[pjfnme]

Okay..I confess...I am a commando planner and I NEED guidebooks!!!! I have the best for WDW and now I need some for Universal/SeaWorld!! I found one called Beyond Disney which is written by our favorite Mini Mickey author but, someone said it did not include any of his famous touring plans. Can someone give me some advice on what would be the best guidebook(s) for the other big theme parks in Orlando? I'm mainly interested in Universal, IOA and SeaWorld...preferably something comprehensive but VERY detailed!! Like I said..I'm a commando and I have to know where I'm going before I get there!!! (so much for being spontaneous!)

Please help! Thanks in advance!

[Cavey]

The Unofficial Guide to WDW has touring plans for these parks in the back.

But honestly, SeaWorld doesn't need a touring plan.

[Dana]

My favorties are The Unofficial Guide to WDW, passporter and the official for the pretty pictures....for sea world, you will not need a guide book. It's extremely easy to navigate as there are sign everywhere. Great park. You can learn all you need for that park by visiting their web site. That's what I did and when I got there, I found myself totally prepared. You should try their Adventurer's express tour...worth every penny..fantastic!

[ingamba]

I agree with Dana about the Unofficial Guide. It's the best for unbiased info. The Birnbaum is a beautiful book, but it's written from a decidedly Disney point of view (which may or may not be a good thing).

I bought the Passporter for this trip, and while the info in the front in nothing new to me, I love the pages that you fill in, and the pockets in which you can store your documents and other paperwork. Very handy.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by ingamba

I bought the Passporter for this trip, and while the info in the front in nothing new to me, I love the pages that you fill in, and the pockets in which you can store your documents and other paperwork. Very handy.

That's my favortie part. I love their reviews also. Great guide book for the unorganized or super organized park touring animals like me..lol I have stopped buying them however and now make my own customized passporter for each and every trip. It's starts out as a file folder and ends up as a binder with folders for each day and aspect of my trip. I love making it.

[Boss Mouse]

Originally Posted by Cavey

But honestly, SeaWorld doesn't need a touring plan.

This is true. If you stay on the up side of the water, you will be fine.

To answer you question, I was looking at my unofficial guide last night and inadvertently opened to the Universal pages. There was a whole lot of information.

[Cincy]

We use the passporter as well.

[pjfnme]

Well...I didnt even check in my Unofficial guide for anything about any other park besides Disney. I suppose I will do that. I was really looking for touring plans for Universal and IOA in particular. I used the touring plans from the Unofficial for the Disney parks last time and they worked wonderfully!!!! Thanks for the advice. If anyone else knows of any other guide book that would be helpful pls let me know! Thanks!

[llama]

IOA doesn't really need a plan. As you walk in turn to the left, and do The Hulk and Spiderman first - after you've done those two you shouldn't have too much trouble doing everything else in order. Just keep walking to your left. We've never taken more than 4 hours to complete IOA.

[Cavey]

Originally Posted by pjfnme

Well...I didnt even check in my Unofficial guide for anything about any other park besides Disney. I suppose I will do that. I was really looking for touring plans for Universal and IOA in particular. I used the touring plans from the Unofficial for the Disney parks last time and they worked wonderfully!!!! Thanks for the advice. If anyone else knows of any other guide book that would be helpful pls let me know! Thanks!

In terms of size and crowds, the other parks just don't compare and really don't get that much attention from tour guide publishers. I'm not saying they don't exist, but I've never seen them at the bookstores.