet I could write a guidebook as many times I've been. Unless you really just like having a book just check some websites then do searches on here for specific questions. Or post questions on the forum.

They have had a dedicated Universal book for several years.

 

[janicept]

They have had a dedicated Universal book for several years.

Ah, then I would recommend The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.