Which Guide?

[macfamily]

Hello!

Just got back from the Bookstore, and my eyes are still wiiide open with shock at the number of Disney Guides there were! I think I've got it narrowed down to either the UnOfficial Guide or the Official Guide. The Official Guide has coupons, yum And it seems to be pretty well put together and has pictures, which the Unofficial Guide didn't seem to have. However the UG looks like it has more info in it. I like pictures, but I want to be informed!!

Anyone have any suggestions? Or perhaps there's another book out there I should look for? Thanks in advance!

 

[allisonwonderland]

first trip there I bought,,,PASSPORTER,OFFICIAL GUIDE< AND UNOFFICIAL GUIDE..and I love them all........make sure u get the most up to date.I know info does not change THAT much however,,,,,I think new editions come out around mid FEB....websites like this are also the greatest....good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dis-happy]

JMHO but I am a HUGE fan of the UG.


P.S. I think it was a lot cheaper buying through Amazon than a real B&N. You could also try overstock.com; I bought my Disney cruise passporter book there for a great price. HTH

 

[sanibelover]

The official guide has great pictures but is very "company line". You won't really get any hints on how to manage crowds or how to get discounts, etc. The Unofficial Guide has much more info, but is not updated yet for all of the MYW stuff. I think their website has the updated info though. Many people like Tour Guide Mike (www.tourguidemike.com) as well.

Keep reading the DIS boards and mousesavers, etc. and you should be good to go!!!

 

[zippehsmom]

I have always bought the Official Guide because I just love the pictures , I have also bought the Unofficial Guide (I have found great tips), and I always subscribe to TGM (best for up to date info). I have found these to be money well spent. If I had to pick in order I would get 1. TGM, 2. Official Guide & 3. Unofficial Guide.

zippehsmom

 

[CajunDixie]

Will you actually be taking your book choice with you? Then I would suggest you go to your local library to check out whatever they have. If you really like a specific guide then buy it. IMO if you're taking it with you I'd recommend the PassPorter since it can be updated before you leave from their website and it has pages to store odds and ends in and to write info onto. Writing the info from your trip on the pocket sleeves makes it easier to plan your next trip with info like where meals were eaten and costs, admission prices, shopping expenses, notes for next time, and various memories of the day.

Another thing to think about....do you have children that might want to help plan the vacation? Disney for Kids is great for them!

 

[highland3]

I love the Fodor's WDW & Universal Orlando with kids guide. It's got great tips and good summaries of what's new.

 

[melissa5583]

I've ordered the Passporter 2005 and the official guide together on Amazon.com for $26.70. That includes shipping (for orders over $20.00)!!!! The Passporter is my favorite. My next favorite is the unofficial guide(already have it) and my least favorite is the official guide (b/c it does not have any real opinions in it).

 

[momm2four]

I like the UG and buy it yearly, but recently paid for TourGuide Mike and I really like it. I have printed off his articles and have put them in a notebook for easy access, but what I love about his site is that he sends you current info that directly affects your visit. The UG is a valuable asset, but no book that I know of will send all of its readers up to date emails about what's currently going on at WDW.

Lori P.

 

[aubriee]

Just got back from WDW in January and a few months earlier purchased the Birenbaums Official Guide, the Unofficial Guide, the Passporter, and the Kid's Guide (for my GD). I'm in the midst of planning a solo trip for May and even though I've read all the books several times, I find myself picking up the Unofficial Guide more than the other ones (much more). My second favorite and the one I carried with me to WDW in January (due to pockets in the back and size) is the Passporter. If I was only going to buy two books it would definitely be #1 the Unofficial Guide and #2 the Passporter. They work very well together (ie. deciding on resorts, room requests, dining reviews, touring plans, etc). The Unofficial Guide even gives you specific rooms to request for certain views. Sorry even though the pictures are nice, I was not impressed with Birenbaum's. The Unofficial Guide and the Passporter are much more informative and unbiased in my opinion.

 

[princess-rn]

I have to suggest the UG. It will give you much better tips than the OG.

 

[crisi]

I'm not an UG fan. The book is too big. Love the queing theory stuff. Hate the negativity. And its just plain wrong too often (loved the part where you can make PSs on the web several years ago). My biggest problem with it is that it has very strong opinions - some of my favorite things at Disney are panned by the UG, and I wonder how many people miss out on something they'd love because the UG didn't recommend it.

Love my Passporter. I give Birnbaum's to first timers. It is very company line, but it is an easy read, has nice maps, OK photos, and is small enough to carry.

My recommendation is to visit your library and check a few out. Last years or the year before's are fine (none of them have been adequately updated yet). Find one that agrees with you in terms of style and attitude. And your needs (I have a WDW with Kids - not one of the mainstream ones - that was wonderful for the first trip I took with kids. Disney for Adults might be a better choice if you aren't bringing kids).

 

[CheapMom]

I don't know about a regular guide but I ust want to mention that Birnbaums Guide For Kids is really great.

 

[ArielsMommy]

I love my passporters. I have the ones for WDW and DCL!! I find the pockets invaluable for notetaking. It makes scrpabooking those pics so much easier when you get back!! JMO

 

[lentesta]

Crisi, if you know of any factual errors in the Guide, we'll be happy to post corrections to the website.

I don't recall where we've ever said it was possible to make PSes on the web. If you know the edition or chapter we mentioned that, I'd like to read it.

Thanks!

Len

 

[jennz]

I love love love Passporter! They have a lot of detail about things you want to know about (at least what we want to know about), great suggestions, ride descriptions and ratings, easy to flip through or sit down and read and is great not only as a reference but to actually use in planing. Hope that helps!

 

[CheapMom]

has anyone used "Walt Didney World for Dummies"? I saw a copy of it cheap ($3.99) Is it any good?

 

[Keokagal]

I agree w crisi. My first cpl trips I used Birnbaum, now I love Passporter. I'm waiting for my 2005 to arrive. Enjoy the planning.

 

[kutchyone]

Have loved and lived and died by the UG. I always utilize the library then if I enjoy the book I purchase. Due to all the recent park hour changes and the Magic Hours have the suggested touring plans been updated. Also, what is the story with Tour Guide Mike? I would love to hear from people who have used this service to find out what it is about, pro's and con's.

 

[Kaa]

I have always recommended that you purchase the Unofficial Guide for your first trip. It is the most comprehensive guidebook for WDW. I buy Birnbaum's every year and the Unofficial Guide every couple of years.