which WDW planning books are worth the read?

[KelseyLaPerle]

I'm planning to look at our local library so I don't have to spend the $$ on each book, but would like to know which ones you all have found helpful. Thanks.

 

[NotSoEvilStepmother]

I've found that the Unofficial Guide to WDW is worth its weight in gold. Depending on how often your library updates its stock, most of the editions from 2007 to now are about the same. Very little has really changed since other than a few rides.
Birnbaum's is a good official guide, as well. They provide a lot of great photographs and little known tips and tricks.
There's really none that I can say don't do the job well. Pick whatever looks interesting.

 

[kjbrown]

I have to agree the Unofficial Guide is the one I use. I love it. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit, I've purchased a new copy for each trip we've gone on, but I really do think it's worth it!

 

[arcticdisneylovers]

I always get Birnbaum's. Every year, I love it! I have tried others but I really like the format with Birnbaum's. It's easy to read and has lots of pictures. But I would not bother with the Birnbaum's Dining Guide I thought it was a waste of money. Not much additional information, almost everything was already in the general guide. I also wasn't that impressed with the Guide to Cruising either. I do know people that get Birnbaum's book for Kid's, they think it's great if your kids are old enough to read.

I spend months planning our Disney vacations, my husband swears I have as much fun planning as I do going on the trip! Being well prepared takes alot of stress out the trip for me and we've never been disappointed. We spend alot of money since we are travelling from the arctic so we want to make the most of it

January 2010 here we come

 

[jezaduck24]

I've been using The Unofficial Guide w/ Kids!

 

[ty93850]

The unoffical guide is the most complete book out there. If you are going to use the touring plans dont use the ones from an older book. Go to the web site touringplans.com and just pay for them there. But the rest of the book is about the same. If you were to spend money on one buy it and take it with you . I bought my first one from a used book store and now buy one before everytrip we use it to plan the whole trip. Were to stay, eat, which park ect........... It has a very good listing of hotels in and out of the world. It also has a unerversal/ seaworld section as well.

 

[zigfam4]

The Unofficial Guide was my "bible" for our first trip. I also bought the Unofficial Guide for Kids and it was great for my 6 year old to use as a reference for rides (it included "scare factor") and it included testimonials from other kids. It also had restaurants with kid friendly foods listed along with lots of great pictures of the rides.

 

[srwarden1928]

The Unofficial Guide to WDW is the only one I have actually purchased. I have looked at every available WDW book in every nearby bookstore. The UG I own and look at frequently. None of the others seemed to be worth purchasing to me. Some have nice pictures, but I can take pictures IN WDW.

 

[poppinsgal]

I'm really kind of surprised that no one has mentioned WDW With Kids. Or maybe this is a Birnbaum's book. It's really informative and I think it's easy to read. I, too, get a new copy every time we go. It just gets you prepared and in the mindset before you step onto property.

 

[susykt4]

Another vote for the Unofficial Guide! I also love the Passporter, but it's format (pockets that you write on during your trip) would be something you'd need to own, not borrow. The UG is fantastic for first timers (or those who haven't been in many years) and while it is a huge, thick book, entire sections can be skipped.

 

[allie1078]

I have 4 different ones. I really like passporter, 2nd unofficail guide, 3rd birnbaums official, 4th complete walt disney. They all offer something different.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

One note about the UG. It has a lot of good information but can sometimes be a bit offiensive if you are a lover of all things WDW. I am one of those die hard fans --several times I was offened by their obesrvations on some of my fav attractions. It does have ALOT of great info though.

 

[PatsMom]

We buy a new Birnbaum's and a new Unofficial Guide each year. DD just likes to collect them. And it is interesting reading them to see what has changed. If I were choosing just one I would do the UG. It is an enormous book but you can skip sections of it - for example they have a good sized section on off site hotels so if you know you are staying on site, you can just skip it.

 

[nemofans]

I always use Unofficial Guide every trip. We have found the info to be totally correct w/their judgement on rides, restaurants, & resorts. I have already pre ordered my 2010 book!

 

[dizct]

Unofficial Guide so good we bought an '09 copy and had it signed by all the Princesses at Cinderella's Royal Table in January. Library should have one. Can't beat the Touring Guides. We're "Dumbo or Die" veterans.

 

[baby1disney]

I personally love the Birnbaum's books!! I usually get the kids version, but I purchased last year the "adult" version...the one with everything in it!! I would read it to my DH every night in bed and then we would fall asleep dreaming/thinking about Disney!!! LOL!!!

Plus, my son really loves the kids' one. He can read it and gets excited when he finds out something that he didn't know.

My advice would be to go to your local Borders' or Barnes & Noble bookstore. I personally like Barnes & Noble because there seems to be more space..at least for the one here. Plus, I like the fact you can "read it" before you buy it and no one says anything. That's a free way as well.

Either way you go or book you choose, have fun reading because it's all about D-I-S-N-E-Y W-O-R-L-D!!! DISNEY WORLD!!!! (Sorry, I was humming the Mickey Mouse song when I wrote the last statement!!! LMAO!!)