A guide book that bugs you

[imagineer boy]

Have you ever bought a WDW or Disney theme park guide book that you absolutely hated because the author of the book gives out false info, hates some of your most favorie rides, or critisizes like he/she hates Disney? The unofficial guide books have always bugged me for these reasons. Have any others bugged you?

 

[SpongeScott]

The Unofficial Guide Book is my Bible to Disney. Gives me a full view--good and bad--of everything. I'd rather hear the bad with the good before I go and waste my time/money on something.

 

[meeko_33785]

I can't think of a guide book that ever really bugged me. The Unofficial Guide seemed a tad harsh to me years ago, but since I've seen many of the WDW Internet sites, the reviews seemed glowing (3 out of 4 stars for the Figment-less JIYI if I remember correctly!) They are a bit harsh on the restaurants. Seems like you have to be a buffet like Akerhaus or Bomma's to get a good review. There was one guidebook, can't remember which one, that had a forward that said something along the lines of "There's even an 'official' WDW guidebook that says everything in Disney World is perfect". Yes, I know it's true, but for some reason that bugged me that they would say that.

 

[jhuntingdon]

I didn't like the Unoffical Guide 2002 view on Alien Encounter.

 

[GenerationX]

Two guidebooks that bother me are the Official Guidebook and the Fodor's Guide. Both are too spoilerific for my tastes. The Unofficial Guide, on the other hand, is extremely informative without giving away any surprises.

 

[mickey04]

First time I read the Unofficial Guide I was mortified. Before, I had only read "official" Disney things, like the Birnbaum book. So to hear something critical of WDW was unthinkable, and then to read that book- I was furious. As time has gone by, I have come to realize that I can still love WDW even after hearing the good and bad. And I have come to love the in-depth information that only the Unofficial Guide has. I have bought it every year since then, and usually re-read it every year. (I know, I have a bit of a problem)

Anyway, as for guidebooks I really hate, the Unofficial Guide published a companion book about WDW/Disney Co. history called "Inside Disney: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney World and the Man Behind the Mouse" (I know, its not really a guidebook) It is a disgrace to the Unofficial Guide name. I'd be happy to elaborate on why its so bad if anyone wants me to. Anyone else read this? What do you think?

NOTE: It is not by Bob Sehlinger, who writes the Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World.

 

[MicBat]

This isn't really a guidebook issue, but has anyone ever noticed how dramatized everyone's faces are on the vacation videos?? I mean come on.. :lol:

 

[kennyj29]

SandJHooker

I had to laugh............we call it the BIBLE also!!!! LOL

 

[FourFourSeven]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes:

I simply can't stand the Birnbaum's Official Guide. I bought it before my last trip, and, quite frankly, learned nothing. You can almost get more out of a quick trip to the Disney website. I read the whole guide on one short plane flight, and got absolutely nothing out of it. It has lots of pictures of characters, and that's about it. It probably has some value for the first-time Disney-goer, but for one familiar with the park, it was a huge waste of money.

Ironically, I am actually a fan of the Official Guide for Kids - the opinions are more honest, and it's well-written for kids. And the pictures are a big plus for kids.

 

[meeko_33785]

Originally posted by FourFourSeven
I'll probably get flamed for this, but here goes:

I simply can't stand the Birnbaum's Official Guide. I bought it before my last trip, and, quite frankly, learned nothing. You can almost get more out of a quick trip to the Disney website. I read the whole guide on one short plane flight, and got absolutely nothing out of it. It has lots of pictures of characters, and that's about it. It probably has some value for the first-time Disney-goer, but for one familiar with the park, it was a huge waste of money.

Ironically, I am actually a fan of the Official Guide for Kids - the opinions are more honest, and it's well-written for kids. And the pictures are a big plus for kids.

I like the Birnbaum's guide, but I consider it more of a souvenir picture book than a guide book. It's good for the pictures, good explinations of all the attractions and is one of the most updated books for things like new attractions and such, but if you're looking for honest revirews and touring plans, this isn't really the book for you.

 

[figmentmom]

I'm a guide book junkie, I admit it - I buy 'em all! I agree that the official guide is more of a "memory" book than an actual guide. I have always gotten a big kick out of the Unofficial Guide, just because it's refreshingly honest. I don't always agree with their reviews, but they're always informative.

