Should I pack my guidebook?

garada3 · 10-14-2003

Do most people take their guidebooks with them to Disney?

Do you carry it around with you?

I have accumulated so much info, I have highlighted my Unofficial, made notes in my Passporter and have a file on my hard drive full of tips, hints and fun things about Disney.

How should I organize all this to keep it straight? I want to be prepared, be able to have all this info at my fingertips if DH or the kids need something, want to do something or need a change of pace to get the magic back. I really would rather not have to carry a book around as i know that i will be carrying backpack, camera, water, kids (!) etc.

Suggestions? What do you all do?

Thanks!

My four year old just told me he has enough fingers to count for Disney!

:D

**mickey** · 10-14-2003

We always take our guidebooks with us to Disney, but never into the parks. We usually spend some time the night before planning the next day, and using the books. They just get too heavy to lug around all day.

If you know where you are going the next day, try writing down a few hints on a piece of paper to take with you, so that if you can't remember where you wanted to eat, or had some ideas for some fun things to do, you will have them written down.

preidel24 · 10-14-2003

I take mine with me and I leave it in the room for reference. I print out my tips and menus and place them in my passporter. Then each evening I go through and take out the information I need. It's nice to have menu the kids can look at. Once you get there you'll be given brochures with a calendar of events (parade time, park ours etc..) This is the info I keep on me at all times. Remember spontanity is good and letting the magic happen is sometimes more fulfilling than planning everything. Be prepared (and it sounds like you are) relax and enjoy. Single digits tommorow YEAH!!!!

Paula

noahsark45331 · 10-14-2003

As posted by others, I take mine and keep it in the room. It is fun to have while flying or driving to WDW. We go over it the night before, deciding what we want to do the next day, looking over menus, etc. Have a great time!

BuzzLightyear · 10-14-2003

I also bring 1 of mine (the passporter) and leave it in my room. I use it for reference and to write down what we did that day so I don't forget.

cindy1970 · 10-14-2003

I would say bring it but leave in room. I wish I had taken it with me. Also I usually type up an itinerary for the whole week on Word.

disneydana · 10-14-2003

Like most here, I take mine (and all the other info) and leave it in the room. I plan out the next day the day before. Pack it! I think you'll be sorry if you don't.

CowboyMickey · 10-14-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by garada3
... I want to be prepared, be able to have all this info at my fingertips if DH or the kids need something, want to do something or need a change of pace to get the magic back. I really would rather not have to carry a book around as i know that i will be carrying backpack, camera, water, kids (!) etc.
...

I agree with others, take it with you, use it as a planning/reference guide, but I wouldn't bother lugging them around the parks. Unless of course you have quite a collection of them...bring 'em along to one of the parades and use them to stand on - guaranteed good view!:D

In my experience, taking along the Disney map/attractions handout has been more than enough. Let's you get straight to point in case of those sudden eating/purchasing/bathroom emergencies!

And let's not forget of course the best source of information whilst in the parks...the Cast Members themselves. If they cannot answer your question, you can bet your last Disney Dollar that they know someone that can...

CM

JTLLAL · 10-14-2003

I always take my guidebook to Disney with me. I take my passporter to the park because it has our PS numbers and all of our emergency numbers in it. I just put it in a gallon zip-lock to keep in dry during the water rides. Have a GREAT time!:!:

**DisneyTeacher** · 10-14-2003

If I have room to take guide books I will throw, however, I usually never look at them once we get there. I never take them to the parks, we carry enough as it is.

I have a spread sheet with all the park hours and Early Entry days on it as well as the park(s) we are going to and our PS information. The spread sheet works well for us, I like to have all that information on one piece of paper and its easy to take with us in the backpack. I usually take two or three copies just in case but we have never had a problem.

We plan one PS meal on most days and we plan what park we are going to each day but never more than that. I like to just enjoy the day and not stress about how many rides we go on and what order we do things. No commando mode for me!!

MickeyMac · 10-14-2003

Garada, like everyone else here, we take ours to the resort. I can't count the number of times we've referred to them for some obscure thing, too.

I put all pertinent information on my clipboard (spreadsheet, coupons, driving directions, etc)

Someone told me they use a business card for their PS's and pertinent information so I thought it was neat and designed one for us. We keep hotel, flight, bookings information on it, PS's, color coded itinerary, and emergency information on it. I print out a copy for myself and for DH and DS (he's old enough) I get teased by DH, but dang if he doesn't use it all the time! :D I can make copies if you want to see what it looks like for an idea, if you'd like.

garada3 · 10-14-2003

Okay I will take the Passporter along, it deserves the trip any way as it is so dog eared by now. Along DisneyTeachers idea, I think I am going to create a "paper" for each day with the hours of the park we plan to visit, any PS numbers for the day, and the appropriate set of hints, tips and secrets that I have compiled during my many months of planning.

