[michiganboy]

I was wondering if someone could recommend a Disney Book that I could use to plan my stay at WDW? I know that this message board is a wealth of knowledge, but I would like a book that I could sit down with and plan out our 6 days.

Thanks again.

[Amneris]

My favorite is Birnbaum. It has easy to find and skim descriptions of every ride, hotel and restaurant. Plus lots of pictures taken over the years. And cute little Disney cartoon characters throughout. :) I have read the "Unofficial Guide", and found it to be informative too. But it is very long, and more of a supplement to what you can get from Birnbaum. A bit more detail about what things have been updated and what things need to be updated, and opinions on each side from people who have written in. I'd suggest reading Birnbaum cover to cover, then looking up your hotel choice and any rides you're really not sure of (or restaurants) in a three-minute browse of the unofficial guide at a bookstore.

[teresadisney]

I agree about Birnbaums! I thought the unofficial guide was too pessimistic. A lot of people adore the passporters guide too.

[iluvwdw]

I agree, Birnbaum's is great, but it is put out by Disney so you don't get a neutral point of view with this book. The book is very nicely done, with color pictures and great descriptions of everything that is offered. The Unofficial Guide is great, too! They just go into A LOT further detail...the book is HUGE! This is my first time reading it, and I am enjoying myself. They show lots of quotes from letters of readers and they show the GOOD and BAD about their advice and also about the parks. They are very open and they do showcase when a reader is unhappy with something they suggested, which I liked. And lastly, the Passporter is AWESOME! It is great to use while you are making your plans...it has lots of pages for you to scribble on when planning your trip and then lots of pockets so you can take it with you and keep everything organized while you are there! I have to get my 2004 edition.......:D

Have fun planning! :)

[LRTJS]

I love the Unofficial Guide!! I have been reading it since the 80's and it has expanded to about a 3 inch book. I find it funny and informative. If you want a REAL look at Disney, things that might come up, helpful hints, planning schedules this is the one! I also have Birnbaum's and it has great pictures but is very sugar coated.

[crystalrp]

Or you can do like I do....Just read them all!!! :)

[gregc]

Birnbaum: Produced by Disney and included in some Disney packages.

Unofficial Guide: Extensive and probably a fun read for someone interested to post questions here. Tends to be a bit negative - could almost scare a person off going.

Hassle Free...: More/Less same tour plans as Unofficial guide - nothing remarkable.

Nothing beats Deb's Unofficial Disney World Guide for up-to-the-minute details. Want the child's menu for dinner at any restaurant? They have it. It's the best. Absolutely.
http://www.allearsnet.com

btw: There are some good photos and public articles at TourGuideMike https://www.tourguidemike.com but the 'member' information doesn't seem to be anything that isn't available (free) at AllEars...

[mickaholic4077]

I can't recommend the Unofficial Guide highly enough!! I met Bob Sehlinger at the Mega Mouse Meet and he was so nice. I think that he has the most informative Disney guide out there.

[BuzzLightyear]

I always recommend the Passporter.

Thats the best one , in my opinion. I have read the others also and found them all to be helpful.

[DisneyTeacher]

I have to agree with all the votes for The Unofficial Guide. It covers all the rides and restaurants with both the good and the bad. I would say look through a few at the book store and decide on two or three that look good to you. I find that reading more than one is helpful.

Have fun planning, it's half the fun.

[Dana]

I read Birbaums for the pretty pictures and the Unofficial Guide for the reality check nad use the passporter to plan my trip. I cannot reccomend the Passporter enough. It has worksheet for budgeting everything from your meals, airfare and food....it had packing lists. My favorite at the pockets that you write your reservation and PS numbers in. It also has spots for autographs, pictures and trip reports. You cannot go wrong with this book. $21 WELL SPENT, but that's just MHO.

[polyman65]

Who needs a book?Web sites give you more info for free like this one.

[CowboyMickey]

Originally posted by polyman65
Who needs a book?Web sites give you more info for free like this one.

I would disagree. For a start, remember not everyone has access to the internet as yet. I would certainly agree with you that websites are incredibly useful at giving up-to-minute information, unbiased reviews and insights, and certainly the whole interactive nature of the internet has that advantage over books.......but......I still love having access to a good, chunky book to plough through during the planning (which, it has been noted...is half the fun!).

Books also have a lot of detail and backstory that is missing from websites...it's great using the internet to find out the current status/description/popularity of a ride, but it's just as great to then delve into a book and find out the history of a ride, how it came into being, etc.

They're also something to take with you - on the train to work, the bath, to read in bed, the garden...not forgetting of course to take with you on your actual trip so you can check up on reviews, maps, guides, etc. whilst you're their having fun.

I think that books complement the internet, and vice versa.

And just to keep my ramblings on topic, I have all of the "Big Three" (Passporter, Birnbaums, Unofficial guide) and have found them all to be useful in one way or another. If I was to choose one....I think it would be the Passporter. That's the one we took with us anyway on our last trip.

Just my $0.02
CM

[Dana]

Originally posted by polyman65
Who needs a book?Web sites give you more info for free like this one.

I like the reading to tell you the truth but also rely heavily on websites such as this one for other information...like real opinions and up-to-date facts that some of the books couldn't have got yet. I use the Passporter simply to keep all my information organized. I like the pass pockets and the budget sheets.

[DisneyTeacher]

I agree CowboyMickey. The web was in a large part why my trip to WDW in July was as good as it was. That said, books are great as well. I loved taking a planning book to bed and reading for an hour or two before falling into dreams about WDW. I think books are a must for first time visitors to WDW.

Books give the first timer information in a way that is so much easier to understand. They can take their time going through all the information, it's a lot to soak up. I know many people have come here or to other sites to lurk/read up on the parks only to be overwhelmed by how we "talk" in here. "Before you leave home make sure you make PS arrangements for CM's for dinner. Our favorite mod resort is CBR, it is so beautiful. Make sure after you get FP for SM make sure you hit PoC before the queue gets too long, after that hit BTMR then it should be time to use your FP." After that head over to FL to do the SWSA, PPF, and IASW"