Which "Guide Book" is better to buy for WDW?

[bigthundermountain]

i currently own Walt Disneyworld with Kids 2006 (fodors) by Kim Wiley and The Unoffical Guide to WDW 2006 by Frommers. Frommers' version seemed to have more information on things outside of the parks like resorts and waterparks than the main theme parks. That is a good thing if you don't know what hotel to stay at..

Birnbaums is good for the pics and colorful attire..

 

[bobcat]

If only one - Unofficial guide. You will info that isn't sugar coated. Hands down the best researched book available.

If you like the planning of your trip then I too recommend the Passporter. It is a wonderful tool and I keep everything in it as I am planning my trip. I have a deluxe that I refill each year with updated information. As someone else mentioned it is a great complement to the Unofficial guide.

As for the Official Birnbaums guide go to your local library and check it out to read. While I read it most years because it is all warm and fuzzy and I just like to read guide books I wouldn't waste my money on it. It is too skimpy on the type of information you will need to tackle WDW. It's like watching the planning video and thinking you know everything you need to know about a WDW vacation.

I recently read the newest Fodor guide and while it does a pretty good job there was some serious misinformation that should have been caught in editing for this year. It says on the back that they are the most up to date WDW book pubished, um no not quite.

 

[mickekmania]

I actually have all 3 and IMO they all have their own value. The kids however, love Birnbaums.

If you are going to be purchasing your book(s) in the store I will share a fantastic coupon website with you all. Take a look, you will be amazed at the coupons.

www.wow-coupons.com

Good luck

 

[babynurse1]

I will say my kids love to look at the pictures in Birnbaum's and it has a good overall theme to it, but unofficial is probably more useful. We will bring Birnbaums on the trip because kids love it so much.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I like using the OG for the facts, and also like the Passporter for detailing and planning, both are excellant guides.

Ditto!!!! I wouldn't replace the Unofficial Guide for planning, but the passporter is great for in-the-park arrangements, etc.

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

I've been searching at Barnes & Nobles.com And I came across two Disney guide books which interest me. I just want to buy one of the two and I was wondering which one is better:


"The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2006"
By: Bob Sehlinger

or

Birnbaum's 2006
"Walt Disney World"
The OFFICIAL Guide


Any Advice for me?

And also, if anyone knows, could you tell me what the differences are. Pro's/con's of each.

"The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2006"
By: Bob Sehlinger

All the way! This book is amazingly written with jokes and honest tips. It states the real facts that are crucial and ones that will save every person from true stress. It is wonderful! Best bet for your money too!

 

[krissy2803]

I love my passporter! It has really helped me get everything in order. The pockets are great..the info is okay. I also like that it has a scrapbook appeal to it.
The UG is by far the most informative and just plain entertaining guide book I have ever read.

 

[Maxie86]

Add my vote for the Unofficial Guide. It has the best all around information, although I have never seen Passporter so can't comment on that. When are you going? The 2007 UG will be out in a couple of weeks, so if you aren't going for awhile you could wait for the newer one. I also agree with teentoddlermom that TGM should write a book. He has great information, but it is too hard to read for hours on the computer.

 

[ainmama2001]

LOVE the Unofficial Guide. Tells it like it is!

 

[lexmelinda]

Love the Unofficial Guide if you don't own a guide book. It is very comprehensive and gives you all the info you need from pre-trip to on-site. However, I found the 2006 UG to be very much the same as the one I bought in 2000. Wish I had saved my money as this trip I am finding the DIS and TGM to be all the help I need.

 

[PenguinWaiters]

If you are going to be purchasing your book(s) in the store I will share a fantastic coupon website with you all. Take a look, you will be amazed at the coupons.

<whoops, can't quote the URL because I'm a newbie! >

QUOTE]

Wow - that is a great site. Thanks!

Another vote here for the Unofficial Guide. My library only had the 2003 version, but I couldn't resist checking that one out to browse until the 2007 version comes out next month. Good luck!