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Birbaum vs. Unofficial guide?
- Thread starter MCBRIZZ5
- Start date
I think I'm gonna go with the Unofficial Guide.Craig & Lisa
Active Member
Unofficial I think is the best. It may not change much from year to year, but, it is not endorsed by Disney. Why, because it has negative opinions in it. Truthful critque's about everything, not only by pro's, but also people like you and me who may have filled out the survey they have at the end of the book. Which some of are printed in the book for their content. We have never used any other book, I have seen and read birnbaums, at bits and pieces and found it ok, but no negativity. Which tells me that they are trying to say we are perfect, nothing is. The unofficial quide give's you thoughts and idea's on how to get the most of your WDW visit, you do not have to follow it to the letter, that's insane, but the one thing they say is to be spontanous, do what you would like to do use what they say as advice, not the law. And because of it we have had the best times at WDW, yes it's long winded, yes it is a long read, but, it has saved us a ton of money over the years. Like what you will read here to your question, use it as advice not the law. Some will say they live by one or the other, go to Barnes and Noble, they sometimes have both on their shelf, pick up one check it out, then the other, see which one will help you out the best for your needs. Good Luck!
Rcoaster809
Member
I have always recieved Birmbaum's as a gift before we go, and I really like it. Last year I started buying the Unofficial Guide on my own, and I like that too. The Unofficial Guide has more information in it, and it is pretty detailed. I'll be getting both books from now on, even though I don't really need them, I still read them cover-to-cover.
dxwwf3
Well-Known Member
I enjoy reading both books. Unofficial does give you probably the best information, but I think they are way too hard on WDW dining among other things and the Official guide is mostly pure Disney speak, but don't think that it doesn't have good info as well. Both are quite different, but equally effective, IMO.
Captain Hank
Well-Known Member
I agree about the dining ratings. They're way too critical in that department. Other than that, the Unofficial Guide has a lot of really good info in it. I especially like the readers' comments woven into the text. They also have a ton of touring plans (though I haven't tried any). I also like Birnbaum's, because I think it provides the best general overview of all the things at WDW. I use the Unofficial Guide when planning, but have Birnbaum's on hand as an in-park reference (it's a heck of a lot lighter!).dxwwf3 said:
Tom
Beta Return
When we were kids and went, the only book was Birnbaum's so my dad got it. My brother and I loved reading it, and seeing the pictures of the characters and attractions. However, once my brother and I started going on our own about 4 years ago, we bought the Unofficial Guide and will NEVER go again without it.
The tour plans are worth their weight in gold. We'll go to a park and hit it hard, using the plans, and see everything we want to see (most of the park) by 2:00 and then head back for a rest, shower and refresh. Then we can use the rest of the day to tour resorts, get a nice dinner, see our favorites again and catch a night show - all at a nice, slow pace. We would have NEVER been able to see everything in such a short time period without that book.
Also, the tips are endless, and it really helps you understand how the book works, how WDW works, how human psychology works, etc. I still buy Birnbaum's just for prosperity, but I also get a copy of the Unofficial. Heck, I buy the Unofficial Guide in years that I don't go - just to read it (as if there's anything new!) :lol:
The tour plans are worth their weight in gold. We'll go to a park and hit it hard, using the plans, and see everything we want to see (most of the park) by 2:00 and then head back for a rest, shower and refresh. Then we can use the rest of the day to tour resorts, get a nice dinner, see our favorites again and catch a night show - all at a nice, slow pace. We would have NEVER been able to see everything in such a short time period without that book.
Also, the tips are endless, and it really helps you understand how the book works, how WDW works, how human psychology works, etc. I still buy Birnbaum's just for prosperity, but I also get a copy of the Unofficial. Heck, I buy the Unofficial Guide in years that I don't go - just to read it (as if there's anything new!) :lol:
SpenceMan01
Well-Known Member
I'll throw in my vote for the Unofficial Guide and echo the comments above. They cover Disney, Universal and the Surrounding areas. Since they are unofficial, they're allowed to be honest if something isn't as good as it should be , etc. I call the Unofficial Guide my "Disney Bible" :lol:
PamelaNiebergal
New Member
I vote for Birnbaum's for several reasons although I can see how the Unofficial guide might be better for some people. While the Unofficial Guide may have more information, I find that most of it can be found online. Birnbaum's is better if you already know a lot about WDW and are merely looking for a fun read to get you in the mood for your trip. For someone who's never been to WDW the Unofficial guide might be better although it has its dangers. In its aim to be objective I find it overly critical at times. Some of the reviews of dining or attractions might lead someone unexperienced with WDW to miss out on something great or to go to WDW expecting dissappointment. I also disagree strongly with the whole "WDW bootcamp" mentality of the book. The touring plans leave little to spontenaity. I like to sleep in on vacation, ride my favorite attractions multiple times and have the freedom to do what I want when I want. You really don't need to wake up at the crack of dawn and sprint all over the park in orders to get everything done. Particularily with evening extra magic hours and fastpass. WDW is so much better when taken at a leisurely pace. For me, trying to squeeze in as much as possible in the manner suggested by the Unofficial guide would only lead to frustration. WDW is great because of the theming, the beauty, the details and the feeling you get just being there. If you only go there for the attractions you'll miss out on the total experience that makes WDW so magical. JMHO. :wave:
manutdfan1
Active Member
birnbaum..........way way way better
octoberbarry
Active Member
I cast my vote for Unofficial. Maybe we should do a poll on this one...
CAPTAIN HOOK
Well-Known Member
My first Disney guide was Birnbaums - I enjoyed it and found it useful. However, since finding The Unofficial Guide I will never go back.
DisneyMissy
New Member
I buy both but the Unofficial Guide has much more information.
NOLADisneyFan
Member
How about neither?
I think they are both good books (I have Birnbaum's on the side of my chair and read it almost daily...just gets me in the mood for Disney...and helps me through the times I can not go).
Anyway, I am a big fan of the passporter....I'm one of those nerds who READS a lot about the parks. The pictures are not that great...its not an "advertisement". It literally tells you about the parks...good...bad...ugly. Gives you tips...helps you plan....shows you hotel things...I read the thing so much before my last trip, that I almost puked. But I loved it!
Just my two cents...
I think they are both good books (I have Birnbaum's on the side of my chair and read it almost daily...just gets me in the mood for Disney...and helps me through the times I can not go).
Anyway, I am a big fan of the passporter....I'm one of those nerds who READS a lot about the parks. The pictures are not that great...its not an "advertisement". It literally tells you about the parks...good...bad...ugly. Gives you tips...helps you plan....shows you hotel things...I read the thing so much before my last trip, that I almost puked. But I loved it!
Just my two cents...
MickeyTigg
New Member
dxwwf3 said:
Totally agree....I've never been a big fan of the Unofficial Guide because of that. With as many times as we've been to WDW, yeah...Birnbaum's is fluff...but it's a fun read and it gets us pumped up to go again.
Another good guide is "Walt Disney World with Kids" by Kim Wright Wiley...Fodor's publishes it now...it's very informative and a good read.