That way, when we are approaching an attraction or waiting in line I can quickly look up interesting tidbits about it, things like remembering to pull a rope at a well somewhere or to look for the little creature that pops down on Splash Mountain. I don't want to miss anything!

Part of me wants to be a commando...

garada3 · 10-14-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by MickeyMac
I can make copies if you want to see what it looks like for an idea, if you'd like.

Oh - Yes, Please! MickeyMac that would be great!

I would really appreciate it - if you have time before your trip.

I knew you veterans of DC would come through for me!

Thanks.

**DisneyTeacher** · 10-14-2003

MickeyMac, I use a clip board too. I have one that has a place inside to keep papers as well as the clip thing to clip papers on it. I love the inside part, it's about half an inch think and perfect for all those little things we collect during the week.

MickeyMac · 10-14-2003

garada - I'll do it in the morning; I've an ace of a headache right now (from planning like a 'commando' btw - LOL!)

Mickeymama - where did you get your clipboard? That would be wonderful! I like having only the paper I need right on top, and stick the rest into a manilla folder. It spills all over the place if I drop it wrong. :(

10-14-2003	#1 (permalink)
garada3 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 424	Should I pack my guidebook? Do most people take their guidebooks with them to Disney? Do you carry it around with you? I have accumulated so much info, I have highlighted my Unofficial, made notes in my Passporter and have a file on my hard drive full of tips, hints and fun things about Disney. How should I organize all this to keep it straight? I want to be prepared, be able to have all this info at my fingertips if DH or the kids need something, want to do something or need a change of pace to get the magic back. I really would rather not have to carry a book around as i know that i will be carrying backpack, camera, water, kids (!) etc. Suggestions? What do you all do? Thanks! My four year old just told me he has enough fingers to count for Disney! :D

10-14-2003	#2 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	We always take our guidebooks with us to Disney, but never into the parks. We usually spend some time the night before planning the next day, and using the books. They just get too heavy to lug around all day. If you know where you are going the next day, try writing down a few hints on a piece of paper to take with you, so that if you can't remember where you wanted to eat, or had some ideas for some fun things to do, you will have them written down. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

10-14-2003	#3 (permalink)
preidel24 Big Cheese Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 902	I take mine with me and I leave it in the room for reference. I print out my tips and menus and place them in my passporter. Then each evening I go through and take out the information I need. It's nice to have menu the kids can look at. Once you get there you'll be given brochures with a calendar of events (parade time, park ours etc..) This is the info I keep on me at all times. Remember spontanity is good and letting the magic happen is sometimes more fulfilling than planning everything. Be prepared (and it sounds like you are) relax and enjoy. Single digits tommorow YEAH!!!! Paula __________________ ^i^ * Postcard Pixie * ^i^ ~ Sharing the Disney magic ~ Discover the Magic - and you'll be hooked for life!!!

10-14-2003	#4 (permalink)
noahsark45331 Mouse Meister Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Buckeye State - But The Lone Star State will always be HOME! Posts: 1,046	As posted by others, I take mine and keep it in the room. It is fun to have while flying or driving to WDW. We go over it the night before, deciding what we want to do the next day, looking over menus, etc. Have a great time! __________________ Cyndy Noahs Ark Avatar~Welcome to Hollywood! Official Defender of the Swiss Family Treehouse 1987 Offsite 1993 Dixie Landings 2002 (February) Animal Kingdom Lodge 2002 (November) Animal Kingdom Lodge 2007 Animal Kingdom Lodge 2008 Port Orleans French Quarter Walt Disney World or Bust!!

10-14-2003	#5 (permalink)
BuzzLightyear MB Cast Member ® Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,917	I also bring 1 of mine (the passporter) and leave it in my room. I use it for reference and to write down what we did that day so I don't forget. __________________ 86,92,96 Offsite * 2002 AKL * 2003 BCV * 2004 Contemporary * 2005 WL * 2006 BWV* 2008 CSR * My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 105 days 20 hours 31 minutes

		MouseBuzz.com > Mouscellaneous > The Mouse Trap
Should I pack my guidebook?