 

[dox]

I loved Birnbaum's guide book....when i was a kid!! Back in 2000 i purchased the Unofficial Guide for the first time, as I was taking my first adult trip for more than just a few days since I was in college. The book proved to be so informative and a valuable tool. I've used it ever since as has my family. I really never found it that critical or harsh. Yes sometimes it can be a bit cynical but that is refreshing and honest. One of the above posters is right Birnbaum's is a souvenir book, which is exactly why i won't buy it. I dont' mind perusing it at the book store for disney trivia, but it gives no useful information about trip planning. The unofficial guide has made my trips since 2000, which amount to over five trips, incredibly enjoyable. As for the restaurant reviews, I try to avoid the reader votes, precisely cuz readers seem to prefer buffets over sit downs( quantity v. quality I guess). But thanks to the Unofficial, I got to experience and discover Artist's Point and Kona, two restaurant's I knew nothing about.
To give an example which I picked up on this weekend....(Figmentmom - i re-read the Unofficial guide all the time. I can't help it)....in it's IOA section they really go on how Dudley do Right may have a great fall but doesn't compare to Splash Mt. overall. They really beat Dudley to a pulp over it's bad theming. The even do the same with the Popeye comparing it to Kali...i for one was in shock cuz Popeye is so superior to Kali. But it just shows how they really are fair and honest .

 

[Bairstow]

Does the Unofficial guide include the name, location, and contents of every single gift shop, snack bar, and restaurant in every park and resort, because that was what always made the Birnbaum guide so interesting to me: it's throuroughness.

 

[MonorailBlack]

Originally posted by mickey04
First time I read the Unofficial Guide I was mortified. Before, I had only read "official" Disney things, like the Birnbaum book. So to hear something critical of WDW was unthinkable, and then to read that book- I was furious. As time has gone by, I have come to realize that I can still love WDW even after hearing the good and bad. And I have come to love the in-depth information that only the Unofficial Guide has. I have bought it every year since then, and usually re-read it every year. (I know, I have a bit of a problem)

Anyway, as for guidebooks I really hate, the Unofficial Guide published a companion book about WDW/Disney Co. history called "Inside Disney: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney World and the Man Behind the Mouse" (I know, its not really a guidebook) It is a disgrace to the Unofficial Guide name. I'd be happy to elaborate on why its so bad if anyone wants me to. Anyone else read this? What do you think?

NOTE: It is not by Bob Sehlinger, who writes the Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World.

I read the Inside Disney one, and am reading that Huge Unoffical one now....what did you not like about the Inside Disney?

 

[lentesta]

Hi folks,

Thanks for all the feedback on the Unoffical Guide, both positive and critical. We know that a few readers are really put off by the less-than-glowing reviews of some attractions and restaurants. All I can say is that many of the Guide researchers, and Bob Sehlinger, are big Disney fans, and we simply call 'em like we see 'em. Personally, I wish there were more restaurants like Boma, and fewer rides like Triceratops Spin. 'Nuff said.

While we're on the subject, let me know if there's anything you'd like to see in the 2004 edition of the Unofficial Guide. I can't promise anything, but I'll forward the comments on to Bob.

Sincerely,

Len

 

[MicBat]

Originally posted by figmentmom
I'm a guide book junkie, I admit it - I buy 'em all! I agree that the official guide is more of a "memory" book than an actual guide. I have always gotten a big kick out of the Unofficial Guide, just because it's refreshingly honest. I don't always agree with their reviews, but they're always informative.

Same here. I always read the official guide when I'm longing for WDW.

 

[mickey04]

Originally posted by MonorailBlack
I read the Inside Disney one, and am reading that Huge Unoffical one now....what did you not like about the Inside Disney?

Thanks for asking. Well, I think its horribly inaccurate. The research is not thorough enough and its a disgrace. For example, for a book that is supposed to be somewhat of a biography of Walt Disney, it gets little details like where he was born (they say a farm in Missouri- it was really Chicago.) I could go on and on with the little mistakes- another is that the castle can be taken apart in the event of a hurricane- something most Disney fans know is just a rumor). It also implies that Walt had something to do with the parks in Europe and Japan- even though he never mentioned any desire to build them and died long before they opened. The other thing that bugs me are some of the conclusions it makes- like that each park Disney builds has to have a train because Walt loved them so much (MK: obvious; EC: the monorail; MGM: backlot tour trams :veryconfu ; AK: the Wildlife Express) Give me a break- there's really no connection there. And they go on for pages about it. Its also pretty unorganized, with no real bond between some of the chapters- its all over the place. :hammer:

So, thats what bothers me about it. What did you think?

 

[pax_65]

I like the unofficial guide. I think they generally give both sides of the story and are fairly honest. I love Disney like crazy but I can see the good and bad when I look around... I want a guidebook that does the same. I like the coverage of Universal too.

Hey LEN - one addition to the unofficial guide... you should include Chevy's Restaurant in the Crossroads shopping center when you talk about good Mexican food. Yeah, it's a chain but that particular restaurant really has it together... homemade salsa... great entrees and desserts... and MUCH lower prices than eating in Mexico!!!!

 

[amejr999]

I do like the Birnbaum's kids' guide, but then again, I'm somewhat biased-I was in it!

 

[WDWJunkie]

Personally the Birnbaum Guide book really gets on my nerves because of the glowing reviews it basically gives to every single attraction in WDW. I love WDW dearly, but even I know that not every attraction is worth seeing, and there are some I'm quite glad to pass by. While the Birnbaum book IS quite informative, I can't really agree with a number of its reviews.