Which is THE BEST Guide Book?

[DVC-Don]

I've bought at least one of each of the mentioned guides. But, the only one I buy every year is the PassPorter Guide. I've got 7 PassPorters from past trips, 1 PassPorter for our August trip and 1 PassPorter Disney Cruise Guide.

 

[Penny2]

SPACEACE

In regards to your request about the books for those of us sans kiddies, I recommend the following:

WDW without Children by the Perlmutters - This is the book that really helped me to see WDW in a new and surprisingly romantic light. They have tons of tips about romantic things to do and see. This helped me to look for the 'secret' joys like evening boat rides, hidden lounges, etc.

I also like Rita Aero's book for its in-depth reviews of hotels and restaurants (although someone on another thread said this hasn't been updated in two years). This helped me to decide where I wanted to stay and eat. It used to have some amazing coupons, still remember that $50 off coupon at any Swan or Dolphin restaurant, but the last one had pretty limited coupon choices.

 

[EpcotBill]

I also like Rita Aero's book for its in-depth reviews of hotels and restaurants (although someone on another thread said this hasn't been updated in two years).

Hi, I'm the one from that other thread. I checked on Amazon, just to make sure my memory was correct, and Rita's most recent edition was published May 2001.

 

[sunking]

the unofficial guide for us, thank you...we buy the new edition every year and use it as a planning tool for each of our trips...makes for good reading!!!!
have fun!!!!
sunking

 

[Bella2000]

Originally posted by jcemom
Guess I may have to "break down" and buy more than one, huh? LOL It wasn't the cost so much as "information overload" or "planning overload" to DH! I've read so much online, I guess I thought I'd just buy an "old fashioned" book to read over the summer when I can't be online...LOL. Of course, I'm sure I can "squeeze in" time to read more than one!.....

I vote for buying both. They are very different books that I use together. I think they are both the best at what they do well. I have used the unofficial guide for years and I "found" Passporter last year and quickly devoured my 2002 version and now am in the 2003 Deluxe. I always give them both as gifts.

 

[Minniespal]

We have always used the Passporter and take it with us to Florida.

 

[piglet33]

I also vote for the Passporter. I love that book. The one for the Disney Cruise is great also.

 

[Terk-1]

Although I do buy the Brinbaum's guide (regular & w/o kids one), I absolutely LOVE my PassPorter!!! I was at my local Barnes & Noble on Sunday and saw a couple debating about which guide to get. Told them all about the PassPorter and what it had. They purchased both the PassPorter and Birnbaum's Kids guide.

 

[jcemom]

Thanks so much for all the replies!

I was planning on a trip to the bookstore sometime this week. I think I will be picking up the Unofficial Guide now, for those lazy summer days around the pool and whatnot (IF we ever get any warm weather in the northeast)....and will plan to get the Passporter when the new edition comes out for organizing/taking along/memories, etc.

I think I will also grab the guide for kids. My boys are 9 and 10...I think they might enjoy it!

 

[Daisimae]

I'm a big fan of the Unofficial Guide, but, plan on buying my first Passporter in the next week or so. I think it will be handy to keep my tickets, giftcertificates and receipts in.

One question though...Does the Passporter fit in the in-room safes at the All-Stars? I've never stayed there before either, but, the ones at PO-FQ looked a little small. Thanks for answering.

Daisimae

 

[pmurphy713]

My husband (the safe user) says depending on which type of Passporter you buy, you should be able to get one in there. The spiral bound will probably fit best. The deluxe version would be a tight fit, but it would probably fit in there also. The safes are about the width of a dollar bill, maybe a little wider, so you will have to stand the Passporter up on it spine.

Hope this helps!

 

[Kaycee]

I love my Passporter!

For our first trip I read Birnbaum's, the Unofficial Guide, and Passporter. But for the trips since then, I've only used the Passporter. It has all the info I need, and it's very easy to use when planning.

 

[fklhou]

I like Birnbaum but it has been years since we have used a guidebook.

 

[jcemom]

Just an update...
Went to Waldenbooks yesterday and picked up the Unofficial Guide -- there does seem to be plenty of info there to keep me occupied for a while. I skimmed through last night -- couldn't help myself! LOL

My thoughts at this point though -- I'll use TourGuide Mike for the touring plans rather than the guide book. Since I've never tried either I don't know if I'm right, but Mike's seem easier to follow and more easily "customizable." Most everything in the book that I did read seems geared toward people who go during busy season, and, hopefully when I go the first week of February it won't be busy. (I know, if it isn't busy, I don't need a touring plan...? LOL Trust me, I DO -- my personality insists! LOL)

What I think I will like are all the ride descriptions, etc. They seem fairly detailed. I definitely think it's worth the cost.

I also plan to pick up the Passporter and the Kids guide closer to trip time.

Thanks to all who voted and posted -- You guys are great!

 

[Maridw]

We originally used Birnbaum's and swore by it. We have since purchased the Passporter and prefer it. I use it to store everything in it. The first one we got was a spiral version (2001). On the website they had the 1999 & 2000 versions on sale so I purchased them to put all our mementos in.

We bought a 2002 Deluxe version and extra pockets. We got the 2003 update for the Deluxe this year. We have seasonal passes and we keep them in the Passporter. Once we get our confirmation, it goes into the book.

I printed out color versions of all the park maps and put them with the black/white version in the book. When I put the new version into the binder, I took the old version and tied it together. We still have everything in the pockets and I can put it on the bookcase with the others.

While we are at the park, I put all receipts in the day's pockets. That way I can keep track of everything.
There is a PS planner, plus there is room to make notes on the pockets.

 

[ead79]

I wholeheartedly recommend the Unofficial Guide to WDW. I have used it for years, and it's really been indispensable. The attraction reviews are very helpful in deciding which attractions are on your "must-see" list. The resort information is also great, and it now includes room recommendations. The dining reviews are also very detailed, though I feel the author is generally too negative about WDW restaurants. With this year's guidebook, they have added a neat new feature. You can order custom touring plans from their website, and they will make them especially with you in mind. You tell them where you're eating, what rides/shows you want to see, etc. and they will plan the touring plan around that. Or, you can tell them to recommend restaurants based on where you'll be in the park around lunch time. I ordered several and received absolutely incredible customer service. Two thumbs way up! They were so responsive and unbelievably helpful.

 

[jcemom]

ead79 --
I noticed the restaurant reviews, and while the info is great, I figured they may be overly critical as most places only got 2 stars -- LOL

I am considering the custom touring plans -- may I ask a question though? Did you find that they skip around as much as the guide? Can you request not to skip around so much?

We are planning on 2 days for Magic Kingdom, 1 day each for the other parks, with 1 extra day at the end for whatever we missed or want to do again. I was hoping we would not need to bounce all over the park -- Magic Kingdom in particular.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Passporter for me.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Never cared for the Unofficial Guide--bought one once, and that was it.
Favorite now is Perlmutter's Walt Disney World for Couples.

 

[punkin]

I think Birnbaum is total fluff but has lovely pictures. The passporter is good for organizing tickets and receipts (it's the only reason I know exactly how overbudget we went last trip). BUT the Unofficial guide is absolutely vital for ride attractions, restaurant reviews, hotel info and touring plans. If you can only buy one, I would go with the unofficial guide.