10-14-2003	#6 (permalink)
cindy1970 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CT Posts: 212	I would say bring it but leave in room. I wish I had taken it with me. Also I usually type up an itinerary for the whole week on Word. __________________ cindy 1998 Residence Inn LBV 1999 Delta resorts 2000 Portofino Bay Universal 2001 Animal Kingdom 2002 Wilderness Lodge 2003 Wilderness Lodge 2004 Wilderness Lodge 2006 Old Key West

10-14-2003	#7 (permalink)
disneydana Big Cheese Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: atlanta Posts: 645	Like most here, I take mine (and all the other info) and leave it in the room. I plan out the next day the day before. Pack it! I think you'll be sorry if you don't. __________________ GO HOKIES!!

10-14-2003	#9 (permalink)
JTLLAL Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 112	Guidebook I always take my guidebook to Disney with me. I take my passporter to the park because it has our PS numbers and all of our emergency numbers in it. I just put it in a gallon zip-lock to keep in dry during the water rides. Have a GREAT time!:!: __________________ All Star Music 2/2000 All Star Sports 2/2002 Off Site (Condo)10/2003 Off Site - Newport Beach - 11/2004 DisneyLand! Off Site - Condo - 10/2005 Last Trip with my DAD! I'm Missing it this year!!! 2006 Again in 2007- No Disney - Condo - May 2008 Going twice in 2008 - DW in May and DL in Sept

10-14-2003	#10 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,310	If I have room to take guide books I will throw, however, I usually never look at them once we get there. I never take them to the parks, we carry enough as it is. I have a spread sheet with all the park hours and Early Entry days on it as well as the park(s) we are going to and our PS information. The spread sheet works well for us, I like to have all that information on one piece of paper and its easy to take with us in the backpack. I usually take two or three copies just in case but we have never had a problem. We plan one PS meal on most days and we plan what park we are going to each day but never more than that. I like to just enjoy the day and not stress about how many rides we go on and what order we do things. No commando mode for me!! __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 237 days 15 hours 31 minutes

10-14-2003	#11 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Garada, like everyone else here, we take ours to the resort. I can't count the number of times we've referred to them for some obscure thing, too. I put all pertinent information on my clipboard (spreadsheet, coupons, driving directions, etc) Someone told me they use a business card for their PS's and pertinent information so I thought it was neat and designed one for us. We keep hotel, flight, bookings information on it, PS's, color coded itinerary, and emergency information on it. I print out a copy for myself and for DH and DS (he's old enough) I get teased by DH, but dang if he doesn't use it all the time! :D I can make copies if you want to see what it looks like for an idea, if you'd like. __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

10-14-2003	#12 (permalink)
garada3 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 424	Okay I will take the Passporter along, it deserves the trip any way as it is so dog eared by now. Along DisneyTeachers idea, I think I am going to create a "paper" for each day with the hours of the park we plan to visit, any PS numbers for the day, and the appropriate set of hints, tips and secrets that I have compiled during my many months of planning. That way, when we are approaching an attraction or waiting in line I can quickly look up interesting tidbits about it, things like remembering to pull a rope at a well somewhere or to look for the little creature that pops down on Splash Mountain. I don't want to miss anything! Part of me wants to be a commando...

10-14-2003	#14 (permalink)
DisneyTeacher Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WDW in my dreams Posts: 18,310	MickeyMac, I use a clip board too. I have one that has a place inside to keep papers as well as the clip thing to clip papers on it. I love the inside part, it's about half an inch think and perfect for all those little things we collect during the week. __________________ ~Stephanie~ 1993 Caribbean Beach Resort ~ 1996 Caribbean Beach resort ~1997 Caribbean Beach Resort ~2003 Wilderness Lodge ~2004 Beach Club Resort/Shades of Green/Pop Century~ 2005 Wilderness Lodge Resort/Beach Club Villas ~ 2006 Saratoga Springs Resort~2007 Port Orleans French Quarter/Beach Club Villas/Boardwalk Villas ~ 2007 Port Orleans Riverside~ 2008 Wilderness Lodge/Beach Club Villas~2008 Beach Club Villas~2009 Hilton Head Island~ 2009 Beach Club Villas My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Beach Club here we come 237 days 15 hours 31 minutes

10-14-2003	#15 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	garada - I'll do it in the morning; I've an ace of a headache right now (from planning like a 'commando' btw - LOL!) Mickeymama - where did you get your clipboard? That would be wonderful! I like having only the paper I need right on top, and stick the rest into a manilla folder. It spills all over the place if I drop it wrong. :( __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

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