What WDW travel book do you use?

[Terk-1]

I swear by my Passporter!! This is the best guide. I bought the deluxe version and it was very convienent to take the pages out. I find it very thorough & honest. I also get the Birnbaum's guides (regular one & the one without kids). Besides these, I rely on this website and Deb Will's. I read the Unofficial one a few years ago, but got completely turned off by it. I felt it they were way too negative & critical about most things. It is way too big too. That's what I like about the Passporter. Complete, but does not way a ton.

 

[eeyore0062]

We love our Passporter and have found it quite useful. We like the maps of the resorts, the discriptions of the restaurants, and the handy planning guide in the back.

If you haven't been there, or haven't been in a while, I would suggest the combination of Birnbaum's Official Guide, which has spectacular pictures and is detailed on everything Disney. And for the unvarnished version, I would also get Selhinger's Unofficial Guide to WDW. It gives unvarnished opinions, and has good touring guides.

Between the 3, and the free WDW video, you can't go wrong!

 

[CRCrazy]

I used Birnbaum's way back in '86 for our honeymoon in Disney World. It was great, so when DH and I started planning our "Trip of a Lifetime" with our kids, we bought the new version. Great Pictures, but not a whole lot of useable info.

Then I found the Passporter - WOW! We loved it. Used it for our March trip, and combined with the info from the boards - we had the perfect Disney vacation. Everything was magic.

Unfortunately - it was addictive magic! We went back in December to see the holiday sights, and to go on the Sunrise Safari. After reading everyone's raves about the Unofficial Guide - I decided to buy the 2003 version when it came out in the fall - I wasn't really impressed. I liked his style of writing, but felt he painted far too pessimistic a picture, and had much, too much reliance on touring plans. I was also extremely disgruntled to find info in this brand new version that had been out of date for over two years - although they update some parts - lots of it hadn't been edited at all! I decided to go with the deluxe version of the Passporter - they were running a special - order the deluxe 2002 (I've since obtained the 99 and 2001 versions, too!), and receive the 2003 update - all covers and text - at a reduced price! The Deluxe worked brilliantly on our Dec. trip - lots of slots in the binder for passes, FF cards, etc. I prepacked all the envelopes with Mousekeeping envelopes, spending money for the day, etc. as well as listing all my important info - res #'s and PS. I left it in the safe, taking only the envelope for that day, and the appropriate map (I like theirs even better than Disney's version - especially Epcots) I didn't need to bring the text - I'd pretty much memorized it all!

We received our 2003 update - love it, and unlike the Unofficial Guide, it has been thoroughly updated, with the exception of a few last minute changes by Disney, which occurred after it went to press. I don't mind that - Disney changes - but if somethings been gone for 2 years - it shouldn't be in a brand new guide!

 

[sogger1]

For CRCrazy and everyone else: Dave and Jennifer publish updates to Passporter a couple of times through the year. They are easy to print off, trim and add to the deluxe binder. You can also print extra blank pages. Again just trim to the template. Here is the link for updates: http://www.passporter.com/customs/bookupdates.htm And here is the link for the extra pages: http://www.passporter.com/wdw/downloads.htm

 

[Uncleromulus]

Can't say much good about the "Unofficial" Guide--the fellow is too wrapped up in trying to be clever, and HIS opinions are often way off base--especially with dining.
I like Birnbaums W/O Kids, and another one that isn't as well known--Walt Disney World For Couples, by Rich and Gale Perlmutter.
Trouble with all the Guidebooks is that at least a few parts are outdated just as soon as they are published.
But fun to read anyway--

 

[disneydave2003]

I bought Birnbaum and Passporter and the Passporter is the best It's the best tool so far, aside from these boards , that I have used for planning and researching my upcoming vacation. It's been so long since I have been to Disney World I need all the help I can get. Passporter had alot of info and the users on this board have also been exceptionally informative.

dave

 

[cinmell]

I like the Passporter Deluxe. I prefer the deluxe version because you can buy refills for it insteard of buying a new book each year. The passporter is good because it has folders, worksheets for travel, resort and dining information. It gives a good amount of information about attractions, resorts, restaurants and character meals. It also provides maps of the resorts and theme parks. Over the years I have purchased Birnbaum's, Birnbaum with Kids, Birnbaum without kids,Disney WOrld for Couples and Passporter. Passporter was by far the best guidebook for us.

 

[LUVMICKEY]

I have used the Birnbaum's book since the early 80's and I still buy it every year when it comes out. I also have the Passporter and have bought Rita Aero's book in the past. They are all good and all have differant information in them. I also have had the Unoffical Guide Book many years ago. But I still go back to my old stand by, Birnbaum's.

Michele

 

[The Duchess]

Definately the PassPorter.
I just got through sorting through all our ticket stubs, meal slips and other assorted WDW stuff from our last vacation (10/02) and logging it into my Passporter. I have two of them from our last vacations filled to the brim. A great memory keeper.
Although I did get my BEST information of these boards, printed certain threads (eg...where to get REAL coffee around WDW) and brought them with me.

 

[apagano]

I'm a big fan of the Unofficial Guide. I like the fact that is opinionated and not afraid to challenge the company line. The touring guides are very valuable, especially for first-timers and people going during busy season.

 

[punkin]

I have to put in a vote for the unofficial guide after Uncleromulus' comments. I thought it was wonderful. Yes, it is opinionated and that's precisely why a buy a guidebook. Moreover, their touring plans are fabulous. I followed on for MK the day after thanksgiving (crowds were horrific) and stood in almost no lines!!!

 

[ZachnElli]

Passporter all the way! But since we are talking guidebooks, just a head's up. Amazon has great prices and they are running free shipping on orders over $25! Passporter is $15.37 at amazon. Anybody recommend the Birnbaum's WDW for Kids by Kids for an 8 year old? It sold out everywhere (2003), is it that good?

 

[eeyore0062]

Yes, my 7 year old loved her WDW Birnbaums Kids by Kids! They were great for waits in lines, because they gave hints on where to find hidden Mickey's and the had places for the kids to fill out what they did... especially useful if the child has to write a report about his trip for school, or something.

Our Disney Store carries it... and we usually don't run out. Check your local Disney Store, if there is one near you, to see if they have it. Otherwise, you may be able to order it through Amazon.com.

Good luck!

 

[lalapodip]

My girls were 7 and 9 during our June 2002 trip and they loved the Birnbaum's for Kids by Kids book. It has pre-trip planning and autograph pages. The PassPorter was my bible and gets my vote for best travel book. I also loved the regular Birnbaum's for the color pictures and "official line"!

 

[Zoo Keeper]

My vote's for PassPorter! I've always got the spiral edition. This year I'm going for the binder
And their website provides update pages.

 

[tammydel]

Am I the only one who buys them all just for some bedside table reading?
O.K., bedside table, couch, kitchen counter, yes, bathroom, pretty much I have a Disney travel book anywhere I might possibly be still for more than 10 seconds.

I have to have them all because each one may say ONE thing that the others did not.