Which Guide Book??

[bdklein]

I am looking for the definitive guide book for the WDW parks. Family of 4 (husband, wife, 3 and 6 year old girls) are going on first trip to Disney in May for a week (Sat-Sat), and staying at the Poly. I am looking for guide book that's not too big (fit in a knapsack), but will give me ideas about the parks, what rides to go on and avoid (for the kids), Fastpass, shows, parades, etc.

What other guide books do you recommend I read? Thanks.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Unofficial Guide is simply the best. It's bulky but good. You could take it with you and do your research in the hotel room. UG offers tips, background info, opinions, and much more. I traveled to WDW several times and don't have to have a guide book but I love the UG. I am always learning something new. I would definately reccommend UG.

 

[willis37862]

I agree with the unoffical guide. I have found it very helpful.

 

[MareQ]

Even though I am a Disney veteran/DVC owner - I still adore my passporter

 

[Kapp]

hands down.
I know some love the Passporter but to be honest, it is my least favorite of the main guidebooks. To each his own but I find it a waste of $$$$.

Have a great time!

K

 

[skent10]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide. I was going to get the Passporter as well, but found I don't need anything else with the UG.

 

[jimmiej]

I, like many others here, have read several WDW guidebooks. IMO, the best guidebook is Unofficial Guide. It fits your criteria:

I am looking for the definitive guide book for the WDW parks.

However, it ain't small! I don't think it will fit in a knapsack; a backpack yes.

 

[Dana49]

I rarely buy a Disney guide book. I mainly rely on these boards for current information and advice. Every couple of years I do splurge and buy the Passporter. I like the fact that it has fairly good restaurant reviews, plus the times of operation for most restaurants.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I have to vote for Passporter. I love mine and get the new edition each year.
UG is good too though, but Passporter is my favorite. I would go to Borders and Barnes & Noble, grab a cup of coffee and check them both out to see what you think will work best for you.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Another vote for the UG. I love it.

 

[JohnNJ]

What other guide books do you recommend I read?

In addition to the guide books already mentioned, I would suggest you check out http://www.TourGuideMike.com

 

[Dale-n-Chip]

Depending on how you feel about ripping books up. . . I'd be tempted to buy the UG, read it, then rip it up, taking along only the "relevant" parts to the parks. I bet you could get away with only 1/3 of the book! You could punch holes in the "travel" part and put in a snap ring to keep them together and in order.

I say that, and believe that. . . but I also know I couldn't do that to my own UG! I just love the UG too much. I'm an addict!

There is also a "pocket" guide of some sort from the UG people. Anyone have any experience with that one? In theory, you could buy both and then take only the "pocket" guide with you. Good marketing!

Passporter also comes in a "deluxe" $30 model that is ring-bound so you could remove irrelevant pieces for your trips to the park.

I admit I'm addicted to both the UG and Passporter. Good luck with your planning!

 

[disneymoon0606]

I got the pocket version of UG today and read the whole thing! It's called Mini Mickey. I absolutely loved it! I've never read the whole UG before, but it seems to have pretty much the same stuff, just not so much in-depth on dining and resorts. But as far as the parks go, it had plenty of info for me.

It is extremely portable too - about five inches by seven inches, and about half an inch thick.

I highly recommend it if you want to be able to take the UG with you!

 

[auntyjenn]

If you get tourguide mike online you can just print out the pages you want. I still wouldn't go without reading UG, but I doubt I'll take the whole thing into the park with me. I photocopy pages I want to take (can't ... rip.. a book...)

 

[hockeygirl]

another vote for the Unofficial Guide, it is great, and has everything you need!

 

[boomhauer]

For a first timer, the Official Guide. It's basic, and easy to follow. The Unofficial Guide I feel is simply too much information for a first timer. If you're familiar to at least some extent with Disney World, the Unofficial Guide is the most comprehensive.