Which guide? Birnbaum vs Unofficial WDW

[Lisa_Loves_Disney]

I'm looking to purchase a 2010 guide book, and was looking on amazon.com They have Birnbaum for pre-order for $11 and change, or the Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World Guide for $13 and change. Which do you prefer, I had a Fodor's last year and liked it, but would prefer to get a different one.

 

[Shenanigoat]

I like the Unofficial Guide. It's not flashy and seems big, but it has sooo much information in it. Tons. Birnbaums is almost like a brochure for Disney, and it's "official" so everything is "this is GREAT" and doesn't offer any constructive criticism (though some people find the UG to be too negative).

While I'm here I'll also mention that I find the Passporter to be awesome, and use that as well as the UG. Of course the dis is the best source ever though.

 

[vicki_c]

Unofficial Guide is huge, and is the "warts and all" type book - I think it is the most informative out there.

Birnbaum's, if I'm not mistaken, is the Disney-sanctioned book, and relatively light on content and definitely light on criticism. Definitely more "sunshine and light".

Edited: I guess my interpretation is the same as the PP!

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I love the Unofficial Guide and The Complete Guide (by Julie Neal).

 

[disneycountrygirl]

Definately the Unofficial Guide.

However, you should be able to just get it from our library since it won't be any good by next years trip anyway. I've used one for all our previous Disney trips (3 different years now), and have gotten all of them from the library.

Just put a hold on it via internet and when it comes in they email you.

 

[wheezy19]

I love the Unofficial Guide and The Complete Guide (by Julie Neal).

Ditto. I have used the Unofficial Guide for years and it is very comprehensive, honest, and useful (especially the touring plans and restaurant reviews). I just discovered the Complete Guide last week and it totally meets my need for pictures and "fun facts," plus a ton of information, especially about the attractions. I can pretty much guarantee that I will want to buy the new editions of both for any year I plan to visit.

 

[Planogirl]

I also like the Unofficial Guide. I not find it more informative and honest but I enjoy reading it too.

 

[debbiedana]

All you need for a great trip is the UG and the disboards.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I haven't used Birbaums in years, I did purchase it faithfully because of the pictures, but now I buy The Complete Walt Disney World for great pics. I don't find Birnbaums has any really useful information.

The UG has an amazing amount of info, it is the most comprehensive book out there.

It's a no brainer, UG for sure!

 

[haleofafamily]

I love the UG and agree that Birnbaums seems like an advertisement for WDW. For 1st timers I recommend Passporter. After reading this thread I think I will check out the Complete Guide!

 

[Withacy]

I usually buy them both - even though they don't change much from year to year.

I like Birmbaum's because it has better pictures. And I'm a glass half-full kind of person anyway, so I'll drink the koolaid.

I'm also not very fond of the touring plans (even though I use the website). They're absolutely great for some people, but apart from general (common sense) advice, not usually for me. If we want to ride EE 15 times in a row, and never do Flights of Wonder, then darn it, we're going to ride EE 15 times in a row. Life is short - eat dessert and ride the rollercoasters first!

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Unofficial Guide!!! I have them for every year and it is easy to navigate.

 

[WriteDisney]

I love the Unofficial Guide and The Complete Guide (by Julie Neal).

I just got the Complete Guide and I seriously love it! I starting getting Disney books regularly in 2007 and I'd always use to pick up the Unofficial Guide and Birnbaums, but I think the Complete Guide is much better then those. It has little fun facts, average wait times for rides throughout the day, touring plans, and some really great pics (and not just the ones that some guides seem to always take).

If I could only get two books I would get the Complete Guide and the Passporter.

 

[DisneyChristian]

The UG is great for planning plus you get use of their website (at least some of it). Passporters is a nice book too and the authors live in Ann Arbor, Michigan! Birnbaums I like to get for my children to look at because of all the cute pictures but for planning it really isn't very useful. I also like the Walt Disney World with Kids Guides but it isn't that comprehensive. It is easy to read though. I too order all the books from my library network. I asked my library to purchase the Complete Walt Disney World 2009 because everyone has said such wonderful things about it. I sure hope they purchase it.

 

[RMulieri]

Unofficial guide

 

[Lisa_Loves_Disney]

Thanks everyone, your replies where so helpful that I went and ordered the Unofficial Guide from amazon.com
I even signed up for a free trial of amazon prime so I got FREE 2 days shipping! I'll get the book by Monday!
I would recommend that for anyone ordering with amazon, I already canceled the membership (so I won't get charger) but still get to enjoy the benefits.

Thanks again

 

[restful urchin]

Another vote here for the Unofficial Guide. I find it informative and honest. But really I just like his little cartoons /comics when he's making a point. They make me laugh and they're so true!!

Liz 75 days until ASMu for girls only trip

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

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.

 

[MHSweb79]

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!

 

[maroo]

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!

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!!