Which guide? Birnbaum vs Unofficial WDW

[Mlissa88]

I agree 100% - If you are on the DIS seeking information, then you are probably going to like the Unofficial Guide the best. It has the most detailed info, but not as many pictures.

If you are looking for something for your kids to read...or maybe a first timer that doesn't want all of the details about everything, then Birnbaum may be the book for you.

For me - it is 100% Unofficial Guide!!

I'm with you Maroo! UG is a fun read and I still buy a new one almost every year.

 

[Withacy]

For the first couple of times I visited WDW, I bought both of those guides.
I'm in the minority here, but I always preferred Birnbaum's. I like that the print is easier to read, and it just feels more fun and exciting to read. I am the type of person that does not need to know what everyone else thought of an attraction. Everyone is different. I just want to know WHAT the attraction is, and then I will make up my own mind if I want to try that one - or not. That said - when I have had some doubt if I would like a certain ride - I have just started a post on The DIS, and then asked for opinions.

We can sit over hear together. Truthful, I find the UG a little bit depressing. Maybe I'm just too Pollyanna, but it just seems so negative about everything. And all the stratagizing just seems to take the fun - and magic - out of it. I KNOW that's not a popular opinion. But I prefer the sunshine & puppies of the Birnbaum book.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I bet if the OP had posted a poll, the UG would win by a landslide. This is not so much because it's the best guide (which I believe it is, btw) but because as DIS'ers, we love discussing the tiniest WDW minutae to the absolute Nth degree, and the UG fills that need for us nicely.
Go UG!

ITA!

If you are a science or math geek, UG is a dream come true!

Using the scientific method to determine which hotels have the best noise proofing and what pillows have the best "loft" cracks me up! I love it!

They also have a sick sense of humor over there that I love. The section on Pal Mickey is hilarious. Sadly Pal is no more, so that section will prob. be lost in future editions.

 

[Micca]

The UG is a fun book and has lots of data which you can take advantage of or not. I used to enjoy the Birnbaum book, but that was pre-internet. For great pics you need only search the web, and for the company line on WDW, they have a whole website full of that.

 

[MineMail]

I used to buy the Birnbaum books, but they are the "official guide" so they tote the Disney party line. They really don't have any true secrets or tips, but I guess once they ID a great idea, it gets distributed on the internet anyway.

I prefer the Unofficial Guide, which is very snarky and entertaining to read. It's also a bit hefty, but their touring plans can be pulled out for park visits. My favorite is the "some foolishness happened..." story, lol. They really work hard to keep the book up to date throughout the year and beyond. The website adds even more tips to the insider info in this book.

Birnbaum will tell you that there is a Show at such-and-such a spot, but the Unofficial Guide will tell you how to get picked to go on stage.