What's the best book to buy for WDW?

[Tigger&Aidan]

I've seen several books on WDW and wanted to get one. I'd really rather only buy one (but you could twist my arm to buy 2, I guess!), so which would you suggest? I know there's both the official and unoffical guides....

We went to WDW last year, without much preparation, and I feel like we missed out on a lot! Hoping the book (and this site ) will help! Any suggestions appreciated!

Erin

 

[ransom]

To learn about strategies for maximizing your enjoyment of your time in WDW, I think "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" is the best. It's a very big book, and covers a ton of material, from planning to buying tickets to dining to touring the parks. I consider it essential reading for anyone going to WDW.

If you decided to get a second book, to me the next best is the Passporter Guide to Walt Disney World. The deluxe edition comes in a binder, and all editions include nice color maps of all the parks, plus more info and reviews of all the rides, restaurants, hotels, etc. Best of all, the Passporter comes with these cardboard "passpockets" in the back. There's one for each day of your trip, plus your travel days. There are spaces on them to write down things that you might want to remember from the day, and each passpocket includes a little pocket (natch!) where you can put tickets, receipts, and other small items. The Passporter makes a good companion to the Unofficial Guide, in my opinion.

We went on our first trip last December, and using those two, we were able to tour like pros and fit a heck of a lot of experiences in to our time at WDW.

 

[LionKingRules84]

I second the vote for the "Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World" I bought 2 books the Birnbaum guide to Walt Disney World and the Unoffical and I have to say the Unoffical has so much more information and much more helpful in my opinon than the Birnbaum. However if you aren't into planning your vacation to the last detail than you might enjoy Birnbaum's more. Also Birnbaums is much more colorful and simple than the Unoffical guide. So it all depends on what you are looking for in a guide. I ended up with both of them and I am also going to get myself the Passporter which was also mentioned alot on the board too.

 

[5starmom]

The Unofficial Guide and the Passporter. I think that the Unofficial Guide is a great comprehensive, all about Disney type of book for planning before your vacation. I used it and the helpful accompanying website to decide which days to spend at which parks and get a general idea of how our touring will go at each park.

The Passporter is for planning and organizing your trip, especially while you're on it! The Passporter has helped me "seal the deal" on where to eat, what attractions to see and for organizing our ADRs, etc. I'll carry that one with me at WDW to keep track of all our information and for quick reference!

Both books have websites that are good and where you can get lots of extra tips; the Unofficial Guide has a nice selection of tips and honest reader opinions on all sorts of stuff that is helpful to read.

Btw, we also got the book about Hidden Mickeys and the Disney Trivia book to use while we count down to our trip. I could probably find another good one to get, but dh would have a fit. LOL

 

[C_leen]

Hello-

I highly recommend the Unofficial Guide to WDW. Ever since I got my copy, I've been transfixed! My trip isn't until Sept. so I am definitely the right sort of personality for this book! Reading the trip guides are sort of a hoot but their very detail helps you determine how you can save time to savor what you want. "Walk to the right.... one member breaks off for FP to EE..."

 

[Indy's Girl]

If you were to only buy 1, I would also vote for the Unofficial Guide. It is so c omprehensive and in depth- even giving an exact strategy for getting CRT reservations 180 days out- that it should answer all your questions and along with this board help you to plan a wonderful vacation.

If you get 2, I would also get the Passporter as well. Many people get it for the passpockets/organization, which is great if it works for you. I personally use my own method of organization but still bought the book as it has great ratings for rides, attractions and restaurants and its unique rating system- Both Jennifer and Dave rate each seperately and there is a3rd rating based on response from their readers - really lets you get some different perspectives. It is also just a great read and has some really good tips.

If you want a BASIC overview of the parks, hotels etc. but a lot of great pictures get Birnbaums Official guide. I got this one to plan as well, as I enjoy the color and pics but it was no where near as helpful as the first two I mentioned. Happy Planning!

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

My vote would be for the Passporter. Even though I've been to Disney 48 times I just love it! Especially the back portion to write in confirmation numbers, room info, ADR's, memo's on each day, places to hold receipts, etc.... Fantastic book!

 

[Disney.07.FOREVER]

I will have to say go with Touring Plans "Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World 2007". They have reader's comments on rides,hotels, restaurants and more. This is my first year using it, and it's twice as thick as Birnbaums for the same price.

 

[Tinkalink]

We highly recommend Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.
We have told our families and co-workers if you had to read one book OG to WDW is it. We have read Birnbaums WDW, Birbaum's WDW for kids, Fodors and AAA guide, none of those books come close. We tell everyone how thorough and critical the book is.
DH likens it to a Disney "How to" Bible. He goes off about the 25 pages dedicated to touring plans and visitation times just as an Appendix! There three pages telling you how to make reservations to Cinderella's Royal Table! That is serious research.
Note: We did not buy or read The Passporter, so I can't make any comment on it. LOL!

 

[disneymoon_0307]

I would highly recommend The Unofficial Guide. It is packed full of plenty of information. It is very useful to the first time Disney goer to the person who has been 50 times. I also like Passporter. We buy one every year. It is a way for us to keep all of our momentos in one place and also has lots of helpful hints.

 

[julsmom]

I love both the UG and the Passporter.

I have always faithfully relied on the UG and have been very pleased. This year I purchased the Passporter and I love it. We have been many many times, so I read them both strictly for enjoyment. The UG has wonderful pictures, but the Passporter is full of more information that I even expected to find. If you are looking for solid information, get the Passporter. But if you are looking to enjoy planning and love the entertainment, I urge you to buy both!

 

[Tigger&Aidan]

Great! Thanks for the responses - got a gift card for my b-day, so off to the store this week to get the Unofficial! Will probably get the passporter too - DH will just LOVE that - I'm a planner and he's not so much, so anything to fuel the fire, lol! Thanks again!

Erin

 

[RobinHood's merrymen]

Hi, this is my 1st time (only had a computer 3 weeks!!) I think that the unofficial guide is the best also, although I couldn't resist buying both as they are both worth the read. We're not going back to WDW until Nov 2008 but I can't wait until Sept this year when the 2008 books are out here in the U.K. Hope this helps. P.S send me a reply so I know you got this?!?!

 

[MeetingMickeyin2006]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide!

 

[Momof2princess]

Another vote here for the Unofficial Guide. I even buy them on years we do not plan a Dis trip.....

good luck with your planning

 

[Tinks1984]

Well...I'm now having both books shipped to me in the UK!!

I couldn't resist either after the reviews these have been getting...most probably will be about another two/three weeks til I get them, but least I've got something to read through the summer, I don't go to Disney until April 2008!! Just means I'll have to get the 2008 guides also...what a shame

 

[loonytoony]

Another vote here for the Unofficial Guide.

 

[Tigger&Aidan]

Got the Unofficial last night - boy it is big! I didn't get thru too much but I do like it so far! Already learned a couple things I didn't know. Will have to order the Passporter as the book store didn't have it in stock....

Thanks again!

 

[dannyandkristi]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide and the Passporter~ Our family is going for the first time in October and between both books and the DISboards, I've been a busy gal! Hope you enjoy the books as much as our family! On a side note...I also purchased the "Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids by Kids" for our 8 and 6 year old and they love it! Happy Planning!

 

[disney_fan_fam]

Loved the "Unofficial" book I bought my kids the Disney for Kids book though

I also love allearsnet's site It was very helpful...