Which guide book should I get?

[Crazy4Disney06]

Which guide book should I get, the Unofficial Guide to WDW 2006 , or Birnbaum's Walt Disney World.

Thanks in advance!

(sorry if this is a double post, I think my internet messed up )

 

[edingerc]

Birnbaum is the "Official Line", has some nice pictures but not a lot of info
The UG is very comprehensive, with more than enough info to make it worthwhile
Eyewitness has some nice pictures, but very little data
Fodor's has a lot of data, but not as much as the UG
Luxury Guide has specific info, but she doesn't give enough info and it's out of date
Passporter has a lot of info and will keep you coming back a lot, with a very unusual format and better maps than the UG

 

[Mickeyhugger]

The UG is the only one I've ever bought, but the others look helpful too. I mainly favor the UG because of the humour.

 

[danny1649]

I always get UG and also use PassPorter.

 

[MelodyMack]

I vote for the UG and the Passporter as well. I prefer the rating system in the Passporter, but the detailed info in the UG can't be beat.

HTH!
Mel

 

[whacked]

UG...

I think the UG is the best all around, has the most info, and is not afraid to offer an opinion or criticism.

Other books have pretty color pictures, but are lacking in the info department.

Plus, the new UG just came out about a week ago, so it's the most current.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

We always buy one new guide book for a trip (usually several years apart) to get caught up on new info. We were looking in August before the new UG 2006 was out so we bought Birnbaum's. Mistake......all the info is either old hat or straight from WDW.com. Tuesday I went out and bought UG. It is full of info (I prefer their "mini" version but a new one hasn't come out since '03). Buy the UG - more info then you'll need but no need to read cover to cover.

 

[SJSJ4]

I buy Birbaum's each time I go and I think its great (I havent used the other). Birbaums has each and every ride, resorts and restaurants. Also has so many tips to help save time and money. Have a great trip

 

[Priorityonecb]

I love the Unofficial Guide...that is the only one I would buy. I did borrow Birnams from the library, and while it has lots more pictures...it lacked the detailed information I crave when planning. I am going to buy the Birnams Disney for kids by kids for my eight year old though. But for me, I want the most information I can get!

 

[jfritz]

I use both of them....the UG and Birnbaums. I also have the new 2006 edition of Mini Mickeys....it's kind of like a hand held small version of UG. That way you can take it with you to the parks.

 

[PA DISNEYLOVER]

I swear by the UG. I read it every night before I go to bed.

 

[greg126]

No contest if you want something useful - UG.

 

[Kitcat]

Just bought UG2006 now thats a thick book lots of info. Hope this helps

 

[karen l]

I buy UG & Passporter, both are full of helpful info. I bring Passporter along on the trip and make notes from UG. (I don't bring UG with me because of its size.) I agree with other comments re: Birnbaum's. I know some people love it but I haven't found alot of new or detailed info & I'd rather save the money for my trip.

 

[HaleyB]

Another vote for the UG.

And a lone voice to recommend www.tourguidemike.com which is basicly an online guide book. I use both, with what we pay to go to WDW more information is always better. I should warn you, some people do not like Tour Guide Mike. It is $21 to join and he has a 100% money back offer which I know is honored.

 

[whacked]

I don't mind the idea of TGM...

I don't want to have to print out the whole site to take it with me.

I also don't want to have to pay for web access once I get to the parks.

I see TGM as more of a planning tool than a guide book.

I want my guide book with me.

Also hard to read TGM in the bathroom. Some day I'll put an internet terminal in there...

 

[HaleyB]

I have wireless and a laptop so I can read TGM in the bathroom.

I print out about 20 pages to take with me. Touring advice for each park (I print the long versions but there are one pagers), a handy 'tips and best views' sheet for each park put together by a TGMer named Jen (thanks Jen ). I also print out a few menus for each park from www.allearsnet.com (free site ). Other than that you don't need much more than the map they hand you when you go in. I know some people who print out 100's of pages, but it is not needed at all. I also know people who print out threads from here

But for a take to the parks guide I am not so sure about UG, the thing is a monster. I think they may have some pull out sections, the used to. Those are handy to take into the parks.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I like Birnbaums (sp?) the best. I buy it every year when the new one comes out even if we are not going to WDW. It's a tradition now. But the downside is the info doesn't change much and they are pretty much the same. I really like the Without Kids Version, great for us adult travelers! The UG has alot more detailed info on some of the attractions and resturaunts.

 

[TENIA66]

I GET QUITE A FEW AND READ THEM COVER TO COVER, LOVE THE UNOFFICAL 2006 BEST, BUT LIKE THE PASSPORTER, DISNEY FOR DUMMIES, FODORS OK, AND BIRUBAUMS IS OK, BUT I FEEL LIKE IT'S WRITTEN BY DISNEY........

 

[Kellybell]

I agree with almost everyone one this thread. Passporter and UG are the best I've read. And trust me I've read them all. The passporter is also great for all the scrapbook junkies out there with pockets to save ticket stubs and receipts etc. But for planning advise I highly reccommend TourGuideMike's website.