Which book?

[kelleigh1]

I'm planning on getting a 2006 Guide in the next few months. I haven't decided which one to get. I've looked at Schlesinger's Unofficial Guide and at Birnbaums Insiders Guide. If you've used either of these in the past, which would you recommend and why??

Any other guide suggestions are also welcome. And remember, you're trying to sell me on the best one to get, so please don't say "get XYZ guide". Explain why you think yours is the best.

 

[Drizzo67]

I don't have either one of the ones you named. I have a Passporter. I highly recommend it for its detail and easy use. There are pockets in the back for you to store all your papers for the trip (airline tickets, hotel reservation papers, etc.) All rides, resorts and extras are given ratings, height restrictions, etc. from an adult's view and a child's view. I have the deluxe version which is like a small looseleaf book which allows me to take out the pages and the map I need for the park I am going to that day. The binder has places for credit cards, park passes etc. even a pen. You can even down load updates ( any changes since last print) from the website.

Check it out at Passporter.com.

 

[DisneyDotty]

We bought both UG and Birnbaum. Birnbaum was a big Disney commercial--fun for getting excited about the trip, but not helpful in terms of serious planning.
UG was excellent for us (and no, I don't get $$ from them!). We relied on their "Best Days for Parks vs. Parks to Avoid" and had minimal waits. We also used their EMH advice to our advantage.
I didn't agree with their accommodations reviews--we stayed at CRTower and LOVED it--but their touring plans were most helpful. Plus, we pretty much took their attitude to heart-- A Disney trip is big money, so consider what each minute of waiting in line is actually costing you.
We didn't go Commando, but the UG gave us enough info that we could really relax and enjoy ourselves once we were down there.
Have fun planning (I know I do--planning is ALMOST as fun as being there for me) and a have a great trip!

 

[kelleigh1]

I don't have either one of the ones you named. I have a Passporter. I highly recommend it for its detail and easy use. There are pockets in the back for you to store all your papers for the trip (airline tickets, hotel reservation papers, etc.) All rides, resorts and extras are given ratings, height restrictions, etc. from an adult's view and a child's view. I have the deluxe version which is like a small looseleaf book which allows me to take out the pages and the map I need for the park I am going to that day. The binder has places for credit cards, park passes etc. even a pen. You can even down load updates ( any changes since last print) from the website.

Check it out at Passporter.com.

My only concern with Passporter is that it doesn't look like they have a 2006 edition available. And the 2005 was released back in March...before the new attractions opened, so it will almost be outdated when we go. (We're looking at mid-January.) I'd really like something which would have the most current info including all the new stuff from 2005. It looks like the UnO Guide comes out next week and Birnbaum's is in October, so I expect they'll have more current info.

 

[umaangel00]

I recommend the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Its jammed packed with info. I just bought the 2005 edition and I'm not even half way through it. Tons of info!

 

[we3disneygo]

we get all 3 of them.... the passporter will go with us-just love it, if you go to there web site you can check it out......go to your local library and check them out to see which one you like the best.

 

[Pixiedust34]

This isn't a book, but I recommend subscribing to Tour Guide Mike!

I also like our Passporter. I have the Unofficial Guide (my copy is a few years old), but I like the Passporter a little better.

 

[kelleigh1]

This isn't a book, but I recommend subscribing to Tour Guide Mike!

I also like our Passporter. I have the Unofficial Guide (my copy is a few years old), but I like the Passporter a little better.

What is Tour Guide Mike? Where can I find info on this?

 

[Bella2000]

The Birnbaum official guide I like because of the photos but I don't use it for planning.

I also love the Passporter pockets - Passporter 2006 will I think be available in January 2006. Last year took a tad longer but I think that is when I've rc'd my preorders. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

I admit the UG is my favorite. I find myself using it as my overall reference guide. I was just actually looking at a 1997 copy yesterday. The UG maybe available next week or the following one. I saw publish date of August 8th on the Wiley site. I have found the Unofficial Guide website and webmaster (Len) to be extremely helpful and responsive. Touring Plans. You will find previous UG updates on the website, sample touring plans, the crowd blog which people from the DIS have contributed to Len and a lot of other freebies like the trip planner Free Trip Planner

I have also used Tourguide Mike.

 

[Pixiedust34]

What is Tour Guide Mike? Where can I find info on this?

Tour Guide Mike is an online guide to WDW. You pay to register, but he gives a lot of helpful information!

You can check it out at www.tourguidemike.com

 

[Drizzo67]

There was a small problem with the delivery last year with Passporter but I'm sure all the natural disasters that held them up won't happen again this year. That being said, you can always go the the Passporter website and down load the newest info and place it in the book. As new things occured since the last printing there was a download with all the new info.

We are buying UG this year as well.

 

[kelleigh1]

Thanks. We're planning on going in mid-January, so I'll probably buy the UG now and then see about the others as they come out. If Passporter is out before we leave, maybe we'll grab it.

 

[Drizzo67]

Kel - If you go to the Passporter website in Mid-September you can order the book on-line. This insures that they will send it directly to you once they are ready. They will ship it to you at the same time they ship to the stores. You will have it before your local book store. I order my refills in September and usually get them in early Jan (1st week, except of last year). Just an idea.

I recently ordered two 2005 Deluxes for my MIL and my SIL and we will all get the 2006 refill when it is available.

PS I want to know why you are excited!!!! LOL

 

[Bella2000]

The Birnbaum official guide I like because of the photos but I don't use it for planning.

I also love the Passporter pockets - Passporter 2006 will I think be available in January 2006. Last year took a tad longer but I think that is when I've rc'd my preorders. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

I admit the UG is my favorite. I find myself using it as my overall reference guide. I was just actually looking at a 1997 copy yesterday. The UG maybe available next week or the following one. I saw publish date of August 8th on the Wiley site. I have found the Unofficial Guide website and webmaster (Len) to be extremely helpful and responsive. Touring Plans. You will find previous UG updates on the website, sample touring plans, the crowd blog which people from the DIS have contributed to Len and a lot of other freebies like the trip planner Free Trip Planner

I have also used Tourguide Mike.

I just received the passporter newsletter and they state:

"PassPorter Walt Disney World 2006 is in the final stages of editorial production, and we're really excited! The new edition will be in full color -- every map, photo, and graphic. We think you're going to love it! Look for the new edition sometime in November of this year (pre-orders will begin in early September -- watch this newsletter for more information)."

If you want to sign up for the newsletter here is the link Passporter Newsletter

 

[Drizzo67]

Bella - I was just going to post the same info. I like getting the newsletter every month from Passporter. Keeps me really up to date. ANOTHER REASON TO GET PASSPORTER

 

[kelleigh1]

Thanks for the info. I was at the mall today and stopped at the bookstore to peruse the Disney guides. They had the 2005 Passporter and I spend a fair amount of time reading through it.